St. Johns River Ferry
A quick, scenic ferry ride across the St. Johns River, connecting Mayport and Fort George Island. Enjoy river views and a convenient commute.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the weekend crowds
St. Johns River Ferry
Best Time
Beat the weekend crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A quick, scenic ferry ride across the St. Johns River, connecting Mayport and Fort George Island. Enjoy river views and a convenient commute.
"This ferry is brief but altogether pleasant and very efficiently managed."
Check the Schedule First
Always verify the Mayport ferry schedule before heading out to avoid long waits.
Tickets Onboard
Purchase your St. Johns River Ferry tickets once you're parked on the ferry. Cash or card accepted.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic River Crossing
St. Johns River
Enjoy a brief, pleasant ride across the St. Johns River, connecting A1A North and South.
Mayport Naval Station Views
Near Mayport Naval Station
Catch glimpses of naval activity and ships from the ferry, offering a unique perspective.
Coastal Connection
Mayport to Fort George Island
A convenient way to travel between Mayport and areas like Fort George Island, saving driving time.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Ferry Fares & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check the Schedule First
Always verify the Mayport ferry schedule before heading out to avoid long waits.
Tickets Onboard
Purchase your St. Johns River Ferry tickets once you're parked on the ferry. Cash or card accepted.
Turn Off Your Engine
Remember to turn off your vehicle's motor once on board for safety and quiet.
Pedestrians & Bikes Welcome
The ferry is accessible for pedestrians and cyclists too!
Tips
from all over the internet
Check the Schedule First
Always verify the Mayport ferry schedule before heading out to avoid long waits.
Tickets Onboard
Purchase your St. Johns River Ferry tickets once you're parked on the ferry. Cash or card accepted.
Turn Off Your Engine
Remember to turn off your vehicle's motor once on board for safety and quiet.
Pedestrians & Bikes Welcome
The ferry is accessible for pedestrians and cyclists too!
Use the JTA App
The MyJTA app can help you schedule rides and is very convenient.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers find the St. Johns River Ferry to be a brief, pleasant, and efficiently managed experience. The nominal cost and time-saving aspect are frequently praised, along with the scenic views and friendly crew. While most experiences are positive, occasional issues with specific employees or ferry downtime can occur.
"This ferry is brief but altogether pleasant and very efficiently managed. It's easy to get on and get off tickets are sold once you are parked on board and the whole crossing takes less than 20 minutes.
The nominal cost of seven dollars is probably what the fuel cost would be to take the longer Route around the St. John to the closest bridge."
D G (ConsumerGuru)
"How fun!!! I really enjoyed the round trip ride. I met the captain and he was so nice as were the crew. The guy in the parking lot was a different story, but there's always that one, not so great, employee. Very cool and organized how they load the cars..Impressive."
World Traveler
"The Jacksonville Transit Authority (JTA) operates this river crossing. Cash or card, you're all welcome to ride! We took the ferry to shorten our ride time to Fernandina Beach.. and since my mother never rode this ferry over the Saint John's River. You are allowed to exit your vehicle for better viewing, but remember to turn off your vehicle motor once on board. Bicycle or pedestrian come aboard! The experience is brief but memorable, this being our second time. So skip crossing the Dames Point Bridge and bring your 4-wheel friend aboard the Mayport Ferry!"
W R
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The St. Johns River Ferry is located in Mayport, Florida, connecting A1A North and South. It's a direct route across the river, offering a scenic alternative to driving around.
The ferry typically runs from early morning until early evening. It's best to check the latest Mayport ferry schedule online or via the JTA app, as hours can vary.
Yes, the ferry is designed to carry vehicles, including cars, trucks, and even RVs. It's a popular way to shorten travel times for those with vehicles.
Absolutely! The St. Johns River Ferry welcomes pedestrians and cyclists, making it a versatile transportation option for various travelers.
