If you're driving from Jacksonville to Amelia Island, this ferry is well worth it. It cuts about 30 minutes off the drive, and the scenic views along the way are beautiful. The ferry ride itself is short--only about 10-15 minutes--and costs between $5 and $15, depending on your vehicle. It's an inexpensive, convenient, and enjoyable way to make the trip. read more

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I have never been on a car ferry and now I can check that off of my list ;) You drive up and get in line as you are being loaded onto the ferry in the order you lined up. Try to get in first couple of lines as the ferry is small and can fit only the first fifteen cars. We paid $8 for a truck on a Saturday. read more

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Taking the ferry is a wonderful alternative to additional highway driving. The staff are efficient and the ferry has run right on time each time I have been on it. The actual ride is only ~5 minutes, with 15 minutes between each trip to accommodate time to load and unload the ferry. The only downside for me is if the wait is crowded and I can't tell if I will make the ferry or have to wait for the next one, but it's a beautiful spot to be stuck in. read more

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We just missed the ferry! But it did give us a chance to chat with others who were there. It was a quick fun ride and saved us a lot of time on our trip. read more

St. Johns River Ferry - Public Transportation Near Me - Atlantic Beach, Florida

I used the ferry just to save time to Mayport and on this trip watched my friend get so excited to have a first ferry experience. I was humbly reminded to always appreciate what our county offers. The ferry was clean and looked newly painted. As always it was operated perfectly. J am happy to support them when in the area. Weekends are now $8. read more

St. Johns River Ferry - Public Transportation Near Me - Atlantic Beach, Florida

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It's a super efficient and pocket-friendly way to get to the Talbot islands. I'll never drive and take the long way around again! read more

St. Johns River Ferry - Public Transportation Near Me - Atlantic Beach, Florida

This is the quickest and most fun $7 you will spend taking the short cut from Jacksonville to Amelia Island/FB. Each time I have rode the ferry I just smile. Everyone cues up in line to drive on and then we all sit back to enjoy the minutes ride across to our destination. The employees are always super nice and when it's breezy open the windows and enjoy. You know this is a loose money thing that may be gone sooner than later. read more

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Had the chance to go on the Mayport ferry recently on a weekday, which was an interesting experience. Usually I get out there on the weekend and the traffic patterns are different. I must have just missed the ferry, because the lot was empty and it almost felt like it wasn't running, but after looking out over the water for a bit longer I was able to spot the ferry docking on the far side of the river. As we sat there in the lot waiting for the ferry to come back across for us, an interesting sight came up... a large vehicle transport ship. I've seen these things from a distance a number of times, particularly up in Brunswick, but never this close nor moving. It was an interesting sight to see, and to watch other water traffic make way for the large ship to get through. Once it had passed, our ferry came up and we were able to embark. The trip across the river was smooth and we had no issues, and because we were first in line at the beginning, we were first off at the other side which was nice. read more

Decided to go on a journey and take the ferry over to Kingsley Plantation. As we pulled up in line it was no more than 5 minutes before boarding. You have the option to stay in your car or get out and see the sites. Pro: very efficient boarding process. Con: it's only a 10 minute ride. read more

St. Johns River Ferry - Ferry ride. - Public Transportation Near Me - Atlantic Beach, Florida

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I just missed the ferry when I arrive but no worries because it runs again in a half hour. That gave me the opportunity to watch it take its 5 minute journey across the river and dock. Once that was complete, I popped over to the Circle K for a bottle of water and then queued up. For a passenger vehicle, my fare was only $8 and I paid it after downloading their app and showing the ticket to the attendant. Onto the ship, a smooth and fast journey, and then immediately off the ship. How easy was that! The alternative is a 30 minute drive down a single lane road all the way to 295. That's about 25 miles and when you calculate the cost of that much time and gas, this is a really good deal. [Review 15748 overall - 1331 in Florida - 1252 of 2021.] read more

St. Johns River Ferry - Watching the St. Johns River Ferry from the north side of the river - Public Transportation Near Me - Atlantic Beach, Florida

