A ferry is a vessel that carries passengers, and often vehicles and cargo, across a body of water on a regular, scheduled route. Some of the most surprising ferry facts: the largest ferries are longer than two football fields and carry hundreds of vehicles, New York’s Staten Island Ferry has been free to ride since 1997, and on many large ferries you are not allowed to stay in your car during the crossing.
Below you will find what makes a ferry different from a cruise ship, record-setting vessels, who steers a ferry, rules on cars, food and ID, and practical tips for your first ferry trip.
What Does Ferry Mean?
The word ferry describes both the boat and the service: a regular crossing between two or more fixed points. Ferries range from small open-deck boats that shuttle a handful of cars across a river to huge overnight ships with cabins, restaurants and shops. In Venice, Italy, the public waterbuses (vaporetti) that stop at many points along the canals work as a ferry network.
Many coastal cities and island communities depend on ferries as part of public transport. A ferry route can link two shores at far lower upfront cost than a bridge or tunnel, which is why ferries remain essential in places such as Puget Sound, the Greek islands, Hong Kong and the fjords of Norway.
Types of Ferries
| Type | What it carries | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Foot-passenger ferry | People and sometimes bikes | Commuter routes, harbor crossings, tourist trips |
| Car ferry (ro-pax) | Passengers, cars, trucks and freight | Island links and international routes |
| High-speed ferry | Passengers, sometimes cars | Shorter routes where speed matters; often catamarans |
| Cable or chain ferry | Vehicles and people on a fixed cable | Short river crossings |
| Overnight ferry | Passengers in cabins plus vehicles | Long sea crossings, often with restaurants and shops |
| Train ferry | Rail cars | Specialized routes where no bridge or tunnel exists |
What Is the Difference Between a Ferry and a Cruise Ship?
The key difference is purpose. A ferry is transport: it moves people, vehicles and freight from one place to another on a fixed schedule, and the crossing may last minutes or a night. A cruise ship is the vacation itself: it takes passengers on round trips or multi-stop itineraries lasting days or weeks, with entertainment and dining as the main attraction.
The lines blur on some long overnight routes in Europe and Alaska, where ferries offer cabins, restaurants and lounges. Even then, ferries are built around vehicle decks and fast loading, while cruise ships devote almost all their space to passenger amenities. This short video shows how a ferry crossing works in practice: https://youtu.be/N20ODuDoHDo
Can You Stay in Your Car on a Ferry?
You can take a vehicle on a car ferry, but whether you can stay in it depends on the vessel. On most large ferries, especially those with enclosed vehicle decks, passengers must leave their cars once the ship departs and go up to the passenger decks. Vehicle decks are closed during the crossing for safety reasons, so take everything you need before leaving your car.
On many smaller ferries making short crossings, particularly those with open-air vehicle decks, you are allowed to stay in your vehicle. Rules vary by operator, so follow crew instructions and check the operator’s website before you travel.
What Are the Biggest Ferries in the World?
“Largest” can be measured by length, gross tonnage, passenger capacity or vehicle capacity, so the title changes depending on the yardstick and as new ships enter service. Two well-known examples are often cited:
Stena Hollandica
Stena Line’s Stena Hollandica entered service in 2010 on the route between Hoek van Holland in the Netherlands and Harwich in England. Built in Germany at Nordic Yards, it was among the largest ferries in the world when launched. Key characteristics:
- Length of about 787 feet (240 meters) and width of about 105 feet
- Capacity for roughly 1,200 passengers
- Around 538 cabins
- Large freight and car decks for trucks and private vehicles
- Service speed of about 22 knots
Irish Ferries Ulysses
Irish Ferries’ Ulysses, which entered service in 2001 on the Dublin to Holyhead route, was described as the world’s largest car ferry when it launched. It is about 209 meters long and carries nearly 2,000 passengers along with well over a thousand cars or a large number of freight trucks.
If you are planning a ferry trip in North America, Alaska has some of the most scenic routes on the continent. Travelers often look at the Anchorage ferry and Whittier ferry options for exploring Prince William Sound and Southcentral Alaska.
What Is the Driver of a Ferry Called?
The person who physically steers a ship is the helmsman, named after the helm, the wheel or control used to steer. The person in overall command is the captain or master, supported by mates (deck officers) who stand watch on the bridge. On small ferries the captain may steer, while on larger vessels a crew member usually takes the helm under the officer of the watch.
