Editing Ferry (section)

==Notable services==
===Asia===
In [[Hong Kong]], [[Star Ferry]] carries passengers across [[Victoria Harbour]]. Other carriers ferry travelers between Hong Kong Island and outlying islands like [[Cheung Chau]], [[Lantau Island]] and [[Lamma Island]].

In the [[Philippines]], the [[Philippine Nautical Highway System]] forms the backbone of the nationwide transport system by integrating [[port]]s with [[highway]] systems; the system has three main routes. Another known ferry service is the [[Pasig River Ferry Service]], which is the only water-based transportation in [[Metro Manila]]. This system cruises the [[Pasig River]].

==== Bangladesh ====
{{transcluded section|source=Transport in Bangladesh|part=yes}}
{{#section-h:Transport in Bangladesh|Ferries}}

====India====
India's [[Roll-on/roll-off|ro-ro]] ferry service between [[Ghogha]] and [[Dahej]] was inaugurated by Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] on 22 October 2017. It aims to connect [[South Gujarat]] and [[Saurashtra (region)|Saurashtra]] currently separated by {{convert|360|km|mi}} of roadway to {{convert|31|km|mi}} of ferry service. It is a part of the larger [[Sagar Mala project]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/why-gujarats-ro-ro-ferry-is-a-revolutionary-step-for-indian-economy/articleshow/61170437.cms|title=Why Gujarat's Ro-Ro ferry is a revolutionary step for Indian economy|date=22 October 2017|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|access-date=2017-10-22|archive-date=22 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171022193528/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/why-gujarats-ro-ro-ferry-is-a-revolutionary-step-for-indian-economy/articleshow/61170437.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Water transport in Mumbai]] consists of ferries, hovercraft, and catamarans, operated by various government agencies as well as private entities. The [[Kerala State Water Transport Department]] (SWTD), operating under the Ministry of Transport, [[Government of Kerala]], [[India]] regulates the inland navigation systems in the Indian state of [[Kerala]] and provides inland water transport facilities. It stands for catering to the passenger and cargo traffic needs of the inhabitants of the waterlogged areas of the Districts of [[Alappuzha]], [[Kottayam]], [[Kollam]], [[Ernakulam]], [[Kannur]] and [[Kasargode]]. SWTD ferry service is also one of the most affordable modes to enjoy the beauty of the scenic [[Kerala backwaters]].

Ferry operates between [[Port Blair]], [[Havelock island|Havelock]] & [[Neil Island|Neil Islands]] in the [[Andaman Islands]] while Boat Operates For [[Ross Island, South Andaman district|Ross Island]], North Bay, Elephanta Beach, Red Skin, Jolly Bouy. Ferries and [[Catamaran|catamarans]] are operated by Green Ocean, Makruzz, ITT Majestic, Nautika.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aggregated ferry availability for Andaman Islands was first brought online by ferrybooking.in allowing tourists and travellers to know about ferry schedule, seat availability and make reservations online before arriving to Andaman Islands for Port blair to Havelock, Havelock to Neil and Neil to Port Blair ferry routes |url=https://ferrybooking.in |website=ferrybooking.in}}</ref>

====Indonesia====
As the largest archipelagic country, Indonesia has several ferry routes which is managed mostly by PT. ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) and several private companies. [[ASDP_Indonesia_Ferry]] or ASDP is a state-owned company engaged in the business of integrated ferry and port services and waterfront tourist destinations. ASDP operates a ferry fleet of more than 160 units handling more than 300 routes in 36 ports throughout Indonesia.

