I rode the Elizabeth River Ferry from Chesapeake to the Water District in Norfolk. It was February so it was chilly and windy but sunny and beautiful. We rode up top on the way over and sat inside on the way back. The cost was $2 round trip and we found free street parking in Chesapeake. There was a sign posted advising customers to wait to walk down the ramp until everyone got off the boat. I handed my ticket to someone just inside the boat. They scanned it and gave it back to me as it's needed for your return trip. We walked upstairs and enjoyed the sites of the bay as we traveled across the water. read more

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Such a great mode of transportation between Waterside in Norfolk and Old Towne Portsmouth. People in Virginia Beach need to take advantage and check out Old Towne. The ferry is CASH EXACT CHANGE ONLY. $2 each way and worth it. Runs on time and often. I don't remember the exact schedule. We had a beautiful day and you can sit in the sun or stay out of the sun. Great views and just a very relaxing ride on a paddle wheel ferry. You can also bring your bike. Highly recommend for locals and tourists. read more

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I give it four stars.. I love the view regardless of the weather, if it's too chilly ( or raining) you can sit at the window inside Or if it's nice and You Can bare the BREEZE and a bit of Splash back pending on where you choose to sit... You Can't Beat the quick pop from Portsmouth to Norfolks WaterSide. Hey did You Know Your Military disability card meets the criteria for discount fare!! Ohh Yeah Your WelCome!! read more

Elizabeth River Ferry - A window seat - Public Transportation Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Great way to cross to Norfolk but come early. The north street parking garage is closed to visitor parking and the alternative parking garages are not close particularly for those with physical limitations. So going to see the Tides in Norfolk by Ferry, come very early. Or take it to Waterside and take a longer walk. read more

Inexpensive, reliable, predictable, and scenic. Primarily seems to be a commuter ferry, but it's great for tourists as well. My only complaint is that in order to purchase tickets on board you need exact change. Why they don't take credit like the rest of the locations throughout the Norfolk area that allow you to purchase the tickets with credit or debit or inexact change is a frustrating technical limitation I assume. read more

Big fun! Such a great way to travel from Portside (Portsmouth, VA features two ports - High St. and North Landing Dock) to Waterside (Norfolk, VA) - back and forth! For a low fee (exact fee is a must - no change given) you get to see the sights of/on the Elizabeth River. And if you're really feeling adventurous bring you bike along! You bike rides for free. Hampton Roads Transit operates three 150-passenger ferries on the Elizabeth River between Norfolk and Portsmouth and this ferry is one of them. The ferry operates every 30 minutes with 15-minute service during the Summer at peak times on weekends. Schedules are subject to change based on operating situations (weather, mechanical problems, etc.). The ferry is wheelchair accessible and allows boarding passengers to walk on with their bicycles. http://gohrt.com/services/ferry/ The staff seems to always do a super fantastic job when it comes to customer service. Always thankful and willing to assist all. On all ferries, you can choose to sit or stand as you ride to and from. A great experience for all! But please ensure safety at all times. It seems as though always at the beginning of the Summer season or just before Memorial Day weekend, they will feature a weekend in which the ferry fare is waived for all. This definitely brings in record number crowds. Crowds/long lines are usually around the holiday seasons. Therefore pack your patience. A great day of fun, relaxation and a hassle free ride awaits! Have fun and enjoy life read more

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Great service! Fast and efficient! Loved the senior citizen rate! Plenty of room for everyone! read more

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Elizabeth River Ferry is always on time and crew is extremely friendly - and you cannot beat the price- I do wish the credit card readers were working- not everyone carry's cash read more

The Elizabeth River Ferry is apart of Hampton Roads Transit. The ferry services Harbor Park on game days for Norfolk Tides. There is a Summer Schedule (Memorial Day to Labor Day) and Winter Schedule (Labor Day to Memorial Day) and it varies weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Stops at High Street, North Landing (Portsmouth), and Waterside. Check gohrt .com for scheduled times. read more

Elizabeth River Ferry - Public Transportation Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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What a great way to get from the Sheraton Waterside over to Portsmouth and a short walk from High Street to the Ntelos pavilion. Just 1.15 each way and a very short trip. read more

Elizabeth River Ferry - Public Transportation Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Best kept secret of Hampton roads. Inexpensive ride from Norfolk to Portsmouth. Great views of the shipyards both military and civilian ships. We love to bring out of town guests. HRT is great! read more

