Galveston - Bolivar Ferry

Travel across water on the Bolivar Ferry, view giant tankers and barges as they travel to and from port. Watch the Shrimp Boats and look for Dolphins as they follow the shrimp boats looking for a free dinner. There’s plenty to see on the Galveston-Bolivar Ferry.

The Galveston-Bolivar ferry is the link between Galveston and Bolivar Peninsula on Hwy 87. A service provided FREE to all travelers 24 hours a day by TX-Dot since 1934. Each trip covers about 2.7 miles and takes about 18 minutes. Each ferry can carry approximately 70 vehicles, 500 passengers and 6 crew members, only 8-eighteen wheelers may board at once and carry 80,000 lbs. each. You can drive your vehicle-on or walk-on depending on your plans. One ferry operates 24 hours a day while a second is placed in service at 6:30am and a 3rd in the afternoon. Up to 6 ferries may be in operation during peak seasons, holidays, events and as traffic calls for more frequent service.

Many travelers ride the ferry while visiting Bolivar Peninsula or Galveston by walking on. Click here it experience a ride across and enjoy the view. With an upper observation area outside and a sitting area with a/c inside that's surrounded by windows the view is amazing both inside and outside. From Bolivar the path gives you a great view of Fort Travis and the Bolivar Lighthouse, tankers and ships anchored or traveling into port or out to sea. Coming into the Galveston Landing you’ll pass Seawolf Park on one side and the U.S. Coast Guard Station on the other. As the ferry turns into the Galveston dock in the distance you’ll also see the Galveston Yacht Basin.

During your journey across the Houston Ship Channel - where approximately 7,000 ships move thru annually - look for Dolphins leading tankers to and from port. Shrimp Boats harvesting dinner for local restaurants and bay and offshore boats as they cut across the water to their favorite fishing spot. A ride on the Galveston-Bolivar Ferry is a great way to spend a couple hours and enjoy the view while traveling, on vacation or a day-trip. Don’t forget your camera and we’re sure you’ll find plenty to photograph along the way.

For additional information or special needs, please call (409) 795-2230.

Night Schedule

Departs GalvestonDeparts Bolivar
No 1. FerryNo. 2 FerryNo 1. FerryNo. 2 Ferry
12:00 AM 12:30 AM 
1:00 AM 1:30 AM 
2:00 AM 2:20 AM 
3:05 AM 3:30 AM 
4:00 AM 4:20 AM 
5:00 AM 5:30 AM 
6:00 AM6:30 AM6:30 AM7:00 AM

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