For thousands of Marin residents who rely on the ferry every week, these upgrades mark the beginning of a smoother, cleaner, and more enjoyable way to cross the Bay. Here’s what you can expect.
The new ferries are being built around the needs of commuters and leisure riders alike. From seating to boarding to bike storage, every detail has been thoughtfully considered.
Say goodbye to cramped rides. The new vessels will feature upgraded, modern seating designed for comfort—whether you’re settling in for a morning commute or enjoying a scenic trip into the city.
With two full decks, riders will have more space to spread out, enjoy views, and move around the boat without crowding.
Streamlined boarding and disembarking will make peak-hour commutes smoother and shorter. This means less waiting, quicker load times, and an overall more efficient experience.
Accessibility has been significantly upgraded. The new ferries will include an onboard elevator, allowing passengers with disabilities to easily access both decks—an improvement long overdue for the fleet.
Cyclists, rejoice. The new design includes generous bike storage, making multimodal commuting easier than ever.
With an onboard snack bar, riders can grab a coffee or bite to eat while enjoying their trip across the Bay.
The new vessels will feature a modern hull design that produces fewer wakes—leading to a quieter, smoother ride and reduced impact on local shorelines. Whether you’re a daily commuter or an occasional weekend rider, you’ll notice the difference immediately.
And while the boats will be faster and more efficient, they’ll also be far more environmentally friendly, consuming about 35% less fuel than the high-speed catamarans currently in service.
One of the most significant benefits of the new fleet is the reduction in emissions. The upgraded vessels will cut:
Nitrogen oxide emissions by 85%
Particulate matter by 95%
This is a major win for regional air quality—and for the Bay Area communities that value sustainable transit options.
The first new ferry—named Liwa—is currently in development and is expected to arrive in 2027. It will carry up to 500 passengers and marks the expansion of the fleet from seven to eight vessels.
About 12 months into construction, the second new ferry will begin production. It will replace the long-serving Del Norte, originally built in 1998.
After that, the district aims to introduce one new ferry each year until the fleet is fully modernized.
With ridership expected to grow—requiring an estimated 54 trips per day from the Larkspur terminal—the new fleet will help the district meet rising demand while keeping travel comfortable and efficient for passengers.
For commuters, this investment translates directly into a better daily experience:
More comfort
Less noise
Faster trips
Better accessibility
Cleaner air
And smoother rides across the Bay
For occasional riders, it means ferry trips that feel more reliable, more enjoyable, and more aligned with Marin’s focus on sustainability and quality of life.
The Golden Gate Ferry upgrades mark the beginning of a new era—one designed around rider comfort, environmental responsibility, and the future growth of our region. Whether you take the ferry for work, recreation, or weekend adventures, the coming improvements promise a more seamless and satisfying experience on the water.
Photo: Marin IJ courtesy Golden Gate Ferry
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