We use cookies for essential site functions and, with your permission, for analytics and advertising. California residents can opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information at any time. See our Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information.
Fifteen minutes across the bay, and the best cheap view in the city.
Last updated
The Coronado ferry runs between downtown San Diego and Coronado roughly every hour, with a crossing of about 15 minutes. Fares are a few dollars each way per person, bikes ride for a small extra fee, and there is no car deck — this is a passenger boat. Downtown boarding is at the Broadway Pier and the Convention Center landing; Coronado boarding is at the Ferry Landing Marketplace on First Street and, on some runs, the Coronado Ferry Landing near the Hotel del side. From the Coronado landing it's a flat 20-minute walk or short bike ride to Orange Avenue and the beach. On summer weekends the ferry beats the bridge outright, because Coronado parking is the real bottleneck, not the drive.
| Option | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry from Broadway Pier | ~15 min | A few dollars each way |
| Drive over the bridge | 10-15 min, plus parking hunt | Free bridge, paid/limited parking |
| Rideshare | 15-25 min | $18-35 each way |
| Bike over the ferry | 15 min + small bike fee | Cheapest full-day option |
| MTS bus 901 | 30-40 min | Standard transit fare |
Broadway Pier sits at the foot of Broadway on the Embarcadero, a short walk from the Santa Fe Depot and the trolley. The Convention Center landing serves the south end of downtown.
Local tip: Buy tickets at the kiosk or on the operator's app before the boat loads.
Bikes board for a small surcharge and turn Coronado into an easy afternoon — the Silver Strand bike path runs south from the landing along the bay.
The Ferry Landing Marketplace has restaurants, a farmers market on Tuesdays and rental bikes right at the dock, with the skyline view back across the bay.
About 20 flat minutes from the landing takes you into Coronado's main street, and another ten reaches the Hotel del and the beach.
Evening service ends earlier than people expect, particularly midweek and in winter. Check the final departure before you settle in for a sunset dinner.
Local tip: Missing the last ferry means a $25-35 rideshare over the bridge.
The crossing is short enough that people treat it as transport and long enough that it works as a sightseeing cruise for the price of a coffee. Sit on the open upper deck if the boat has one: you pass the Star of India and the Midway on the way out, the Coronado Bridge arcs overhead to the south, and the downtown skyline lines up behind you for the photo everyone takes on the way back.
Heading to Coronado, sit on the port (left) side for bridge and Navy pier views. Coming back at golden hour, the starboard side faces the skyline as the buildings light up.
The bay generates its own wind and the upper deck is genuinely cold after sunset, even in August. A layer you'd skip walking downtown is the difference between enjoying the ride and hiding inside.
Local tip: May Gray and June Gloom mornings can hide the skyline entirely — afternoon crossings are clearer.
Boarding is a short ramp, strollers roll straight on, and 15 minutes is well within the attention span of a restless toddler. The Ferry Landing has grass, a small beach and ice cream within a hundred feet of the dock.
Leashed dogs are generally welcome on the open deck, and surfboards, beach chairs and coolers ride without drama. It is a far friendlier way to reach Coronado Beach than a bridge crossing followed by a parking hunt.
Rent at the Ferry Landing, ride the protected bayside path south toward Imperial Beach, and turn around whenever you like. It is flat the entire way, and the return leg has the skyline in front of you.
Twenty flat minutes on foot, or eight by bike, puts you on the wide sand in front of the Hotel del Coronado. Bring the towel with you — the landing has no rentals for beach gear.
The Ferry Landing hosts a Tuesday afternoon market. Ride over from downtown, graze your way through it, and be back across the bay for dinner.
Eat on Orange Avenue or at the landing, then catch a boat well before the final run. Evening service ends earlier than visitors expect, especially midweek in winter.
Local tip: Set a phone alarm for 20 minutes before the last departure.
A few dollars per person each way, with a small additional fee to bring a bicycle. Children's and multi-ride options are usually available.
About 15 minutes across the bay, with departures roughly every hour throughout the day.
No. It is a passenger and bicycle ferry only. To bring a car you drive the Coronado Bridge.
On summer weekends, yes — Coronado parking near the beach and Orange Avenue is the hard part, and the ferry skips it entirely.
Leashed dogs are generally welcome on the open deck. Bring water in summer, since the deck gets hot and there is no shade on some boats.
It is about a 20-minute flat walk or an eight-minute bike ride to Orange Avenue and the Hotel del Coronado, with the main beach just beyond.
No. It is walk-on boarding, though summer weekend afternoon runs can fill, so arrive 10-15 minutes before departure if you have a group.
Evening service ends earlier than most visitors expect, and it varies by day and season. Check the operator's posted schedule at the dock before committing to a sunset dinner.
The Sandi Spots Newsletter
New beach finds, hidden taco shops, weekend events, and seasonal guides — once a week from a local. No spam, ever.
One email a week. Unsubscribe anytime.
Written and fact-checked by the Sandi Spots Editorial team — San Diego residents publishing under Sleep Coast LLC. Every place we recommend has been visited in person or verified against an official source, and no business can pay for inclusion or a higher ranking. Last updated .