Weekly hours as published by VDOT (page last updated May 29, 2026): Tuesday to Friday 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., closed Sunday and Monday, one 30-minute midday break. No individual departures are published; times vary with demand. · 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
Operator
Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)
Map – Merry Point Ferry (Corrotoman River)
| Fare type | Price |
|---|---|
| Vehicle crossing | Free |
| Passenger crossing | Free |
VDOT describes the Merry Point Ferry as free. The page gives no fare table and no ticket system.
The Merry Point Ferry is a free ferry run by the Virginia Department of Transportation in Lancaster County, on Virginia's Northern Neck. VDOT places it on the scenic byway Route 604, where it crosses the western end of the Corrotoman River. It is one of only three ferries VDOT operates; the others are the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry and the Sunnybank Ferry.
There is no printed departure list. VDOT publishes weekly hours instead. The ferry runs Tuesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It is closed on Sunday and Monday. There is one operator, and the ferry stops for 30 minutes at midday while he or she takes a lunch break; VDOT does not give the exact time. VDOT also says precise times may vary depending on demand, and it publishes no departure times.
The crossing is free. VDOT says the ferry can carry a maximum of six passengers and 16 tons. The state does not publish a fare table, a reservation system or a crossing time for this route.
Wind, weather and tides can interrupt service. VDOT says signs on the roads leading to the ferry show whether it is running, and that service may be halted briefly while the operator changes what the signs say. Virginia 511 carries ferry status as well; dial 511 from any phone in Virginia. VDOT news releases show the ferry has been suspended for forecast tidal flooding and high winds in September 2023 and August 2024, and for a day of ramp painting in September 2024.
The landings sit on Merry Point Road on one side and Ottoman Ferry Road on the other, according to OpenStreetMap. Check the hours before you drive out, especially on a Sunday or Monday, when the ferry does not run.
- 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
Tuesday to Friday 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The ferry is closed Sunday and Monday. VDOT notes a 30-minute break at midday, and that precise times may vary with demand.
Yes. VDOT describes it as a free ferry. There is no fare table or ticket sales for this crossing.
No. VDOT lists both Sunday and Monday as closed.
Yes. It has one operator, and VDOT says the ferry ceases operation for 30 minutes at midday for the operator's lunch break. The exact time is not published.
VDOT says signs leading to the ferry entrance show its operational status, and that status may also be found on Virginia 511 or by calling 511 from any phone in Virginia. The ferry can also be halted briefly while the operator changes the signs.
No. VDOT publishes opening hours only and says precise times vary depending on demand for the ferry. Wind, weather and tides can also affect service.
VDOT says the ferry can carry a maximum of six passengers and 16 tons.
In Lancaster County, Virginia, on scenic byway Route 604, where it crosses the western end of the Corrotoman River. OpenStreetMap places the landings on Merry Point Road and Ottoman Ferry Road.