Ferry Cruise to / from Sausalito
Take a 25-minute ferry cruise from The San Francisco Ferry Building to and from Sausalito on our tours. The Sausalito ferry goes right by Alcatraz and the boat often slows down so you can get great views of Alcatraz Island. You will also get water views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
There are two Sausalito ferries to and from San Francisco. The first one is run by the Blue and Gold Fleet and picks up ferry passengers at Pier 41 in Fisherman’s Wharf near the famed Pier 39. The Sausalito ferry schedule for Blue and Gold varies by season.
The second Sausalito Ferry is operated by Golden Gate. This one picks up and drops off passengers at the Ferry Building in San Francisco. This building is located on the Embarcadero near downtown San Francisco.
Taking the Sausalito Ferry
The schedule changes at times, so I’d highly recommend that you check out the latest schedule when booking your ticket. You can either book your ticket online through the Blue and Gold Fleet or Golden Gate. You can also buy a ticket when you arrive.
If you buy your ticket online, make sure you arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. The time on your ticket is the time it pulls away from the dock, so if you arrive right on time, you still might miss your ride. Leave plenty of time to get there before it departs.
Also, it is pretty chilly along the bay as you are traveling on the Sausalito ferry from San Francisco. You aren’t guaranteed a spot inside, so make sure you bring a few layers of clothes to stay warm. It is also fun to sit outside as you get a better view of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Step aboard the Sausalito Ferry for a smooth, comfortable ride to this delightful community just across the Bay. The city of Sausalito offers the charm of a quaint Mediterranean seaside village tucked amongst the hills of Marin County.
Meander the narrow streets, browse through art galleries and shops, and dine at some of the best restaurants in the Bay Area, all the while enjoying stunning views of San Francisco.
Getting across San Francisco Bay is as easy as taking to the water. The San Francisco Ferry runs one-way and round-trip service to Sausalito, so rather than worry about traffic, you can sit back and relax while savoring incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, and the San Francisco skyline. The bayside towns of Sausalito makes a great day trips from San Francisco, and each boasts a bevy of boutiques, galleries and restaurants to explore. Linger by the water, enjoy a drink (own expense) or simply stroll along the narrow streets and delight in the surrounding scenery.
Important Sausalito Ferry Tips
Carry something warm.
The best way to experience the ferry ride is to be on the decks, especially if you are traveling during later hours. The views of San Francisco are breathtaking. However, it can get quite windy and chilly aboard the ferry, even during the summers. Bring an extra layer of clothing to keep yourself warm.
Arrive 30 minutes before departure time.
The time of departure listed on the schedule is the time the ferry leaves the dock. They are always prompt! We suggest being at the terminal at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure.
You can walk between the two San Francisco terminals.
Pier 41 and The Ferry Building are not too far apart. If you are not in a hurry and you missed a ferry at one of the terminals, you can take a leisurely walk to the other. If you are too tired to walk, the two terminals are also serviced by Muni streetcars.
There is no late night service.
Don’t count on taking the ferry after a late meal or time out at a club. Ferry service between Sausalito and San Francisco typically ends by 9 p.m., unless otherwise noted. However, if you find you have missed the last launch, you can always travel between the two locations with ride shares like Uber and Lyft.
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