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    Chester-Hadlyme Ferry

    4.5 (12 reviews)
    Closed 10:30 am - 5:00 pm

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    Rachel O.

    We took the car across this time. It was $6 on a Saturday for one car with two passengers. The deckhands were wicked nice & the ride was breezy & beautiful. What more is there to say, really? It's just so incredibly worth it to take this historic ferry across the Connecticut River. The experience instills a childlike wonderment in me. How cool is it that we're in our car on a little floating craft that's been making this trip back & forth since the mid 1700's? With sweeping views of the river & Gillette Castle perched atop a cliff? Just do it!

    Eastern landing view from the ferry
    Scott P.

    On a beautiful Tuesday afternoon, I decided it was a great time to take the ferry. There was no line and they were about to leave, so no chance for pictures from the landing. A short 5 minute trip, this is a great idea for a scenic day trip. I should definitely return when the foliage is peaking! Note: there was 12-15 cars waiting on the western landing but it's a quick round trip, so not a very long wait.

    8/31/21 At the Historic Chester-Hadlyme Ferry landing with the equally historic Gillette Castle overlooking it.
    Jim C.

    8/31/21 The Historic Chester-Hadlyme Ferry crossing the Connecticut river on Rt.148 has been in continuous seasonal operation since 1763 with only a few breaks in service for a variety of reasons, most recently 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic. It crosses the river with the equally historic Gillette Castle State Park overlooking it high on the bluff above. That is another worthwhile place to see. It's a very smooth and pleasant five minute crossing on a ferry carrying about 10 cars maximum. I took it today on my newly acquired motor trike, and enjoyed it immensely. I hadn't been on the ferry in several years. The fellow collecting the fares mentioned that he too rides a Harley. NICE! The fare was only $5.00. SUCH A DEAL! one's Yiddish grandfather might say! If you're in the area and have the opportunity, I highly recommend it, even if it's a little out of your way. Who knows when the state of Connecticut that operates it might replace it or just eliminate this piece of floating history.

    Chester Side

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    1 month ago

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    2 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    2 years ago

    I love this ferry. Brought my grandchildren this year. Each one at a different. Quaint, real, extremely friendly people!

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    13 years ago

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    14 years ago

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    13 years ago

    What a deal for a fun, historical, practical transportation experience!

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    12 years ago

    Great! $4 for a car and $2 for pedestrians. You get great views of Gillette castle and access to great trails.

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    10 years ago

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    Review Highlights - Chester-Hadlyme Ferry

    You can't go wrong with a scenic boat ride with a beautiful view of Gillette castle.

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    Cross Sound Ferry - 0700HRS Ferry @ orient point

    Cross Sound Ferry

    3.4(229 reviews)
    18.1 mi

    When I was planning a trip from Boston to Long Island, I saw on Google Maps there was a ferry…read moreoption that would cut my driving time almost exactly in half. Having lived in NYC for almost a decade, I had no idea the Cross Sound Ferry existed; I thought I'd just put up with the atrocious weekend traffic in and out of Long Island. Pros: (+) The car loading process was very organized. The workers were friendly and efficient. Both my outbound and return trips left very nearly on time, which I appreciated. (+) I lucked out with beautiful weather and calm waters both times. Sitting on the top deck, basking in the sunlight, watching the coastline come into view definitely beat sitting in a bad traffic jam. If I ever go to Long Island, this is the way to travel. (I also get pretty bad seasickness and worried for days over the forecast for nothing; the ships were so smooth, I didn't feel a thing.) (+) Depending on the vessel, you can also get a history lesson. I took the MV Cape Henlopen back, which participated in D-Day. There's a commemorative plaque and everything. (+) Dog friendly! (+) Lots of seats, both indoor and outdoor. Pro tip: bring a beach towel with you so you don't burn your booty. Cons: (-) Not really a con exactly but a warning that they pack the cars in like sardines. I felt bad for the one car that had to park on a steep incline. (-) My round-trip ferry cost about $160, which is ... not exactly cheap. To me, it was worth the time saved and maybe the tolls of coming through the city and LI (though I didn't do the math) but yeah, I can see why the cost might put people off. Tips: 1. Book in advance on the website early. 2. Get to the ferry terminal early. They have a 30-minute rule for larger cars and a 15-minute rule for all other cars, otherwise you're bumped to standby and there might not be a spot. 3. From a navigation perspective, I found getting to/from New London, CT and Orient Point, NY a breeze. There are some very cute farm stands along the road to Orient Point, where you can stop and get fresh strawberries, eggs, lavender, and honey.

