This interactive map shows every passenger ferry route and terminal in South Carolina. Across 2 unique routes serving 3 terminals, South Carolina ferries carry around 0 passengers each year, ranking the state #38 nationally by ferry passenger volume.
The role of ferries in South Carolina
South Carolina ferry operations are recorded in the BTS National Census of Ferry Operators, with 2 unique routes and 3 terminals on the map above. Use the route table below for the full operational picture.
Every ferry route in South Carolina
The table below lists every passenger ferry route serving South Carolina in the latest National Census of Ferry Operators, sorted by annual ridership. Passenger counts combine both directions.
| Route | Operator | Length | Trip time | Season | Annual passengers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Sumter National Monument – Liberty Square | Fort Sumter Tours/Spiritline Cruises | 4.0 mi | 30 min | Year-round | 0 |
| Patriots Point – Fort Sumter National Monument | Fort Sumter Tours/Spiritline Cruises | 4.0 mi | 30 min | Year-round | 0 |
Notable South Carolina ferry routes
- Busiest route: Fort Sumter National Monument – Liberty Square (Fort Sumter Tours/Spiritline Cruises) carries about 0 passengers a year.
- Season mix: 2 routes operate year-round, 0 are seasonal.
- Intermodal terminals: 2 of 3 terminals connect to local bus, rail, or bike share.
Ferry terminals in South Carolina
The list below covers every ferry terminal recorded in South Carolina, including the operator, ownership, and what intermodal connections (bus, rail, bike share, parking) are available at the terminal.
| Terminal | City | Operator | Ownership | Connections | In operation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Sumter National Monument | Charleston Harbor | National Park Service | Public | — | Yes |
| Liberty Square | Charleston | National Park Service | Public | intercity bus, local bus, parking | Yes |
| Patriots Point | Mt. Pleasant | Patriots Point Development Authority | Public | local bus, parking | Yes |
Biggest ferry operators in South Carolina
- Fort Sumter Tours/Spiritline Cruises: 0 annual passengers
How South Carolina compares nationally
South Carolina ranks #38 of the 41 US states with ferry service. Just ahead is Maryland with 800 annual passengers, and just behind is Wyoming with 0.
For the full national picture and rankings across all 41 US ferry states, see the complete US ferries map.
Neighbouring ferry maps
North Carolina ferries, Georgia ferries.
Frequently asked questions
How many ferry routes are there in South Carolina?
The BTS National Census of Ferry Operators records 2 unique passenger ferry routes serving 3 terminals in South Carolina. Including both directional segments, that is 4 numbered route entries in the database (most routes are recorded once for each direction).
Which is the busiest ferry in South Carolina?
The Fort Sumter National Monument – Liberty Square carries about 0 passengers each year, making it the busiest ferry route in South Carolina according to the latest census.
Are South Carolina ferries free?
Some South Carolina 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.
