A Sausalito day trip from San Francisco can be made by ferry or Golden Gate Transit bus. Golden Gate Ferry connects the San Francisco Ferry Building with the Sausalito Ferry Landing, putting you in downtown Sausalito; the bus offers a land-based alternative.
- Ferry route: Sausalito Ferry Landing to the San Francisco Ferry Building.
- The Sausalito landing is at Humboldt and Anchor Streets.
- Golden Gate Ferry operates seven days a week, except on three major holidays.
- Adult one-way ferry fares start at $8.50.
Prices and times checked November 2026.
Choosing Ferry or Land Travel
The ferry is the direct option between downtown Sausalito and the San Francisco Ferry Building, while Golden Gate Transit serves Sausalito by bus.
Choose the ferry if you want to arrive at the waterfront landing in downtown Sausalito. Golden Gate Ferry operates between Sausalito and San Francisco seven days a week, but does not run on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, or Christmas Day.
A bus is an alternative if you prefer land travel. Golden Gate Transit serves Sausalito, and fares depend on trip length and the fare zones crossed. Sausalito is in Zone 2.
The Golden Gate Bridge route from downtown San Francisco is another northbound outing to plan separately.
From Hotel Amari, Union Square/Market Street is about 7 minutes on foot; this hotel in San Francisco is a base for setting out into the city.
Planning the Outbound Trip
For the ferry, travel to the San Francisco Ferry Building and take a Golden Gate Ferry sailing to the Sausalito Ferry Landing.
Golden Gate Ferry ticket machines are available at the Sausalito, San Francisco, and Larkspur terminals. You can also buy a Sausalito ticket in advance; it is valid on any Sausalito Ferry trip within 90 days of purchase.
One-way adult fares are $14.00 for a paper ticket or $8.50 with Clipper or a contactless bank card. Youth ages 5–18, seniors 65+, and riders with approved disability identification or Medicare pay $7.00. Children age 4 and under ride free, with a limit of two per full-fare adult.
If you plan to take a bicycle, note that reservations for Sausalito sailings during summer and other periods of high rental-bike volume are provided and managed by San Francisco-based bike-rental companies.
The Ferry Building is also a useful stop in the city before or after your trip; its market and waterfront setting are covered in this guide to the San Francisco Ferry Building.
A Walk Along Sausalito’s Waterfront
The Sausalito Ferry Landing puts you in downtown Sausalito, at Humboldt and Anchor Streets, so you can begin exploring on foot from the waterfront.
Use the landing as your return reference point as you walk around downtown. Keeping the ferry terminal in mind makes it easier to plan a waterfront visit without losing track of where you need to board later.
Allowing Time for Lunch and Local Stops
Keep your meal and local stops within the time available before your chosen return sailing.
Since your arrival and departure depend on the ferry schedule, check the return options before settling into a long lunch or extending a walk. If travelling by bus, verify the route and schedule for the direction you need rather than assuming the same service applies both ways.
Returning to San Francisco
Return to San Francisco by boarding a Golden Gate Ferry sailing from the Sausalito Ferry Landing to the San Francisco Ferry Building.
Golden Gate Ferry runs between the two cities throughout the week, apart from New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. For the reverse trip, confirm the Sausalito departure schedule before you plan the rest of your day.
If you are connecting to a bus instead, Golden Gate Transit serves Sausalito, and fares depend on zones and trip length. An adult aged 19–64 travelling between San Francisco Zone 1 and Sausalito Zone 2 pays $9.00 in cash or $7.20 with Clipper or a contactless bank card.
Weather, Fares, and Schedule Checks
Check Golden Gate Ferry and Golden Gate Transit information before travelling, since schedules and fares can change.
Golden Gate Ferry runs separate schedules for different days, so confirm the sailing you intend to take in both directions. Bus fares vary by trip length and the number of fare zones crossed; the adult Zone 1-to-Zone 2 fare applies to travel between San Francisco and Sausalito.
For bicycle travel, check with your rental company about reservations on high-demand sailings. For current service and fare details, check the official site before you go: Golden Gate Ferry and Golden Gate Transit are the operators to consult.
FAQs
Where does the Sausalito ferry arrive?
The Sausalito Ferry Landing is in downtown Sausalito at Humboldt and Anchor Streets.
Which ferry connects San Francisco and Sausalito?
Golden Gate Ferry operates between the San Francisco Ferry Building and the Sausalito Ferry Landing.
Can you take a bus to Sausalito?
Yes. Golden Gate Transit serves Sausalito, and fares depend on trip length and zones crossed.
Can you buy a Sausalito ferry ticket in advance?
Yes. Advance tickets can be used on any Sausalito Ferry trip within 90 days of purchase.