====Japan====
{{Further|List of ferry operators in Japan}}
Japan used to rely heavily on ferries for passenger and goods transportation among the four main islands of [[Hokkaido]], [[Honshu]], [[Shikoku]] and [[Kyushu]]. However, as highway and railway bridges and undersea tunnels (such as the [[Seikan Tunnel]] and [[Honshū–Shikoku Bridge Project]]) have been constructed, the ferry transportation has recently become for short-distance sightseeing passengers with or without car, and for long-distance truck drivers hauling goods.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2355.html |title=Domestic Ferries (JapanGuide.com), 2023) |access-date=8 June 2023 |archive-date=9 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230509143642/https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2355.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.jlc-ferry.jp/en/ |title=Japan Long Course Ferry Service Association |access-date=8 June 2023 |archive-date=8 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608204506/http://www.jlc-ferry.jp/en/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.japan-experience.com/plan-your-trip/to-know/traveling-japan/japan-ferry |title=Ferries in Japan |access-date=8 June 2023 |archive-date=8 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608204509/https://www.japan-experience.com/plan-your-trip/to-know/traveling-japan/japan-ferry |url-status=live }}</ref>
<gallery mode=packed heights="150px">
File:Yawatahama ferry.jpg|The number of actual seats has traditionally been very limited like on this Japanese passenger ferry, with larger spaces dedicated to [[tatami]] or [[broadloom]] areas where passengers can sit or lie down (on [[Shikoku]] and [[Kyushu]] ferry, 2014).
File:On Yamagawa-Nejime Ferry - Inside the ferry Nankyu (2023).jpg|Inside a short distance ferry, the {{ill|Yamagawa-Nejime Ferry|ja|}}, [[Kagoshima, Japan]] (2023)
File:東九フェリー船内バイク駐輪機.jpg|Long-distance ferries are also used by motorcyclists.(Ocean Tokyu Ferry, 2019)
File:オーシャン東九フェリー船内.jpg|A second-class cabin on the ferry connecting Tokyo and Kitakyushu. A simple bed with curtains.(Ocean Tokyu Ferry, 2019)
</gallery>

====Malaysia====
[[File:Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal in George Town, Penang 2025.jpg|thumb|A catamaran off the [[Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal]] in [[George Town, Penang|George Town]], [[Penang]] {{Circa|2025}}]]
The [[States and federal territories of Malaysia|Malaysian state]] of [[Penang]] is home to the [[Penang ferry service|oldest ferry service in the country]]. The first regular ferry service operating across the [[Penang Strait]] between George Town and Province Wellesley (now [[Seberang Perai]]) was launched in 1894 by Quah Beng Kee and his brothers.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Cheah |first=Jin Seng |title=Penang 500 Early Postcards |publisher=Editions Didier Millet |year=2013 |isbn=9789671061718 |page=31}}</ref> The iconic yellow double-deck [[Roll-on/roll-off|roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ferries]] were introduced in 1957. Between 1959 and 2002, a total of 15 vessels were commissioned for the service.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jeremy Tan |date=29 Nov 2023 |title=Nostalgia of voyages past for Penang's iconic ferries |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2023/11/29/nostalgia-of-voyages-past |access-date=5 Jan 2025 |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]]}}</ref>

Currently operated by Penang Port Sdn Bhd, the ferry service has evolved over the decades.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Opalyn Mok |date=1 Jan 2021 |title=Curious commuters marvel at fast boats replacing iconic ferries to cross Penang channel |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2021/01/01/curious-commuters-marvel-at-fast-boats-replacing-iconic-ferries-to-cross-pe/1936464 |access-date=25 Jan 2025 |work=[[Malay Mail]]}}</ref> The RORO ferries were retired in 2021, with speedboats temporarily replacing them.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ferrarese |first=Marco |date=8 Aug 2021 |title=Beloved Penang ferries given new life as tourist attractions after being withdrawn from service |url=https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3143993/beloved-penang-ferries-given-new-life-tourist |access-date=5 Jan 2025 |work=[[South China Morning Post]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=24 Jul 2024 |title=Iconic Penang ferry sinks in Butterworth |url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/07/24/iconic-penang-ferry-sinks-in-butterworth/ |access-date=5 Jan 2025 |work=[[Free Malaysia Today]]}}</ref> In 2023, these speedboats were succeeded by four newly-built catamarans, which now serve only passengers and motorcyclists. These catamarans operate between the [[Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal]] in George Town and the [[Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal]] in Seberang Perai.<ref>{{Cite news |last=McIntyre |first=Ian |date=8 Dec 2023 |title=Penang Port to launch first sunset cruise on spanking new ferry |url=https://www.thevibes.com/articles/lifestyles/100306/penang-port-to-launch-first-sunset-cruise-on-spanking-new-ferry |access-date=5 Jan 2025 |work=The Vibes}}</ref>

