PIER 39 Flying Theater: Soar Above San Francisco

You're lifted into the air on a motion platform while a massive screen wraps around you, making the flight feel real.

The Flyer at PIER 39 is a motion-based flying theater where you board a multi-level flight deck, get lifted and tilted by hydraulic platforms, and watch a wraparound screen show you soaring above San Francisco or escaping dinosaurs in a Jurassic landscape. The experience lasts 15 minutes and suits visitors age 6 and up who are under 300 lbs and at least 40 inches tall. Two ride options let you choose between sightseeing over the city or an animated adventure.

Step-by-step itinerary

Experience The Flyer flying theater

• Arrive at PIER 39
• Choose flight experience
• Board multi-level flight deck
• Enjoy immersive flying theater ride

The experience

The Flyer uses motion platforms and a wraparound screen to create the sensation of flight without leaving the ground. You board a flight deck that tilts and rises as the screen surrounds you with sights and sounds. The technology is designed to make your body feel the movement even though you're stationary. The immersive setup means the experience works for first-time visitors and locals alike, since the motion and visuals do the heavy lifting rather than requiring prior knowledge of the city or the ride mechanics.

Two ride experiences let you pick your adventure at checkout. Destination SF takes you over San Francisco's landmarks and across the American landscape, while T-Rex Safari is an animated journey where you fly alongside and escape from dinosaurs. Both are 15 minutes long and run on the same motion-platform technology, so the difference is purely in what the screen shows you and the story the ride tells.

The Flyer sits on PIER 39, a waterfront destination with restaurants, shops and other attractions nearby, so you can combine it with a longer visit to the pier. Admission is included with your ticket. The only decision is which ride experience suits your mood.

What’s included

• Admission ticket to The Flyer.
• choice of two ride experiences (Destination SF or T-Rex Safari).
• 15-minute immersive flight on a motion platform with wraparound screen.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessiblePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Family Entertainment Group, LLC

Is this one for you?The motion platform and wraparound screen do all the storytelling, so you don't need to know San Francisco landmarks or have any experience with flight simulators: the experience works the same way whether you're visiting the city for the first time or you live here. Choose this if you want a thrill that doesn't require physical exertion or outdoor conditions.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years). Under 6: they can't be included in the booking.

What's the difference between the two rides at The Flyer?

Destination SF shows you flying over San Francisco's iconic sights and across the United States landscape, while T-Rex Safari is an animated adventure where you soar with dinosaurs and escape from them. Both use the same motion platform and last 15 minutes. You choose which story you want to experience.

How does the motion platform work if I'm not actually flying?

The Flyer raises you up on a multi-level flight deck and tilts it as the wraparound screen shows you the landscape moving below and around you. The combination of motion, sound and visuals creates the sensation of flight even though you stay in one spot on the platform.

Where is The Flyer located and how do I get there?

The Flyer is located on PIER 39 in San Francisco, a waterfront destination with public transportation options nearby. You can reach it by bus, cable car or other transit, and parking is available in the area.

How long does the entire experience take?

The flight itself lasts 15 minutes. Plan additional time for ticket purchase and boarding, but the ride experience from takeoff to landing is a quarter hour.