San Francisco Bay Ferry

So much more beautiful than BART. If you have a way, definitely use the ferry to get to SF from the East Bay. Its fast and gorgeous.

The Main Street Ferry has a large parking lot. It can fill up, but there is an overflow lot they they open up in the mornings. Its only a 3-5 minute walk from the overflow lot.

Be sure to check the times on the website before heading down. Unlike BART, the ferry does not run as often. So, to avoid a long wait at the terminal I always check on times.

The ferry is surprisingly punctual. They arrive and leave like clockwork.

Note, if you jump on the Main Street Ferry, it will stop in Oakland's Jack London Square first. This creates about a 15 minute delay.

PRO-TIP: During the week, use the ferry terminal at the Seaplane Lagoon. No stop over in Jack London, so its direct to the city.

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!

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.

The Main Street Ferry is the best way to get over to the city on weekends. It's also the only ferry stop to go there on the weekends, but that's beside the point.

Definitely the way to travel though. Parking can fill up fast, but the Ferry Building is a fantastic stop and the ride is absolutely pleasant.

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

Quality/Quantity - Main Ferry for the island.

Atmosphere - Improving often, most recently the parking.

Plenty of parking, 324 spaces, no overnight parking allowed.
121 more spaces further down the road.
62 bike racks available, the ferry is bike friendly as well.
20 bike lockers available.
Public restrooms, don't expect much.

Service - 5 stars, thank you for working 7 days a week!
My favorite form of travel, especially with the continued discount price. Thank you.
Approximately 20 minutes to get to SF.
Also, since I have lived in Alameda, the ferry service has always been on time.

Spirits Alley Trolley | Free Friday-Sunday shuttle between local Alameda Point establishments and the Main Street Alameda Ferry Terminal.

Price - $4.50 one way with a clipper card, otherwise $5.75.
Still 50% off versus pre-pandemic prices, thank you.

I also just discovered the main ferry costs only $1 to go to Jack London Square; so why am I still driving to Rosenblum winery???

Owner Comment - Thanks for having a ferry 7 days a week!! So much better than having to drive to SF.

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.

Clean and departs on time. You can use your ac transit card and it was super convenient.
I highly recommend it

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!

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

If you've never rode the ferry across the bay then you're flat out missing something in your life. It's always extremely pleasant and picturesque! They also now service shuttle to and from the stadium's which make for a better commute. I highly recommend using the ferry.