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Alameda, CA

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San Francisco Bay Ferry

4.7 (18 reviews)
Closed • 5:00 am - 5:00 pm

SAN FRANCISCO BAY FERRY · YELP ASSISTANT

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Bike parking
Elaine S.

When commuting from the Alameda Main Street ferry to the San Francisco Embarcadero area, riding the ferry was a better option than taking BART, driving in traffic, or taking the bus. The ride was relaxing and scenic, and it's great that the ferry departs on time. Free car parking was available at the Alameda Main Street ferry lot, and there is also a bike lock area. Snacks and beverages, including alcohol, were available for purchase. There's also Wi-Fi. A public restroom is available on board, but it was very smelly. I didn't have a Clipper card, so I downloaded the SF Bay Ferry app, selected my route, and paid with Apple Pay. The process was quick. When I boarded the ferry, I just pressed "Activate" on the ticket in the App, a timer starts, showed it to the ferry employee, and that was it.

Ferry
Lily S.

This is a great way to travel to/from San Francisco from Alameda. It beats BART anyday. From Alameda, it makes a stop at Jack London Square before reaching the Ferry building in SF. From SF, the first stop is Alameda. They are very punctual. The ferry is clean, you can walk around and get a beverage, and then enjoy a leisurely ride with some awesome views of the bay. I can't think of a negative thing to say about this ferry service.

Seating.
Doris G.

Very lovely to ride to the city and have dinner and ride back home on the ferry. No traffic. Very peaceful. They have snacks, drinks on board. Crew very helpful and friendly. Seats are clean and everything running on schedule.

Boarding the ferry
Berna G.

Just like it's advertised, this is the best way to get to SF from the east bay! A round trip was under $10 per person, which already is a fraction of what toll and city parking will cost you. The Alameda Main Street port has plenty of parking that's both free and decently safe. I say decently because upon Saturday morning, Alameda County police is on site but I did find shattered glass in one of the parking spaces. The main parking lot did fill up quite quickly by 10am, but there's an overflow lot as well. Boarding the ferry was very efficient and convenient with the use of the Clipper app. Like some other reviews mentioned, the ferry schedule is punctual and staff on board is very helpful with getting all passengers on in a timely manner. The ferry itself is fairly clean, has plenty of seats on multiple levels both indoors and outdoors. There's even a full bar on board! They sell light snacks and other beverages as well.

David M.

Super cool stop on the island of Alameda. Best way to get over to SF. The staff is completely friendly and helpful. Absolutely recommend.

Parking lot view from ferry
Kendra W.

My husband and I lovvvvveeee taking the ferry to THE CITY!! Not only is it the most beautiful way to get there but it's honestly a ride of low key luxury! You can let your guard down because it's a controlled environment with it being run by the coastguard and all! You don't have to keep looking over your shoulders the whole time like you do on the BART! The crew on board do carry guns so at the end of the day everyone is on their very best behavior! They have an onboard bar where you can get snacks and drinks! #BONUS! You can ride inside or outside and there is plenty of space to spread out! No one is on top of each other and all the passengers are very respectful. Honestly it's my preferred way of going into SF and after riding Bart for years let's just say I have grown to appreciate the FERRY to the fullest!

Overflow lot
John S.

The San Francisco Bay Ferry is a delightful way to get across the Bay. We've driven to Alameda's Main Street Ferry terminal to park. Then used the ferry to get to downtown San Francisco. There we take an Uber to our final destination. Its a delightful way to get across the Bay due to the views and comforts on the boat. There is a food/drink bar and clean bathrooms. Plus the water views are so relaxing. Watch out for thefts and breakins at the Bay Ferry parking lot. The thieves know you are leaving your car there for the day so they are particularly bold. Leaving nothing of value in your car!

Ferry in Alameda
Ultima M.

Awesome ride back from SF to Oakland On the way back we stopped in Alameda first and we were lucky enough to catch some awesome views This was my first time riding the ferry back from SF to Oakland and the entire experience was great There is a bar that sells snacks and drinks The seating areas are clean and social distancing was not a problem Employees were friendly and helpful Overhead announcement kept playing reminding people to keep their masks on One way trip is $5.75 Totally worth it Best way to travel across the bay You avoid traffic and road rage Lol

Ferry from Alameda to S.F.
Kathleen S.

Amazing trip from Alameda to SF using the Ferry. Our first time using it, hoping to utilize it again soon. So much better than driving for certain. Best way to view all the shops and try some of the restaurants. Great day out, even had time to grab an Irish coffee at Buena Vista Cafe. Have not been to SF in over 25 years.

Al L.

