CTDOT Announces the Start of 2026 Ferry Season

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is excited to announce the return of ferry service on the Connecticut River for the 2026 season. Beginning at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry will once again be open to passengers. The Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry will open later, as elevated water levels on the Connecticut River near the landings do not allow service to begin.

Open to pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers, the Chester-Hadlyme Ferryand the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferryoffer a travel experience unlike almost anywhere else in the United States. Last season, the two services together carried approximately 91,000 passengers and 42,000 vehicles across the river.

"With spring comes the return of one of our most beloved traditions: the opening of ferry season on the Connecticut River," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau Chief of Public Transportation Jeffrey Gonneville. "These ferries are a great option no matter how you're traveling. We can't wait to welcome back our regular riders and hope new ones will take the opportunity to see what makes these services so special."

Established in 1655, the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry is the longest-running continuously operating ferry service in the nation. Horses on treadmills once provided the power to move the vessel, and today, a three-car barge named the Hollister III is towed back and forth by the Cumberland, a diesel-powered tugboat. The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry dates to 1769, with the current vessel, the Selden III, providing safe, reliable service for more than 75 years. Built to carry eight or nine cars and as many as 49 passengers, the ferry features propellers and rudders at both ends, allowing it to reverse course without ever turning around.

When in service, the ferries operate weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. and weekends from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cash or check payment is accepted on board. Fares can also be paid through the Token Transit appor via QR code at the landing.

Riders should be aware that service is subject to change due to weather, water conditions, or mechanical issues. Real-time updates and delay notifications are available through CTroads.org.

For additional information on the ferries, including fares, schedules, and complete history, please visit CT.gov/DOT/CTferries.