=== Russian Federation ===

Due to the geographical features of Russia, it has a large number of both sea and river ferry crossings. Car ferries operate from the continental part of Russia to Sakhalin, Kamchatka and Japan. The Ust-Luga – Kaliningrad ferry also runs, until February 2022 ferries also ran from St. Petersburg to different cities of the Baltic Sea. Before the construction of the Kerch Bridge, there was a ferry across the Kerch Strait, whose service was resumed after the [[2022 Crimean Bridge explosion|Kerch bridge explosion]].
There are also more than 100 ferry crossings on different rivers in Russia. These are usually symmetrical through ferries with two ramps for quick entry and exit of cars. For some categories of car owners, these ferries may be free if there is no alternative crossing of the river.

===Europe===

==== Great Britain ====
The busiest seaway in the world, the [[English Channel]], connects Great Britain and mainland Europe, with ships sailing from the UK ports of [[Dover]], [[Newhaven, East Sussex|Newhaven]], Poole,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.phc.co.uk/|title=Independent Regulators of Poole Harbour &#124; Poole Harbour Commissioners|date=16 November 2017|access-date=31 July 2020|archive-date=6 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806104123/https://www.phc.co.uk/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Portsmouth]] and [[Plymouth]] to French ports, such as [[Calais]], [[Dunkirk]], [[Dieppe, Seine-Maritime|Dieppe]], [[Roscoff]], [[Cherbourg-Octeville]], [[Caen]], [[St Malo]] and [[Le Havre]]. The busiest ferry route to France is the Dover to Calais crossing with approximately 9,168,000 passengers using the service in 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.franceferrybooker.co.uk/news/ferry-to-france-statistics|title=Ferry to France Statistics – Passenger Numbers – France Ferry Booker|date=18 November 2019 |access-date=18 November 2019|archive-date=30 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230110614/https://www.franceferrybooker.co.uk/news/ferry-to-france-statistics|url-status=live}}</ref> Ferries from Great Britain also sail to Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Ireland. Some ferries carry mainly tourist traffic, but most also carry freight, and some are exclusively for the use of freight lorries. In Britain, car-carrying ferries are sometimes referred to as [[RORO]] (roll-on, roll-off) for the ease by which vehicles can board and leave.

==== Denmark ====
The busiest single ferry route in terms of the number of departures is across the northern part of [[Øresund]], between [[Helsingborg]], [[Scania]], [[Sweden]] and [[Elsinore]], [[Denmark]]. Before the [[Øresund bridge]] was opened in July 2000, car and "car and train" ferries departed up to seven times every hour (every 8.5 minutes). This has since been reduced, but a car ferry still departs from each harbor every 15 minutes during daytime.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hhferries.se/|title=in Swedish, "Vi seglar var 15:e minut" means "We sail every 15 minutes"|website=Hhferries.se|access-date=27 January 2018|archive-date=3 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203034459/http://hhferries.se/|url-status=live}}</ref> The route is around {{convert|2.2|nmi}} and the crossing takes 22 minutes. Today, all ferries on this route are constructed so that they do not need to turn around in the harbors. This also means that the ferries lack [[Stem (ship)|stems]] and sterns, since the vessels sail in both directions. Starboard and port-side are dynamic, depending on the direction the ferry sails. Despite the short crossing, the ferries are equipped with restaurants (on three out of four ferries), cafeterias, and kiosks. Passengers without cars often make a double or triple return journey in the restaurants; for this, a single journey ticket is sufficient. Passenger and bicycle passenger tickets are inexpensive compared with longer routes.