In the United States, working on commercial vessels generally requires a Merchant Mariner Credential issued by the U.S. Coast Guard. A typical path looks like this:
- Finish high school and decide between an entry-level deck job or a maritime academy.
- Complete required training, such as basic safety and first aid courses.
- Obtain your entry-level credential and a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
- Gain sea time working as a deckhand or ordinary seaman.
- Upgrade to higher ratings and officer licenses as you build sea time and pass exams.
Why Is the Staten Island Ferry Free?
The Staten Island Ferry, run by the New York City Department of Transportation, has been free since 1997, when the city eliminated the fare as part of efforts to make transit more affordable for Staten Island residents who commute to Manhattan. It runs 24 hours a day between the Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan and St. George Terminal on Staten Island, typically every 15 to 30 minutes depending on the time and day.
The crossing takes about 25 minutes and passes close to the Statue of Liberty, which is why visitors use it as a free sightseeing trip. St. George Terminal connects with MTA buses and the Staten Island Railway.
Ferry Travel Rules Worth Knowing
Can You Bring Food on the Ferry to Ireland?
You can bring snacks and meals to eat on board, but import rules apply to what you carry into the country. Since January 1, 2021, travelers arriving in EU countries such as Ireland from Great Britain generally cannot bring in meat, milk or products containing them for personal use. Limited exceptions exist, such as certain infant formula, baby food and special foods or pet foods required for medical reasons. Check the latest rules with the Irish authorities before you travel.
Do You Need ID to Board a Ferry?
It depends on the route. International ferries, such as those between the UK and Ireland or Europe, or between the US and Canada, require valid travel documents like a passport for all passengers, including children. Many domestic routes, such as commuter ferries, do not ask foot passengers for ID, though drivers and those with booked cabins may need to show identification at check-in. Always check your operator’s requirements.
More Fascinating Ferry Facts
- Ferries are ancient. People have used boats to carry passengers and goods across rivers and straits for thousands of years, and ferry crossings appear in myths such as Charon ferrying souls across the river Styx.
- Some ferries are very fast. High-speed catamarans on some routes can travel at 35 to 40 knots or more, far quicker than conventional ferries.
- Busy routes span the globe. Well-known routes include crossings between the UK and France, Hong Kong and Macau, and around San Francisco Bay.
- Ferries are going greener. Battery-electric and hybrid ferries now operate on several routes, particularly in Norway, and others use lower-emission fuels.
- Tourism depends on them. Many destinations, including Greek islands and parts of Norway’s fjord coast, are most easily reached by ferry.
- Alaska has its own marine highway. The Alaska Marine Highway System connects coastal communities, many of which have no road access.
Tips for Your First Ferry Trip
- Book ahead for vehicles on popular routes and in summer; foot passengers can often buy on the day.
- Arrive early: car check-in often closes well before departure.
- Pack a small day bag if you must leave your car on the vehicle deck.
- Bring layers, as outside decks can be windy and cold even in summer.
- Take seasickness precautions on longer or open-sea crossings.
- Check documentation rules for international routes before you leave home.
Bottom Line on Ferry Facts
Ferries are some of the most practical and underrated ways to travel, from free harbor rides in New York to overnight sea crossings with cabins and car decks. Check vehicle and ID rules, book early on busy routes and leave time to enjoy the view. For an epic North American trip, read more about the Bellingham ferry to Alaska. For other trip ideas, see our guide to Dubai hotels with luxury spas or browse the Travel category.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a ferry used for?
A ferry carries passengers, and often vehicles and cargo, across a body of water on a regular scheduled route. Ferries serve commuters, island communities, tourists and freight operators.
What is the difference between a ferry and a cruise ship?
A ferry is transport between fixed points on a schedule, while a cruise ship is a vacation in itself, sailing multi-day itineraries with entertainment and dining as the main focus.
Can you sleep in your car on a ferry?
On most large ferries you cannot stay in your vehicle during the crossing because vehicle decks are closed for safety. Some small ferries on short routes allow it, so check the operator’s rules.
Is the Staten Island Ferry really free?
Yes. The Staten Island Ferry has been free since 1997 and runs 24 hours a day between Lower Manhattan and Staten Island, passing close to the Statue of Liberty.
Do you need a passport to take a ferry?
You need a passport or other valid travel document for international routes. Many domestic ferries do not require ID for foot passengers, but drivers and cabin passengers may need to show it.
