You’re standing on the Tiburon dock, the wind is whipping off the Bay, and you’re staring at a blank space where a boat should be. It happens more than you’d think. Most people assume the sf tiburon ferry schedule is a simple back-and-forth shuttle that runs like a metronome all day.
It isn’t.
Honestly, the Tiburon route is one of the most "commuter-heavy" lines in the entire San Francisco Bay Area. If you aren't traveling during the morning rush or the evening haul-back, you might find yourself stranded or forced to take a detour through Sausalito. I’ve seen tourists and locals alike get caught out by the midday "gap" where the boats basically stop running for hours.
Getting the sf tiburon ferry schedule right is the difference between a breezy 20-minute cruise and a $60 Uber ride across the Golden Gate Bridge in standstill traffic.
The Weekday Commute: It’s a Different World
During the week, Golden Gate Ferry owns the water here. They’ve tailored the timing to fit the 9-to-5 crowd living in Marin.
In the mornings, the first boat typically shoves off from Tiburon at 6:50 AM. If you miss that, you’ve got another chance at 8:10 AM and 9:35 AM. After that? Things get weird.
The schedule basically vanishes for the middle of the day. You might find a lone departure around 11:50 AM, but for the most part, the boats go into "nap mode" until the afternoon rush begins. This is where most people get tripped up. They finish a nice lunch at Sam’s Anchor Cafe and realize the next direct boat to San Francisco isn't for another three hours.
When the afternoon hits, the tide turns. Boats start arriving from the SF Ferry Building (Gate B) to drop off workers. The return trips from Tiburon back to the city usually kick off around 4:35 PM and 5:50 PM.
💡 You might also like: Finding Philadelphia on US Map: Why the Location Actually Matters
Quick Reality Check on Times
- Tiburon to SF (Morning): 6:50 AM, 8:10 AM, 9:35 AM.
- Tiburon to SF (Afternoon): 11:50 AM, 1:15 PM, 4:35 PM, 5:50 PM.
- SF to Tiburon (Morning): 7:30 AM, 8:55 AM, 10:55 AM.
- SF to Tiburon (Afternoon): 12:25 PM, 3:55 PM, 5:40 PM, 7:15 PM.
Keep in mind that the 7:15 PM boat from San Francisco is often a "via Sausalito" trip. This means you’ll be on the water a bit longer—usually about 50 minutes total—as the boat stops to let people off in Sausalito before finally pulling into Tiburon at 8:05 PM. It’s a scenic detour, sure, but if you’re hungry for dinner, it feels like an eternity.
Weekends and the Blue & Gold Factor
On Saturdays and Sundays, the vibe shifts completely. You aren't rubbing shoulders with tech workers in Patagonia vests anymore. It’s all bikes, sun hats, and out-of-towners.
While Golden Gate Ferry handles the weekday grind, Blue & Gold Fleet often steps in for the recreational side of things, though their presence on the Tiburon route has fluctuated recently. For 2026, it is vital to know that Blue & Gold Fleet no longer accepts Clipper Cards or Golden Gate Ferry tickets. If you see a Blue & Gold boat, you’re buying a separate ticket, likely around $14.75 one way.
The weekend schedule is much more "leisure" oriented. Boats usually start later, around 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM, and they run frequently until about 6:00 PM.
The Angel Island Connection
Don't confuse the SF ferry with the Angel Island-Tiburon Ferry.
This is a separate, family-owned operation (the iconic blue and white boats). They run a shuttle between the Tiburon dock and Angel Island State Park. In the winter or early spring of 2026, they mostly run on weekends—Friday through Sunday.
Typically, they leave Tiburon at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 1:00 PM.
If you are trying to get to San Francisco, do not get on this boat. You will end up on an island with a bunch of hikers and no bridge to the mainland. It sounds funny, but I’ve seen it happen.
Pricing: How Not to Get Overcharged
Cash is a trap. If you walk up to the terminal and pay with a credit card or cash for a single ride, you’re going to pay the "Adult Single-Ride" fare, which is currently $14.00.
Use a Clipper Card. Or better yet, just tap your phone with Apple Pay or Google Pay at the gate.
By using a "contactless" payment or Clipper, the fare drops to $8.25. That is a massive difference. If you’re traveling with a family of four, you’re saving over $20 just by tapping your phone instead of buying a paper ticket.
- Adult (Cash/Ticket): $14.00
- Adult (Clipper/Contactless): $8.25
- Youth (5-18) & Seniors (65+): $7.00
- Kids 4 and under: Free (up to two per adult).
What Happens if You Miss the Last Boat?
It’s the classic Tiburon nightmare. You’re having one last drink, the sun goes down, and you realize the last ferry left at 7:15 PM.
You have two real options.
First, you can check the Golden Gate Transit bus schedule. The Route 219 bus connects Tiburon to the Strawberry area, where you can catch a bus (like the 130 or 150) that goes across the bridge to San Francisco. It’s not as fun as a boat, but it’s cheaper than a cab.
Second, you can call a rideshare. Just be warned: Tiburon is a peninsula. It takes a while for drivers to get out there, and once they do, you’re paying for the toll and the mileage.
Pro Tips for the SF Tiburon Ferry Schedule
Arrive 15 minutes early. Seriously.
The boats don't wait. When the clock hits the departure time, the ramp goes up. During the summer, the lines can get long, especially with people trying to load bicycles onto the deck.
Speaking of bikes, they are free to bring aboard, but space is first-come, first-served. If the "bike rack" on the boat is full, you might have to wait for the next one. On a weekday morning, this is rarely an issue. On a sunny Saturday afternoon? It’s a gamble.
Also, check the weather. If there is a "Small Craft Advisory" or heavy fog, the ferries might slow down or, in rare cases, cancel service. The 2026 winter season has been particularly choppy, so it pays to check the Golden Gate Ferry Twitter (X) or their official website alerts before you leave the house.
Summary of Actionable Steps
To make sure your trip goes off without a hitch, follow this checklist:
- Download the Transit App: It gives real-time locations for the boats so you can see if the ferry is actually around the corner or delayed by a cargo ship.
- Load your Clipper Card: Ensure you have at least $9.00 on it to cover the discounted fare.
- Check the "Via" notes: Look at the schedule for any "via Sausalito" mentions if you are in a rush; these trips take 20-30 minutes longer.
- Confirm the Terminal: In San Francisco, the Tiburon ferry always uses the Ferry Building, usually Gate B. Don't go to Pier 41 unless you are specifically taking a Blue & Gold excursion boat.
- Watch the "Gap": If you are planning a midday trip, verify the 11:50 AM or 1:15 PM departures, as these are often the only options between the morning and evening blocks.
The ferry is easily the best way to see the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz without paying for a dedicated "tourist" cruise. Just make sure you know when the boat is actually showing up.