Just came back from Ferry, even it's December - it's still great way to spend day very fast, not cold at all, perfect for travel with kids and take some cool pictures. read more

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I like the benefit of skipping tolls and parking on the Norfolk side and oh yeah traffic congestion. So I will pay $1.75 one way for a scenic water ride. Kids are free with a paying adult unless they have a student pass and no adult is necessary. My kids love to ride the ferry and it's the easiest boat I can put them on that doesn't require me to paddle with arms or pedal with my feet. The ferry stops twice on the Portsmouth side and once on the Norfolk side at Waterside. Exact cash is required but tickets are available for purchase. The ferry has two levels. The upper deck being open air with an overhead shade and the lower deck is enclosed. The ride is smooth across the water and runs every half hour and more often when there are special events! read more

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I wish it ran later into the night, but I can understand not wanting a bunch of drunks on the ferry at 2-2:30 in the morning with the inherent risk of falling over the side a real issue. It's very reasonably priced, plus it's an experience just getting on the water even for a short hop to Norfolk or a Tides game. I actually saw someone take it from the High St stop to the Renaissance Hotel stop less than 500 yards away!?!?! So if you want to do a little people watching, get out on the water for a few minutes or just need a sober driver to get you to Norfolk, $1.75 makes it happen!! read more

If I were to put together a local dream date -- like a service (Hey...I think I just came up with a business idea) -- I would include without a doubt a ride on the Elizabeth River Ferry. It's a pedestrain ferry (you can bring your bike too). It costs only $1 each way and only takes about 10 or 15 minutes across from Waterside to P-town. And time seems to slow down tremendously while you're on. You get a great view of both cities plus all of the ships -- Navy and Coast Guard, private boats, tugs, cruise ships. And, you know, the whole watery breezes and churning of the paddle-wheel on the back of the boat thing. It's just peaceful. Like a time out for your overworked soul. read more

Elizabeth River Ferry - Photo from www.virginia.org - Public Transportation Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Aside from some confusion about exact change, the ferry ride was quick and pleasant. Enjoyed the boogaloo festival and we didn't have to worry about parking. Taking the ferry was cheap and just a short walk from the mall, the festival, and the marketplace. read more

Elizabeth River Ferry - My first ride on a ferry and it was cool! - Public Transportation Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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I hadn't been on the ferry in almost 25 years til yesterday, but it's exactly as I remembered it. And that's a good thing. It comes by every 30 minutes. You have to have exact change. And you get to Waterside in a breezy scenic flash that almost makes you wish the commute was longer. It also makes you wonder why you ever bother DRIVING to downtown Norfolk. It's such an adorable Portsmouth staple. read more

Elizabeth River Ferry - Public Transportation Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Very convenient to the Renaissance Hotel and pretty much anything in Olde Town Portsmouth. They run on a half hour schedule, and it looks like lit varies depending on the season. I was able to easily get from downtown Portsmouth to the MacArthur Mall in downtown Portsmouth (just up Atlantic Ave) in about 5 min from getting off at the Marketplace place. Very convenient and cheap! Only $1.50 one way. Have exact change...they don't do credit cards. read more

Elizabeth River Ferry - North Landing Stop - Public Transportation Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

I am a big of Elizabeth River Ferry. I believe its fast, efficient and cost effective ideal transportation. It's also a great way to get over at Downtown Norfolk where restaurant and shopping mall situated. Its clean and well-organized. The top deck is definitely spot on. You can indulge yourself the beautiful scenery of the river. A day pass is a saver, its also good with the Tide and buses. read more

Elizabeth River Ferry - Public Transportation Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

I don't know what's taken me so long to ride the ferry. I guess all i needed was a friend to suggest it and off we were. Please know that the ferry takes only exact change of $1.75, so come prepared. We took the ferry from Portsmouth near the childrens museum to downtown norfolk waterside. You can sit either on the first level which is more enclosed or the top level with has a better view and more breeze. On this night the last ferry eas due to come at 9:45. Don't be late, we off and on our way at exactly 9:45 so get there early or be prepared to take an uber or water taxi. read more

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Unfortunately when we arrived the ferry was delayed. After waiting in the heat for over 40 minutes, we were boarding the ferry only to be told they were not accepting debit/credit cards though there was a card reader there. The sign before boarding clearly said debit/credit cards were accepted which is why we waited. We were told we could go to a close ATM, but would have to wait for another ferry. We drove all the way there to experience the ferry ride before our trip ended only to be disappointed. 2 stars because of the delay and lack proper signage which led to disappointment at the conclusion of our trip. Also, there was no where to stand and wait for the ferry that was sheltered for weather/sun. read more