The crossing itself is quite brief, usually taking less than 20 minutes from one side to the other.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for the St. Johns River Ferry are typically purchased onboard once you are parked. You can use cash or card.
Fares for the St. Johns River Ferry start at a nominal fee, often around $1 per passenger, with vehicle fees also applying. Check the JTA app or website for current pricing.
While specific discount programs aren't widely advertised, utilizing the JTA app for scheduling and payment can streamline your experience.
No advance booking is typically required for the St. Johns River Ferry. You purchase tickets as you board.
Historically, the ferry has experienced occasional shutdowns for maintenance. Plans are underway for a second boat to improve reliability.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll enjoy views of the St. Johns River, passing by naval stations, potentially seeing shrimp boats, cargo ships, and even helicopters. 
Yes, passengers are allowed to exit their vehicles for better viewing during the crossing, but remember to turn off your engine.
The ride is generally described as brief and pleasant, with most travelers finding it a smooth experience.
The Mayport ferry landing is where vehicles and passengers board. It's an efficient staging area managed by the JTA.
Information regarding onboard restrooms is not widely available, but given the short duration of the trip, it's usually not an issue for most passengers.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are dining options in Mayport and Atlantic Beach. Some visitors recommend trying local shrimp dishes.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally permissible to bring your own snacks and drinks for the short journey.
There are no onboard dining facilities on the St. Johns River Ferry. It's recommended to eat before or after your trip.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture scenic river views, naval vessels, and the unique experience of crossing with your vehicle. The golden hour offers beautiful light.
Yes, you can exit your vehicle and move around (safely) to get different angles for your photos.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Consider a wide-angle lens for expansive river views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical tips for families: Pack some snacks and drinks, as there are no concessions on board. Ensure children are supervised when moving around the deck. The ferry is a great way to introduce kids to different modes of transportation and the importance of waterways. Check the schedule to avoid long waits, which can be challenging with impatient little ones.
🚗 Commuters & Day-Trippers
Day-trippers heading to areas like Amelia Island or Jacksonville Beach can also benefit greatly. Instead of navigating inland routes, the ferry offers a direct and scenic path. It's an excellent way to connect different parts of the coast and explore more of Northeast Florida without extensive driving. Consider it a charming shortcut that adds a unique element to your exploration.
+1💰 Budget Travelers
For those looking to save even more, consider packing your own snacks and drinks. The ferry itself doesn't offer food services, so bringing your own ensures you won't incur extra costs. It's a simple yet effective way to keep your travel expenses down while enjoying a pleasant journey.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The St. Johns River Ferry Experience
Travelers often highlight the ferry's efficiency and the enjoyable views it provides. You might see naval ships from the nearby Mayport Naval Station, cargo vessels, and the general maritime activity of the river. Some visitors even report spotting helicopters. The nominal cost makes it an economical alternative to longer driving routes, saving both time and fuel. The crew is generally praised for their professionalism and friendliness, contributing to a positive overall experience.
Looking ahead, the ferry service is set to improve with federal funding allocated for a second, hybrid diesel-battery powered boat. This expansion aims to ensure more reliable service and reduce downtime during maintenance periods, a common concern for regular users. The new boat is expected to be operational between 2028 and 2029, promising an even better commuting and travel experience for the region.
Navigating Mayport Ferry Logistics
When it comes to fares, tickets for the St. Johns River Ferry are usually purchased onboard. You can pay with cash or card, and the JTA app offers a convenient way to manage your travel. The pricing is generally considered very reasonable, especially when compared to the time and fuel saved by avoiding the longer drive around the river. For those with vehicles, there's a per-vehicle fee in addition to passenger fares.
Once on board, remember to turn off your vehicle's engine. This is a standard safety procedure on ferries. The crew manages the loading process efficiently, ensuring a smooth embarkation and disembarkation. The ferry is also accessible for pedestrians and cyclists, making it a versatile option for all types of travelers.
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