Galveston Port Bolivar Ferry
A free, 24/7 ferry connecting Galveston Island and Bolivar Peninsula, offering scenic views and frequent dolphin sightings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Shorter waits, more peaceful
Galveston Port Bolivar Ferry
Best Time
Shorter waits, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, 24/7 ferry connecting Galveston Island and Bolivar Peninsula, offering scenic views and frequent dolphin sightings.
"The Galveston-Port Bolivar ferry is absolutely, completely, 100% FREE. It feels like a beautiful glitch in the system."
🎯 Check Wait Times Online
TxDOT offers estimated wait times online and on Twitter. Check before you go to plan your trip!
🐬 Dolphin Magic!
Keep an eye out for dolphins; they're often seen playing in the ferry's wake. It's a highlight for many!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dolphin Spotting
During the ferry crossing
Pods of dolphins frequently play in the ferry's wake, offering a magical and memorable wildlife encounter.
Scenic Gulf Views
Onboard the ferry
Enjoy panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico, ship channels, and coastal landscapes during the short journey.
Free Transportation
Galveston to Bolivar Peninsula
Experience a unique and cost-free way to travel between Galveston Island and the Bolivar Peninsula.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wait, Enjoy the Ride
Vehicle Access & What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Wait Times Online
TxDOT offers estimated wait times online and on Twitter. Check before you go to plan your trip!
🐬 Dolphin Magic!
Keep an eye out for dolphins; they're often seen playing in the ferry's wake. It's a highlight for many!
🚗 All Vehicles Welcome
From RVs to cars, all vehicle types can ride. RVs need to turn off propane tanks.
🚶 Walk-On Option
You don't need a car to ride! Walk-on passengers are welcome and can enjoy the views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Wait Times Online
TxDOT offers estimated wait times online and on Twitter. Check before you go to plan your trip!
🐬 Dolphin Magic!
Keep an eye out for dolphins; they're often seen playing in the ferry's wake. It's a highlight for many!
🚗 All Vehicles Welcome
From RVs to cars, all vehicle types can ride. RVs need to turn off propane tanks.
🚶 Walk-On Option
You don't need a car to ride! Walk-on passengers are welcome and can enjoy the views.
💧 Be Prepared for Spray
The sea spray can be refreshing but also damp. Bring a light jacket or be ready to get a little wet.
🎶 Pack Entertainment
Longer waits are common. Bring snacks, drinks, music, or a book to make the wait enjoyable.
⏰ Operates 24/7
The ferry runs around the clock, making it a convenient option any time of day or night. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry being a free, fun, and scenic experience, with dolphin sightings being a major highlight. While the 18-minute ride is enjoyable, be prepared for potentially long wait times, especially on weekends, which can test patience.
"So cool, it could be a tourist attraction!
To make a long story short, a group of us wanted to get to Galveston by "the other way", so we made a big detour and came down the Bolivar Peninsula to the ferry.
Fun, fun, fun, even on a very hot day.
It's amazing how these ferries dodge some huge ships moving up & down the ship channel, safely and swiftly getting cars & people across.
I was hoping to see dolphins, but didn't. However, my niece spotted a couple. She's 14 and from the Chicago area, so she was very excited. (She'd never seen salt water before, either.) She and her mom saw cruise ships in Galveston, and that too was a first for them. (See photo.)
So let's see...a practical, efficient, entertaining, exciting, and instructional crossing.
Such fun!"
Scott Lucado
"Beautiful ride saw ton of dolphins. Nice people it’s free. It was such a beautiful day when we went so worth the trip."
Jacque Henly
"Went to visit and had to ride the ferry a few times it was a fun experience, weekends are no joke for waiting in line to get on though... We waited for 2 hours on a Friday night just to get on..."
Chula
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The ferry connects State Highway 87 between Galveston Island and the Bolivar Peninsula. You can access it by driving on Galveston Island or approaching from the Bolivar Peninsula.
Yes, the Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry is completely free for all passengers and vehicles. It's a major draw for visitors. +1
The ferry operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, weather permitting.
The crossing typically takes about 18-20 minutes, depending on conditions and traffic.
Absolutely! The ferry accommodates all types of vehicles, including RVs. Remember to turn off propane tanks if you're in an RV.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets or reservations are required. The ferry service is free and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
The ferry service is entirely free for all passengers and vehicles. +1
Vehicles must have their propane tanks turned off if applicable (e.g., RVs). Otherwise, it's open to all vehicle types and walk-on passengers.
Ferry frequency varies based on traffic volume and time of year, with up to five vessels in service during peak periods.
There isn't a traditional terminal with gates. You simply drive to the ferry loading area on either side of the waterway.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy the scenic views, watch for dolphins and pelicans, feel the sea breeze, and observe the large ships in the channel.
Dolphins are frequently spotted playing in the ferry's wake, making it a highlight for many visitors.
Wait times can vary significantly, from driving straight on during off-peak times to waiting up to two hours on busy weekends.
Yes, walk-on passengers are welcome and can enjoy the ride and views without a vehicle.
The ride is generally smooth, but can be a bit bumpy during rougher weather conditions.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture dolphins, seabirds, large ships in the channel, and the coastal scenery. The open deck offers great vantage points.
Sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful lighting, but dolphins are often seen throughout the day.
While you can take photos from your car, it's recommended to get out on the passenger deck for better views and photo opportunities.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but be mindful of other passengers and crew.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. A zoom lens can be helpful for capturing distant dolphins or ships.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 RV and Oversized Vehicle Travelers
+1 A crucial safety tip is to turn off your propane tanks before boarding. The ferry provides a significant time-saving alternative to driving around the bay, making it an essential route for RVers exploring the Texas coast.💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Free Ferry Experience: A Traveler's Guide
While the ride itself is a swift 18-20 minutes, the wait to board can be the main challenge. Weekends and peak seasons can see lines stretching for hours. Travelers are advised to check the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) website or Twitter for estimated wait times, though these are best treated as guidelines. Packing snacks, drinks, and entertainment is highly recommended to make the waiting period more enjoyable.
Once on board, the experience is delightful. The ferry accommodates all vehicle types, including RVs, and even walk-on passengers. The crew expertly guides vehicles into place. The real magic happens on the passenger deck, where you can feel the sea spray, watch pelicans glide by, and, most excitingly, spot pods of dolphins playing in the ferry's wake. This wildlife encounter is a consistent highlight for visitors, making any wait time feel worthwhile.
Navigating the Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry: Tips for a Smooth Journey
The ferry is designed to be accessible to everyone. Whether you're driving a compact car, a large RV, or simply walking on, you'll find a spot. The crew is efficient in directing traffic, ensuring a relatively quick boarding process once you reach the front of the line. Don't be surprised to share the ferry with a variety of vehicles, from ambulances to semi-trucks.
Once the ferry departs, take the opportunity to explore the passenger deck. This is where you'll get the best views and the highest chance of spotting dolphins. Many visitors describe seeing dolphins as a magical and unforgettable part of the journey.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit