Galveston–Bolivar Ferry (TxDOT)

A free 18-minute boat ride with dolphins on most crossings. The best transit experience in Texas.

FREE — cars and walk-ons Every day 24/7 continuous — boats leave as they fill

Ride this if: you have 75 minutes and want the island’s best free hour — walk on, ride over and back.

The route

Crosses the ship channel between the east end of Galveston Island (end of Ferry Road) and Port Bolivar. Walk-ons skip the car line entirely.

Stop by stop

Key stops & what's within a walk

Galveston Ferry Landing

free parking lot for walk-ons
See & do nearby
- Galveston–Bolivar Ferry · 1 min walk
Port Bolivar Landing

Bolivar lighthouse (view) · Bolivar beaches

Key visitor stops shown — not every stop on the route. Verified 2026-07-23; check the Transit app or Google Maps for live departures.

Make a day of it