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Public Transit
There is no direct bus or ferry service to the Preserve, however, combined with a taxi trip of a couple miles each way, you could reach the Preserve by public transit using the BARTLink bus from the El Cerrito Del Norte BART station in the East Bay or by Vallejo Baylink Ferry from San Francisco. See the transit information below.
Auto access to Mare Island and the Preserve
From I-80: exit on Tennessee St. Continue west to the entrance to Mare Island. Proceed straight ahead across the blue Causeway. Turn left at Nimitiz Ave. Continue several miles along the waterfront to the 2nd stopsign at 15th St. Turn right one block to Railroad Ave. Turn left onto Railroad Ave and contine beyond the Army Reserve through the gate to parking on the left near the Palmer Hut and our Visitors Center.
From Napa and Sonoma: Travel south on Highway 29 to Tennessee St., turn right and follow directions above. Or, as an alternative route, travel south on Highway 29 to westbound Highway 37. After crossing the Napa River Bridge take the first exit, Mare Island. At the stop sign after crossing over the highway, turn left onto Walnut Ave. Continue to G St. Turn left two blocks, then right onto Nimitz Ave and following directions above.
From Marin and Sonoma: Travel east on Highway 37 toward Vallejo. Just before crossing the Napa River bridge, take the Mare Island exit. Turn right into the north gate of Mare Island and continue on Walnut Ave. At the stop sign at G St. turn left two blocks to Nimitz Ave. Follow directions above to the Preserve.
From Contra Costa County: Cross the Benicia-Martinez Bridge on I-680. Take I-780 west toward Benicia and Vallejo. Continue on I-780 for approximately 7 miles. Continue on the extension of I-780, Curtola Parkway and Mare Island Way, 2.5 miles traveling along the Vallejo waterfront. Turn left at Tennessee St., cross the blue Causeway and follow directions above.
Accessibility for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility
We make every effort to provide access to the Preserve during this interim time prior to the completion of the Master Plan and installation of permanent facilities. You will find a portable restroom facility, a ramp to our Visitors Center, paved roadways and we reserve space on the street at the Palmer Hut for parking. With a placard, you may also drive the approximately one mile to the top of the hill. The road is very narrow, so there are no pull-outs at this time. Please let us know how we can assist you.
For onboard navigation systems and web directions, use 15th Street and Railroad Ave. Vallejo CA 94592, continuing approximately 3 blocks to the end of Railroad Ave. Note that most navigation systems and web-based directions recommend using Railroad Ave. Railroad is blocked off between Nereus St. and 15th St. so if you use Railroad Ave, you will need to make a 1 block jog to Nimitiz for approximately 2 blocks, to 15th St and follow directions above.
MAP ADDRESS BUBBLE SHOWS 15TH ST. & RAILROAD AVE.
Bus & BART
BART using Vallejo Transit’s BARTLink 80 bus from Del Norte Station: Vallejo Express BARTLink Monday-Friday bus from El Cerrito Del Norte BART station to Vallejo every 30 minutes from 5:15am to 10:54pm; Saturday and Sunday, 6:45am to 10:54pm. At the Vallejo Ferry terminal, transfer (free) to #5 Redwood bus to the Mare Island main gate. Buses accommodate bikes. Adult fare: $5 each way. Senior/Disabled fare: $2.50 each way. Casual carpool (as in hitchhike!) from Mare Island entrance to the Preserve or take a taxi. Return Express BARTLink service from Vallejo Ferry terminal to El Cerrito Del Norte every 30 minutes 4:25am to 10:30pm; Saturday, 6:05am to 10:30pm, Sunday, 7:35am to 8:35 pm. For information call 707-648-4666 M–F 8am–5:30pm or visit www.vallejotransit.com.
Ferry & Express Bus to and from San Francisco Ferry Building:
The Vallejo Ferry and Express Route 200 Bus service to/from San Francisco Ferry Building from Vallejo Ferry terminal is approximately 1 hour. Express Vallejo Transit bus departs San Francisco Ferry Building weekdays; five times 6:05am to 8:30am; weekends; 8:10am and 9:40am. Vallejo Ferry departs San Francisco Ferry Building weekdays: 6:35am; weekends, 11:10am. Return to San Francisco by ferry or regular BARTLink service to El Cerrito Del Norte BART using Baylink Daypass(see purchase locations below). Morning ferry departures from Vallejo Ferry terminal to San Francisco: weekday; seven departures 5:30am to 11:30am; weekend: 10:30am and 11:30am. Afternoon ferry departures from Vallejo Ferry terminal to San Francisco: weekday; six departures 1pm to 5:35pm; weekend; three departures 1pm to 6pm.
Afternoon departures to San Francisco Ferry Building from Vallejo Ferry terminal by Route 200 Express Bus: weekday; 8 departures 3pm to 9:30pm; weekends; three departures 2pm, 7:30pm and 9:30pm. Bikes allowed on ferries and buses. Tickets must be purchased in advance at Bay Crossings-SF Ferry Building and Vallejo Ferry Terminal. One-way fares: $13 for adults, $6.50 for youth, senior, disabled. Roundtrip Baylink Daypass for Vallejo ferry, local Vallejo buses and BARTLink 80 service to and from El Cerrito Del Norte BART fares; $24 for adults. Reduced half fare price: $13 senior(65+), Juniors(6-12) and disabled. Age 5 and under: free. For information call 877-64-FERRY or visit www.baylinkferry.com.
To pre-arrange Preserve volunteer provided transportation to and from the Vallejo Ferry terminal to the Preserve: Call 707-557-9816 or 707-249-9633.
Taxi Service
Ferry or bus passengers wishing taxi service the 2-mile distance from the Vallejo Ferry or bus terminal to The Preserve may request the ferry captain or bus driver call ahead for taxi service or call 707-643-3333 or 707-642-4421 upon arrival in Vallejo.