This interactive map shows every passenger ferry route and terminal in Iowa. Across 4 unique routes serving 3 terminals, Iowa ferries carry around 44,403 passengers and 8,192 vehicles each year, ranking the state #31 nationally by ferry passenger volume.

The role of ferries in Iowa

Iowa ferry operations are recorded in the BTS National Census of Ferry Operators, with 4 unique routes and 3 terminals on the map above. Use the route table below for the full operational picture.

Every ferry route in Iowa

The table below lists every passenger ferry route serving Iowa in the latest National Census of Ferry Operators, sorted by annual ridership. Passenger counts combine both directions.

Notable Iowa ferry routes

• Busiest route: Port of Cassville – Turkey River Boat Landing (Cassville Car Ferry/ Cassville Tourism) carries about 22,076 passengers a year.
• Longest route: Village of East Davenport Landing – John Deere Commons Landing is 3.0 miles (Rock Island County Metropolitan Mass Transit District).
• Intermodal terminals: 2 of 3 terminals connect to local bus, rail, or bike share.

Ferry terminals in Iowa

The list below covers every ferry terminal recorded in Iowa, including the operator, ownership, and what intermodal connections (bus, rail, bike share, parking) are available at the terminal.

Biggest ferry operators in Iowa

• Rock Island County Metropolitan Mass Transit District: 22,327 annual passengers
• Cassville Car Ferry/ Cassville Tourism: 22,076 annual passengers

How Iowa compares nationally

Iowa ranks #31 of the 41 US states with ferry service. Just ahead is Mississippi with 45,000 annual passengers, and just behind is Minnesota with 43,360.

For the full national picture and rankings across all 41 US ferry states, see the complete US ferries map.

Neighbouring ferry maps

See the complete US ferries map for routes in other states.

Frequently asked questions

How many ferry routes are there in Iowa?

The BTS National Census of Ferry Operators records 4 unique passenger ferry routes serving 3 terminals in Iowa. Including both directional segments, that is 8 numbered route entries in the database (most routes are recorded once for each direction).

Which is the busiest ferry in Iowa?

The Port of Cassville – Turkey River Boat Landing carries about 22,076 passengers each year, making it the busiest ferry route in Iowa according to the latest census.

Are Iowa ferries free?

Some Iowa ferries are operated as part of the state highway system and run free for passengers and vehicles, while privately operated routes charge a fare. Click any route on the map above and refer to the operator’s website for current fares and schedules.

Where does the data on this map come from?

Routes and terminals are pulled live from the National Transportation Atlas Database published by the US Bureau of Transportation Statistics, which compiles every domestic ferry operator’s response to the National Census of Ferry Operators. The map updates automatically whenever BTS refreshes the layer.