Sausalito in short
Sausalito lies in Marin County, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Most visitors reach it in one of three ways: by ferry from San Francisco, by bike over the bridge, or by bus. Many combine two of them. The classic day is a bike ride across the bridge and down to town, then the ferry back.
The ferry is the easiest way to get there if you do not want to ride. It leaves from the Golden Gate Ferry Terminal behind the Ferry Building, at the foot of Market Street. This is not the same place as Fisherman's Wharf, so check your departure point before you set off.
How to get to Sausalito
Fares are per person, one way, from July 1, 2026.
| Option | Adult fare | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Gate Ferry, Clipper or contactless card | $8.50 | The easiest trip, one way or return |
| Golden Gate Ferry, paper ticket | $14 | Travelers without a card or Clipper account |
| Golden Gate Transit bus, electronic payment | $7.20 | A cheaper ride with a longer route |
| Golden Gate Transit bus, cash | $9 | Paying on board |
| Bike over the bridge | – | The classic route, no fare for the bridge |
Youth aged 5 to 18, seniors 65 and over and riders with a recognized disability pay $7 on the ferry. Children up to age 4 ride free, at most two per paying adult. Everyone needs their own card, Clipper account or ticket. Since December 10, 2025, the ferry accepts contactless bank cards at the adult Clipper fare. Vouchers from tour sellers are not accepted on the ferry.
Our picks: Sausalito
Ride over the bridge or take a half-day or small-group trip with Muir Woods.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Muir Woods and Sausalito small-group tour
A 14-seat van with hotel pickup, a guide, water and the 15 $ Muir Woods entry. Tips and a ferry back from Sausalito are extra.
Check availability →
Guided e-bike ride over the bridge to Sausalito
A local guide for about three hours, with helmet, lock and a short briefing. Keep the bike all day or drop it off free in Sausalito; the ferry ticket is extra.
Check availability →
Muir Woods and Sausalito half-day by bus
Return bus, Muir Woods entry and about 45 minutes in Sausalito. You walk the forest on your own for about an hour and a half; food and tips are extra.
Check availability →Sausalito tours and day trips
Guided bike rides over the Golden Gate Bridge, combined tours with Muir Woods and bay trips, with live prices and availability.
Biking from San Francisco to Sausalito
The ride is popular, and the ferry makes it a one-way trip.
One rental company describes its tour from Fisherman's Wharf as a route along the waterfront, over the bridge and down to Sausalito, about 8 miles. That is that company's route, not a distance for every starting point. There is no bike rental directly at the bridge, so you rent in the city and ride to it.
On the bridge, pedestrians have priority. The speed limit is 15 mph, and 5 mph at the towers. All e-bike classes are allowed. Sidewalk sides change by time of day, so read our biking guide before you go.
Coming back by ferry with a bike
Space for bikes is limited.
First come, first served
The ferry takes bikes and e-bikes according to the order of arrival and the space left. A passenger ticket does not reserve a bike spot. Walk your bike in the terminal and when boarding.
Bike share is not allowed
Bike share bikes are excluded from the ferry. If you rent from a shop, ask about its return options before you leave.
E-bikes
Switch your e-bike off on board and do not charge it there. You may have to use stairs when boarding or getting off.
Last sailings
The last departure from Sausalito is at 6:30 p.m. on weekdays and 6:55 p.m. on weekends and holidays, based on the published schedule from April 13, 2026. Gates close one minute before departure. Special operations can change this, so check the current timetable before you go.
Crossing time and the bus option
The ferry operator gives about 30 minutes for the crossing. The timetable valid from April 13, 2026 lists many 30-minute trips, but the first weekend sailing from San Francisco leaves at 10:15 a.m. and arrives at 11:15 a.m. Plan for 30 to 60 minutes and look at the sailing you want.
If you prefer the bus, route 120 runs via Sausalito and Marin City to San Francisco. It replaced routes 130 and 150 on April 12, 2026, so older websites may still show the old numbers. The bus fare between San Francisco and Sausalito is $7.20 with electronic payment or $9 in cash for adults. You have to tap in and out when paying electronically. See the toll guide if you plan to drive instead, since the bridge toll is only charged southbound.
For a bigger day, combine the town with the redwoods at Muir Woods. A bay trip from the city is covered on the bay cruise page.
Plan the rest of your trip
More from the Golden Gate area.
Sausalito: frequently asked questions
How do I get from San Francisco to Sausalito?
The simplest way is the Golden Gate Ferry from the terminal behind the Ferry Building. You can also ride a bike over the bridge or take the Golden Gate Transit bus on route 120.
How much is the ferry to Sausalito?
In 2026, adults pay $8.50 one way with Clipper or a contactless bank card, or $14 with a paper ticket. Youth, seniors and riders with a recognized disability pay $7.
How long does the ferry take?
The operator gives about 30 minutes. A few sailings, such as the first one on weekends, take about an hour. Check the timetable for the sailing you want.
When is the last ferry back from Sausalito?
According to the timetable published for April 13, 2026, the last sailing leaves at 6:30 p.m. on weekdays and 6:55 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Check the current timetable before you go.
Can I take my bike on the ferry?
Yes, if there is space. Bikes and e-bikes are taken in order of arrival and a ticket does not reserve a spot. Bike share bikes are not allowed.
Do I pay a toll if I drive to Sausalito?
The bridge toll is only charged for traffic heading south into San Francisco. Driving north across the bridge is free of toll.