    March 2026 John H boat, the largest ship in the fleet!…read more 100 vehicles and 1000 passengers. The vessel features a dual-level auto deck, lounge, food service, and satellite televisions. For those passengers requiring assistance, there is an elevator between the vehicle deck and main passenger cabin (note: cannot do priority boarding if using elevator access due to the location). - lots of booths, all with electrical outlets - outside bench seating - special dog friendly area - 2 upper seating decks - fryers didn't come on until 11 Get the fries! They're fresh, hot, and crispy!

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    Cross Sound Ferry - March 2026 John H boat

    March 2026 John H boat

    Cross Sound Ferry - March 2026 John H boat

    March 2026 John H boat

    Cross Sound Ferry

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    Essex Steam Train & Riverboat

    Essex Steam Train & Riverboat

    4.0(198 reviews)
    5.0 mi
    $$

    Bought tickets for the North Pole Express through the Essex Steam Train online. Although it was…read moreincredibly rainy throughout our visit, they did their best to accommodate for everyone. As you arrive after parking, you are able to pick up your tickets through the ticket booth. It had indicated me through the emails that the tickets would have been delivered in the mail and I would have to have them prepared, but they never arrived or delivered. You are able to pick them up at the booth. As you embark on the North Pole Express experience, your actor on your carriage/wagon will begin to story-tell, and they also sing a few Christmas songs throughout the experience. They pass a cup of hot chocolate and a cookie to each passenger. I'd personally say that this experience was more directed towards kids. This was my first experience with something like this, but if I were to ever return, it would mainly be to bring a child, since it's geared towards children. I've heard there are other North Pole Express train experiences in other cities that are more adult oriented. Although this was the case, it was still an enjoyable experience. Both Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus appeared outside and soon made their way to the carriages. The actress was incredibly interactive and kind with everyone on board.

    Everything was Amazing, From the Decor to the Service and the food was very exceptional. The…read moreWaiters & Waitress staff were impeccably friendly & Polite. We have done One previously and was Just as Impressed. Folks if you've never done one of these please check it out and do one. You won't regret it. Try the Essex Train & Essex's River Boat experience. It's very relaxing and Enjoyable.

    Photos
    Essex Steam Train & Riverboat - Lunch in the Pullman car

    Lunch in the Pullman car

    Essex Steam Train & Riverboat - Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken

    Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken

    Essex Steam Train & Riverboat - Interior of one of the Essex steam train cars

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    Interior of one of the Essex steam train cars

    The Islander -Thimble Island Tours - Thimble island

    The Islander -Thimble Island Tours

    3.9(16 reviews)
    19.7 mi

    We were blessed with beautiful weather for the last day of summer and I had to finish my bucket…read morelist with a boat ride. Affordable prices, easy to access, good directions. We were told to try to be there at least 20 minutes early and we were! About 10 people in front of us. I do have motion sickness but I also had some special patches and we were able to get some seats on the top deck. Captain was nice, narration tour proved to be interesting and informative. Not so nice were the people that arrived late and suggested for me to move so " the husband " can seat in the front. Not comfortable and not okay so I denied. It was very annoying to have other people that also arrived late and proceeded to squeeze me and my daughter out of our seats because they really wanted I guess to stay with their friends. More of a party boat than a relaxing atmosphere. Not my cup of tea for that day.

    It was a phenomenal day for a boat ride, and as usual the Thimble Islands were as spectacular as…read morethe weather. The views of the homes and the rock formations are breathtaking. Our charming captain, who is very animated, delighted in telling us the various stories behind some of the homes since she has spent her summers there as a child. It is always a pleasure to be around people who truly love their jobs. After decades of time spent in this area, the waves were the most dazzling three and four footers I had ever seen here. The boat was clean, and the other passengers were friendly and very well behaved, including many children.

    Photos
    The Islander -Thimble Island Tours - Captain Lee's stories were really fun!!

    Captain Lee's stories were really fun!!

    The Islander -Thimble Island Tours - A couple of the smaller islands.

    A couple of the smaller islands.

    The Islander -Thimble Island Tours

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    Chester-Hadlyme Ferry - ferries - Updated August 2026

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