How to Get to Sausalito. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

The Bay Area is served by three main airports, each with distinct flight profiles.

Airport Overview

San Francisco International Airport (SFO): Approximately 20 miles south of Sausalito. The main international gateway for the Bay Area, handling a high volume of domestic and international flights. All major US airlines and numerous international carriers operate here. (Dollar Flight Club, Skyscanner)
Oakland International Airport (OAK): Approximately 25 miles east of Sausalito. Serves domestic and some international flights, often a good alternative for budget airlines. Direct flights mainly within the US and to Mexico or Canada.
Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC): About 50 miles south of Sausalito. Mainly serves domestic routes, with some international flights. Generally less busy compared to SFO and OAK.

Flight Dynamics & Facilities

Pricing & Airport Services

Seasonal Price Fluctuations: Flight prices generally increase during peak summer and fall seasons due to higher demand. Prices also surge around major holidays. Winter typically offers lower fares. Booking in advance is recommended.
Airport Facilities: All major airports offer extensive facilities, including diverse dining options, shopping opportunities, car rental agencies, and currency exchange services. Free Wi-Fi is standard.
SFO boasts direct flights from major cities across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, a convenient arrival point for international visitors.

SFO Public Transit

Take BART from SFO to downtown San Francisco, then connect to the Sausalito Ferry or a Golden Gate Transit bus. Allow 1.5-2 hours.

Rideshare/Taxi

Uber, Lyft, and traditional taxis are available. Ride to Sausalito takes approximately 45-75 minutes (traffic dependent). Costs typically range from $60-$100+, plus tolls.

Shuttle/Rental Car

Shared-ride shuttles offer a more affordable option. Rental cars provide flexibility; major companies have desks at airports. Driving to Sausalito via Golden Gate Bridge takes 30-60 minutes.

Transfer Options from Oakland OAK

Public Transit from OAK

Take the AirBART shuttle from the airport terminal to the Coliseum BART station.
From there, take BART to a San Francisco station.
Connect to Sausalito via ferry or bus, similar to the SFO route.
Total travel time similar to SFO.

Rideshare/Taxi/Rental Car from OAK

Uber, Lyft, and traditional taxis are available. Travel time and cost are similar to SFO.
Might vary depending on Bay Bridge tolls and traffic.
Major rental companies operate at OAK.
For a scenic and direct route to Sausalito from San Francisco, use the Sausalito Ferry. It departs from the San Francisco Ferry Building or Pier 41.

Overall Airport Tips

International Hub

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) boasts direct flights from major cities across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Budget Option

Oakland International Airport (OAK) offers direct flights to many US cities, with some direct routes to Mexico and Canada, a good choice for North American travelers.

Scenic Ferry

For a scenic and direct route to Sausalito from San Francisco, use the Sausalito Ferry. It departs from the San Francisco Ferry Building or Pier 41.

Land Transportation

Train & Bus Connections

While most international travelers arrive by air, land transportation options stand for domestic visitors or for connecting from other parts of California.

Rail and Coach Options

Train Services: No direct Amtrak train service reaches Sausalito. The closest Amtrak station is in Emeryville. From Emeryville, a dedicated Amtrak Thruway Bus or BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) will take you to San Francisco.
Long-Distance Buses: Greyhound provides intercity bus service to the San Francisco Transbay Transit Center. From there, connect to Sausalito via local public transit. Long-distance bus travel offers a budget-friendly option.
This multi-leg journey makes train travel less direct for reaching Sausalito.

Self-Driving & Road Insights

Driving has flexibility for exploration beyond Sausalito, but local driving conditions have unique characteristics.

Driving Information

Requirements: A valid driver's license from your home country is generally accepted for short-term visitors. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your home country's license is not in English. Rental companies typically require drivers to be at least 21.
Road Conditions: Roads around Sausalito are generally well-maintained. Sausalito itself features many steep, narrow, and winding residential streets, calling for careful driving.
Tolls: The Golden Gate Bridge is a toll bridge when traveling southbound into San Francisco. Tolls collect electronically; rental car companies often handle these.

Safety on the Road

Traffic conditions and parking require attention for a smooth driving experience.

Driving Safety

Traffic becomes heavy, especially during rush hour and on weekends around the Golden Gate Bridge.
Parking in Sausalito, especially downtown, poses challenge and comes at high costs.
Read parking signs carefully for restrictions and time limits.

General Road Etiquette

Adhering to local driving laws safeguards your journey.

Driving Laws & Awareness

Standard US driving laws apply. Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory.
Hands-free phone use is a requirement.
Be aware of cyclists on scenic routes, especially near the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands.

Important Driving Tips

Consider parking outside the immediate downtown area and walking or using local transit.
Traffic delays are common, especially during rush hour.
If renting a car, ask how the rental company handles electronic toll collection to avoid unexpected charges. (DiscoverCars.com)

Always yield to pedestrians.
Defensive driving remains a good practice, especially in tourist traffic areas.
GPS navigation systems are highly useful.

Sea/River Arrivals

Sausalito Ferry Service

For a truly scenic arrival in Sausalito, consider using the local ferry services from San Francisco. This travel offers stunning views of the Bay and iconic landmarks.

Ferry Details

Regular ferry service operates daily between the Sausalito Ferry Terminal and two San Francisco locations: the San Francisco Ferry Building (downtown) and Pier 41 (Fisherman's Wharf).
This ferry ride offers a popular and picturesque way to travel, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the San Francisco skyline.
Two companies operate these routes: Golden Gate Ferry and Blue & Gold Fleet. Check their websites for current schedules and fares.

Cruise & Immigration Notes

Sea Travel Specifics

Cruise Ports: Sausalito does not have a cruise port. Major cruise terminals for large ships are located in San Francisco (Port of San Francisco).
Immigration Procedures: Immigration procedures for cruise passengers entering the US occur at the first US port of call, which would be San Francisco or another major port, not Sausalito.
Sausalito's ferry service connects within the US, so no additional immigration checks happen upon arrival by ferry. River transportation options are not applicable to Sausalito.

Central Location

The Sausalito Ferry Terminal is centrally located on the city’s waterfront, making connections to land transportation simple.

Easy Connections

Upon disembarking the ferry, you have easy access to Golden Gate Transit bus stops, local taxis, rideshare services, and several bicycle rental shops.

Immediate Exploration

This central location provides for immediate exploration of Sausalito on foot, by bike, or using local transit.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Airport Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied when departing the United States beyond those already included in your airline ticket price.

Departure Guidelines

For domestic flights from SFO or OAK, plan to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure.
For international flights, arrive 3 hours or more beforehand. This allows sufficient time for check-in and security.
Allow extra time if traveling during peak holiday periods or rush hour.

Ferry & Road Departure Advice

Smooth Departures

If taking the Sausalito Ferry back to San Francisco for your departure, arrive at the terminal at least 15-30 minutes before departure. Ferries fill up on busy weekends.
If driving to the airport, use a real-time traffic app to estimate travel time. Allow significant buffer time, especially when crossing the Golden Gate Bridge or Bay Bridge during rush hour.
Confirm your flight details and check for any delays or changes before leaving your accommodation.

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

Dining Options

Bay Area airports offer various dining options, from fast food to sit-down restaurants.

Retail & Souvenirs

Retail stores provide opportunities for last-minute souvenir shopping or travel necessities.

Lounges

Many airports feature lounges where you can relax before your flight.

Plan Your Exit

Efficient departure planning ensures a stress-free end to your Sausalito visit.

How to Get to Sausalito