==== Baltic Sea ====
Large [[cruiseferry|cruiseferries]] sail in the [[Baltic Sea]] between [[Finland]], [[Åland]], [[Sweden]], [[Estonia]], [[Latvia]] and [[Saint Petersburg]], [[Russia]]. In many ways, these ferries are like [[cruise ship]]s, but they can also carry hundreds of cars on car decks. Besides providing passenger and car transport across the sea, [[Baltic Sea cruise-ferries]] are a popular tourist destination unto themselves, with multiple restaurants, nightclubs, bars, shops and entertainment on board. [[Helsinki]] was the busiest international passenger ferry port in the world in 2017 with over 11.8 million passengers whilst the second business international ferry port, Dover, had 11.7 million passengers. The Helsinki-[[Tallinn]] route alone accounted for nine million passengers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://yle.fi/a/3-10026577|title=in Finnish, "Helsinki nousi maailman vilkkaimmaksi matkustajasatamaksi"; YLE|date=17 January 2018|access-date=10 October 2023|archive-date=4 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404231111/https://yle.fi/a/3-10026577|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2022 the port of Helsinki had almost 8 million passengers, of which 6.3 million travelled between Helsinki and Tallinn.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lansivayla.fi/paikalliset/5689834|title=in Finnish "Laivamatkustus tuplaantui Helsingin satamissa – risteilyalukset olivat poikkeus"; Länsiväylä|date=30 January 2023|access-date=10 October 2023|archive-date=25 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325100313/https://www.lansivayla.fi/paikalliset/5689834|url-status=live}}</ref> Additionally many smaller ferries operate on domestic routes in Finland, Sweden and Estonia.

The south-west and southern parts of the Baltic Sea has several routes mainly for heavy traffic and cars. The ferry routes of [[Rødby]]-[[Puttgarden]], [[Trelleborg]]-[[Rostock]], [[Trelleborg]]-[[Travemünde]], [[Trelleborg]]-[[Świnoujście]], [[Gedser]]-[[Rostock]], [[Gdynia]]-[[Karlskrona]], and [[Ystad]]-[[Świnoujście]] are all typical ''transports'' ferries. On the longer of these routes, simple cabins are available. Some of these routes previously also carried trains, but since 2020 these trains are instead routed around the Baltic via the [[Great Belt fixed link]] and [[Jutland]].

==== Turkey ====
In [[Istanbul]], ferries connect the European and Asian shores of [[Bosphorus]], as well as [[Princes' Islands]] and nearby coastal towns. In 2014, [[İDO]] transported 47&nbsp;million passengers, the largest ferry system in the world.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/may/28/istanbul-ferries-future-transport-new-york-london|title=Istanbul shows ferries have a future|first=Stephen|last=Starr|date=28 May 2015|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=27 January 2018|archive-date=28 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128132733/https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/may/28/istanbul-ferries-future-transport-new-york-london|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Italy ====
[[File:Kayakers-Venice-20050524-018.jpg|thumb|The [[Rialto]] water taxi station in Venice, Italy]]
The largest ferry system in [[Italy]] is in [[Venice]]. The city's ''water taxis'' ([[Italian language|Italian]]: ''taxi d'acqua'') provide service all around the city's [[Canal|canals]]. They can carry up to 10 people.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Venezia Taxi |url=https://veneziataxi.it/en/ |access-date=2024-10-24 |website=Venezia Taxi |language=en-US}}</ref> They operate on a series of lines that stop at different locations around Venice.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maddy |date=2023-08-20 |title=Venice Water Taxi: Everything You Need To Know (2024) |url=https://www.venicetraveltips.com/venice-water-taxi/ |access-date=2024-10-24 |website=Venice Travel Tips |language=en-GB}}</ref>

==== Sweden ====
The world's shortest ferry line is the [[Ferry Lina]] in [[Töreboda]], [[Sweden]]. It takes around 20–25 seconds and is hand powered.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-05-22|title=Göta Canal {{!}} 190 kilometres of boats, bikes and shrimp sandwiches|url=https://scanmagazine.co.uk/gota-canal-2/|access-date=2020-07-04|website=Scan Magazine|language=en-GB|archive-date=4 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704213219/https://scanmagazine.co.uk/gota-canal-2/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Martinez|first=Helena|title=Färjan Lina|url=https://toreboda.se/Toreboda-kommun/Kultur--fritid/Turism/Farjan-Lina.html|access-date=2020-07-04|website=toreboda.se – Töreboda kommun|language=sv|archive-date=4 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704213410/https://toreboda.se/Toreboda-kommun/Kultur--fritid/Turism/Farjan-Lina.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

