SF Bay Ferry introduces weekday route and timing updates starting March 9, affecting multiple Bay Area terminals

Systemwide weekday adjustments begin Monday

San Francisco Bay Ferry implemented a package of route and schedule changes beginning Monday, March 9, 2026, reshaping several weekday commute options across the network. The updates include new trips, the removal of selected sailings and small timing shifts intended to improve reliability on routes serving San Francisco, Oakland, Alameda, Richmond, Vallejo and South San Francisco.

The changes apply to all weekday routes, while most weekend schedules remain unchanged. Weekend modifications are limited to the Vallejo route and the Alameda Short Hop.

New early Oakland departure targets Mission Bay commuters

A new early morning weekday trip has been added from Oakland to downtown San Francisco, departing at 5:55 a.m. and arriving at 6:20 a.m. The trip is designed to better align with commute patterns that include onward connections from the Embarcadero area to UCSF’s Mission Bay campus.

Selected morning sailings removed from Alameda Seaplane and Richmond

Several morning trips were removed as part of the update. On the Alameda Seaplane route, the 9:40 a.m. westbound trip and the 9:40 a.m. eastbound trip were cut from the schedule. A westbound 11 a.m. trip from Richmond to downtown San Francisco was also eliminated.

Across other routes, additional departure times were adjusted by small increments—typically five to 10 minutes—reflecting a broader effort to refine connections and manage on-time performance across shared terminals and waterways.

South San Francisco route receives major restructuring at Oyster Point

One of the most substantial revisions affects the South San Francisco terminal at Oyster Point. The updated weekday schedule was developed through a multi-month process that included stakeholder coordination, rider and potential-rider surveying, and analysis of ridership patterns.

Key elements include Oyster Point arrivals timed to occur 15 minutes before the top of the hour during the morning commute period, aimed at improving predictability for riders transferring to shuttles or other ground transportation.

Feedback incorporated into the new plan emphasized maintaining direct service to and from the East Bay rather than requiring riders to transfer, as well as providing a later morning departure to better accommodate commuters with school drop-off schedules.

What riders should check before traveling

• Confirm weekday departure times for Oakland, Alameda Seaplane, Richmond and South San Francisco before Monday commuting.
• Review weekend service only if traveling on the Vallejo route or the Alameda Short Hop, which are the exceptions to otherwise unchanged weekend schedules.
• Allow extra buffer time during the first week of implementation as riders adjust to revised departures and arrivals.

Riders can continue paying fares using Clipper, mobile tap-to-pay, the SF Bay Ferry app, or onboard payment options, depending on vessel and terminal.

SF Bay Ferry operates under the region’s Water Emergency Transportation Authority governance and remains a key commute option for riders seeking alternatives to roadway congestion across the Bay.