Port Aransas Ferry
A free, 24/7 ferry service connecting Aransas Pass to Port Aransas, offering scenic views and wildlife spotting opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, smoother boarding
Port Aransas Ferry
Best Time
Fewer crowds, smoother boarding
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, 24/7 ferry service connecting Aransas Pass to Port Aransas, offering scenic views and wildlife spotting opportunities.
"The Port Aransas Ferry is a fun experience and definitely a must-do for young families!"
🚗 Be Patient with Lines
Expect ferry wait times, especially on weekends. Arrive early or be prepared for a wait.
🐬 Watch for Dolphins
Keep an eye out for dolphins during the ride – a common and delightful sight!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Ferry Ride Itself
Aransas Pass to Port Aransas
A free, scenic, and fun 24/7 ferry crossing that's an adventure for all ages.
Dolphin Sightings
Aransas Pass Channel
Keep an eye out for playful dolphins during your ferry journey – a magical bonus!
Wild Hogs on the Landing
Port Aransas Ferry Landing
Occasionally, wild hogs can be spotted near the ferry landing, a surprising wildlife encounter.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wait
Ferry Fun for All
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Be Patient with Lines
Expect ferry wait times, especially on weekends. Arrive early or be prepared for a wait.
🐬 Watch for Dolphins
Keep an eye out for dolphins during the ride – a common and delightful sight!
🐖 Wild Hogs Surprise!
You might spot wild hogs near the landing – a unique wildlife encounter.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Adventure
A short, exciting ride perfect for children, making the journey part of the fun.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Be Patient with Lines
Expect ferry wait times, especially on weekends. Arrive early or be prepared for a wait.
🐬 Watch for Dolphins
Keep an eye out for dolphins during the ride – a common and delightful sight!
🐖 Wild Hogs Surprise!
You might spot wild hogs near the landing – a unique wildlife encounter.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Adventure
A short, exciting ride perfect for children, making the journey part of the fun.
🚢 Check Ferry Status
In severe weather, ferry service may be suspended. Check local updates.
💰 It's Free!
Enjoy the scenic crossing without any cost – a great budget-friendly option.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Port Aransas Ferry is a beloved, free service that offers a fun and scenic way to reach the island. Visitors praise its efficiency, friendly staff, and the unique experience it provides, especially for families and children. While wait times can be long during peak periods, the short, enjoyable ride and potential for dolphin sightings make it a highly recommended part of any Port Aransas visit.
"We always have fun crossing on the ferry. Sometimes have a small conversation with the vehicle next to me. Everyone who works in the area knows their job well. The loading and loading process is always smooth."
J.R. Martinez
"The Port Aransas Ferry is such a fun experience and definitely a must-do for young families! Even though it’s a short trip, it can add about 30 minutes to your drive—but it’s totally worth it. The kids loved the chance to get out of the car, take in the views, and snap a few photos. You only have about 5 minutes before you’re back on the road, but it’s an exciting little adventure. This ferry ride is a unique and memorable way to reach Port Aransas, and I highly recommend it for anyone visiting the area!
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Follow me on Tik Tok & Facebook: @joeypauga"
Joey Pauga
"We love the Ferry so I can’t give a negative rating. But i wanted to share our experience we had with a very large young man. He is most definitely the sloppiest at marshaling vehicles. Cannot be bothered to raise his arms above his waist for drivers to see his signals. As my husband crept forward he began screaming. We stopped. He did a sloppy hand wave again- confused we began to creep forward and it set him off. First of all he was standing infront of the vehicle he wanted to move forward while we had no worker in front of us. Move over then? Raise your arms so we can see? Standing across the ferry people cannot see your extremely lazy signaling. He proceeded to give us dirty looks and shake his head. Reading other reviews i see we aren’t the only ones encountering his rudeness and sloppiness. The ferry system shouldn’t be ran with lazy personnel like this as it could easily lead to accidents (and def shouldn’t blame vehicles for misreading a lazy half done marshaling)
Use your arms. Raise them for drivers to see. Make clear precise motions.
Otherwise we love the workers and the ferry. We appreciate all they do through the seasons and weather. Hope to see this young man addressed before there’s an accident."
sara
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Port Aransas Ferry connects Aransas Pass to Port Aransas, Texas. You drive your vehicle onto the ferry, which operates 24/7 and is free of charge. It's a popular route for accessing the island and beaches.