<gallery mode=packed heights="150px">
File:Silja Symphony Kustaanmiekka.jpg|{{MS|Silja Symphony}} leaving [[Helsinki]] via the Kustaanmiekka strait to the [[Baltic Sea]].
File:HSF Festos Palace wisnia6522.jpg|Ro-Pax ''[[MV Festos Palace|Festos Palace]]'' in [[Port of Piraeus|Piraeus]], Greece
File:Road ferry Merisilta.jpg|A road ferry between [[Oulu]] and the [[Hailuoto Island]] on the [[Bothnian Bay]]
</gallery>

<gallery mode=packed heights="200px">
File:Bridge and deck of Gullbritt.jpg|alt=|M/S ''Gullbritt'' in the [[Gullmarn|Gullmar Fjord]] close to [[Lysekil]], [[Sweden]]. Sweden has many of these yellow ferries that are run by the [[Swedish Transport Administration]]. Almost all of them are free of charge.
</gallery>

===North America===

==== Canada ====
Due to the numbers of large freshwater lakes and length of shoreline in Canada, various provinces and territories have ferry services.

[[BC Ferries]] operates the third largest ferry service in the world which carries travellers between [[Vancouver Island]] and the [[British Columbia]] mainland on the country's west coast. This ferry service operates to other islands including the [[Gulf Islands]] and [[Haida Gwaii]]. In 2015, BC Ferries carried more than 8&nbsp;million vehicles and 20&nbsp;million passengers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bcferries.com/files/AboutBCF/AR/BCFS_AnnualReport_2015-2016.pdf|title=Annual Report 2015–2016 : British Columbia Ferry Service Inc. & B. C. Ferry Authority|website=Bcferries.com|access-date=27 January 2018|archive-date=11 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170111010311/http://www.bcferries.com/files/AboutBCF/AR/BCFS_AnnualReport_2015-2016.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> In [[Vancouver]] there is [[SeaBus]].

Canada's east coast has been home to numerous inter- and intra-provincial ferry and coastal services, including a large network operated by the federal government under [[CN Marine]] and later [[Marine Atlantic]]. Private and publicly owned ferry operations in eastern Canada include Marine Atlantic, serving the island of [[Newfoundland (island)|Newfoundland]], as well as [[Bay Ferries]], [[Northumberland Ferries]], [[Coopérative de transport maritime et aérien|CTMA]], [[Coastal Transport]], and [[Société des traversiers du Québec|STQ]]. Canadian waters in the [[Great Lakes]] once hosted numerous ferry services, but these have been reduced to those offered by [[Owen Sound Transportation Company]] and several smaller operations. There are also several commuter passenger ferry services operated in major cities, such as [[Metro Transit (Halifax)|Metro Transit]] in [[Halifax Regional Municipality, Nova Scotia|Halifax]], and [[Toronto Island ferries]] in Toronto. There is also the [[Société des traversiers du Québec]].

