Ferry Boat Operations: Open Or Closed?

Ferry boats are a convenient and scenic mode of transportation, offering daily services and tailored schedules to suit commuters and tourists alike. From the Corpus Christi-Port Aransas ferry in Texas to the San Francisco Bay Ferry in California, these vessels provide essential connections across waterways, islands, and even states. With some operating 24/7 and offering toll-free rides, ferry boats are a vital part of the country's transport infrastructure, ensuring safe and efficient travel for passengers and vehicles alike.

Ferry schedules

San Francisco Bay Ferry

San Francisco Bay Ferry offers an extensive network of routes and tailored schedules for commuters and tourists looking to explore the bay. They provide daily services between various locations, such as Oakland & Main Street Alameda, Downtown San Francisco, Vallejo, Mare Island, the Alameda Seaplane Lagoon, Richmond, Harbor Bay, and Oyster Point. They also offer special event routes for sports games and weekday short-hop services.

Washington State Ferries

Washington State Ferries provide sailing schedules for various routes, including Anacortes / San Juan Islands, Port Townsend / Coupeville, Seattle / Bainbridge Island, Fauntleroy / Southworth, and Pt Defiance / Tahlequah. They offer online ticket purchases and the ability to save a spot for your vehicle on certain routes. They also have a winter sailing schedule with updates for ice and snow conditions.

Texas Ferry Services

Texas operates several ferry services, including the Corpus Christi-Port Aransas and Galveston-Port Bolivar routes. The Port Aransas route runs between two and six ferries a day, connecting Aransas Pass on the mainland to Port Aransas on Mustang Island. The Galveston-Port Bolivar ferry operates 24 hours a day, with one vessel always in operation. A second vessel is added in the morning, and a third may be added during the afternoon or for summer and holiday traffic. These ferries can carry up to 20 regular passenger vehicles, with specific weight and dimension restrictions for different types of vehicles.

Illinois Ferry Services

Illinois offers both free and fee-based ferry services on the Illinois River, Ohio River, and Mississippi River. The Illinois River Ferry Boats provide a free, IDOT-operated service between Kampsville and Brussels. The Mississippi River Ferry Boats offer a fee-based service supported by Missouri DOT, with specific routes listed on their website.

Ferry routes

There are several ferry routes available for travel. Here is a list of some of the routes operated by different ferry services:

San Francisco Bay Ferry Routes:

• Oakland & Main Street Alameda to Downtown San Francisco
• Vallejo to Downtown San Francisco, with select trips to Mare Island
• Alameda Seaplane Lagoon to Downtown San Francisco (weekday service)
• Richmond to Downtown San Francisco
• Harbor Bay to Downtown San Francisco (weekday service with limited midday departures)
• Oakland & Main Street Alameda to Oyster Point (weekday commute service)

Texas Ferry Routes:

• Port Aransas: Connects travellers on SH 361 with a link across the Corpus Christi Channel between Aransas Pass and Port Aransas on Mustang Island.
• Galveston-Port Bolivar: Operates between Galveston Island and the Bolivar Peninsula.

Illinois Ferry Routes:

• Kampsville & Brussels: Free service operated by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
• Mississippi River: Fee-based service supported by Missouri DOT.
• Ohio River: Free service supported by Kentucky and Illinois.

Washington State Ferry Routes:

• Anacortes / San Juan Islands
• Port Townsend / Coupeville
• Seattle / Bainbridge Island
• Fauntleroy / Southworth
• Pt Defiance / Tahlequah

These are just a few examples of the many ferry routes available, and it is recommended to check the official websites for the most up-to-date information on schedules, routes, and any restrictions or requirements.

