The ferry runs between Galveston Island and Bolivar.
Cost
The experience is free whether you drive your car onto the ferry, or park in the lot and walk on as a pedestrian. The parking lot is also free. There are no costs other than time.
Time
The ride itself takes about 20 minutes.
The loading (and unloading) time is about another 10 minutes.
So count on at least 30 minutes each way.
That is if you are able to get on right away.
Wait Times for Driving onto the Ferry vs
Parking and Walking On
Wait times to drive your car onto the ferry may easily exceed 2 hours during busy times, and there may be a wait time on your return from the other side as well.
This can eat up a good part of your day especially if you are visiting during a busy time. Most complaints about long lines and waits at the ferry are pertaining to driving a car onto the ferry.
Decrease your wait time immensely by parking in the lot and walking onto the ferry.
Especially if you are just wanting to ride the ferry for the experience, parking in the lot and walking on is a much better option, as you can park your car in the lot and usually walk onto the next ferry without a wait.
As a walk-on, you can stay on the same boat and ride back and forth as many times as you wish. You do not have to get off on the other side.
To park in the lot and walk onto the ferry, follow Ferry Road and stay to the right.
Additional Guidelines
Feeding the seagulls is permitted at the rear of the ferry only.
If you keep your eye out for dolphins, you may likely see some!
There are some benches available for seating on the ferry, and there are bathrooms available as well.
Sunset is one of the most scenic times to go.
Address
Galveston side:
1000 Ferry Road Galveston, TX 77550
Port Bolivar side:
123 SH 87 Port Bolivar, TX 77650
Schedules and Current Conditions
You can see current Galveston Ferry cameras here.
You can see current Boliver Ferry cameras here.
Galveston Island to Port Bolivar Ferry Schedule
Effective Through June 30, 2026
GALVESTON FERRY SCHEDULE 2026
Photos below from TXDot’s Galveston Ferry Twitter account.
(If you’d like to ride the Trolley around the Strand while you’re in Galveston, or the Trolley Bus on Seawall Blvd, check out this page: Galveston Trolley – Our Galveston)