==== United States ====
Due to the [[North Carolina]] coast's geography, consisting of numerous sounds, inlets, tidal arms, and islands, ferry transportation is essential in the region. The state operates twelve routes, eight of which are under the oversight of the [[North Carolina Department of Transportation Ferry Division]], three of which are under the direct oversight of the [[North Carolina Department of Transportation]], and one of which is under the oversight of the [[North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ferry Schedule {{!}} NC State Parks |url=https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/hammocks-beach-state-park/ferry-schedule |access-date=2023-07-27 |website=www.ncparks.gov |archive-date=27 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230727181959/https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/hammocks-beach-state-park/ferry-schedule |url-status=live }}</ref> Three of the Ferry Division routes are tolled, and all ferry routes operated by the North Carolina Department of Transportation carry both vehicles and pedestrians, although certain vessels only carry pedestrians and cyclists. The National Park Service additionally works with private companies to offer ferry service to locations such as [[Cape Lookout National Seashore|Cape Lookout]] and [[Portsmouth, North Carolina|Portsmouth]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=List of Authorized Ferry Services – Cape Lookout National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service) |url=https://www.nps.gov/calo/planyourvisit/ferry.htm |access-date=2023-07-27 |website=www.nps.gov |language=en |archive-date=10 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610155000/https://www.nps.gov/calo/planyourvisit/ferry.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Washington State Ferries]] operates the most extensive ferry system in the continental United States and the second largest in the world by vehicles carried, with ten routes on [[Puget Sound]] and the [[Strait of Juan de Fuca]] serving [[Ferry terminal|terminals]] in Washington and Vancouver Island.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/NR/rdonlyres/61B38EF5-0E39-420D-84F8-582A6A6CF476/0/WSFFactSheet2016_FINAL.pdf|title=WSDOT Ferries Division : Nation's Largest Ferry System|date=December 2016|website=Wsdot.wa.gov|access-date=27 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221120608/https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/NR/rdonlyres/61B38EF5-0E39-420D-84F8-582A6A6CF476/0/WSFFactSheet2016_FINAL.pdf|archive-date=21 February 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2016, Washington State Ferries carried 10.5&nbsp;million vehicles and 24.2&nbsp;million riders in total.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/traffic_stats/annualpdf/2016.pdf|title=Washington State Ferries : Traffic Statistics Rider Segment report|date=2016|website=Wsdot.wa.gov|access-date=27 January 2018|archive-date=28 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128021319/http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/traffic_stats/annualpdf/2016.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The [[Alaska Marine Highway|Alaska Marine Highway System]] provides service between Bellingham, Washington, and various towns and villages throughout Southeast and Southwest Alaska, including crossings of the [[Gulf of Alaska]]. AMHS provides affordable access to many small communities with no road connection or airport.

The [[Staten Island Ferry]] in [[Transportation in New York City|New York City]], sailing between the boroughs of [[Manhattan]] and [[Staten Island]], is the nation's single busiest ferry route by passenger volume. Unlike riders on many other ferry services, Staten Island Ferry passengers do not pay any fare to ride it. New York City also has a network of smaller ferries, or ''water taxis'', that shuttle commuters along the [[Hudson River]] from locations in [[New Jersey]] and Northern [[Manhattan]] down to the midtown, downtown and Wall Street business centers. Several ferry companies also offer service linking midtown and lower Manhattan with locations in the boroughs of [[Queens]] and [[Brooklyn]], crossing the city's [[East River]]. New York City Mayor [[Bill de Blasio]] announced in February 2015 that city would begin an expanded Citywide Ferry Service, and launched as [[NYC Ferry]] in 2017, linking heretofore relatively isolated communities such as [[Manhattan]]'s [[Lower East Side]], [[Soundview, Bronx|Soundview]] in [[The Bronx]], [[Astoria, Queens|Astoria]] and [[Rockaway, Queens|the Rockaways]] in [[Queens]] and such [[Brooklyn]] neighborhoods as [[Bay Ridge, Brooklyn|Bay Ridge]], [[Sunset Park, Brooklyn|Sunset Park]], and [[Red Hook, Brooklyn|Red Hook]] with existing ferry landings in [[Lower Manhattan]] and [[Midtown Manhattan]]. A second expansion phase connected [[Staten Island]] to the West Side of Manhattan, and added a stop in Throgs Neck, in the Bronx. NYC Ferry is now the largest passenger fleet in the United States.