Ferry rules and restrictions

The following rules and restrictions are in place for ferry services:

Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry, Texas

• The ferry is a toll-free service.
• The ferry operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, weather permitting.
• Pets and animals must remain inside the owner's vehicle, except for service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• No smoking is allowed anywhere on the ferry, including inside vehicles. This includes vapor and e-cigarettes.
• Vehicles must be turned off as soon as they are parked on the ferry, and the parking brake must be set.
• Passengers should not walk in front of or behind any parked vehicle while the ferry is approaching or entering the landing. They must remain in their vehicle until the ferry has departed.
• Hazardous materials, including gas cans, are forbidden, except for propane tanks attached to recreational vehicles and two extra federally approved gas tanks in trailered boats.
• Passengers may spread ashes from the rear of the ferry.
• Vehicles should not exceed 80,000 pounds, with a maximum length of 65 feet, a maximum height of 13.5 feet, and a maximum width of 8.5 feet.

San Francisco Bay Ferry

• The ferry offers daily and weekday services between various locations, including Oakland, Main Street Alameda, Vallejo, Downtown San Francisco, Mare Island, the Alameda Seaplane Lagoon, Richmond, Harbor Bay, and Oyster Point.
• There is also a free shuttle service connecting Alameda Landing and Oakland's Jack London Square on Wednesdays through Sundays.

Illinois River Ferry Boats

• The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) operates free ferry services on the Illinois River between Kampsville and Brussels.
• There are also private-operated ferry services on the Ohio River and Mississippi River, some of which are free while others charge a fee.

Washington State Ferries

• Washington State Ferries provide services on various routes, including Anacortes / San Juan Islands, Port Townsend / Coupeville, Seattle / Bainbridge Island, and Fauntleroy / Southworth.
• They offer the option to buy tickets or passes online and save a spot for your vehicle on certain routes.
• During winter, they advise carrying chains and packing extra supplies, such as warm clothing and emergency items.

Ferry history

Ferries are an important part of daily life for many people around the world. In fact, in some places, they are a necessity, especially in areas with a lot of water where bridges and tunnels are not an option.

The history of the ferry goes back to ancient times, with the most well-known early use of a ferry appearing in Greek mythology. In the story, Charon the ferryman carried the souls of the dead across the River Styx.

The earliest ferries were small watercraft propelled by poles or oars. Over time, bigger flatboats were introduced, and sails were added to some boats to take advantage of favourable wind conditions. Some bigger ferries even used horses as a means of propulsion, either by having them walk in a circle around a capstan that hauled ropes, or by having them walk on a treadmill attached to paddle wheels.

The first steam-powered ferry in the United States was launched in 1790 on the Delaware River. While it was not a commercial success, it paved the way for a new era of ferries that were bigger, faster, and more reliable.

As the shipping industry evolved, steam engines were replaced by diesel engines in all types of vessels, including ferries. However, with the rise in popularity of cars and trucks, many ferries were unable to keep up with the demand and load requirements, leading to a shift back towards the construction of bridges and tunnels for cross-water transportation.

Despite this, ferries remain a crucial mode of transportation in many areas, especially in coastal regions and archipelagos such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, and the UK, where they are relied upon for domestic transportation between islands.

Ferry parking

Texas

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) offers toll-free ferry services, including the Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry and the Port Aransas route. The Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry has parking facilities on both the Galveston and Bolivar sides. Both an elevated parking garage and a parking lot are available on the Galveston side, while there is a parking lot on the Bolivar side. These parking areas are secure and lighted, and passengers can use them free of charge while riding the ferry.

Illinois

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) offers free ferry services at certain locations, such as the Illinois River Ferry Boats at Kampsville and Brussels. However, the information provided does not specify the availability of parking facilities at these sites. It is advisable to check with the respective ferry services or refer to their websites for detailed information on parking options.

Washington

Washington State Ferries provide the option to "save a spot for your vehicle" on certain routes. While the exact details of this service are not specified, it indicates that parking accommodations are available for passengers travelling with their vehicles. It is recommended to visit the Washington State Ferries website or contact their customer service for detailed information on parking procedures and availability.

San Francisco

While the San Francisco Bay Ferry provides extensive information on its routes and schedules, there is no explicit mention of parking facilities at this time. It is advisable to refer to their website or contact their customer service for detailed information regarding parking options and recommendations for passengers travelling with their vehicles.

Frequently asked questions