This San Francisco Ferry Faces Major Changes. Here's What Travelers Should Know

There's no gainsaying that San Francisco has some of the most beautiful city views you'd find in the United States. And, of course, one of the best ways to see San Francisco's famous landmarks is by boat. Nonetheless, if you've taken a Golden Gate Ferry recently, you may have noticed that some of the boats are a bit long in the tooth. Actually, some of those boats are over 25 years old. And now, instead of just patching up these old ferries, the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District is launching a major overhaul of the fleet. The worn-out boats are getting replaced with newer vessels that are going to be faster, cleaner, and way more comfortable.

During the November 20 Building and Operating Committee Meeting, the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway, & Transportation District confirmed that it has set aside over $118 million in funding for the makeover project, pulled from federal grants, state programs, and district reserves. One big reason behind this is California's strict emissions standards. The old diesel ferries release too much nitrogen oxide and other environmental contaminants, so these new boats are designed to use less fuel and cut down on pollution, which is a win for both commuters and the Bay's entire ecosystem.

The incoming ferries are Liwa-class catamarans, built with the Bay conditions in mind. They'll be able to fit about 500 people, with the availability of ADA elevators, bigger bike areas for over 70 bicycles, upgraded facilities, and modern amenities like a snack bar. They're even set up in such a way that they can go hybrid or fully electric down the line, ensuring a better ride overall. That's a big step up for anyone who takes the ferry regularly. And if you've ever wondered why you should add the Golden Gate Bridge to your California bucket list, perhaps this is a worthy reason for that now.

First of all, you don't have to panic or stress yourself out with worry, especially if you're a regular. Daily ferry services will still be available, since this isn't going to be an overnight change. Out of a total of eight new ferries to be introduced, the first new ferry is expected to show up sometime in 2027, with the Del Norte replacement arriving the following year. After that, they'll add one more each year until the whole fleet is swapped out. The old ferries are getting phased out gradually, so travelers who wish to use them during those periods can still get where they need to go.

When the new ferries gradually arrive, you'll notice the difference. You can expect more fuel-efficient, quieter engines and a smoother ride, with the emission of Nitrogen oxide and other particulates estimated to reduce up to 85% and 95% respectively. More space for bikes means less crowding for commuters who prefer to cycle to the terminals. The accessibility upgrades will also make it easier for seniors and anyone with mobility challenges to move around. Plus, the cleaner cabins and better ventilated decks provide fresh air, further making your trip more pleasant and enjoyable.

If you're thinking about boarding the ferry one of these days, you can start at the San Francisco Ferry Building. Golden Gate Ferry takes you straight to Marin County, and the ride is filled with amazing views of the Bay, the city skyline, and the Golden Gate Bridge. No need to stress about tickets either; you can use a Clipper card or your contactless bank card. In case of other itineraries, you might want to check out California's top 12 spots for a gorgeous camping trip.