About Vallejo Ferry Terminal
The Vallejo Ferry Terminal is a transportation hub at 289 Mare Island Way in downtown Vallejo (www.vallejobayferry.com ). This waterfront terminal opened in 1986 (coinciding with the relocation of Six Flags Marine World to Vallejo) and was built with substantial state and local redevelopment funds to support Bay crossings (vallejoferryschedule.com ) (vallejoferry-schedule.com ). The original $1.2 million terminal (plus a $1.7 million float and gangway) was considered “magnificent,” designed to offload roughly 300 passengers in under three minutes (vallejoferryschedule.com ). Operated today by the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA), the terminal provides year-round ferry service between Vallejo and San Francisco. Over the decades it has become a vital commuter link – and a scenic gateway to the region’s attractions, including Napa Valley via the “California Wine Ship” connection (www.baycrossings.com ). In 2011, WETA took over the Vallejo ferry operations from the city to ensure continuity of service (www.baycrossings.com ).
Ferry Services & Schedule
The Vallejo Ferry runs scheduled crossings daily between Pier 1 at the San Francisco Ferry Building and Vallejo Landing, generally supporting weekday commuters and weekend travelers. According to the official Vallejo Bay Ferry schedule, service operates Monday through Friday as well as on Saturdays and Sundays (www.vallejobayferry.com ). (There is currently **no separate Mare Island stop**.) Typical operation includes multiple morning trips into San Francisco and afternoon/evening returns, with occasional midday sailings. Travelers note that ferry schedules can change on short notice (for example, around major events in San Francisco like ballgames) (www.vallejobayferry.com ). When demand is high the ferries can fill up, so it’s wise to arrive early and join the boarding queue in advance (www.vallejobayferry.com ). At peak commute times passengers often line up along the docks; the service is always first-come, first-served. Weather is generally Lake- or Bay-friendly, but always check advisories on the morning of travel. Bay Crossings magazine even calls the Vallejo route “one of the most beautiful ferry rides” on San Francisco Bay (www.baycrossings.com ), passing landmarks like Alcatraz, the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, and Mare Island. A one-way trip from Vallejo to SF takes roughly 55–60 minutes (www.baycrossings.com ).
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for the Vallejo Ferry can be purchased several ways. The primary options are using a Clipper® transit card, the official San Francisco Bay Ferry mobile app (formerly the Passage or Hopthru app), or buying a paper ticket at a ticket office. As of 2025, a one-way adult fare is about $9.60 (vallejoferryschedule.com ). Discount fares (~$4.70) apply to seniors (65+) and youths (17 and under) (vallejoferryschedule.com ), and children under 5 ride free. Note that round-trip travel requires separate tickets in each direction. Fares may vary for special-event or ballgame service (e.g. ferry trips to evening Giants games are higher). All tickets (paper, Clipper, or mobile) must be shown or tagged before boarding the ferry (sfstandard.com ) (vallejoferryschedule.com ). WETA’s 2023 policy requires passengers to display proof of payment at the boarding gate: Clipper users tag their cards on boarding and off-genral, and riders with mobile or paper tickets present them to the deckhand (sfstandard.com ). Passengers can also buy tickets on board in cash if needed, but it is faster to pre-purchase or use Clipper. The Vallejo Ferry ticket office is located inside the terminal building (289 Mare Island Way) and is open for morning/evening commuters (approximately 6:45am–5pm on weekdays, 8am–5pm on weekends) (vallejoferryschedule.com ). For extended needs, the office opens at 5:00am on certain mornings (like the first and last days of each month for monthly passes) and stays open later on weeknights with late games (vallejoferryschedule.com ). Tickets can also be bought at the Ferry Building in San Francisco or Pier 41 (Blue & Gold), or via the Clipper card/ticketing app beforehand.
Seating and Vessel Layout
The Vallejo ferry operates a fleet of high-speed catamarans with unassigned (first-come) seating. The older M/V Vallejo (a converted Jet CAT) has about 267 seats, which some riders note feel tighter than the newer boats (www.vallejobayferry.com ). Its sister ships, the M/V Mare Island and M/V Intintoli , each seat roughly 320 passengers (www.vallejobayferry.com ), and the newest M/V Solano (introduced in 2004) seats about 301 (www.baycrossings.com ). Seating is generally bench-style in an indoor cabin, and every boat has open upper decks for viewing. Many travelers recommend grabbing a spot on the top deck or at the stern rail to fully enjoy the bay scenery – one passenger reported sitting on the outdoor deck and marveling at the views of shipyards and the Golden Gate Bridge (www.tripadvisor.co.uk ). Inside the terminal building, there is an enclosed waiting area with rows of chairs and some picnic-style tables near the café seating. Passengers can wait under cover until boarding is announced.
