Elizabeth Keyes, Chief of Legal and Regulatory Affairs | Connecticut Department of Transportation
Elizabeth Keyes, Chief of Legal and Regulatory Affairs | Connecticut Department of Transportation
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced the beginning of the 2025 Ferry Season. The well-known Chester-Hadlyme Ferry will resume its operations at 7 a.m. on April 1. Meanwhile, the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry will commence service later, pending favorable conditions on the Connecticut River.
These ferries, the Chester-Hadlyme and the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury, offer a unique transportation experience for pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles alike. Last season, the combined ferry services transported over 100,000 passengers and 45,000 vehicles across the river.
"Spring is here and that means another ferry season on the Connecticut River. No matter if someone is driving, walking, or biking, the ferries are an enjoyable way to travel," remarked Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau Chief of Public Transportation Benjamin Limmer. "It’s going to be another great season on the Connecticut River. We’re looking forward to welcoming back crews and passengers, and we invite first-time riders to come and enjoy these wonderful services."
The Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry holds the title of the oldest continually operating ferry in the United States, having commenced operations in 1655. Its original propulsion system involved two horses on treadmills. Over the years, the ferry transitioned to steam-powered crafts in 1876. The current vessel, Hollister III, is a three-car barge maneuvered by the Cumberland, a diesel-powered tugboat.
The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry started in 1769 and has been under CTDOT operation since 1917. It can transport eight to nine cars and 49 passengers. Its unique design, featuring a propeller and rudder on both ends, allows it to travel back and forth without turning.
Operating hours for the ferries are from 7 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. on weekdays and 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Passengers can pay fares conveniently using the Token Transit app or by scanning the QR code available at ferry landings.
Ferry operations may be affected by weather conditions, water levels, or mechanical issues. Updates on closures and delays are available online. The public is encouraged to sign up for alerts at the CTROADS website.
For comprehensive information on ferry services, including fares, schedules, and historical details, please visit the official CTDOT ferry webpage.
Alerts Sign-up