For a Galveston to Bolivar Peninsula day trip, take the toll-free Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry across Galveston Bay on State Highway 87. The crossing takes about 20 minutes, and the trip offers views of marine life, working vessels and landmarks along the route.
- Route: Galveston Island to Bolivar Peninsula
- Fare: Toll-free
- Crossing: Approximately 20 minutes, plus time to load and unload
- Service: 24 hours a day, weather permitting
The ferry crossing from Galveston
The ferry carries you 2.7 miles across Galveston Bay between the Galveston and Port Bolivar landings. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) operates the route; service began on April 12, 1930, and is now part of the state highway system.
Plan for about 20 minutes on the water, with roughly 10 minutes for loading and unloading. TxDOT also describes the crossing as approximately 18 minutes, so allow extra time for the full trip rather than planning around a precise arrival. A round trip takes about 50 minutes to one hour, depending on the description used.
Keep an eye on the water during the crossing: dolphins and pelicans may appear, alongside cargo ships, tugs, sailboats or cruise ships. Landmarks visible from the ferry include Pelican Island, the Selma concrete shipwreck, Bolivar Lighthouse and Fort Travis.
How do schedules, queues and vehicle rules work?
The ferry runs around the clock when weather allows, but daytime departures follow traffic rather than a fixed interval. One vessel operates 24 hours a day; a second joins at 6:30 a.m., and additional vessels may be added when traffic requires them.
TxDOT's night schedule gives Galveston departure times of 12 a.m., 1 a.m., 2 a.m., 3:05 a.m., 4 a.m., 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. From Bolivar, departures are at 12:30 a.m., 1:30 a.m., 2:20 a.m., 3:30 a.m., 4:20 a.m., 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m.
A second ferry departs Galveston at 6:30 a.m. and Bolivar at 7 a.m. Weather can reduce or stop service, and waits during high-traffic periods can exceed two hours. Check the official site before you go: TxDOT provides wait-time information and webcams for both landings.
You can drive aboard or park and walk onto the ferry. Free parking is available in an elevated garage and lot on the Galveston side, and in a lot on the Bolivar side. If you take a vehicle, the maximum limits are 80,000 pounds, 65 feet long, 13.5 feet high and 8.5 feet wide.
Once parked aboard, turn off the vehicle and set the parking brake; stay inside until the ferry has departed. Pets, other than service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must remain in the owner's vehicle.
Smoking, vaping and e-cigarette use are prohibited, including inside vehicles. Hazardous materials, including gas cans, are prohibited, with stated exceptions for certain propane tanks and federally approved extra gas tanks carried in trailered boats.
What can you plan for on Bolivar Peninsula?
Make the ferry crossing part of your timing: allow for the ride, loading and unloading, and a potentially long wait before setting out for the peninsula.
The landings are at 1000 Ferry Road in Galveston and 123 SH 87 in Port Bolivar. Passenger restrooms are near the vehicle staging areas on both sides and on the upper deck of every ferry.
For a different kind of Galveston outing, the Galveston Island State Park visitor guide covers beaches, trails and access.
If you need disability or special-needs accommodations, contact ferry operations in advance at 409-795-2230 so staff can arrange vessel parking accommodations. The same number is the ferry information line.
You can compare the peninsula trip with Galveston beaches when planning time on the island.
Returning to Galveston
For the return, board at the Port Bolivar landing and cross back to Galveston. Keep the same buffer for loading, unloading and queues, especially during high-traffic periods; weather may also affect service. The Galveston landing is at 1000 Ferry Road.
FAQs
Is the Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry free?
Yes. TxDOT operates the ferry toll-free, and passengers can board on foot or take a vehicle within the listed size and weight limits.
How long does the ferry crossing take?
TxDOT describes the crossing as approximately 18 to 20 minutes. Loading and unloading add time, and a round trip is described as about 50 minutes to one hour.
Can you walk onto the ferry?
Yes. Passengers may walk aboard, and free parking is available on both sides of the route.
What might you see from the ferry?
Possible sightings include dolphins, pelicans, ships and boats. The route also passes views of Pelican Island, Bolivar Lighthouse and Fort Travis.