In a significant achievement for local ferry services, the Alameda Seaplane ferry route has surpassed one million passengers since its inaugural voyage on July 1, 2021. This ferry route connects Alameda Point to downtown San Francisco. It has proven immensely popular, with statistics showing it's the second highest in weekday ridership across the SF Bay Ferry system.
Per the San Francisco Bay Ferry, the route sees an average of approximately 1,500 riders daily. Given these numbers, it's no surprise that the Alameda Seaplane route has quickly become a go-to choice for many commuters, a fact lauded by Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft. "One million riders on the Seaplane Lagoon Ferry is a huge accomplishment!" Ashcraft said. "Our dedicated ferry riders – the happiest commuters you will find – know that Seaplane offers an unbeatable commute – less than 20 minutes to San Francisco with breathtaking views and bike-friendly access."
This milestone indicates a more extensive recovery in ferry ridership, which saw a 16% increase in 2024, with the trend showing no signs of abating into 2025. The SF Bay Ferry Board Chair Jim Wunderman credited the success of the Seaplane route to excellent partnership and hard work. "Connecting communities like Alameda’s west end to San Francisco is a great example of the ferry’s mission to provide safe, reliable and affordable transit across the Bay Area," Wunderman noted, as cited by the San Francisco Bay Ferry.
The Seaplane service benefits Alameda's West End and Alameda Point, linking residents with San Francisco and drawing visitors to local attractions such as Spirits Alley and Alameda Point Waterfront Park. Departures from Alameda as early as 6:30 a.m. and returns from San Francisco as late as 10:20 p.m. ensure a flexible and convenient schedule for users. Two other ferry terminals in Alameda at Main Street and Harbor Bay in Bay Farm Isle, along with the Oakland Alameda Water Shuttle, are also part of SF Bay Ferry's efforts to connect the East Bay to various destinations.