Alameda is the only city in the Bay with three SF Bay Ferry terminals at Main St, Seaplane Lagoon and Harbor Bay. But if you need to take the ferry on the weekend, the ferry only operates from the Main St. terminal. The trips to and from San Francisco involved a stop at Oakland Ferry Terminal in Jack London Square. Depending on whether it's the weekday or weekend, the stop at Oakland could be either on the departure or return trip. The terminal lot has free parking for 324 cars and an additional 121 cars in the paved overflow lot located on Main St, about a quarter mile west of the terminal. You can't beat the trip to and from the City with the scenic rides on these clean, modern and comfortable ferries.

Ferry ride

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Review Highlights - San Francisco Bay Ferry

“From Alameda, it makes a stop at Jack London Square before reaching the Ferry building in SF.”

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Casual Carpool - Carpool signs are still up, but Cafe Jolie has totally taken over the space.

Casual Carpool

2.6(5 reviews)
1.5 mi

Doesn't seem to be happening anymore. Cafe Jolie has totally occupied the section of street. The…read morecarpool signs are still up, but at 8am on a Tuesday there was no line up of either cars or riders anywhere nearby. Plenty of commuters waiting for the nearby transbay bus, though. Sad.

I recently did a posting for the AC Transit O Bus Line..... and on the days that I don't take the O…read moreBus from Alameda, I do the Casual Carpool from Santa Clara Avenue at Webster Street. I think that this is great! It takes me about 20min to get from Alameda to downtown SF, as we breeze along the Carpool Lanes, through the Toll Booth Plaza, and straight into downtown SF. Sometimes there are great rides with people all talking and getting along, and there are times where it's quiet as can be... or sometimes everyone is listening to NPR. Sometimes passengers just sleep, or listen to their iPods/MP3 players. But we are all there for a common reason.... do be environmentally conscious by carpooling and saving petrol/fuel, as well as saving time, and of course, saving money! It's like 99% free for the 2 or 3 passengers! Out of all the times I've done the Casual CarPool, only once (1 time), have I ever had to "donate" the US$1.00 to the driver...... only because the lady in the back seat offered her money, so I felt bad and I followed suit. However, for the most part, most people don't offer or pay because without us passengers, the Driver of the car would have to pay the US$6.00 to cross the SF Bay Bridge, but more importantly, would have to SIT IN TRAFFIC as the driver could not legally go into the CarPool lane, without risking getting a US$386 fine for wrongfully using the CarPool lane! For the most part, it's been pleasant, fast, environmentally friendly, cost saving, and convenient. I recommend this to anyone needing to go to SF in the mornings and flexible on the mode of transportation on the return. For me, if I do the Casual CarPool in the morning, I take Public Transportation home (either the AC Transit O Line, OX, W, or BART then AC Transit, or another line to Oakland then connect to the 51, 51A, or 51B). It's REALLY CONVENIENT LIVING ON THE ISLAND ALAMEDA (94501), the BEST PLACE ON EARTH! And recently voted the #7 COOLEST SUBURB IN AMERICA!

Photos
Casual Carpool - Officially 7-9am, but I've seen it going strong at 6:30am. Carpool lane on the bridge ends at 9:30, so it's slim pickings after that.

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Officially 7-9am, but I've seen it going strong at 6:30am. Carpool lane on the bridge ends at 9:30, so it's slim pickings after that.

San Francisco Bay Ferry - Oakland Ferry Terminal - En route to SF

San Francisco Bay Ferry - Oakland Ferry Terminal

3.9(82 reviews)
0.8 mi

This was my first using the Ferry from Oakland to San Francisco. For only $4.50 and 30 minute ride,…read moreI went from the East Bay to the SF Embarcadero. OMG how easy it was to navigate the ferry. Tip: Download the SF Ferry App to save time & get schedules. Upper & Lower deck seating. Indoor or deck seating. Plenty of tables, bankette seating. Place for strollers, bicycles. Snack bar that serves alcohol like wine, beer & mimosas to small snacks. The view to San Francisco is beautiful arriving & departing Gate G. The closest street is Mission. When you arrive it's easy to get on the Muni system, a trolley, a tour bus, or an Uber/Lyft. If you're going to SF Giants game or the Chase Center, there's a special events Ferry for that. Don't worry if your event ends late, the special events ferry will take you back to Alameda &!Oakkand. Study the schedules to plant plenty enough time to travel. For example. I arrived at Gate G and I was going to The Presidio District. There's a free Go shuttle, but it takes about 40 minutes to get there with all the stops. If you're running short on time, grab a taxi or an Uber to drop you off quicker. Since then, I have taken the Ferry four more times. Why did I wait so long. Next is the BART system. See you some more on Yelp 2026

Highly enjoyed the ferry trip from Oakland to San Francisco. I couldn't believe how quick the ride…read morewas. They have a lovely bar inside the boat where we ordered drinks. The ride is smooth and fun. It's a great and reasonably priced option to get from Oakland to San Francisco and/or back to Oakland.

