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Tiburon Ferry: Schedule and Tips About Riding this Popular SF Ferry
by Jill Loeffler •
Updated: September 1, 2023
Get tips for booking and riding the Tiburon Ferry, another one of the popular San Francisco ferries. Tiburon is a great day or afternoon trip from the city.
If you have plenty of time, I’d recommend taking a cruise over to Tiburon for a few hours. You can do a little shopping and grab some lunch along the water. On a beautiful San Francisco day, this is a very popular destination as they have a few large restaurants along the water for lunch.
There are several San Francisco ferries a day to and from this gorgeous waterfront town. All of the ferries for this destination are managed by Golden Gate Transit.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
From the Ferry Building
The standard Tiburon Ferry only picks up at the Ferry Building.
It costs $14 for ages 19 to 64. Youths ages 5 - 19, Seniors over the age of 65, and disabled people cost $7. Ages 4 and under are free.
You can either pick up your tickets when you arrive for book them in advance online. You can also use your Clipper Card for this transit.
Detailed Schedule for Weekdays
This Tiburon Ferry ride takes about 30 minutes one way.
This schedule is valid starting August 14, 2023.
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Detailed Schedule for the Weekends
Here is the detailed schedule effective August 14, 2023.
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Tips for Taking the Tiburon Ferry
I’d highly recommend that you arrive for the cruise at least 15 minutes before departure. The departure time listed is the time it pushes back from the dock. If you happen to arrive right on time, you will probably miss it as they close the doors a few minutes before departure.
I’d also recommend that you bring along a jacket or some warm layers (find more tips for dressing for the cool SF weather). It is a chilly ride along the bay, especially in the winter and spring months, so you’ll need a few additional pieces of clothing to stay warm.
Not only will you have a good time in Tiburon, but you'll also enjoy the Tiburon ferry ride. Along the way, cruise past both Alcatraz Island and Angel Island.
You will also ride past Belvedere Island, the home of some of the most expensive properties in the US. On the way back, you’ll get breathtaking views of the San Francisco skyline.
Most of the time, the SF Bay isn't too choppy so there isn't a big risk of seasickness. I'm prone to getting seasick, but I rarely have problems on these ferries.
You will find that it's also choppier in the winter months.
If do get seasick, I'd bring along something for your ride. Check the water before you hop on the ferry to see if the water is choppy. If so, you may want to take some medication to help. If not, you will most likely be okay on your ride.
Terminal in Tiburon
Here is a map of both the Tiburon terminal and downtown. The boat drops you off within steps of the downtown shops, restaurants and bars.
Things to Do in Tiburon near the Ferry
Tiburon is a small community along the waterfront. Even though it's small, you will find a few fun things to do here.
One of the things locals love to do is take the ferry over to Tiburon to have lunch at Sam's Anchor Cafe. This waterfront restaurant has a huge outdoor deck.
On any sunny day along the bay, you'll find dozens of people from San Francisco hanging out here, having a few drinks, enjoying some food, and soaking in the sun. It's also a great spot for views of the city, Angel Island, Alcatraz, and other places along the bay.
There are also a handful of cute boutique shops along Main Street to check out.
I also love the Shoreline Path. It's a short paved path along the waterfront with great views of the bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Sausalito. You can also get some great views of Angel Island.
Along this path, you will also find the small Tiburon Railroad and Ferry Depot Museum. It's only open on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. It's a great way to spend 30 minutes to an hour learning more about Tiburon's railroad history.
Find out more about the other ferries in San Francisco:
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
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