This interactive map shows every passenger ferry route and terminal in Kentucky. Across 8 unique routes serving 13 terminals, Kentucky ferries carry around 1,028,524 passengers and 544,312 vehicles each year, ranking the state #14 nationally by ferry passenger volume.

The role of ferries in Kentucky

Kentucky ferry operations are recorded in the BTS National Census of Ferry Operators, with 8 unique routes and 13 terminals on the map above. Use the route table below for the full operational picture.

Every ferry route in Kentucky

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

Notable Kentucky ferry routes

• Busiest route: Mammoth Cave Green River (North) – Mammoth Cave Green River (South) (U.S. DOI – Mammoth Cave National Park) carries about 400,000 passengers a year.
• Longest route: Hickman Ferry Dock – Dorena is 1.2 miles (Mississippi County Port Authority).
• Season mix: 7 routes operate year-round, 1 are seasonal.
• Intermodal terminals: 1 of 13 terminals connect to local bus, rail, or bike share.

Ferry terminals in Kentucky

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

Biggest ferry operators in Kentucky

• U.S. DOI – Mammoth Cave National Park: 400,000 annual passengers
• Cave in Rock Ferry: 252,912 annual passengers
• Kentucky Transportation Cabinet – Kentucky Ferryboat Operations: 174,596 annual passengers

How Kentucky compares nationally

Kentucky ranks #14 of the 41 US states with ferry service. Just ahead is Michigan with 1,113,795 annual passengers, and just behind is Oregon with 958,408.

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

Neighbouring ferry maps

Illinois ferries, Ohio ferries, Tennessee ferries, Virginia ferries, West Virginia ferries.

Frequently asked questions

How many ferry routes are there in Kentucky?

The BTS National Census of Ferry Operators records 8 unique passenger ferry routes serving 13 terminals in Kentucky. Including both directional segments, that is 16 numbered route entries in the database (most routes are recorded once for each direction).

Which is the busiest ferry in Kentucky?

The Mammoth Cave Green River (North) – Mammoth Cave Green River (South) carries about 400,000 passengers each year, making it the busiest ferry route in Kentucky according to the latest census.

Are Kentucky ferries free?

Some Kentucky 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.