golden gate ferry

I have taken a ferry tour of the San Francisco bay in the past, been to Alcatraz. If you want a value for money passage along the bay and see the views of San Francisco, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge take a ferry such as this.

This ferry runs a tight schedule. I tell tourists all the time if they want a Bay Tour on the cheap where they will pass Angel Island, Alcatraz, San Quinton, on the cheap, this is it. Bring a lunch.

We took the Golden Gate Ferry to Sausalito on a beautiful day in late December. While we failed to make a reservation months in advance to go to Alcatraz, we rode by the prison and had incredible views of the Alcatraz Island along with the Bay Bridge and the San Francisco skyline. The ride takes about twenty minutes and their is plenty of room to sit either inside or outside. They also have a special lane for bike riders and they are very tourist friendly. I took lots of photographs and while I wanted to remain outside, the winds were pretty strong so I spent most of the trip enjoying the views from the enclosed cabin. This is a great way to enjoy the views and also a perfect way to visit Sausalito.

Well organized, bike friendly. Great view. Nice trip into downtown pier where there is lots of shopping, and food. Runs till around 9-10 pm. Reasonably priced.

We took a round-trip from Larkspur to the Port of San Francisco. It's always nice to be on the water in fine weather; to get a perspective of a city from the sea. Alcatraz, the Golden Gate and other bridges, a great city skyline with Coit Tower and the TransAmerica building were all easy to locate as we slipped by on a nearly glass plate of water. Fog embraced the mountains and edged closer from the Pacific. It's about an hour to make the crossing, seats were comfortable enough whether inside or out on the deck. There was a food stand (that we didn't use so can't comment on), and it's clear that as the tourists (including me) gawk at Alcatraz and other sights, there are business-types who can use this time productively as they commute. As I remember, the fare was about 10 USD each way (20 round-trip), although it may have been slightly higher (12 & 24?). Larkspur is basically a large parking lot, but tickets are easy to get from a machine (allow a few minutes, especially if there is a line of people in front of you). If you plan to arrive a bit early you might find a seat where you most prefer. At the Port of San Francisco where we docked there is the (former?) Terminal Building with food shops of organic or local or imported or .... so many kinds of foods to discover. This seemed to be more shops with food than restaurants, but both are possible. I think that even in rain and rough seas this would be an interesting trip. Give up the highway traffic and view the Bay Area from the water as someone else does the drive! It's fun, efficient, and a nice change of pace.

We took the Ferry from the San Francisco Ferry Building to Sausalito. It is a convenient way to get from Downtown San Francisco to Sausalito. As a bonus you get great views of San Francisco, the Bay Bridges and Alcatraz.

We had a great time. I sat outside on the front. Everybody left because of the cold water and outside temp's. I just had to dodge a couple of waves but had a blast. It made me feel young again.

To be able to go by boat to San Fransisco and back from Larkspur is fantastic! Comfortable and fast! They keep the time schedule. A nice tour for a turist as well as a comuter.

Take the ferry! Golden Gate Ferry operates water passage across the bay to San Francisco’s iconic Ferry Building on the Embarcadero. Lines run to and from – Larkspur (near San Rafael),Sausalito, Tiburon and special Giant’s games service to and from Larkspur/ATT Park. Schedules and other service details may be found at http://goldengateferry.org. From the Ferry Building it's a quick 7 minute walk to the Embarcadero Transit Center. From there you have access to Muni, Bart and Cable Cars.Why the Ferry? Parking at San Francisco hotels is running an average of $50 per day at this writing. Each time you take your auto out, you will have to pay again to park at or near your destination. Traffic in San Francisco is horrendous. Streets are narrow and hilly. There is always some construction project creating detours and congestion.On the other hand, public transportation is inexpensive, efficient and convenient. The three major transportation systems are - Golden Gate Ferry (http://goldengateferry.org), providing service across the bay. Muni, providing bus, street car and cable car service (http://www.sfmta.com). BART (http://www.bart.gov) connecting the San Francisco Peninsula with Oakland, Berkeley, Fremont, Walnut Creek, Dublin/Pleasanton and other cities in the East Bay.Taking the ferry is so gratifying. Parking is $2 per day. Ticket prices vary depending on your age, but are especially reasonable. While you unwind on board, you enjoy the bay scenery, have a snack or beverage (adult beverages available too), read, connect via free Wi-Fi or chat with fellow travelers. You’re also helping to reduce traffic and pollution in the city and the planet. You arrive at the Ferry Building relaxed, refreshed and ready for your San Francisco adventure.TIP: When arriving at the Ferry Building (http://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com), head to Bay Crossing (a newsstand at #22) and purchase a Muni Pass. They are available in different day amounts. Simply show your pass and get aboard Muni busses, trains and the world famous cable cars. (Muni Passes do not cover BART trips). The pass is well worth the minimal cost and makes your visit so much more enjoyable.