Photos
San Francisco Bay Ferry - Oakland Ferry Terminal - 6/2024

6/2024

San Francisco Bay Ferry - Oakland Ferry Terminal - Nice sunset

Nice sunset

San Francisco Bay Ferry - Oakland Ferry Terminal - View from the dock.

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View from the dock.

City of Oakland Free Broadway Shuttle - u can't miss it!

City of Oakland Free Broadway Shuttle

3.6(39 reviews)
1.5 mi•Downtown Oakland

In theory this Free Shuttle that is run by AC transit is a great idea. It could really be a great…read moreservice for those who live in Oakland to be able to get to the downtown Bart stations, Jack London, and to Grand Ave. But unfortunately it's irregular especially in the afternoons. Half the drivers are related to Oscar the Grouch and the Grinch who stole Christmas. And in actuality the shuttle isn't free because Oakland residents have a special assessment on their property tax, requiring us to pay for this unreliable service. As a tax paying Oakland resident, I'd rather stop paying taxes on this service and get rid of it.

This is a free service that runs the length of Broadway, more or less from the amtrak station in…read morejack london square to lake merrit-ish (25th). If you are taking taking the ferry/bart from the city, spending a day near Lake Merritt, Old Oakland, City Center, Chinatown or Jack London Square, this free service allows you to roam up and down downtown length of Broadway fairly easily. There are a dozen or so stops-pretty much located by anything you'd want to go to. There are some flaws. The scheduled time of one bus every 15 minutes doesn't always happen. Most times you are looking at a 20-30 minute wait. It can be super packed, especially the stretch that runs by Chinatown, so it's highly likely you'll be standing or at least sharing a not very comfortable seat most of the way. Some of the drivers are super professional others not so much. Mostly however it's pretty awesome. For one it's free and allows you to easily roam all over downtown Oakland. This makes it easy to bounce down to Chinatown or swans market form the office buildings near lake merrit for lunch or dinner, or a spot of shopping. Handy for getting to jack london square or the amtrak station as well. Perfect for happy hour bar hops. Did I mention the free part? 'Cause that's the best thing evah.

Photos
City of Oakland Free Broadway Shuttle - It's a daily occurrence that the B shuttle is 40 minutes apart. If you miss it, you might as well walk...

It's a daily occurrence that the B shuttle is 40 minutes apart. If you miss it, you might as well walk...

City of Oakland Free Broadway Shuttle - Catch the bus back to 19th Street

Catch the bus back to 19th Street

City of Oakland Free Broadway Shuttle - Instead of being the B Shuttle, it should be called the D shuttle for DELAYED

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Instead of being the B Shuttle, it should be called the D shuttle for DELAYED

AC Transit - My 7:30 bus at 7:30. Another no show. On a Sunday no less. Way to go, AC Transit.

AC Transit

2.0(341 reviews)
1.7 mi

Wow! I'm surprised that I have not written any reviews yet - about AC Transit! I've become way more…read moreindependent now using public transportation than I used to but thought I would say that I really enjoy riding AC Transit as an alternative to using BART. First off, is Bus 34 from the Hayward BART Station. It is one of the buses that will drop you off in front of In and Out Burger in San Leandro and Also Walmart. But the highlight of this route is a direct drop off at Kaiser Permanente and has some fairly late at night schedules which can home in handy if you safely need to go to the emergency room and don't want to take an Uber or ask someone for a ride. And there is BUS 41 from my apartment Complex that picks me up and takes me directly to Hayward BART in less than 5 minutes. And on the opposite side, you can go directly to Union Landing on one bus. So many more routes I can dig into but these are the routes that matter most to me! A plus - they helped me husband and I get home safely from an event where Wheel Chair Accessible Uber left us stranded at an event (No driver available) , we got on a bus at the Marina Center on a Sunday evening and got to the Bay Fair BART and safely got back to Hayward. Unfortunately - They are not cheaper than a BART for some things round trip depending on where you go but it gets you there!

Just a teacher trying to get home after work on the 72 line. Unfortunately the driver working at…read more4:16 pm refused to let me on the san pablo and clinton line. A ten min ride ended up being a 1.5 hour wait due to 2 cancelled busses after.

