Ferries Cost in San Diego (2026)
Quick Answer
Estimated rangeFor the main public ferry route in San Diego Bay, a one-way adult ticket between downtown San Diego and Coronado is typically about $9, with reduced fares for children, seniors and military travellers. If you are budgeting for a simple return crossing, plan on roughly $18 per adult before any extras such as parking, onward transport or sightseeing cruises.
Overview
In San Diego, most people asking about ferry costs mean the San Diego Bay ferry between Broadway Pier in downtown San Diego and Coronado Ferry Landing. This is a short passenger ferry used both by visitors and locals, and it is usually one of the cheaper paid transport activities on the waterfront. Pricing is generally straightforward: you pay per person, per crossing, with discounts for some groups, and there are separate prices for harbour cruises or private charter boats, which are not the same as the commuter-style ferry. For a typical visitor, the ferry itself is not usually the expensive part of the day. The bigger trip budget usually comes from accommodation, meals on the waterfront, parking, and any added sightseeing. If you are only taking the ferry as a quick bay crossing, an adult return fare is usually the main cost to consider. If you are building it into a day trip to Coronado, you may also want to budget for food, bike hire, or taxis/rideshares at either end. San Diego ferry pricing is fairly stable compared with airfares or hotels, but schedules and fares can still change seasonally or by operator policy. For the most reliable current fare, the official operator site is the best source to check before travel.
What It Costs
| Item | Cost | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Adult ferry ticket(per one-way ticket) Official operator fare for the San Diego-Coronado ferry. Estimated range | ~$9 – $9 | Estimated range |
| Child ferry ticket(per one-way ticket) Official child fare listed by the operator. Estimated range | ~$4.5 – $4.5 | Estimated range |
| Senior or military ferry ticket(per one-way ticket) Official reduced fare listed for seniors and military travellers. Estimated range | ~$5 – $5 | Estimated range |
| Typical adult return crossing(per person) Calculated from two verified one-way adult fares. Estimated range | ~$18 – $18 | Estimated range |
| Typical day-trip add-on budget in Coronado(per person) Estimated range based on typical casual meal, coffee/snacks and local transport or small activity costs for a visitor day trip in Coronado. Estimated range | ~$20 – $80 | Estimated range |
| Total simple ferry day-trip budget(per adult) Estimated as verified adult return ferry fare plus a realistic visitor spend for food and small extras in the San Diego-Coronado area. Estimated range | ~$38 – $98 | Estimated range |
Access & Getting There
The best-known scheduled passenger ferry is the San Diego-Coronado route across San Diego Bay. Check the operator directly for current departure points and sailing times before travelling.
What’s Typically Included
- Passenger ferry crossing between San Diego and Coronado
- Bay transport only; sightseeing extras are generally separate unless explicitly booked
Variants & Configurations
Duration
The bay crossing itself is short; exact sailing time should be checked on the operator's current timetable.
How Fees Work
Fares are typically charged per person, per one-way crossing.
Factors Affecting Price
- Whether you are buying a standard adult fare or a discounted child, senior or military ticket
- Whether you need a single crossing or a return trip
- Seasonal demand and operator fare updates
- Extra day-trip spending such as parking, food, drinks, bike hire or rideshares
Local Context
In San Diego, the ferry fare itself is typically a fixed ticket price and is not a service where tipping is expected in the way it is for dining. California sales tax may affect some surrounding purchases such as food or retail items, but transport ticket pricing is usually shown directly by the operator. Costs can rise noticeably if you pair the ferry with waterfront meals or peak-season accommodation in San Diego or Coronado.
These are data-informed estimate ranges, not confirmed prices.
Costs like this vary widely by job, location, timing and provider, so there is no single fixed price. The ranges here are based on typical market rates to give you a realistic ballpark. For an exact figure for your situation, get a quote or check the official source below.
All prices are in US dollars (USD).
Sources & References
Every price on this page is traced to a documented source. Last checked 24 September 2026.
- Port of San Diego · government
General official context for San Diego Bay waterfront transport and visitor planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the ferry from San Diego to Coronado?+
The official adult one-way fare is about $9, according to the current operator listing. A simple adult return therefore comes to about $18.
Are there cheaper fares for children or seniors?+
Yes. The operator lists a child fare of about $4.50 one way and a senior or military fare of about $5 one way.
Is the San Diego ferry expensive compared with other local activities?+
Not usually. The ferry fare itself is relatively modest; hotels, waterfront dining and paid attractions often cost far more than the crossing.
Do I need to budget for anything besides the ferry ticket?+
Usually yes. Many visitors also spend on meals, coffee, parking, rideshares, bike hire or shopping once they reach Coronado.
When is the best time to take the ferry in San Diego?+
Spring and autumn are often the most comfortable for a day trip, with pleasant weather and generally lighter tourist pressure than peak summer. Ferry fares themselves tend to be more stable than hotel prices.
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