Love taking this trip from Larkspur Landing (free parking after 3pm & weekends). I enjoy sitting up on deck (under the heaters if necessary) & watching some of the best scenery in the world glide by including Mount Tam & the Golden Gate Bridge. There's a café/ bar onboard & plenty of seating inside. The ease of arriving at the ferry terminals with all its shops & then take a cable car, bus or walk from there is why San Francisco is so special.

We stayed in San Rafael and drove a short 10 minute drive to the Ferry Building. The only concern we had was finding a parking space. Several people we talked to said that parking was difficult on a workday after 8:30 am. We got there around 8:10 am and got one of the few remaining parking spaces. We were leaving on a ferry that left around 9am. We were glad to get there early because figuring out how to pay for parking is time consuming. You don’t pay a person. One of the workers hands you a card that has the name of an app you can download and pay through or a phone number. There was a local woman who saw we were trying to figure it out and stopped to help. She was extremely nice and full of more information than any of the workers. On her advice we got the app on our phone, filled out the information and paid. You get your tickets from a machine, which was easy enough. The ferry arrived on time and left on time. We were clearly tourist but most of the passengers appeared to be business people commuting. Our trip going to San Francisco and returning were very smooth. I don’t think anyone would have to worry about seasickness. The seats are comfortable and the windows are huge. There is a sign that says if you go outside you will probably get sprayed with ocean water. Apparently some people didn’t believe this because they went out dry and came back in minutes later, almost soaking wet.The ferry drops you off, at all places, the ferry building in San Francisco. Inside the ferry building is a store called Bay Crossings. You can go there and buy a one day muni card for $15. Get this if you are planning to ride the cable cars ($6 each time you board) and/or ride the buses, ect. It is only not good on BART. Right outside the ferry building catch the street car and it takes you directly to Pier 39/Fisherman’s wharf.

loved using it great trip across the bay nice staff ,we could just walk to it but there is a big car park .best value on our trip

If you have a couple of hours, taking a round trip ferry ride from San Francisco to Larkspur and back again is a perfect way to experience the water, see the Golden Gate Bridge along the horizon, watch the SF skyline coming and going, and travel with locals as they go to and from work. It's not expensive for the value you'll receive, and the photos you'll take are a perfect souvenir of a great trip.You can buy lunch to go at the Ferry Building before you embark, or sit along the waterfront and enjoy a leisurely meal before or after. I can't think of a better way to spend a few hours to get the real feeling of San Francisco. You'll want to move here afterwards!

We got shuttle from hotel. Senior price for ferry was $10 return. Great was to see the skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge. You land at Pier 39. We took a pediride to the rest of the piers.

As first time visitor to San Francisco decided to take Larkspur ferry to ATT parked..Waited in line for long time as ferry arrived late. More waiting and late departing..Would have liked to arrived earlier. Finally go to pier at stadium site..Took crew forever to dock and open door of Ferry as if the first time they tried.After game took them forever to depart with drunks walking around cussing in front of kids..Would never do again.