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We love the ferry! What a great way to get across the river! $8 one way for cars on the weekend, the ferry leaves the Mayport side at :00 and :30 very hour. It leaves the north side at :15 and :45 every hour. If you're lucky, you might see dolphins in the river. Even if you don't, enjoy this glorious five minute ride! read more

St. Johns River Ferry - Public Transportation Near Me - Atlantic Beach, Florida

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Really long line after the game. They sell unlimited round-trip tickets, but don't have enough boats after the game. read more

St. Johns River Ferry - Long Line - Public Transportation Near Me - Atlantic Beach, Florida

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Quickest and easiest ferry I've ever been on. These folks have the whole process dialed. Only costs $7 per car. read more

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Easy, quick, convenient, organized and interesting ride. We got to see some dolphins while riding the ferry. Staff were very polite . read more

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How many ferries still operate? Short ride saves you 30 minutes drive, but it more about the journey than the destination. Wait in line, follow directions and shut your engine off and wait for the next ferry to arrive. If you are lucky you will see a Wesley Snipes twin collecting money. Don't worry, he hears it all the time so go ahead and tell him. Loading requires you to also follow instructions, park in a certain row and shit your car off again. The next step is very important - if you blur thru this review remember one thing, this one thing. When they say get ready for a loud noise - COVER YOUR EARS and the ears of your spouse, your children and your pets. You will thank me later. Now get out of your car and look for the occasional dolphin, fish or maybe a mythical Kraken. What's not to like? read more

Planned a day tip down the length of Amelia Island and through the Timucuan Preserve, then over to the Jacksonville Arboretum. This ferry is necessary to save a lot of time on back swamp roads, if you're headed to Jacksonville. I planned to arrive at the ferry with 15 min to spare, but the day went other than planned and it ended up being a scramble to try to make an earlier one. Schedule (2022) Leaves Mayport side on the hour and half hour, leaves St. George's Island side on quarter past and quarter of each hour during below operating hours. Mon-Thur 6am-7pm Fri 6am-8:30pm Sat-Sun 7am-8:30pm I boarded from the St. George's Island side, going to the Mayport side. You can see some of Mayport Navy Base as you cross. Upon entering the parking lot, I saw the boat was already finishing boarding. I hadn't been able to go online and pay yet, and had no cash. But the guys just waved my car on, and said I could pay while on board. It was awesome! Saved so much time having to wait for the next one, You have to download a free app and pay through there. Online it says $7 per car but I think I paid $5 on the app. Most people paid cash when the ticket taker came around while we crossed. The ride is 5 minutes across the river. You're not supposed to exit your vehicle but some people did and no employees cared. Quick, easy, very affordable, and all on time. read more

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It's always great when you can get to your favorite spot across tre river in half the time!

Love riding the ferry! It's just a chill time when you get your car across the river in a shorter amount of time and in a relaxing way. As we crossed the river, one of the cruise lines(Royal Caribbean I think) was crossing as we were about to move. You get to walk around, so it's not only scenic, you also get to avoid traffic. However, it is $5-7/trip/car unless you purchase packages on-line, then you save about a dollar/trip. read more

Efficient, professional & courteous! I've ridden the ferry numerous times and they are always prompt and know how to keep it moving! Even when huge cargo ships get in their way- they will get back on track by the next crossing. Its always a treat to take the ferry read more

St. Johns River Ferry - First car on - Public Transportation Near Me - Atlantic Beach, Florida

This ferry definitely cuts down on travel time if you're on that side of town, and it has great views! read more

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The day has come. Client is so exclusive need to take a ferry???? Reminder of Staten Island ferry when I was a kiddie. Being an excursion that broke up an 8 hour drive, it was just too short!!! Hopped out the car for the five minute quick ride and enjoyed it. Price is phenomenal, the time saver not that great, but the break in the drive to stretch my legs in the wind was phenomenal... read more

St. Johns River Ferry - Too cool!!!! - Public Transportation Near Me - Atlantic Beach, Florida

