Visitor Guide
Coronado Ferry: Schedule, Prices & Route to The Del
The 15-minute bay crossing from downtown San Diego to Coronado Island — everything visitors to Hotel del Coronado need in 2026.
Quick Facts
- Operator: Flagship Cruises & Events
- Crossing time: ~15 minutes
- Frequency: Roughly hourly, 9am–9pm (later Fri/Sat)
- Adult one-way: ~$8 (bikes free)
- SD terminals: Broadway Pier & Convention Center
- Coronado terminal: Ferry Landing, 1st & B
Times and fares change seasonally — confirm on the Flagship website before you go.
Coronado Ferry Schedule
Departures alternate between Broadway Pier and the Convention Center pier, with one boat in service most of the day. Expect a sailing every hour on the hour from San Diego and roughly every hour on the half-hour back from Coronado. Service starts around 9am and the last return is typically 9pm Sunday–Thursday and 10pm on Friday and Saturday. Holiday schedules and special events (Comic-Con, July 4th fireworks) can shift the pattern significantly.
Arrive 10 minutes before departure — the gangway closes promptly and there's no standby boarding once the boat pushes off.
Tickets & Prices
- Adult one-way: approximately $8.
- Children: small discount; under 3 ride free with a paying adult.
- Active military: discounted with valid ID.
- Bicycles: free — no reservation needed.
- Buy at: the Flagship app, kiosks at Broadway Pier or the Ferry Landing, or onboard.
Where the Ferry Departs
Broadway Pier (downtown San Diego)
990 N. Harbor Drive, at the foot of Broadway. The main terminal — closest to the Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, and the cruise terminals. Walk-up paid parking is available in the adjacent Lane Field lots.
Convention Center Pier
On 5th Avenue at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. Most convenient if you're staying at a bayfront hotel or attending an event at the San Diego Convention Center.
Coronado Ferry Landing (arrival)
1201 1st Street, between B and C Avenues. A small village of shops, cafés, and bike-rental kiosks with one of the best downtown-skyline views in San Diego.
Getting from the Ferry Landing to Hotel del Coronado
The Del sits about 2 miles south of the Ferry Landing. Four easy options:
- MTS 904 bus — picks up at the Ferry Landing and stops directly in front of Hotel del Coronado. About 10–12 minutes and a couple of dollars; perfect with luggage.
- Rideshare — Uber/Lyft typically $8–$12, 5–7 minutes.
- Bike — rent a beach cruiser at the Ferry Landing and pedal south down Orange Avenue or the bay path. About 15 minutes and arguably the most fun.
- Walk — 35–40 minutes along Orange Avenue's tree-lined median, past Coronado's shops and cafés.
Already lining up a stay? Compare live rates and pick a room before you board.
Compare Hotel del Coronado Rates →Insider Tips
- Sit on the right (starboard) side leaving Broadway Pier for the best Coronado Bridge views.
- Catch the 7pm–8pm return for a downtown skyline sunset.
- Bring a light layer — the bay breeze is brisk even in summer.
- Use the ferry as a one-way and bike the Bayshore Bikeway back; the loop is one of San Diego's best half-day rides.
- Combine with a visit to Coronado Dog Beach — dogs ride free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Coronado Ferry schedule?
Flagship's Coronado Ferry typically runs every hour from about 9am to 9pm (later on Friday and Saturday) between San Diego's Broadway Pier, the Convention Center, and the Coronado Ferry Landing. The full crossing takes roughly 15 minutes each way. Always confirm same-day departures on the operator's site before you go, since the schedule shifts seasonally.
How much does the Coronado Ferry cost?
One-way fares are around $8 per adult and a few dollars less for children, with discounts for active military. Bicycles ride free. Buy tickets on the Flagship app, at the kiosk on Broadway Pier, or at the Ferry Landing — no advance reservation is required for foot passengers.
Where does the Coronado Ferry depart from?
Two San Diego–side terminals: Broadway Pier at the foot of Broadway downtown (the main terminal), and the Convention Center pier next to the Hilton Bayfront on 5th Avenue. On the island, ferries arrive at the Coronado Ferry Landing on 1st Street between B and C Avenues.
How do I get from the Coronado Ferry Landing to Hotel del Coronado?
It's about 2 miles south. The easiest options are: (1) the 904 MTS bus, which leaves from the Ferry Landing and stops right in front of The Del in about 10–12 minutes; (2) a rideshare for $8–$12; (3) a beach-cruiser rental from one of the Ferry Landing shops for a flat 15-minute pedal down Orange Avenue. Walking takes about 35–40 minutes and is pleasant in good weather.
Can I bring a bike or dog on the Coronado Ferry?
Yes. Bicycles are allowed at no extra charge — handy because Coronado is one of the most bike-friendly places in San Diego. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are also welcome on board, which makes the ferry a popular ride for guests visiting Coronado Dog Beach.
Is the Coronado Ferry better than driving over the bridge?
If you don't already have a car, yes — the ferry is cheaper than a rideshare, more scenic than the bridge, and drops you next to shops, restaurants, and the bike path. If you're already driving, the Coronado Bridge is faster (10 minutes from downtown) but you'll pay The Del's valet on arrival.