From the mainland, follow TX-361 S which will lead you directly to the ferry landing in Aransas Pass. The ferry then takes you across the Aransas Pass channel to Port Aransas.
There is no direct ferry service from Corpus Christi to Port Aransas. The primary ferry route is from Aransas Pass. You would typically drive from Corpus Christi to Aransas Pass to catch the ferry.
The ferry ride itself is quite short, typically lasting about 5 minutes. However, the total travel time can be extended by waiting in line to board.
There isn't a direct ferry service from Rockport to Port Aransas. The main ferry route is from Aransas Pass. Travelers often drive from Rockport to Aransas Pass to use the ferry.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Port Aransas Ferry is completely free for all passengers and vehicles. This makes it a very popular and budget-friendly way to access the island.
The Port Aransas Ferry operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round. However, service may be temporarily suspended during severe weather events.
No, you do not need a ticket or to purchase anything to ride the Port Aransas Ferry. It is a free public service.
While there isn't a dedicated app, you can often find live wait time updates on Twitter by searching for 'Port Aransas Ferry wait time' or by checking local Port Aransas social media pages.
Ferry wait times in Port Aransas can vary significantly, especially during peak tourist seasons, holidays, and weekends. Waits can range from a few minutes to over an hour.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The ferry ride itself is the main attraction! You can enjoy the views of the Aransas Pass channel, look for dolphins, and take photos. It's a short but scenic journey.
Yes, passengers are encouraged to get out of their vehicles during the ferry crossing to enjoy the views and take pictures.
While most staff are efficient, some reviews mention occasional rudeness or unclear signaling from specific individuals, which could potentially lead to confusion.
The ferry can accommodate a wide range of vehicles, including cars, RVs, campers, and even large fifth wheels. However, be mindful of height and width clearances. 
The ferry is generally accessible, allowing vehicles to drive on. Passengers can disembark to walk around on the ferry deck.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several dining options near the ferry landing in Aransas Pass and upon arrival in Port Aransas. Snoopy's Pier and Beach and Station St. Bar and Grill are popular choices.
While there are no restrictions mentioned, it's generally a good idea to have your food and drinks secured within your vehicle during the short ferry crossing.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the ferry itself, the channel views, passing ships, and especially any dolphin sightings. The landing areas also offer unique perspectives.
Yes, passengers can get out of their cars and move around the deck, making it easy to get unobstructed shots of the scenery and wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The ferry is a great way to break up the drive and build anticipation for beach time. Just be prepared for potential wait times, especially during busy periods. Tips for families: Bring snacks and drinks for the wait, and have cameras ready for dolphin sightings! The ferry is accessible for strollers and offers a unique experience that kids will talk about long after your vacation.
🚗 RV & Oversized Vehicle Travelers
+1 It's important to be aware of your vehicle's height and width to ensure a smooth boarding process. While the ferry can accommodate these larger vehicles, be prepared for potentially longer wait times as they are often boarded in specific sections. The free cost and 24/7 operation make it a convenient option, but patience is key, especially during peak travel times.
💰 Budget Travelers
It provides a scenic and enjoyable transit without any financial burden. While the ferry itself is free, factor in potential wait times which can add to your overall travel duration. However, the experience of crossing the channel, spotting wildlife, and enjoying the coastal views makes the wait worthwhile for many.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Ferry System
+1While the ferry ride itself is brief, typically around 5 minutes, the wait times can be a significant factor, especially during peak seasons, holidays, and weekends. Social media and online forums often discuss strategies for minimizing wait times, such as traveling during off-peak hours or weekdays. It's also important to be aware that ferry operations can be suspended due to severe weather conditions, so checking local advisories is recommended.
Beyond its practical function, the ferry offers a unique experience. Many visitors, particularly families, find the ride exciting for children, who can get out of their cars to enjoy the sea breeze and views. The possibility of dolphin sightings adds an element of wildlife spotting to the journey, making it more than just a transit.
Wildlife Encounters and Scenic Views
Beyond the marine life, keep an eye on the shorelines and the ferry landing areas. In a surprising twist, wild hogs have been observed near the Port Aransas ferry landing, offering a unique and somewhat unusual wildlife encounter for visitors. This adds another layer of unexpected adventure to the ferry experience.
The ferry also provides excellent vantage points for appreciating the coastal scenery. You'll see the bustling commercial harbor with large ships, the channel itself, and the distinctive landscape of the Texas coast. It's a chance to capture some memorable photos and soak in the atmosphere of this vibrant coastal region.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit