A No-Stress City Commute: The Baylink Ferry
Not much beats a summer day in San Francisco for pleasant weather, endless dining options, and unbeatable people watching. The prospect of driving and parking in the city can be daunting. One option that eliminates those headaches is the Baylink Ferry from Vallejo to either San Francisco’s Ferry Building or Pier 41. Instead of stressing out in city traffic, you can sit back in a comfortable seat, grab a snack and a drink at the concession counter, and enjoy the views on the approximately one-hour boat ride.
The Vallejo Baylink Ferry Terminal
The terminal is located at 289 Mare Island Way in Vallejo. Here you will be able to park in the large lot across from the terminal, or at other nearby parking areas, and enter the terminal building to buy your tickets. The hours are Monday through Friday, from 6:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Ferry Fares
- A one-way ticket for adults is $15.10
- Riders aged 5-18 is $7.50 (children under 5 are free)
- Seniors (65 and older) and Disabled: $7.50
- A monthly pass is available for $388
Schedule
During the weekdays, the ferry runs from Vallejo to the Ferry Building regularly throughout the day. Some of the routes include a stop at Pier 41. The first run of the day departs Vallejo Terminal at 5:30 a.m. and arrives at the Ferry Building at 6:35. The final run on weekdays leaves Vallejo at 5:45 p.m., arrives at Pier 41 at 6:55 p.m., and the Ferry Building at 7:15 p.m. When the San Francisco Giants are playing at home during the week, the ticket office stays open later to accommodate those trying to make the 5:45 p.m. ferry.
On Saturdays and Sundays, the first ferry leaves Vallejo at 8:30 a.m., arrives at Pier 41 at 9:40 a.m. and the Ferry Building at 10:00 a.m. The last weekend ferry leaves Vallejo at 7:30 p.m., arrives at Pier 41 at 8:40 p.m. and the Ferry Building at 9:00 p.m.
Once You Arrive
There is so much to do in San Francisco, it would take several posts to even make a dent. So we will focus on the point of disembarkment – the Ferry Building, which is located at the foot of Market Street, the city’s banking, financial, and transportation district. The Ferry Building opened in 1898, as the primary portal of the city. The building’s clock tower has been an icon of the San Francisco waterfront for 100+ years.
From the Ferry Building, many landmarks are within walking distance. It is easy to catch a cab or rideshare from the area if you are looking to explore other parts of the city. But, there is much to see and do at the site of the Ferry Building itself, which functions as a vibrant marketplace. Many vendors have recently reopened after the COVID-19 closures, including:
- Acme Bread
- Benedetta (skin & body care)
- Blue Bottle (coffee)
- Boulettes Larder (breakfast, lunch, Sunday brunch)
- Cheesequakes
- Cowgirl Creamery
- CUESA – Farmers Market (open Saturdays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays)
- Dandelion Confections (chocolates)
- Delica (Japanese deli/bento boxes)
- El Porteno (empanadas)
- Far West Fungi
- Ferry Plaza Wine Merchants
- Frog Hollow Farm (farm fresh cafe)
- Glassybaby (hand-blown glass gifts)
- Golden Gate Meat Co.
- Gott’s Roadside (retro eatery – burgers, hot dogs)
- Hog Island (oyster bar, cocktails – very popular!)
- Humphry Slocombe Ice Cream
- Imperial Tea Court
- Recchiuti (chocolates)
- Stonehouse Olive Oil
- Village Market (general store)
Below is a video highlighting some of the good food available at the Ferry Building.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Vallejo
I’m Ed Smith, a Vallejo personal injury lawyer. I have worked on behalf of injured Vallejo residents for almost four decades. If you or a loved one suffered injuries at the hands of a negligent driver, call my office for free and friendly advice. I can be reached locally at (707) 564-1900, or from outside the region at (800) 404-5400.
Some of our case successes are outlined on my settlements and trial verdicts page. There are also many past client reviews available at the following websites:
Picture: https://unsplash.com/photos/vWdyStNQg9M
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