Marin To San Francisco: Your Ultimate Ferry Day Trip Guide
Traveling from Marin to San Francisco on one of the world’s most beautiful ferry routes is must-do experience! And the Ferry ride is just the start of an unforgettable day of exploration in San Francisco. This guide provides all of the information you need to know for smooth sailing to San Francisco and back to Marin.
Ferry From Marin to San Francisco: Know before you go
There are three ferry terminals all within easy driving or car service distance from our three Marin Hotels. They are located in Sausalito, Tiburon, and Larkspur. Golden Gate Ferry picks up passengers at all three terminals and docks at the San Francisco Ferry Building (and gourmet marketplace!) at the base of Market Street.
Marin Ferry Terminals: Sausalito, Larkspur, Tiburon
If you’re staying at Mill Valley Inn or Acqua Hotel, both the Sausalito Ferry and the Larkspur Ferry are located nearby. There is parking at both, or catch a car service to make the excursion super easy. For our Waters Edge Hotel guests, the Ferry dock is located a one minute walk from the hotel!
DOWNTOWN SAUSALITO FERRY is ferry pier rather than a full terminal. You can purchase tickets for your round trip from the machine near the pier. Pro-tip: afternoon weekend ferries from Sausalito to San Francisco are crowded! Plan accordingly.
LARKSPUR FERRY is a full ferry terminal. You can purchase tickets for your round trip to San Francisco from machines at the terminal.
Where to park at the Larkspur Ferry Terminal
DOWNTOWN TIBURON is a ferry pier. There isn’t a ticket machine for the Ferry in Tiburon, so you’ll board the Ferry and get your ticket at the other end from a machine. There will be a gate agent there who will take your ticket after you purchase it.
Where to park at the Tiburon Ferry
The San Francisco Ferry Experience
The Marin to San Francisco ferry route is one of the most beautiful water passages in the world! Here’s some practical information to enhance your ferry experience:
Disembarking at Ferry Building in San Francisco: You’ll exit directly at the San Francisco Ferry Building at the base of Market Street. Be sure to take a spin around the Ferry Building’s gourmet marketplace before you head out to your destination.
Ferry Building Information here
Return Ferry: Have your return ticket ready and arrive 30 minutes ahead of departure just to be safe. When you see the crowd forming at the entry gates, join the crowd!
Photography Highlights: Position yourself on the top deck of the Ferry for best views of Angel Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the San Francisco skyline. Right hand side (starboard!) of the Ferry is the best spot for views, but honestly all the views are good!
Getting Around San Francisco
With car services, it’s easy to get around San Francisco without a car, just make sure you have your apps loaded before you head out: Waymo, Uber, Lyft, etc. And you can walk of course, San Francisco’s walk score is high even though the city is hilly. Beyond your own two feet:
What To Do In San Francisco
Below is lots of information about the top things to do in San Francisco. For more ideas, check out the official experts on all things San Francisco — San Francisco Travel.
Fishermans Wharf
A long-running favorite attraction, Fisherman’s Wharf is a flat 30-minute walk from the Ferry Building.
Fisherman’s Wharf Information Here
Cable Car
Is there a more charming and exciting way to traverse the hills of San Francisco? A must-do!
Alcatraz Tour
Alcatraz Landing, the departure point for the boat out to Alcatraz Island is a 20-minute walk from the Ferry Building.
Alcatraz Tour Information Here
The Neighborhoods of San Francisco
Aside from the big attractions, the very best thing about San Francisco is the unique neighborhoods!
We hope you have the best day traveling over the San Francisco Bay to and from Marin!
See you out there!