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What a fun experience! Some locals recommended taking this ferry over to Mayport. It was a beautiful drive from Amelia Island to the ferry. The ferry was $7 each way. You just drive your car into a line. A ferry person comes down the line of cars to collect the toll. They accepted cash, credit card, or a prepaid ticket. We just followed the line of cars and another ferry person directed us as we drove onto the ferry. There were four lines of cars on the boat. Instructions were posted above to turn your engine off. There were other instructions about not letting pets out of the car. Also, no cellphone use while driving on to and driving off. We saw people get out of their cars to stand near the side of the ferry to enjoy the view. The ride is very short, however. So if you do this, you may need to hurry back to your car to get ready to drive off. We got lucky on the return trip. We were one of the first cars on, so we had a great view since we were right in front! read more

The most entertaining 10 minutes of my day, for sure. It's short but a lovely way to get from A to B (AKA Fernandina to Neptune) without the drama of 295. I SO wasn't looking forward to that ridiculous run around to get to Neptune Beach from Amelia Island and you know what - when you talk to folks on AI about the best way to get to Neptune or JAX beach, no one once suggested the ferry. Are we that heartless? Do we all so love our cars that much that everyone would prefer to be victim to gut wrenching traffic and/or extra mileage to get around? Not me! So on a lark I took that turn to get on the ferry. Got a great spot right in front and then treated myself to some pie from Pie Heaven on the way to Neptune. Do yourself a favor and try it! read more

St. Johns River Ferry - View from the car - Public Transportation Near Me - Atlantic Beach, Florida

Love having this option when you're in this part of Jacksonville. It saves a whole lot of driving instead of going all the way around to get to where you need to be. Plus who doesn't like to ride a ferry? We definitely could use something like this in the downtown... And although we don't use it all that much, if you're in the area, it's well worth the price and the experience. Surprisingly organized and an inexpensive adventure if you're in the Mayport area. Definitely fun so take the ferry! :) read more

We can all agree that in today's world ferries may not be the most efficient mode of transportation and sooner than later there won't be any ferries left as funding becomes available to replace them all with concrete bridges or tunnels they can name in memory of some politician, no matter the cost or the amount of daily traffic. Ferries are slow and the wait times can be more than some can bare, but for me it's one of the few things left that forces me to take a break and allows me to take in the beauty around me. So at $6 dollars each way it's a bargain and beneficial, yes as strange as it sounds paying to take a break from your busy schedule does benefit you, so get out of your vehicle and take a break, walk around, take a few pictures, take in some sunshine and breathe it will only be a few minutes before you can rejoin the rat race... enjoy! read more

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I just love the ferry and I think we are quite lucky to still have it. I hope the community continues to use it and support it so that we can keep it around! Yes, we have the bridges now for easy and quick access, but it's so much fun to hop on the ferry every now and then. The ferry takes you from Heckscher Drive to Mayport (and the other way around). The fare is a good bit higher than when my girls were growing up. It's $6.00 per vehicle (each way) and on the weekends, they charge an extra $1 per passenger (excluding the driver and each child 5 years and younger). Drive onto the ferry and then hop out of your car and enjoy the wind and the view for the .9 mile voyage to the other side. If this is not something you have done before, then make a point to do it. Especially if you have children; they will will love! read more

The best way to get across with your vehicle. The ferry workers were polite and efficient. The cost was only 6 dollars and ride was smooooth as the water. This ferry leaves every 30 minutes. I am not sure if it shuts down or seasonal so call or check the website. I will be taking the ferry on the way back unless I want to drive 30 miles out if the way. read more

St. Johns River Ferry - Public Transportation Near Me - Atlantic Beach, Florida

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Another great ride and it is still only $6 for a vehicle read more

St. Johns River Ferry - Public Transportation Near Me - Atlantic Beach, Florida

This ferry is so neat. What a great experience for the family. We end up taking A1A coming up for JAX south end to the ferry to get over to the JAX zoo. Makes for a great quick staycation excursion. The price is right. They have an iphone app that lets you know where the ferry is. It's a quick ferry ride to cross about 10 minutes max. read more

We never realized this existed! (We decided to travel A1A for a nice convertible ride) We discovered it since the road ended on one side of the river.....great way to continue our afternoon ride! The crew & Captain gave us a smooth load & unload process as well as a bump free docking experience! We will be back!! read more