The Elizabeth River Ferry is the best local secret for getting around. For only $1, you can get the best view of the harbor and enjoy all that both Waterside in Norfolk and High Street in Portsmouth have to offer. With three ferries comprising the system, there is a boat to hop on board every 30 minutes. The best bet is to take your bike around downtown Norfolk enjoying the events and shopping, then head over to Portsmouth on the ferry to take advantage of the restaurants and museums. Even without providing a cheap means of transportation, standing at the bow and breathing in the salty air make it a worthwhile trip. read more

The Ferry is a perfect local gem that makes Portsmouth and Norfolk stand apart from other cities. I remember riding it from Portsmouth to Norfolk and Norfolk to Portsmouth ever since I was a very little kid (in fact the whistle used to scare me, but that's another story). If you live in Downtown Portsmouth and can walk to the ferry it's even cooler, because it'll take you right to Waterside - no driving required! It departs about every thirty minutes, so you won't have to wait too long to board. It's a cheap, fun trip that every local and every visitor should took advantage of - makes Portsmouth and Norfolk that much cooler. read more

You can bring your dog onboard fo free! YAY $1.50 each ride. Have exact cash. read more

6 years living in this area and last weekend was my first time ever using the ferry. I always hear people talk about it and say that it's a convenient way to get from Portsmouth To downtown Norfolk. I took the ferry to get to Waterside on Sunday and this experience was perfect. the fare per ride is $1.75 but make sure you have exact change because you will not get change back. The ride is very quick, I stood on the side of the ferry watching the water as we quickly approached Waterside. I found out that it makes another stop afterwards to Harbor Park which is dope! I'm sure I'll be taking the ferry all Summer! read more

I have ridden on these boats my entire life! They still thrill me at age 37. I had a crazy and yet blessed experience when my 2 year old and I got stuck on in a crazy bad unexpected storm. We hunkered on the bottom away from the sideways blown rain and when we got to our stop an extremely sweet and young crew member gave me and umbrella to take because he noticed we were departing without one! I plan on riding it tonight and we be pleased to return the umbrella to them! So nice! read more

Elizabeth River Ferry - My sweet baby girl's first Elizabeth Ferry experience! This was my spot when I was her age! - Public Transportation Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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This ferry is so convenient and has an awesome crew of people working on it. Shout out to the afternoon & night teams who worked last Saturday. Your friendliness & professionalism really lifted our spirits, thanks for being a memorable part of our perfect weekend of exploring Norfolk/Portsmouth. I cannot wait to ride the ferry again. Like everyone else here has said, it's fast, it's affordable, it's FUN. Bicycles and dogs seem welcome. I love it! read more

What a fun way to get around! We went from Norfolk to Portsmouth today, using the ferry. We parked at MacArthur and headed over. The ferry stops were clearly marked, making it easy to know where to go. The staff was all friendly, and the ride was very relaxing. We'll definitely take the ferry again. read more

I love the ferry! It is a great way to get over to downtown Norfolk. It only costs $3 and saves you time and money driving through the tunnel. I also like how the ferry will take you to the baseball games! Plus, if you're like me and you like going to festivals there is no reason to take any other form of transportation. The ferry will drop you off right by Towne Point Park. read more

I was very pleased with my experience on the ferry this past weekend. I decided to take it from Portsmouth to Towne point park for a Festival. We found a parking spot right at the garage so we just had to cross the street to the ferry. It was boarding when we walked up so we didn't have to wait. We had exact change so we used the machine to enter our money but I did see some people at a ticket dispenser near the ferry. It was a wonderful day to be on the water and very relaxing to disembark and walk a few feet to our destination . I will defintely use this more often for travel into Norfolk. read more

Non dependable, its now two times in the last month that I have been left sitting waiting for them to pick me up and they haven't so thank you for making me late for work, really appreciate it. read more

This is definitely a great ferry. Warning: prices are going up again. Get your tickets prior to boarding to prevent problems as you need exact change. Only problem I have is it is in Portsmouth. Went on the weekend with the little one so we stopped at the Children's Museum and took a ferry ride over to Norfolk (Towne Point Park/Waterside area) but almost all the shops at Waterside were closed. On a Saturday afternoon. Well, the ferry was one of the best parts of the whole thing. My little one still asks to go back to ride the ferry. read more