My family likes to ride the ferry from Jack London Square to San Francisco, just for the thrill of it. Riding the ferry to Oakland from San Francisco or across the Bay in either direction is an exciting activity for kids and relaxing for adults — even if your destination is just a round-trip!
Thank you to San Francisco Bay Ferry for sponsoring today’s post! Keep the mobile app on your phone >
Special price: Kids under 5 always ride free, and youth ages 5-17 ride for $1 through the end of January, 2026. $20 Day Passes are also available for 24 hours of unlimited rides! Learn more >
A Fun Day On The Bay and In The City
We took the SF Bay Ferry from Jack London Square to San Francisco’s Ferry Building. We purchased some peaches and abandoned the crowds. We spent our time running laps around the massive fountain located across the Embarcadero Plaza. On another day, we could walk to the Creativity Museum or the Salesforce Transit Center Gondola.
After our snack break, my kids did not have much interest in our destination, San Francisco’s Epicurean Ferry Building and adjacent farmers’ market, because it was crowded. They couldn’t see anything, and they were not inclined toward gourmet food. On a less gorgeous day, however, the Ferry Building may be easier to stroll around, and the walk is so short that this seems like an ideal activity to do with visiting grandparents.
“I always feel safe and comfortable riding SF Bay Ferry. The seating is spacious and on a nice day, it’s fun to go upstairs and enjoy the views from the upper deck.” ~ Satisfied Ferry Passenger
Things to Know About the Ferry to San Francisco from Oakland
Park at Jack London Square for free. There’s a 7-story garage at 101 Washington Street that offers up to 12 hours of free parking. A ticket validation machine is located near the Clipper readers and on board the vessels.
Wear sunscreen. You’ll line up with your fellow passengers, and only a portion of the queue will be in the shade. While you’re waiting, there’s plenty of Port of Oakland action to take in.
Eating and drinking are encouraged. Really. A concession stand on the ferry sells beer and wine, among other refreshments. There are many rows of theater-style chairs and some tables for two or four, where you can eat a snack or a meal.
Use your Clipper Card or buy a ticket onboard. As of December 2025, Adults traveling from Oakland, Alameda, or Richmond to San Francisco cost $4.90 each way with a Clipper card. Children 5-17 are $2.40. Children under 5 are free.
The return trip is sweet. Walking back from the terminal to the parking structure takes you past a Ben and Jerry’s storefront.
Other Places to Go on the SF Bay Ferry
Oh, the places you’ll go. Downtown San Francisco is just one option for those who want to ride a boat across the Bay.
- Alameda has multiple ferry terminals with service to San Francisco and Oakland. Richmond Ferry Terminal also services downtown SF.
- Direct service to Chase Center and Oracle Park is available for all Warriors home games from Oakland and Alameda. Heads up: Reservations are required & the fees are different.
- A small water shuttle called the Woodstock offers free service across the Oakland Estuary to/from Jack London Square and Alameda Landing. The funky yellow boat has space for strollers, bikes, wheelchairs, and scooters. The five-minute journey operates on a schedule from Tuesday to Sunday.
- To plan your next adventure, find current routes and schedules >
Thank you to San Francisco Bay Ferry for sponsoring today’s post! Find a ferry trip that suits your schedule right now >