The [[New Orleans]] area also has many ferries that carry both vehicles and pedestrians. Most notable is the Algiers Ferry, which has been in continuous operation since 1827 and is one of the oldest operating ferries in North America.
In New England, vehicle-carrying ferry services between mainland [[Cape Cod]] and the islands of [[Martha's Vineyard]] and [[Nantucket]] are operated by [[The Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority]], which sails year-round between [[Woods Hole]] and [[Vineyard Haven]] as well as [[Hyannis, Massachusetts|Hyannis]] and [[Nantucket]]. Seasonal service is also operated from Woods Hole to [[Oak Bluffs]] during the summer and fall. As there are no bridges or tunnels connecting the islands to the mainland, The Steamship Authority ferries in addition to being the only method for transporting private cars to or from the islands, also ferry heavy freight and supplies, such as construction materials and fuel, competing with tug and barge companies. Additionally, [[Hy-Line Cruises]] operates high-speed catamaran service from Hyannis to both islands, and several smaller operations run seasonal passenger-only service primarily geared towards tourist [[day-tripper]]s from other mainland ports, including [[New Bedford, MA|New Bedford]], (New Bedford Fast Ferry) [[Falmouth, MA|Falmouth]], (Island Queen ferry and Falmouth Ferry) and [[Harwich, MA|Harwich]] (Freedom Cruise Line). Ferries also bring riders and vehicles across [[Long Island Sound]] to such [[Connecticut]] cities as [[Bridgeport, Connecticut|Bridgeport]] and [[New London, Connecticut|New London]], and to [[Block Island]] in [[Rhode Island]] from points on [[Long Island]].

Transbay commuting in the [[San Francisco Bay Area]] was primarily ferry-based until the advent of automobiles in the 1940s, and most bridges in the area were built to supplant ferry services. By the 1970s, ferries were primarily used by tourists with [[Golden Gate Ferry]], an organization under the ownership of the same governing body as the [[Golden Gate Bridge]], left as the sole commute operator. The [[1989 Loma Prieta earthquake]] prompted the restoration of service to the [[East Bay]]. The modern ferry network is primarily under the authority of [[San Francisco Bay Ferry]], connecting with cities as far as [[Vallejo, California|Vallejo]]. Tourist excursions are also offered by [[Blue & Gold Fleet]] and [[Red & White Fleet]]. A ferry serves [[Angel Island (California)|Angel Island]] (which also accepts private craft). [[Alcatraz]] is served exclusively by ferry service administered by the [[National Park Service]].
{{main|Ferries of San Francisco Bay}}

Until the completion of the [[Mackinac Bridge]] in the 1950s, ferries were used for vehicle transportation between the [[Lower Peninsula of Michigan|Lower]] and the [[Upper Peninsula of Michigan|Upper Peninsulas]] of [[Michigan]], across the [[Straits of Mackinac]] in the United States. Ferry service for [[bicycles]] and passengers continues across the straits for transport to [[Mackinac Island]], where motorized vehicles are almost completely prohibited. This crossing is made possible by two ferry lines [[Shepler's Ferry]] and [[Star Line Ferry|Mackinac Island Ferry Company (formerly Star Line)]].

A ferry service runs between [[Milwaukee, Wisconsin]] and [[Muskegon, Michigan]] operated by [[Lake Express]]. Another ferry [[SS Badger]] operates between [[Manitowoc, Wisconsin]] and [[Ludington, Michigan]]. Both cross [[Lake Michigan]].

Numerous additional inland ferry routes exist in the United States, such as the [[Cave-In-Rock Ferry]] across the Ohio River, and the [[Tennessee State Route 147|Benton-Houston Ferry]] across the Tennessee River.

===== Modernization of ferry system =====
The FTA announced in September 2024 that it would award $300 million in grants to modernize ferry systems in the United States. These grants will support 18 projects across 14 states, emphasizing upgrading environmentally friendly [[Marine propulsion|propulsion]] systems. Eight of the 18 projects will receive funding for this purpose.<ref name="m614">{{cite web | title=INVESTING IN AMERICA: Biden-Harris Administration Announces Nearly $300 Million in Grants to Modernize America's Ferry Systems | website=Federal Transit Administration | date=2024-09-16 | url=https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/news/investing-america-biden-harris-administration-announces-nearly-300-million-grants | access-date=2024-09-18}}</ref>

