The waters of San Diego Bay now host a new commuter and leisure option: a daily ferry connecting the Chula Vista Bayfront to downtown San Diego. Operated by Flagship Cruises & Events, the service officially began on June 1, 2026 and runs between Safe Harbor South Bay (600 Marina Parkway, Chula Vista) and Fifth Avenue Landing near the San Diego Convention Center.
This route offers roughly 45-minute crossings one way and is priced at $15 per passenger for single trips. The inaugural schedule starts with an 8 a.m. departure from Chula Vista and alternates departures at the top of each hour; the final departure of the regular daily schedule leaves Fifth Avenue Landing at 7:00 p.m.
What to expect aboard the new route
The vessels operating the Chula Vista link are designed for short bay crossings and provide a largely open-air experience. Because of that design, passengers should plan accordingly; the Chula Vista boats are noted as not ADA / wheelchair accessible, while other Flagship vessels serving Coronado do include accessible interior decks. There are no restrooms onboard and no food or beverage service at launch.
Practical onboard policies
Passengers will find a set of straightforward rules that mirror other local ferry services. Service animals are welcome, and strollers are permitted. Bicycles are accepted on Coronado ferries and may be carried on Chula Vista sailings at the captain’s discretion; space can be limited. Large luggage and bulky items are discouraged due to limited onboard room.
Ticketing, boarding and schedule details
Tickets for the new route are sold as one-way fares; a round trip requires purchasing two one-way tickets. Chula Vista ferry tickets are validated for the specific date and departure time selected at purchase. Travelers may buy tickets online, at ticket kiosks near boarding locations, or at the Broadway Pier ticket booth. To modify a reservation, Flagship advises calling (619) 234-4111.
For typical departures, arriving at least 10 minutes before the scheduled sail is recommended. During busy weekends, holidays, convention events, and other peak times, allow additional time because boarding is subject to vessel capacity and some departures may fill quickly. Schedules alternate hourly between terminals to provide predictable connection windows for commuters and visitors alike.
Special late-night service for events
Flagship has announced extended late departures from The Convention Center (Fifth Avenue) to accommodate concertgoers returning from the Rady Shell. On selected dates the last ferry will leave at 10:25 p.m. Those dates include: Tuesday, June 9, 2026; Wednesday, June 10, 2026; Sunday, June 21, 2026; Sunday, June 28, 2026; Sunday, July 12, 2026; Tuesday, July 14, 2026; Sunday, August 2, 2026; Sunday, August 9, 2026; Sunday, August 16, 2026; Tuesday, August 18, 2026; Sunday, August 23, 2026; Sunday, August 30, 2026; and Wednesday, September 16, 2026. Riders attending those concerts should confirm the schedule in advance, as event-related sailings can change.
Local context and future outlook
City and regional planners have long envisioned ferry connections as part of waterfront development strategies. Local officials note that a link between Chula Vista’s Bayfront and downtown fits within the broader Chula Vista Bayfront Master Plan goals to expand public access and connect destinations across the bay. Elected leaders and transit advocates see the ferry as offering an alternative to driving for trips to the convention center and major downtown events, potentially easing traffic and parking pressures.
Flagship’s leadership has signaled intentions to expand the timetable if demand supports more sailings. The operating agreement for the Chula Vista berth was reached between the marina operator and Flagship within the Bayfront planning framework. As with any new transit option, service adjustments, capacity constraints and operational changes may occur; riders should check the operator’s website or call the listed number for the latest information.
Where to board and other terminals
In addition to the new Chula Vista to downtown run, Flagship continues to operate traditional routes from Broadway Pier (990 N Harbor Dr), The Convention Center/Fifth Avenue Landing, and the Coronado Ferry Landing (1201 1st St). Travel times vary by route: Broadway Pier to Coronado and Convention Center to Coronado are approximately 15 minutes, while Broadway Pier to Chula Vista is about 45 minutes. Parking availability at terminals varies by location, so riders should plan onward ground transportation accordingly.
For the most current fares, departure times and policies, consult the Flagship website or call (619) 234-4111 before traveling. The new service provides both a scenic alternative to driving and a growing piece of the region’s waterfront connectivity strategy.
