Maine Ferry Guide
How to navigate the confusing mix of state, private, and mail boat ferries to reach the islands.
Maine’s island communities depend on a network of ferries that connect dozens of inhabited islands to the mainland. Unlike many coastal regions with a single unified ferry system, Maine operates through a mix of state-run services, private operators, mail boats, and seasonal tourist vessels. Understanding this patchwork is essential for anyone planning to visit Maine’s islands—whether for a day trip to Peaks Island or a week-long artist’s retreat on Monhegan.
The ferry experience itself is quintessentially Maine. You’ll share deck space with lobstermen hauling traps, families heading to summer cottages, and locals making grocery runs. On longer crossings, the views of the rugged coastline, working harbors, and open ocean make the journey as memorable as the destination.
Maine State Ferry Service (MSFS)
The Maine State Ferry Service operates the largest network of year-round ferry routes, connecting six island communities to the mainland. These are working ferries—utilitarian vessels designed to carry vehicles, freight, and passengers to communities that depend on them for daily life.
Routes and Terminals
Rockland Terminal serves three island communities:
- Vinalhaven: The largest island served by MSFS. A 75-minute crossing to a fishing community of about 1,200 year-round residents. The island offers miles of hiking trails, quarry swimming holes, and authentic Maine island life.
- North Haven: A 70-minute crossing to a more residential island with a summer population that swells with old-money families. Quieter than Vinalhaven with excellent cycling roads.
- Matinicus: Maine’s most remote year-round island, 23 miles offshore. Limited schedule (typically monthly in winter, more frequent in summer). This is serious island—not for casual tourists.
Lincolnville Terminal serves:
- Islesboro: A 20-minute crossing to an island popular with summer residents and day-trippers. The shortest MSFS route makes it easy for a day trip exploring the island by bike or car.
Bass Harbor Terminal serves:
- Swan’s Island: A 40-minute crossing to a quiet fishing community with limited tourism infrastructure but genuine island character.
- Frenchboro: A tiny community of about 50 year-round residents on Long Island. Very limited schedule—check carefully before planning a visit.
Fares and Reservations
Vehicle reservations are essential. For Vinalhaven, North Haven, and Swan’s Island in summer, book the maximum 30 days in advance. Reservations open at midnight, and popular weekend departures fill within hours.
Current approximate fares (2026):
- Adult passenger round-trip: $20-25
- Vehicle with driver round-trip: $45-65 (varies by route)
- Bicycles: $10-15 round-trip
Walk-on passengers generally don’t need reservations, but arriving 30 minutes before departure is wise, especially in summer.
Booking: Online at maine.gov/mdot/msfs or by phone. The website shows real-time availability.
What to Know
- No reserved seating. Find a spot on the deck or in the cabin—first come, first served.
- Weather delays happen. High winds and fog can cancel or delay sailings. Build flexibility into your schedule.
- Concessions are limited. Bring food and drinks for longer crossings.
- Pets welcome but must be leashed or in carriers.
- Arrive early. Vehicles must check in 30-45 minutes before departure; late arrivals lose their reservation.
Casco Bay Lines
Casco Bay Lines operates ferry service from Portland to the Calendar Islands in Casco Bay, running the nation’s oldest continuously operating ferry service. These routes range from 20-minute commuter runs to longer cruises among the islands.
Routes
Peaks Island: The most frequent service—nearly hourly in summer, every 2-3 hours in winter. Just a 17-minute ride from downtown Portland, Peaks is the easiest Maine island day trip. Rent a bike, grab lunch at a café, and explore the beaches and fort ruins.
Little Diamond and Great Diamond Islands: 25-30 minute crossings to residential islands with limited public access but nice walks for day visitors.
Long Island: A 50-minute crossing to a larger island with more to explore—a general store, restaurants, and beaches. Good for a half-day or full-day trip.
Chebeague Island: About an hour’s crossing to the largest island in Casco Bay. Enough to explore that you could spend a full day or stay overnight at the inn.
Cliff Island: The most remote Casco Bay Lines destination, about 70 minutes out. Very quiet and residential—limited facilities for visitors.
The Mailboat Run
Casco Bay Lines’ signature experience is the Mailboat Run, a nearly 3-hour scenic cruise that delivers mail and freight to all the bay islands. The boat doesn’t stop long enough for passengers to disembark, but the cruise offers spectacular views of the islands, lighthouses, and harbor activity. It’s the best way to see Casco Bay if you don’t have time for individual island visits.
Fares and Logistics
Sample fares (2026):
- Peaks Island round-trip: $8-10
- Long Island round-trip: $12-14
- Mailboat Run: $18-22
Departure: All ferries leave from the Casco Bay Lines terminal on Commercial Street in Portland’s Old Port. Paid parking is available nearby, or take the free Metro bus from outlying lots.
No reservations needed for passengers. Just show up, buy a ticket, and board.
Bikes and kayaks: Welcome on most sailings with a small additional fee.
Monhegan Boat Line
The Monhegan Boat Line provides the primary ferry service to Monhegan Island, Maine’s most famous artist colony and one of its most dramatic landscapes. The island sits 10 miles offshore—far enough to feel genuinely remote.
Service Details
Departure: Port Clyde, a small fishing village at the end of the St. George peninsula (about 60 miles from Portland, 15 miles from Rockland).
Crossing time: 50-70 minutes depending on conditions and which vessel is running.
Schedule: 2-3 trips daily in peak summer season, reduced to once daily in shoulder seasons, very limited in winter.
