A transfer mechanism includes a rail, first and second tables on the rail, first and second arms each having a base pivotably supported by the first and second tables, respectively, and first and second drive mechanisms that move the first and second tables along the rail, respectively. The first and second arms are pivotaly connected to each other at a position between a tip side and a base side. Tip side portions of the first and second arms than a connected portion of the first and second arms serve as fingers for holding a workpiece. The first and second drive mechanisms independently move the first and second tables, respectively. A relative movement of the first and second tables causes the first and second arms to operate a clamp/unclamp operation. A coordinated movement of the first and second tables causes the first and second arms to perform an advance/return operation.