GALVESTON-BOLIVAR FERRY SERVICE

Ferry History:

     Ferry Service has been a part of the Texas transportation system since the 19th century when the skiff, The Tarpon, began operating from Galveston Island.  Later, two barges plied between Port Bolivar and Galveston.  These early operations were commercial ventures and only made the trip when they had paying customers.  There were no regularly scheduled operations.
     In 1929 the first regularly scheduled ferry service between Port Bolivar and Galveston was established by a privately owned company.  At the end of 1929 the company sold its two ferries to Galveston County and the county operated the ferry service for about six months.  Galveston County petitioned the state to operate the ferries and then sold the two vessels to the State of Texas in April 1930.
     The First ferry operated by the State of Texas left Port Bolivar on July 1, 1934.  Texas operated the ferry service toll-free for approximately six months, but the service was so popular that Galveston County officials asked the state to impose a 25-cent charge to reduce traffic congestion.  The 25-cent toll continued, except for a brief experimental period in 1934, until 1949.  Since then, the ferry operation has been operated as a toll-free service.

Ferry Schedule:

     The posted times will be maintained as closely as possible.  However, deviations do occur due to having to slow for other marine traffic, periods of reduced visibility, special marine operations, law enforcement and other unpredictable cause.  the deviations will be minimized to the greatest extent possible.  For more information, please call 409-795-2230.