Getting There and Parking
The terminal’s address is 289 Mare Island Way, at the eastern end of Georgia Street (www.vallejobayferry.com ). By car, access is via the Vallejo city grid (Highway 29/Marine World Parkway) into downtown. The main parking option is the Vallejo Ferry Terminal Parking Garage at 415 Santa Clara Street, just adjacent to the docks. This public garage has about 750 spaces and a flat all-day rate (around $8 per day) (en.parkopedia.ca ). Early ferry commuters recommend leaving early because this lot can fill on weekdays. Additional paid parking (short-term lots and metered spaces) is available in downtown Vallejo; for example, the Transit Center lot (311 Sacramento St) has limited spaces (about 60 spots) and also charges roughly $8/day (www.soltrans.org ) (www.soltrans.org ). Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) drivers typically drop off right at the terminal curb (Mare Island Way/Georgia corner).
The airport is in Oakland (OAK); arriving visitors can take BART to El Cerrito or El Cerrito Del Norte and then SolTrans or Baylink bus. SolTrans local buses and Napa VINE commuter buses serve the nearby Vallejo Transit Center (311 Sacramento St.), about a 0.2-mile walk (4–5 minutes) from the terminal (www.rome2rio.com ). The transit center connects to Amtrak/downtown shuttles and ferries; SolTrans Routes (including the SolanoExpress “Yellow Line”) and Napa’s VINE buses stop there (www.soltrans.org ) (www.rome2rio.com ). Cycling enthusiasts can pedal to the terminal (the bike path along Mare Island Way) – bike racks are provided.
Inside the Terminal
Upon entering the Vallejo Ferry Terminal, expect a small but friendly commuter atmosphere. The building lobby has a ticket counter and a seating area with view windows to the docks. A highlight is **Panama Bay Coffee**, a café inside the terminal (at 289 Mare Island Way) offering breakfast sandwiches, coffee, and snacks (www.baycrossings.com ) (panama-bay-coffee.bartgrocerybbq.com ). The café’s casual décor and wildlife-themed murals help create a welcoming pre-boarding spot. It features ample indoor and outdoor seating, plus features like a book exchange and free WiFi for customers (panama-bay-coffee.bartgrocerybbq.com ). Restrooms are located near the café and are well maintained (Panama Bay advertises “clean public restrooms” for visitors (panama-bay-coffee.bartgrocerybbq.com )). Travel brochures and a visitor information kiosk can often be found in the lobby to help plan local outings. Security is minimal (no bag checks); a friendly staff and deckhands provide guidance. There is no formal coat check or cloakroom, so carry-on items should remain with you. During busy periods (e.g. morning rush), staff may line passengers up outside to await boarding calls, so you may come and go from the seating area until it’s time to board.
Nearby Amenities
The Vallejo Ferry Terminal is just steps from the historic downtown waterfront. Several cafes and restaurants line Georgia Street a block away. Within a few-minute walk you’ll find eateries like Moschetti’s French Café (925 Marin St.), Good Day Café (Marin at Georgia), Momo’s Cafe (Georgia St.), and City Lights Café – all popular lunch spots (localwiki.org ). For coffee and pastries before the ferry, Panama Bay at the terminal itself is very convenient (localwiki.org ). The nearby Mississippi Street and Marin Street areas have casual burger joints, pizza places, and bars where commuters stop after work. For example, the historic Singleton’s Steakhouse (at 501 Embarcadero) is a naval-themed saloon known for appetizers and old-school cocktails (20th-century nautical decor). After the ferry docks in San Francisco, you could easily walk to Fisherman’s Wharf or take cable cars.
Hotels are a little farther out; the closest hotels are along Lakeshore Drive by Six Flags. The Ramada by Wyndham (on Hwy 29) and Best Western Inn on the Bay offer shuttle service to and from the ferry for their guests (www.baycrossings.com ). Other travelers often choose to stay in Napa/Sonoma (then ferry in) or find accommodations in San Francisco near the Ferry Building.
