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Sausalito Ferry: Schedule for Fisherman's Wharf & Pier 41 Routes
by Jill Loeffler •
Updated: September 5, 2023
Discover tips for taking the Sausalito Ferry, one of the most popular San Francisco ferries. Find information, including the Sausalito ferry schedule for routes to and from Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 41.
It runs several times a day across the bay. It's a great way to check out this small waterfront town for an hour or two or even spend the night. The terminal drops off in the heart of the action in Sausalito, so you won't need a car when you arrive.
Also, this is the ferry you will use to pick up the shuttle to Muir Woods.
At the bottom of the page, you'll also find the schedule for ferries to and from the Ferry Building in San Francisco.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
Sausalito Ferry Schedule: Blue and Gold Fleet
The Blue and Gold Fleet runs the first one, and it 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. Below, you will find the upcoming schedules based on those specific times of the year.
Current Weekend & Holiday Sausalito Ferry Schedule
This is their schedule. This schedule runs through October 8, 2023.
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Sausalito Weekday Ferry
This is their current schedule. Find tickets in advance.
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Note: There is no ferry service on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day. They will follow a holiday schedule on the day after Thanksgiving and on President's Day.
The weekday Sausalito ferries take a little longer as they will stop a few times along the way. Most of them will take about an hour, so grab your cameras to take some great photos as you cruise to a few different places before you arrive at your destination.
The cost is $14.25 per adult, one way. They cost is $8.50 one way for both seniors ages 65+ and for disabled people. It is also $8.50 for children from the ages 5 – 11. Children under 5 are free.
If you decide to stay the night, you can take a boat back the next day. Your other option for returning to San Francisco is to take a bus back. They run a little later than the ferries, so it gives you more time if you want to stay a little longer.
Click here for a complete list of attractions and things to do in Sausalito.
Sausalito Ferry Schedule: Golden Gate Transportation
The second Sausalito Ferry is operated by Golden Gate Bridge Transportation. 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.
This schedule is effective starting August 14, 2023. Note: These ferries leave from both Gate B and Gate C, so make sure to check ahead.
Weekday Schedule (Monday - Friday)
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Weekend Schedule
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The cost for this one is $14.00 per adult for a one-way ticket. It is $7 for Children ages 5 – 18, Seniors, and Disabled customers per person for a one-way ticket. The ride is free for children 5 and under.
This one takes about 30 minutes for a one-way trip. It also drops off near the shops and restaurants in downtown. They are only a quick 5-minute walk away.
You can also do a round-trip ticket with this one, stay the night, or take a bus back to the city. There are a number of options, so you won’t get stuck away from the city if that is where you are staying and you miss the last ride out.
Here are a few hotel recommendations for Sausalito if you decide to stay overnight.
>> More great ways to get from San Francisco to Sausalito
Tips for Taking the Sausalito Ferry
The schedule changes sometimes, 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 when it pulls away from the dock, so if you arrive right on time, you might still miss your ride. Leave plenty of time to get there before it departs. Leave plenty of time to get there before it departs.
Also, it is pretty chilly along the bay as you travel on the San Francisco Sausalito ferry. 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.
Terminal in Sausalito
Once you arrive in Sausalito, they will drop you off at Gabrielson Park. This is on the northern side of downtown.
On the map below, you can see both the terminal drop-off and downtown.
Once you walk off the boat, you will see restaurants and shops almost immediately. Continue to head left, and you'll eventually make your way to Bridgeway (the large orange road on the map above). This is the main street that runs through downtown Sausalito.
Sausalito Ferry to Muir Woods Shuttle
You will take the Sausalito ferry when you want to visit Muir Woods on the shuttle. You are now required to book a shuttle reservation, so visit their online system and book your seat before you arrive.
The shuttle per person costs $4.00 for adults and free for kids 15 and under. You will also need to pay for admission into Muir Woods when you arrive.
The Muir Woods shuttle stop near the Sausalito ferry is about 3 blocks away. You will find it on the corner of Bay & Bridgeway. You must also arrive at least 15 minutes before the shuttle is set to depart.
They have it timed out pretty well, but you will need to watch the time and make sure to arrive for the shuttle time on your tickets.
The shuttles only runs on the weekends during the slower months and daily during the busier summer months. They start taking reservations about three months in advance. Sports sell out quickly, so make sure to get your seat as quickly as possible.
Here are other options to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco.
Hotels Near the Sausalito Ferry
This cute town is a perfect getaway. Whether you plan to stay just a night or a week, you will find several hotels right near the Sausalito Ferry. Here are just a few of my favorites.
Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa: This elegant hotel is set inside a 1885 mansion just a few blocks away. It's also right on Bridgeway, so you are in the heart of all the restaurants, shops, and nightlife. Check guest reviews and prices about the hotel.
Hotel Sausalito: This hotel is only a couple of blocks from the terminal. It's a bit more affordable while still being one of the top-rated options in Sausalito. You will find it at 16 El Portal. Find the best rates and read recent reviews about Hotel Sausalito.
The Gables Inn: Another popular option just a couple of blocks away is this quaint hotel at 62 Princess St. Inside, you will find exceptional rooms. They also offer a continental breakfast and an evening wine and cheese reception. Find details and rates for The Gables Inn.
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
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It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.
You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!