This interactive map shows every passenger ferry route and terminal in Tennessee. Across 2 unique routes serving 4 terminals, Tennessee ferries carry around 168,024 passengers and 67,210 vehicles each year, ranking the state #27 nationally by ferry passenger volume.
The role of ferries in Tennessee
Tennessee ferry operations are recorded in the BTS National Census of Ferry Operators, with 2 unique routes and 4 terminals on the map above. Use the route table below for the full operational picture.
Every ferry route in Tennessee
The table below lists every passenger ferry route serving Tennessee 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cumberland City – Indian Mound | Tennessee Department of Transportation | 0.2 mi | 2 min | Year-round | 114,450 |
| Houston County – Benton County | Tennessee Department of Transportation | 0.7 mi | 10 min | Year-round | 53,574 |
Notable Tennessee ferry routes
- Busiest route: Cumberland City – Indian Mound (Tennessee Department of Transportation) carries about 114,450 passengers a year.
- Longest route: Houston County – Benton County is 0.7 miles (Tennessee Department of Transportation).
- Season mix: 2 routes operate year-round, 0 are seasonal.
Ferry terminals in Tennessee
The list below covers every ferry terminal recorded in Tennessee, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benton County | Big Sandy | Tennessee Department of Transportation | Public | parking | Yes |
| Cumberland City | Cumberland City | Tennessee Department of Transportation | Public | parking | Yes |
| Houston County | Stewart | — | Public | parking | Yes |
| Indian Mound | Indian Mound | Tennessee Department of Transportation | Public | parking | Yes |
Biggest ferry operators in Tennessee
- Tennessee Department of Transportation: 168,024 annual passengers
How Tennessee compares nationally
Tennessee ranks #27 of the 41 US states with ferry service. Just ahead is Alabama with 243,738 annual passengers, and just behind is Vermont with 135,000.
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 Tennessee?
The BTS National Census of Ferry Operators records 2 unique passenger ferry routes serving 4 terminals in Tennessee. 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 Tennessee?
The Cumberland City – Indian Mound carries about 114,450 passengers each year, making it the busiest ferry route in Tennessee according to the latest census.
Are Tennessee ferries free?
Some Tennessee 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.