What Makes This Terminal Special
Vallejo’s ferry terminal stands out for its scenic and historical significance. The ferry ride offers some of the bay’s best views – passengers enjoy panoramas of Alcatraz, Angel Island, the Bay Bridge, and the Golden Gate Bridge on clear days (www.baycrossings.com ) (www.tripadvisor.co.uk ). Bay Crossings magazine calls it “one of the most beautiful ferry rides” on San Francisco Bay (www.baycrossings.com ). Locally, the ferry has a kind of cherished legend. In the late 1980s resident advocates saved the service from cuts, a time known in city lore as the rally led by “the Ferry Godmother” Cindy Detweiler. In redesign, it was sometimes nicknamed the “Bay Bridge ski lift” for bypassing highway traffic. The terminal building itself is a legacy of 1980s redevelopment – a sturdy nautical-modern structure (with extensive concrete piers) that looks out across the Mare Island Strait. Its original high-capacity float and gangway were cutting-edge for the era (vallejoferryschedule.com ). Today it feels both utilitarian for commuters and welcoming for visitors. Riders frequently praise the quiet, clean boats and friendly crew – one reviewer noted that deckhands on Vallejo boats even chat with children and make the trip fun for families (www.tripadvisor.co.uk ). Finally, the terminal matters because it serves as a link to three counties: it connects Solano (Vallejo) to San Francisco, and provides indirect access to Napa. In 2024 WETA announced plans to rebuild the terminal’s floating dock to accommodate two vessels side-by-side and reduce dredging – a sign of commitment to its future (ceqanet.lci.ca.gov ). In short, the Vallejo Ferry Terminal is not just a stop on a map but a piece of local identity – a friendly gateway between Vallejo’s rich waterfront history and the rest of the Bay Area (www.baycrossings.com ) (vallejoferryschedule.com ).
Visitor Tips and Information
**Fares & Tickets:** Have your ticket or Clipper® card ready before boarding. Clipper users may tag on as usual; new rules require showing valid fare at the gangway (sfstandard.com ). Consider buying tickets at the terminal office or online ahead of time to save time. Keep your ID or senior pass handy if you claim a discount fare (vallejoferryschedule.com ).
**Arrival:** Arrive at least 20–30 minutes before departure during commute hours. Parking can fill by 7–8am on weekdays, so an early arrival saves hassle. The ticket office opens early on weekday mornings (as early as 5–6am) (vallejoferryschedule.com ). In case of events or fog, allow extra time.
**Parking:** The nearby garage (415 Santa Clara) offers all-day parking (~$8/day) (en.parkopedia.ca ). Alternatively, use the nearby SolTrans Transit Center lot ($8/day US) (www.soltrans.org ) or street parking downtown if available. Rideshare drop-offs are allowed at the terminal entrance.
**Boarding:** Ferries fill on a first-come basis. When the whistle blows, an orderly queue forms along the dock. Show your ticket/Clipper before stepping aboard (crew will check). Store carry-on baggage overhead or under-seat. Strollers and children are allowed onboard (if folded or held), and life jackets are provided for safety.
**Onboard:** Seating is unreserved bench style. For the best vistas, try to sit on the outside deck. The boats are generally clean and climate-controlled inside, but it can be breezy on the water – bring a sweater or windbreaker. A small snack bar sells refreshments (chips, drinks, etc.).
**Amenities:** Inside the Vallejo terminal, Panama Bay Coffee serves breakfast and pastries (like bacon/egg sandwiches) and has a small convenience snack selection (panama-bay-coffee.bartgrocerybbq.com ). Restrooms are available both in the terminal and aboard the ferry. (Panama Bay even advertises clean public restrooms for customers (panama-bay-coffee.bartgrocerybbq.com ).) U.S. debit/credit cards are accepted for tickets, but it’s wise to have some cash just in case. Free Wi-Fi is typically available in the terminal lobby.
**Families:** Kids (under 5) ride free, and the crew is generally very friendly with children. Insider travelers suggest bringing crayons or small toys to keep little ones occupied during the trip. The ferry ride itself is often a highlight for kids, with large windows and the possibility of spotting sea lions or boats.
**Accessibility:** The terminal and ferries are ADA-accessible. Ramps and elevators allow wheelchair users to board, and crew can assist as needed. Small pets in carriers are allowed on board (www.vallejobayferry.com ); service animals are fully permitted in all areas (www.vallejobayferry.com ) (owner should notify staff upon boarding).
**Clothing:** No special dress code is required – casual is fine. Wear comfortable shoes (you’ll be walking on docks). Since the bay can be chilly or foggy, layering is recommended. Sunscreen or a hat is a good idea on sunny days once you’re on deck. Rain is uncommon but check the weather; the terminal has covered waiting if it drizzles.
**Other Notes:** Don’t expect a lost-and-found—bring everything with you off the ferry. There’s no lockers at terminal. Photography is allowed for personal use (many riders snap photos of the island and skyline). Smoking/vaping is not permitted anywhere on the ferry or inside the terminal. All standard safety rules apply (e.g. no leaning over railings).
Where is the Vallejo Ferry Terminal located?
The terminal’s address is 289 Mare Island Way, Vallejo, CA 94590 (www.vallejobayferry.com ). It sits at the end of Georgia Street by the waterfront. Nearby cross streets are Georgia Street and Mare Island Way.
What are the ferry ticket prices and discounts?
