This interactive map shows every passenger ferry route and terminal in California. Across 55 unique routes serving 83 terminals, California ferries carry around 14,350,269 passengers and 355,154 vehicles each year, ranking the state #3 nationally by ferry passenger volume.

The role of ferries in California

California ferries cluster in the San Francisco Bay, where Golden Gate Ferry, WETA, and the Alcatraz Cruises tourist service together move millions of commuters and visitors each year. Smaller operations serve Catalina Island, the Channel Islands, and Sacramento River crossings.

Every ferry route in California

The table below lists every passenger ferry route serving California in the latest National Census of Ferry Operators, sorted by annual ridership. Passenger counts combine both directions.

Notable California ferry routes

• Busiest route: Pier Thirty-three – Alcatraz Island (Alcatraz Cruises) carries about 3,600,000 passengers a year.
• Longest route: San Miguel Island – Ventura Harbor is 55.0 miles (Island Packers Corp.).
• Season mix: 37 routes operate year-round, 18 are seasonal.
• Intermodal terminals: 55 of 83 terminals connect to local bus, rail, or bike share.

Ferry terminals in California

The list below covers every ferry terminal recorded in California, including the operator, ownership, and what intermodal connections (bus, rail, bike share, parking) are available at the terminal.

Showing the first 40 of 50 unique ferry terminals in California. Pan the map above to see them all.

Biggest ferry operators in California

• Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District: 5,118,196 annual passengers
• Alcatraz Cruises: 3,606,750 annual passengers
• San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA): 3,241,647 annual passengers

How California compares nationally

California ranks #3 of the 41 US states with ferry service. Just ahead is Washington with 28,699,181 annual passengers, and just behind is Texas with 8,955,165.

For the full national picture and rankings across all 41 US ferry states, see the complete US ferries map.

Neighbouring ferry maps

Oregon ferries.

Frequently asked questions

How many ferry routes are there in California?

The BTS National Census of Ferry Operators records 55 unique passenger ferry routes serving 83 terminals in California. Including both directional segments, that is 110 numbered route entries in the database (most routes are recorded once for each direction).

Which is the busiest ferry in California?

The Pier Thirty-three – Alcatraz Island carries about 3,600,000 passengers each year, making it the busiest ferry route in California according to the latest census.

Are California ferries free?

Some California ferries are operated as part of the state highway system and run free for passengers and vehicles, while privately operated routes charge a fare. Click any route on the map above and refer to the operator’s website for current fares and schedules.

Where does the data on this map come from?

Routes and terminals are pulled live from the National Transportation Atlas Database published by the US Bureau of Transportation Statistics, which compiles every domestic ferry operator’s response to the National Census of Ferry Operators. The map updates automatically whenever BTS refreshes the layer.