North America is not generally thought of as ferry territory in the way the Mediterranean or Southeast Asia are, but several corridors — the Pacific Northwest, New York Harbor, New England's islands, and the vast Alaskan coastline — depend on ferries as everyday transport, not just tourist novelties. Here is how the main systems work.
BC Ferries: British Columbia's essential network
BC Ferries operates one of the largest ferry networks in the world by vessel count, connecting mainland British Columbia with Vancouver Island and the many smaller Gulf Islands in between. The flagship route runs between Tsawwassen (near Vancouver) and Swartz Bay (near Victoria), taking about 1 hour 35 minutes through scenic island scenery, with sailings roughly every one to two hours through the day.
Beyond this main crossing, BC Ferries serves dozens of smaller Gulf Islands and coastal communities, many of which have no road access at all — for residents, the ferry is simply how you get to the mainland, not a tourist option among several. Vehicle reservations are worth making in peak summer season on busy routes; foot passengers are rarely affected by capacity limits. For the full picture on this crossing, see Vancouver to Victoria.
Washington State Ferries: Puget Sound's floating highway
Washington State Ferries is the largest ferry operator in the United States by ridership, criss-crossing Puget Sound around Seattle. Routes connect downtown Seattle to Bainbridge Island and Bremerton, and link the San Juan Islands and the Olympic Peninsula to the mainland. Many commuters use these ferries daily, and the Seattle–Bainbridge crossing in particular is a well-known scenic ride with Seattle's skyline receding behind you.
As with BC Ferries just across the border, vehicle space can fill up on popular sailings in summer, especially to the San Juan Islands, while foot passengers generally board without difficulty. The system connects naturally with Seattle to Portland for travellers continuing south by train after exploring the Sound.
The Staten Island Ferry: New York's free harbour crossing
The Staten Island Ferry is one of the more unusual entries on this list: a free, 24-hour commuter ferry across New York Harbor between Manhattan and Staten Island, taking about 25 minutes each way. It carries genuine commuters every day, but it has also become one of the best free ways to see the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline from the water, without paying for a dedicated sightseeing cruise. There is no reservation system — you simply walk on.
Cape Cod and Nantucket: New England's island ferries
Massachusetts' island communities — Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket — are reachable only by ferry or small plane, and several operators run seasonal and year-round services from Cape Cod ports including Hyannis and Woods Hole. Crossing times range from about 45 minutes to over an hour depending on the route and whether you choose a faster passenger-only boat or a slower vehicle ferry. Summer demand is intense; vehicle reservations, in particular, should be made well ahead if you want to bring a car onto either island, and even foot-passenger sailings can sell out on peak weekends.
The Alaska Marine Highway: a genuine lifeline route
The Alaska Marine Highway System is unlike anything else on this list — a state-run ferry network serving coastal communities along the Alaska Panhandle and beyond, many of which have no road connection to the rest of the state at all. Ships connect towns from Bellingham, Washington and Prince Rupert, British Columbia, north through the Inside Passage to Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and other communities, with some longer routes reaching further into Southwest Alaska and the Aleutians.
Journeys can run from a few hours to multiple days, and the longer routes function more like a modest cruise than a quick crossing, with cabins available on overnight sailings and reclining-seat or deck space for shorter hops. Schedules are far less frequent than the ferries further south — sometimes just a few sailings a week on remote routes — so planning ahead matters considerably more here than on the Puget Sound or BC networks.
Booking and practical tips
- Reserve vehicle space well ahead for BC Ferries, Washington State Ferries and Cape Cod services during summer weekends — foot-passenger space is almost always easier to secure.
- The Staten Island Ferry needs no booking or ticket at all; just walk on.
- Alaska Marine Highway sailings are far less frequent than routes further south — check the schedule months ahead for remote communities, especially if travelling with a vehicle.
- Weather and fog can delay sailings on any of these routes, particularly in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska; build slack into onward connections.
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest ferry system in North America?
By vessel count, BC Ferries in British Columbia is among the largest in the world; Washington State Ferries is the busiest system in the United States by ridership.
Is the Staten Island Ferry really free?
Yes, it has been free since 1997 and runs 24 hours a day, making it a popular budget way to see the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline from the water.
Do I need a car to use the Alaska Marine Highway?
No — passenger-only travel is possible on most routes, though many travellers do bring a vehicle since several communities served have limited onward road access.
How far ahead should I book a ferry to Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket?
For a vehicle in peak summer, several weeks to months ahead is wise. Foot-passenger tickets can usually be booked closer to travel, though popular weekend sailings can still sell out.
Sources and further reading:
- Schedules and fares: BC Ferries, Washington State Ferries and Alaska Marine Highway System official sites.