Confirmed directly on TxDOT's Galveston-Port Bolivar ferry page in September 2026: one vessel runs around the clock, a second joins at 6:30 a.m., a third can join in the afternoon, and up to five run during summer and holiday peaks -- there is no single daytime departure timetable to publish. Overnight, TxDOT does publish a fixed clock schedule; it is described in the direction notes below rather than as a full-day grid, since it does not apply to daytime service. · Departures shown by frequency — exact times from the operator. · Representative sailings only — check the operator for today's full schedule
Departures 1–10 / 10
Departures 1–10 / 10
Crossing time
~18 min
Operator
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Galveston Ferry Operations
Map – Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry
| Fare type | Price |
|---|---|
| All passengers and vehicles, one way | Free |
TxDOT operates the Galveston-Port Bolivar ferry as a free, toll-free extension of State Highway 87 across Galveston Bay. A nominal toll was charged when the route began in 1930, but the state removed it in 1950 and the crossing has been free for passengers and vehicles ever since.
The Galveston-Port Bolivar ferry has carried Texas traffic across Galveston Bay since April 12, 1930, when a private operator ran six daylight round trips a day between Galveston Island and the Bolivar Peninsula. Galveston County bought the service within a couple of years and handed it to the state; a small toll lasted until 1950, and every crossing since has been free. Today the Texas Department of Transportation runs it as a floating, toll-free extension of State Highway 87, carrying an average of roughly 1.57 million vehicles and 4.9 million passengers a year over the past decade, in about 40,000 crossings.
TxDOT keeps seven vessels in the fleet, including the 264-foot Gibb Gilchrist and Robert C. Lanier, each built to carry about 70 vehicles, and varies how many run at once with demand: one boat covers the route around the clock, a second joins at 6:30 a.m., a third can join in the afternoon, and up to five run during summer weekends and holidays. What sets this route apart from TxDOT's other free Gulf Coast ferry, the Port Aransas crossing further down the coast, is that Galveston-Bolivar still publishes an actual overnight clock schedule -- roughly hourly sailings from each side between midnight and 6 a.m. -- on top of the wait-based daytime dispatch both routes share.
The crossing itself covers 2.7 miles and takes about 18 minutes each way, and TxDOT invites riders to get out of their cars once underway: the trip passes Pelican Island's retired Navy destroyer and submarine, the wrecked concrete ship Selma, the Bolivar Lighthouse and Fort Travis, with dolphins and pelicans common sights along the way. Vehicles are limited to 80,000 pounds, 65 feet in length, 13.5 feet in height and 8.5 feet in width. Waits can run past two hours on busy summer weekends despite the larger fleet, and TxDOT and Galveston County both post notices when high winds, rough seas or poor visibility stop the boats altogether -- check the live wait-time tool before you commit to a crossing time.
- Arrive at the terminal several minutes before departure; vehicle lanes close earlier than the foot-passenger gate.
- Check the operator's service alerts before you set out — weather, tides and vessel maintenance change sailings.
- Confirm accepted payment methods: some crossings are card-only and some take cash only.
Frequently asked questions
No. It's a free, toll-free service run by TxDOT as part of State Highway 87. A small toll was charged when the route opened in 1930 but was removed in 1950.
The crossing itself covers 2.7 miles and takes about 18 minutes; TxDOT figures a full round trip, including loading and unloading, at roughly 50 minutes to an hour.
24 hours a day, 365 days a year, weather permitting. One vessel runs overnight, a second joins at 6:30 a.m., and up to five run during summer and holiday peaks -- there is no fixed daytime timetable.
TxDOT publishes a fixed overnight schedule -- one boat per side departing roughly every 30 to 65 minutes between about midnight and 6-7 a.m. By day, service runs on wait-based dispatch with two to five vessels instead of clock times; check Houston TranStar for the live wait in minutes.
TxDOT's larger vessels, like the Gibb Gilchrist and Robert C. Lanier, carry about 70 vehicles each. Vehicles are capped at 80,000 pounds, 65 feet in length, 13.5 feet in height and 8.5 feet in width.
Often, yes. TxDOT's own rider guide mentions dolphins, pelicans, Pelican Island's retired Navy destroyer and submarine, the wrecked concrete ship Selma, the Bolivar Lighthouse and Fort Travis as common sights during the crossing.
The Galveston landing is at 1000 Ferry Road N., Galveston, TX 77550. The Port Bolivar landing is at 123 SH 87, Port Bolivar, TX 77650.
Yes. TxDOT and Galveston County have both issued notices halting service during high winds, rough seas or poor visibility, resuming once conditions clear. Check TxDOT's ferry page or the @GalvestonFerry account on X for current status.