Vehicle Ferry Travel Made Easy

Vehicle ferry travel is a convenient way to transport your vehicle across waterways, but it can be overwhelming if you're not prepared. There are many types of vehicle ferries, including roll-on/roll-off ferries that can carry up to 7,000 vehicles at a time.

You can book a vehicle ferry in advance to ensure a smooth journey, with prices varying depending on the route and type of vehicle. Some ferries offer additional services like vehicle storage and parking.

To make the most of your vehicle ferry travel, it's essential to check the ferry's schedule and plan your trip accordingly.

If you're planning to bring a vehicle on the ferry, you'll want to know about the reservation process. You'll need to make one or two reservations depending on the island you're visiting.

For some islands, like Lopez and Shaw, you only need to make a westbound reservation, as the return spots are first-come, first-served. But be prepared for long lines and wait times during the summer on Lopez Island.

You can check the terminal cameras to scope out the line before your departure, which is a great idea. This way, you can plan your arrival accordingly and avoid waiting for too long.

On Orcas Island, you'll pay for your westbound ticket at the booth before getting an assigned lane. On Lopez Island, you can park in the designated lane first and walk down to the office to purchase a ticket.

Make sure to check-in at the toll booth or ferry line at least 30 minutes ahead of your sailing time, or you'll lose your reservation and have to travel standby. Bring your printed reservation sheet or confirmation email with the barcode for easy scanning.

The ferry service operates as a shuttle, departing every 10 minutes during the day and every 20 minutes early morning and late evening. This is great if you're in a hurry or have a tight schedule.

If you have a campervan or an extra-large vehicle, be aware that low tides may affect your travel time. Plan your trip within two hours before and after high tide to avoid any issues.

Trailer boats and caravans may also experience ground clearance problems at lower tides, so it's best to travel within the four-hour tide range above.

You'll need to familiarize yourself with Transport Canada's enclosed vehicle deck safety regulation before boarding a vehicle ferry. Passengers on enclosed lower vehicle decks will be required to leave their vehicles during the sailing.

The height, length, and weight of your vehicle determine the vehicle deck on which you will be placed. This is crucial information, so be sure to check beforehand to avoid any issues.

Depending on the route and traffic volumes, you will board the ferry before or after all other vehicles. It's essential to plan accordingly to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.

Vehicle ferries offer a range of services and capabilities that cater to different types of vehicles and passengers.

They can transport vehicles of various sizes, from cars and trucks to buses and even large machinery, as long as they fit within the ferry's loading capacity. The maximum vehicle capacity of a ferry can range from a few dozen to several hundred vehicles.

Ferry operators often provide additional services such as cabin accommodations for passengers, food and beverage options, and even entertainment facilities.

Standard vehicles, including cars, vans, and SUVs, are loaded onto the upper or lower vehicle deck, depending on deck space availability.

Vehicles with items secured to the outside must be safely secured according to BC's Motor Vehicle Act Regulations. This means that cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured so that it cannot leak, spill, blow off, fall from, fall through, or otherwise be dislodged from the vehicle.

If your vehicle is 7 ft. high or under, but items on top cause the height to exceed 7 ft., it may be considered oversized.

Vehicles over 7 ft. high or more than 20 ft. long are considered oversized, which may impact your fare and the deck on which you are placed.

Motorcycles, including those with trailers, sidecars, or more than two wheels, board the ferry with standard vehicles.

Motorcycles must be parked diagonally to the ferry's centre line, left in a low gear, and secured with tie-downs on North coast sailings.

Large vehicles, including those with a Registered Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) over 5,500 kg (12,100 lbs.), are also carried by the ferry.

Vehicles more than 9 ft. wide are included in this category.

If you're planning to travel with your furry friends, BC Ferries allows you to bring them on board with you. They have specific rules and guidelines to ensure everyone's safety and comfort.

You can bring your livestock on BC Ferries, but it's essential to check their website for the most up-to-date information on traveling with animals.

You can catch the first ferry at 6:10am or 6:00am depending on your departure point, either from the Opua Ferry Terminal or the wharf at the end of the Te Araroa Bypass.

The last ferry of the day departs at 10:00pm or 09:50pm, respectively.

Ferries run every 10 minutes between these hours, so you can plan your trip accordingly.

You can buy vehicle ferry tickets while on board, and they accept various payment methods including EFTPOS, VISA, MasterCard, and American Express.

The ferry service operates between Opua and Okiato, with departures and arrivals at both terminals.

The ferry service operates as a shuttle, departing approximately every 10 minutes during the day, and every 20 minutes early morning and late evening.

Opua is about 7 minutes' drive from Paihia and Okiato is about 10 minutes' drive from Russell.

Our vehicle ferries are suitable for all vehicles, including trucks, buses, and campervans. Please note low tides may dictate travel time for extra-large vehicles, including oversize truck and trailer units, buses, and overweight vehicles.

To avoid any issues, it's best to plan your trip in the two hours before and after high tide if you're traveling in a campervan. This is because low tides can cause the bumper to scrape on the ferry ramp.

Trailer boats and caravans should also be aware of ground clearance issues at lower tides, so it's recommended to travel within the four hour tide range above.

When traveling by ferry, one of the first things you might wonder about is the cost. Fortunately, the pricing is straightforward. There is no additional charge for passengers traveling in the vehicle.

Prices shown are for one-way travel, so be sure to factor that into your plans.

If you're planning to leave South Bass Island, also known as Put-in-Bay, you'll want to know the ferry schedule details.

During the Spring and Fall schedules, vehicles must be in line before 5:00 pm on Mondays through Saturdays and before 4:00 pm on Sundays and Holidays to be guaranteed passage.

There are specific times to be in line for the Summer schedule, which requires vehicles to be in line before 6:00 pm daily.

If you're a U.S. Military personnel or Veteran, you can save $2 off your round trip fare by presenting your Military I.D. at the ferry ticket booth before making your ticket purchase.