Did you know that several cities offer car ferries as a convenience or as a mode of transportation to remote locations?
Driving your car onto a ferry may seem daunting – let’s face it, I was terrified – but with advanced preparation it’s much less nerve-wracking taking a car ferry.
This summer I took my first car ferries to Washington Island and Madeline Island, both in Wisconsin. I was pleasantly surprised to find how organized the process was and that anyone can do it.
This post details the typical steps to taking the car ferry and what to expect during your first trip.
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Follow These Steps for an Enjoyable First Ferry Experience:
Learn the Ferry Schedule
Like everything in life, you’ll be much more relaxed and less anxious about taking the car ferry the more you know about it, including the schedule.
Many ferries have contracts with the city and other services, so they are very timely, regardless of whether the ferry is full or if there is still a line at the ticket booth.
I’d recommend arriving at the ferry at least 15-20 minutes before your scheduled ferry (more if it’s a popular ferry time or the first ferry of the day).
Purchase Ferry Tickets
While the process for purchasing tickets differs between the ferry lines, you’ll certainly need a ticket before boarding. Some ferries may allow you to purchase tickets ahead of time, but if not, you’ll need to budget time into your schedule to purchase the ticket upon arriving at the ferry terminal.
Ferry fees are based on the number of passengers and the vehicles you are bringing.
For example, if you’re traveling with four adults in your SUV, you’ll pay the vehicle rate and then the rate for four adults.
You are not required to bring a vehicle on a car ferry, so if you walk on or bring bikes instead, your ferry fare will be less.
I’ve found that some ferries are much more organized with the ticket process than others. If you aren’t certain about the process or have questions, ask others in front of you or walk directly to the ferry booth. You don’t want to miss the ferry because you weren’t able to get tickets in time.
Drive Your Car onto the Ferry
Driving your car onto the ferry is usually the most feared part of the experience, but the ferry operators do an excellent job of guiding you where you should park. My number one tip is to drive slowly onto the ferry. I definitely drove way too fast my first time and there was no rush.
They typically allow one car on the ferry at a time, and the operators do not move onto the next in line until you are parked and ready to get out of your car.
One car is allowed onto the ferry at a time so that the operators can guide you to your spot. You get CLOSE to the other cars on the ferry. Sometimes it is hard to get out of the car, but you can always let the ferry operator know if you plan on leaving your vehicle so that they give you enough space for the doors to open.
Enjoy the Ride
In my opinion, the best part of the car ferry is that you get to bring your car to your destination while enjoying a beautiful boat ride. The ferries typically have a covered seating area along with an open deck where you can sit or stand and watch the view around you.
You are also welcome to remain in your car for the duration of the ferry ride. I personally feel a little claustrophobic in my car over the water, but others feel more secure.
Unlike scenic boat tours, car ferries do not offer amenities like narrated tours or snacks and drinks for purchase. Rather, the ferry and captain/staff are there to transport you safely between destinations.
There is a bathroom on board!
Carefully Drive Off the Ferry
Be prepared to drive off the ferry as soon as the boat docks. Once the boat starts docking, you’ll want to make sure you head back to your vehicle.
The ferry has entrances at both ends so you will drive straight off the ferry rather than backing off – a huge win! Again, the ferry operators will guide you off the ferry, letting you know when to drive off so there’s no confusion and no crashes.
Repeat for your Return Trip
Once you are ready to return to your starting destination, you’ll complete the whole process again. Chances are you’ll have purchased a roundtrip ticket upfront, so make sure you have that return ticket handy so you can drive back on the ferry.
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