The City is bringing in a new dedicated security guard service along with midweek paid parking at Seaplane Lagoon Ferry Terminal, starting February 3.
To offset the cost of the new security service, parking will cost $3 per day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, but will continue to be free on Mondays, Fridays, and weekends.
This targeted approach is designed to help commuters and visitors, especially those taking later ferry trips, find parking during peak transit days, the City stated in a press release.
How to pay
Following the successful rollout of mobile payments citywide last year, nearly 80% of riders at the Harbor Bay Ferry Terminal are already paying remotely. Seaplane Lagoon ferry riders will have two easy ways to pay:
- Mobile payment: Riders are encouraged to download the ParkSmarter mobile app in advance or to familiarize themselves with the text-to-pay option, so they can pay remotely after boarding the ferry.
- On-site pay stations: Pay stations will also be installed where payment is accepted prior to boarding the ferry.
How to get to the ferry station without a car
Ferry riders are encouraged to explore alternative transportation to the terminals if they can, especially on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Options include traveling on Mondays and Fridays instead of midweek, biking, walking, carpooling, or getting dropped off.
In 2025, 29% of Seaplane Lagoon ferry riders reported biking or walking to the ferry. The City continues to build premier, low-stress walking and biking facilities to Seaplane Lagoon, with the 4-mile Cross Alameda Trail serving the terminal and the nearly-complete Central Avenue protected bikeway connecting riders from more southern locations.
Bicyclists can store bikes in secure bike lockers at Seaplane Lagoon or bring their bikes on board. In fall 2025, SF Bay Ferry added an additional morning trip to meet demand for on-board bicycle space.
Other ferry terminals
Paid parking is not planned for the Main Street Ferry Terminal, where parking occupancy remains very low. More detailed information regarding ferry parking is available on the City’s Ferry Terminal and Transit Parking webpage.