Fares (2026):
- Adult round-trip: $42-45
- Day-trip same-day return: Available but requires advance booking—space is limited.
Why Monhegan Is Special
Monhegan has drawn artists since the 1850s. The island’s 17 miles of hiking trails traverse dramatic headlands, cathedral forests, and rocky shores. There are no cars on Monhegan—just footpaths connecting the village to the trails and historic sites.
Day trips are possible but feel rushed. Staying overnight at one of the island’s inns allows time to hike the perimeter trail and soak in the atmosphere.
Alternative: Hardy Boat Cruises
Hardy Boat Cruises also runs seasonal service to Monhegan from New Harbor, offering a slightly shorter crossing. Puffin-watching cruises combine Monhegan visits with wildlife viewing.
Isle au Haut Mail Boat
Isle au Haut is unique among Maine islands—part of Acadia National Park. The Isle au Haut Mail Boat provides year-round service from Stonington to this remote island.
Service Details
Departure: Stonington, on Deer Isle (about 40 miles from Ellsworth).
Crossing time: About 45 minutes to the town landing; 75 minutes to Duck Harbor Landing in the park (summer only).
Schedule: 2-4 trips daily depending on season.
Fares (2026):
- Adult round-trip: $44-48
Visiting Acadia on Isle au Haut
The Duck Harbor section of Acadia National Park offers some of the most remote and uncrowded hiking in the entire park system. Trails loop through dense spruce forest to dramatic coastal cliffs. This is real wilderness hiking—bring everything you need.
Camping: Five lean-to shelters at Duck Harbor require advance reservation through recreation.gov. These are among the most sought-after backcountry sites in Acadia.
Other Notable Services
CAT Ferry (Bar Harbor to Nova Scotia)
The high-speed CAT ferry connects Bar Harbor to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia—a 3.5-hour crossing that cuts significant driving time off the trip to the Canadian Maritimes. The catamaran carries passengers and vehicles.
Season: Late May through mid-October.
Fares: Vary significantly by date and advance booking. Budget $150-300+ for a car and two passengers.
Booking: Essential, especially for vehicles. Book at catferry.com.
Cranberry Isles Ferries
Beal and Bunker operates year-round mail boat service from Northeast Harbor to the Cranberry Isles (Great Cranberry, Islesford/Little Cranberry, and Sutton Island). These small islands near Mount Desert Island offer quiet day trips away from Acadia’s crowds.
Crossing time: 20-30 minutes.
Fares: About $25-30 round-trip.
Downeast Windjammer Cruises
Various operators run seasonal ferry and excursion services from Bar Harbor to the Cranberry Isles and elsewhere in Frenchman Bay. Check locally for current operators.
Tips for Ferry Travel in Maine
Booking Strategy
- Book vehicle reservations immediately when they open (30 days ahead for MSFS). Set a reminder.
- Midweek travel is easier to book than weekends.
- Early morning departures often have more availability than afternoon sailings.
- Have a backup plan. Weather can cancel ferries with little notice.
What to Bring
- Layers: It’s always cooler on the water, even in summer. Wind on deck can be cold.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses: Glare off the water is intense.
- Motion sickness remedies if you’re prone. Open ocean crossings can be rough.
- Cash: Some island businesses don’t take cards.
- Food and water: Island dining options may be limited or closed.
On the Water
- Go outside. The deck experience is far better than sitting inside.
- Watch for wildlife. Seals, porpoises, and seabirds are common. Whales occasionally.
- Talk to locals. Ferry regulars have the best recommendations for their islands.
- Respect the working nature of these boats. Stay clear of freight operations.
Seasonal Considerations
Summer (June-August): Peak season means maximum sailings but also maximum crowds. Book everything early.
Shoulder seasons (May, September-October): Fewer tourists, easier bookings, but reduced schedules. Check carefully—some routes drop to once daily.
Winter: Only essential routes operate. Weather cancellations common. This is when you see island life at its most authentic—and challenging.
Island-by-Island Quick Reference
| Island | Ferry Service | From | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peaks Island | Casco Bay Lines | Portland | 17 min | Easy day trip, biking |
| Vinalhaven | MSFS | Rockland | 75 min | Hiking, quarries, town |
| North Haven | MSFS | Rockland | 70 min | Cycling, quiet escape |
| Islesboro | MSFS | Lincolnville | 20 min | Quick island visit |
| Monhegan | Monhegan Boat Line | Port Clyde | 60 min | Art, dramatic scenery |
| Chebeague | Casco Bay Lines | Portland | 60 min | Beaches, cycling |
| Swan’s Island | MSFS | Bass Harbor | 40 min | Quiet, authentic |
| Isle au Haut | Isle au Haut Boat | Stonington | 45 min | Acadia hiking |
| Cranberry Isles | Beal & Bunker | NE Harbor | 25 min | Day trip from MDI |
Maine’s ferries aren’t just transportation—they’re a window into the rhythm of island life that has defined this coast for generations. Whether you’re making a quick trip to Peaks Island or planning a wilderness adventure to Isle au Haut, the ferry ride itself becomes part of the Maine experience.
Related Guides
Plan your island adventures with these companion guides:
- Maine Islands Guide - Comprehensive guide to Maine’s islands
- Monhegan Island Guide - Artist colony via Monhegan Boat Line
- Vinalhaven Guide - Largest island via State Ferry
- Whale Watching Guide - Marine tours from ferry ports
- Day Trips from Portland - Peaks Island and Casco Bay
- Boothbay Harbor Overview - Ferry departures to Monhegan
- Best Time to Visit Maine - Peak ferry season planning