This interactive map shows every passenger ferry route and terminal in Vermont. Across 4 unique routes serving 4 terminals, Vermont ferries carry around 135,000 passengers and 45,000 vehicles each year, ranking the state #28 nationally by ferry passenger volume.
The role of ferries in Vermont
Vermont ferry operations are recorded in the BTS National Census of Ferry Operators, with 4 unique routes and 4 terminals on the map above. Use the route table below for the full operational picture.
Every ferry route in Vermont
The table below lists every passenger ferry route serving Vermont 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 Ticonderoga – Shoreham | 1759 LTD (Fort Ticonderoga Ferry) | 0.5 mi | 7 min | 05/20 – 10/20 | 135,000 |
| Port Kent – Burlington | Lake Champlain Transportation Co. | 9.0 mi | 1h 0m | 06/13 – 09/22 | 0 |
| Essex – Charlotte | Lake Champlain Transportation Co. | 2.4 mi | 25 min | Year-round | 0 |
| Grand Isle – Cumberland Head | Lake Champlain Transportation Co. | 1.5 mi | 12 min | Year-round | 0 |
Notable Vermont ferry routes
- Busiest route: Fort Ticonderoga – Shoreham (1759 LTD (Fort Ticonderoga Ferry)) carries about 135,000 passengers a year.
- Longest route: Port Kent – Burlington is 9.0 miles (Lake Champlain Transportation Co.).
- Season mix: 2 routes operate year-round, 2 are seasonal.
- Intermodal terminals: 1 of 4 terminals connect to local bus, rail, or bike share.
Ferry terminals in Vermont
The list below covers every ferry terminal recorded in Vermont, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington | Burlington | — | Private | local bus, local rail, parking | Yes |
| Charlotte | Charlotte | — | Private | parking | Yes |
| Grand Isle | Grand Isle | — | Private | parking | Yes |
| Shoreham | Shoreham | — | Private | — | Yes |
Biggest ferry operators in Vermont
- 1759 LTD (Fort Ticonderoga Ferry): 135,000 annual passengers
- Lake Champlain Transportation Co.: 0 annual passengers
How Vermont compares nationally
Vermont ranks #28 of the 41 US states with ferry service. Just ahead is Tennessee with 168,024 annual passengers, and just behind is Arkansas with 102,364.
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 Vermont?
The BTS National Census of Ferry Operators records 4 unique passenger ferry routes serving 4 terminals in Vermont. 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 Vermont?
The Fort Ticonderoga – Shoreham carries about 135,000 passengers each year, making it the busiest ferry route in Vermont according to the latest census.
Are Vermont ferries free?
Some Vermont 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.