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AC Transit - Just riding the 34 to the Kaiser Hospital to get my pharmacy prescription.

Just riding the 34 to the Kaiser Hospital to get my pharmacy prescription.

AC Transit
AC Transit

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BART - 12th Street Station - 11th and Broadway

BART - 12th Street Station

2.9(67 reviews)
1.5 mi•Downtown Oakland, Oakland Chinatown

It's close to work & convenient. It's usually pretty busy…read moreduring the week, but for the most part those traveling are usually respectful with some that don't believe in lines while waiting of course. It's clean, safe and easy to navigate from one level to the next. It still eludes me why there are so many more SF trains (Usually half empty during the weekday) than there are trains going elsewhere (Usually packed). So the negative 2 stars are because the non SF trains are fewer, not as nice/clean and way more packed...DO better Bart!

On May 25, 2026, I was at the 12th St. Oakland City Center BART Station from approximately 8:00…read morea.m. to 9:00 a.m. waiting for the Red Line train to San Francisco. During that time, the train never arrived, and the delays and lack of communication caused me significant stress and emotional distress. I am already dealing with injuries and ongoing medical issues from a serious April 2026 accident, including MRI appointments and ongoing treatment. Because of the situation at BART that morning, I became overwhelmed and extremely upset and ultimately left instead of continuing to San Francisco for my appointment. As a result of this experience, I no longer feel comfortable or safe traveling into San Francisco for MRI appointments or medical care through BART. While at the station, I also attempted to get assistance regarding my missing phone and Cash App card. One officer identified herself with badge number 187, but I felt my concerns were not taken seriously. Another officer allegedly refused to identify himself, and I was told there was no watch commander available. I left feeling ignored, unsupported, and frustrated during a time when I was already under significant physical and emotional strain. I believe the public deserves professionalism, accountability, and compassion from public transit employees and officers, especially toward injured or vulnerable riders seeking help. I am documenting everything that occurred and pursuing formal complaints and legal channels to ensure this situation is properly reviewed. This statement is not about threats or violence. It is about accountability, transparency, and making sure no one else experiences this type of treatment while trying to access transportation or medical care.

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BART - 12th Street Station
BART - 12th Street Station - AC Transit Bus Alternative Directions {4/16/2026}

AC Transit Bus Alternative Directions {4/16/2026}

BART - 12th Street Station

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San Francisco Bay Ferry - Harbor Bay Terminal - 4/13/26 FYI. Alameda Harbor Bay. Paid parking now.

San Francisco Bay Ferry - Harbor Bay Terminal

4.5(25 reviews)
4.3 mi

This is one of the best trips you can take in the Bay Area. Wonderful scenery. Round-trip turn key…read moreservice. If you need a couple of relaxing hours of ocean front views - on the way/back to/from SF and the pier; you won't be let down. Wear warm clothes and sit on deck.

1 of 2 reviews, as this ferry has two Yelp Listings…read more My favorite of the 3 ferries. Quality/Quantity - Local business ferry, one of 3 in Alameda! Only available on weekdays. Well sometimes they offer special ferries for the Giants or Warriors games in SF. Atmosphere - Beautiful. I hike/bike here at times as well. Plenty of parking, 250 spaces, no overnight parking allowed. 20 bike racks available, the ferry is bike friendly as well. 24 bike lockers available. AC Transit = 21 line. Public restrooms, don't expect much. Service - 5 stars. My favorite form of travel, especially with the continued discounted price. It has gone back up slightly, but still very affordable. Thank you. Approximately 20 minutes to get to SF. Also, since I have lived in Alameda, the ferry service has always been on time. This ferry, similar to Sea Plane, operates only Monday to Friday. So if you go on a weekend, you need to take the main ferry. Price - $4.70 one way with a clipper card. Still almost 50% off versus pre-pandemic prices, thank you. Also just discovered the main ferry only cost $1 to go to Jack London Square; so why am I still driving to the Rosenblum winery??? Wait, I also just discovered a free water taxi and I can't wait to try that! Main Island ferry special event tickets - $10.75 to Chase Center. Owner Comment - Thanks for having a ferry on the south side of the island! So much better than having to drive to SF.

Photos
San Francisco Bay Ferry - Harbor Bay Terminal - 1/28/25 FYI. Just made it.

1/28/25 FYI. Just made it.

San Francisco Bay Ferry - Harbor Bay Terminal - 4/13/26 FYI. Full bar on the trip back to Alameda.

4/13/26 FYI. Full bar on the trip back to Alameda.

San Francisco Bay Ferry - Harbor Bay Terminal

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San Francisco Bay Ferry - publictransport - Updated November 2026

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