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Okay, it is a ferry and the ride is really short, but it serves the purpose and is punctual. There is a lot of discussion going on about stopping the service, which would be a real mistake. Crossing the St Johns River here connects you to an incredibly beautiful ride up the coast to the little town of Fernandina. Of course, it is possible to get over to the other side by taking the long way around from Jacksonville - a nice drive as well over a beautiful bridge. There is just something nice about a little ferry ride. The service is great and the wait not too long since they have a schedule that they actually follow - you will wait a maximum of 30 minutes for your trip across and the cost is only $5. On the way to Fernandina make sure you stop by American Beach for a little insight into history as well as a really neat old fort and a lighthouse. The town of Fernandina is really cool as well. Take the reverse route back to Jax Beach and you get a whole different view of the ocean and marshes. Truly a beautiful spot to visit. read more

I love taking this ferry. It saves time driving to Fernandina Beach and it nice to be out on the water. For only $6 each way they'll transport both you and your car. read more

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The only chance I had to ride this ship was on a cool rainy day, which I appreciated because the views from the deck were the spitting image of those in New England. The trip is calm and quick, with just enough time to get out of your car and stare across the water and take a couple pictures. The prices seemed low compared to other car ferries I have ridden or worked on. The deck hands knew what they were doing in balancing the ship's weight, so be patient as you are loaded and unloaded. 5 stars because for what it is, I do not see how it could be done better. read more

St. Johns River Ferry - Fog on the fishing boats. - Public Transportation Near Me - Atlantic Beach, Florida

Nice enjoyable shortcut from Nassau to Jax Beaches. Today's journey included a short delay as the Elation, a Carnival Cruise ship sailed past. Friendly professional crew keep you safe for the short hop across the river. It's also comforting to see that they do random safety/security checks of vehicles that are about to board; today I was chosen. It was handled politely, respectful and efficiently. read more

St. Johns River Ferry - Boarding the Ferry as the Carnival Elation cruises past - Public Transportation Near Me - Atlantic Beach, Florida

Super friendly crew! Smooth ride and fastest way to get connected from island to island and A1A. Ten minute ride. Runs at 15 after and 45 min after the hour. Bikes $1, MC $5, cars $6 for one person and $1 per additional people inside, RV's $20. read more

St. Johns River Ferry - Public Transportation Near Me - Atlantic Beach, Florida

Such a fun short trip across the St. John's river. A must for those driving through, living around here or staying a couple days in the area. Can catch some dolphins and large shipping containers coming through if you're lucky! read more

The best 3 minute ferry ride you'll ever have! We take it often cuts it's fun and let's us bypass 295 when going from Amelia to the beaches. The staff on board is always friendly & helpful. I downloaded the app that lets you buy your ticket and saves a few cents in each direction. Bring your camera for pelican photos! read more

I'm a fan of short travel by water, and this is no different. When you arrive, line your car up in each lane, 1-8, and wait for some one to direct you onto the boat, then another person to direct you where to park on the boat. Its is expensive ($6) for a 2 minute ride across the river, but it made my trip go from 45 minutes across the closest bridge to a 15 minutes on the ferry. Pro-tip: Cash Only. read more

A true historical landmark that is fun too; and gets you over to the other side!! If you have not taken a ride on the ferry, please do, especially since they are trying again to moth ball it. There are not many of these car ferries left in the USA, and we have one in our own backyard! Take the family to the beach, Fernandina, Heckscher Dr., Mayport Village, lots of options, and then take a ride on the ferry. Kids love it! Driving a car on a boat, and then having it ride across the river -- never ceases to amuse even the older adult who "seen / done it all". read more

The St Johns River Ferry, also known as the Mayport Ferry, is a small Ferry that carries cars from Mayport across the river to Fort George Island [Hecksher Drive, the road to Fernandina and Amelia Island]. I have to say, if you are headed that way anyway, this is a really nice break from your average drive. It can definitely be a lot quicker if you are just looking to jump across either way [instead of going all the way down to the Dames Point Bridge]. Even if it isn't really convenient, though, this is a really cool thing to do every now and then. You drive on, park you car, and then get to enjoy the awesome views on the boat while you cross the water. It is even a little romantic when shared with a significant other. ;) A fun, interesting [and functional] part of Jacksonville's culture. read more