One notable project is the San Francisco ferry system, which will receive $11.5 million to improve the connection between Treasure Island and Mission Bay. In Maine, the ferry system will be upgraded in Lincolnville and Islesboro. Additionally, Alaska will receive a significant $106.4 million grant to replace a 60-year-old vessel operating in the southwest. This vessel is a crucial connector for the region.<ref name="m614" />

These grants are part of the FTA's efforts to improve ferry transportation in the United States and promote [[sustainable transportation]] options.<ref name="m614" />

==== Mexico ====
Mexico has ferry services run by [[Baja Ferries]] that connect [[La Paz, Baja California Sur|La Paz]] located on the Baja California Peninsula with [[Mazatlán]] and [[Topolobampo]]. Passenger ferries also run from [[Playa del Carmen]] to the island of [[Cozumel]].
<gallery mode=packed heights="150px">
File:Spirit of vi 3.jpg|{{MV|Spirit of Vancouver Island}} en route to [[Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal|Tsawwassen]] from [[Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal|Swartz Bay]]. Route 1 is [[BC Ferries]] busiest route.
File:Washington State Ferry 6415.JPG|The ''[[MV Spokane]]'' sailing from [[Edmonds, Washington|Edmonds]] to [[Kingston, Washington|Kingston]], one of ten routes served by [[Washington State Ferries]].
File:LeConte Kennicott 30.jpg|Alaska Marine Highway System ferries [[MV LeConte|MV ''LeConte'']] and [[MV Kennicott|MV ''Kennicott'']] near [[Juneau, Alaska]]
</gallery>

===South America===
There are several ferries in South America.

[[Chacao Channel]] has ferry lines.

===Oceania===

==== Australia ====
In Australia, two [[Spirit of Tasmania]] ferries carry passengers and vehicles {{convert|450|km}} across [[Bass Strait]], the body of water that separates [[Tasmania]] from the Australian mainland, often under turbulent sea conditions. These run overnight but also include day crossings in peak time. Both ferries are based in the northern Tasmanian port city of [[Devonport, Tasmania|Devonport]] and sail to [[Geelong]]. Before Geelong this ferry used to sail to [[Melbourne]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ferrygogo.com/geelong-tasmania-one-month-after/|title=Geelong-Tasmania One Month After|date=23 November 2022 |access-date=2 December 2022|archive-date=2 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202092157/https://ferrygogo.com/geelong-tasmania-one-month-after/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://geelongport.com.au/news/geelongport-welcomes-spirit-of-tasmania-to-geelong/|title=GeelongPort welcomes Spirit of Tasmania to Geelong|date=23 October 2022 |access-date=2 December 2022|archive-date=2 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202092147/https://geelongport.com.au/news/geelongport-welcomes-spirit-of-tasmania-to-geelong/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The double-ended Freshwater-class ferry cuts an iconic shape as it makes its way up and down Sydney Harbour [[New South Wales]], [[Australia]] between [[Manly, New South Wales|Manly]] and [[Circular Quay]].

==== New Zealand ====
In New Zealand, ferries connect [[Wellington]] in the [[North Island]] with [[Picton, New Zealand|Picton]] in the [[South Island]], linking New Zealand's two main islands. The route is {{convert|92|km}}, and is run by two companies – government-owned [[Interislander]], and independent [[Strait Shipping|Bluebridge]], who say the trip takes three and half hours.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.greatjourneysofnz.co.nz/interislander/experience/the-journey-cook-strait/|title=The Journey|website=Great Journeys of New Zealand|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-10|archive-date=21 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221005649/https://www.greatjourneysofnz.co.nz/interislander/experience/the-journey-cook-strait/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<gallery mode=packed heights="150px">
File:Devonport-Spirit-Of-Tasmania-2008.jpg|{{MS|Spirit of Tasmania II}} at port in [[Devonport, Tasmania|Devonport]], Australia.
File:Sydney Ferry Freshwater.jpg|The Manly Ferry '[[MV Freshwater]]'
</gallery>