As of 2025, the one-way adult fare from Vallejo to San Francisco is about $9.60 (vallejoferryschedule.com ). Seniors (65+) and youths (17 or younger) ride at the discounted roundabout fare of about $4.70 (vallejoferryschedule.com ). Children under 5 travel free (with a paying adult) (vallejoferryschedule.com ). Special-event fares (e.g. for baseball game boats) are higher. All fares are one-way, so remember to buy two tickets for a round-trip. You’ll need to show proof of age (senior ID, etc.) for the discount.
How do I buy tickets and where is the ticket office?
You can buy tickets online (via the SF Bay Ferry app or Clipper card) or in person. The Vallejo Ferry Ticket Office is inside the terminal building at 289 Mare Island Way (vallejoferryschedule.com ). It is staffed on weekday mornings (opening around 6:45am and closing by 5pm) and on weekends (roughly 8am–5pm) (vallejoferryschedule.com ). The office also sells tickets in advance for scheduled departures. Alternatively, you may use the Clipper® transit card or activate a mobile ticket on the SF Bay Ferry app before arrival. Deckhands can also issue onboard tickets if needed, but it speeds boarding to purchase ahead of time.
Is the Clipper card accepted and how do I use it?
Yes, the Vallejo ferry fully accepts Clipper cards as a payment method. Just tag your Clipper card on the reader when you board at Vallejo and again when you leave at San Francisco (or vice versa). Note that in 2023 WETA changed to “show-and-go” boarding — Clipper users still tag on and off as usual (sfstandard.com ), but deckhands will also visually check that you have a valid fare before you step onto the boat.
How long does the ferry ride take between Vallejo and San Francisco?
The ferry trip normally takes about **55 to 60 minutes** one-way. It’s a relatively fast catamaran harbor run, usually under an hour (www.baycrossings.com ). Most schedules allow roughly 60 minutes between Vallejo (Pier 1 or Gate E) and the Embarcadero Ferry Building in San Francisco. The ride offers extensive water views as it goes under the bridges (www.baycrossings.com ) (www.baycrossings.com ).
Are pets or service animals allowed on the ferry?
Yes. Small pets are permitted, but they must be in a fully enclosed carrier or kennel at all times (not loose or on a leash) (www.vallejobayferry.com ). You must keep the pet on your lap or in a carrier on deck, and note that some people find the close quarters uncomfortable for pets (www.vallejobayferry.com ). Service animals (dogs, etc.) are always allowed to accompany their handlers under ADA rules (www.vallejobayferry.com ).
Are restrooms and food available on site?
Yes. The ferry vessels each have onboard restrooms and a small snack bar (selling drinks, chips, cookies, etc.). In the terminal itself there is a café – Panama Bay Coffee – where you can buy coffee, sandwiches and snacks (www.baycrossings.com ). Panama Bay provides indoor seating and even notes it has clean public restrooms for travelers (panama-bay-coffee.bartgrocerybbq.com ). During waits, many people grab a bite at the café or from nearby cafes in town before boarding.
What is the parking situation at the terminal?
The terminal has a large adjacent parking garage (Vallejo Ferry Terminal Garage at 415 Santa Clara St.) with around 750 spaces. Parking is paid (about **$8.00 for all-day** flat rate) (en.parkopedia.ca ). Additional spaces can be found at the Vallejo Transit Center lot (60 spaces, also ~$8/day) (www.soltrans.org ) (www.soltrans.org ) or on the downtown streets. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) drop-off is convenient at the terminal entrance. Remember to have payment cards or cash, and pay parking before you ferry in case you return later.
How can I get to and from the terminal on public transit?
Vallejo Transit Center (311 Sacramento St) is the main bus & train hub, and it’s only about a 4–5 minute walk (0.2 mile) to the ferry terminal (www.rome2rio.com ). Solano County’s SolTrans buses (Routes 1,2,3, etc., and the SolanoExpress Yellow Line) stop there. Napa County’s VINE buses (Route 11/12) also run to the transit center (www.soltrans.org ). Simply take the bus to Sacramento/Marin and walk one block north. The buses link Vallejo with surrounding cities and with BART stations (connect at El Cerrito for San Francisco).
Are the ferries and terminal wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The Vallejo ferries and terminal are ADA-compliant. Ramps and level boarding accommodate wheelchairs. Crew members can assist disabled passengers with boarding and seating. Accessible restrooms are also available on board. If you have mobility needs, you can call the Bay Ferry office ahead of time or alert the deckhands when you arrive, and they will help guide you on or off the boat.
Are there any special tips I should know before riding?
Arrive early – zombies line up at playoff games and in morning commutes, so aim for 15–30 minutes before departure. The ferries are first-come, first seated. Apply sunscreen and bring layers for wind on deck. No large luggage is allowed (carry-ons only). Masks are optional on board. Avoid rush hour parking stress by using a transit pass or carpooling. And keep an eye on the weather forecast – fog or wind can occasionally cause delays. Overall, treat the trip like a bus commute: grab a Clipper card, have your belongings, and relax.
