Wondering how the Casco Bay islands ferry works? Boats leave Portland’s Commercial Street terminal for Peaks, Long, Chebeague, Cliff and the Diamonds, and a summer 2026 adult roundtrip cost $16.00.
Ferry logistics are one small part of the bigger picture in the guide to living in portland maine.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Adult fare, all islands (roundtrip, Summer 2026) | $16.00 |
| Senior (65+), child (5-17) or disabled fare (roundtrip) | $8.00 each |
| Bicycle (roundtrip) | $7.00 |
| Dog (roundtrip) | $4.50 |
| Summer 2026 schedule period | June 20, 2026 to September 7, 2026 |
| Vehicle check-in | At least 30 minutes before departure |
These figures come from the Casco Bay Lines Summer 2026 schedule. Fares and timetables can change, so check the source before you rely on them.
Which islands does the ferry reach?
The service is run by the Casco Bay Island Transit District under the name Casco Bay Lines, and its summer timetable names these island stops:
- Peaks Island
- Long Island
- Chebeague Island
- Cliff Island
- Little Diamond Island
- Great Diamond Island
The operator’s website also lists Diamond Cove as a destination, and gives its Portland address as 56 Commercial Street. Only Peaks Island sailings are marked “cf” for car ferry, meaning they carry cars and passengers.
What the ferry costs
As of the Summer 2026 schedule (June 20 to September 7, 2026), every fare is roundtrip and the same for all islands, according to the operator’s rate panel:
- Adult: $16.00
- Senior (65+): $8.00
- Child (5-17): $8.00
- Disabled: $8.00
- Bicycle: $7.00
- Dog: $4.50
The Fall 2026 schedule (September 8 to October 12, 2026) printed the same $16.00 adult fare. Earlier, the Spring 2025 schedule listed an adult fare of $14.00, so prices do move from year to year.
They can also move within a season. The Winter 2025-26 schedule printed one set of fares for October 14, 2025 to April 17, 2026 and a second set for April 18 to May 21, 2026.
The operator says a Medicare card, a METRO Reduced Fare card, or an out-of-state disability card issued by a transit agency may be shown to validate half fares for people with transportation disabilities. It asks riders to carry proper ID when buying those tickets, as noted in the summer schedule.
Peaks Island sailings and the car ferry
Peaks Island has the busiest timetable because its boats are the car ferries. In the Fall 2026 timetable, the pattern looks like this:
- The first boat from Portland is at 5:45 AM.
- The first boat back from Peaks Island is at 6:15 AM.
- Late sailings at 11:30 PM from Portland and 11:55 PM from Peaks Island are marked “Fri & Sat Only”.
Heading out with a car? The Summer 2026 schedule says vehicles should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. The operator’s site menu also lists separate vehicle rates for Peaks Island, so look those up before you plan a drive-on trip.
The winter Peaks Island timetable is laid out differently. The Winter 2025-26 schedule, which ran October 14, 2025 to May 21, 2026, splits sailings into Sunday to Thursday and Friday/Saturday columns.
How the seasonal timetables are organised
Casco Bay Lines publishes a new timetable for each season, so the sailing you need depends on the date. The schedules in the sources for this guide run like this:
- Spring 2025: May 23 to June 20, 2025 (spring PDF).
- Winter 2025-26: October 14, 2025 to May 21, 2026 (winter PDF).
- Summer 2026: June 20 to September 7, 2026 (summer PDF).
- Fall 2026: September 8 to October 12, 2026 (fall PDF).
The latest timetable covered here, Fall 2026, ended on October 12, 2026. For anything after that date, look for the operator’s newer winter schedule before you travel.
Each island other than Peaks has its own passenger service panel. As an example, the current timetable shows daily morning departures from Portland to Chebeague Island. Every schedule carries the line “SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE”, and the operator’s website menu lists a live map and text updates. Its phone number is (207) 774-7871.
Rules for bikes, dogs and gear
The printed schedules share one set of onboard rules, for example in the Fall 2026 schedule:
- Smoking is prohibited on the district’s vessels.
- No gasoline may be carried aboard, including gasoline in lawnmowers and other power equipment.
- Dogs must be leashed at all times and need a ticket. Service animals are exempt.
- Bicycles need a ticket or must be shipped as freight.
- Carry-on freight is limited to what a person can safely carry aboard in one trip.
The gasoline rule matters most for anyone moving garden gear to an island home. Check it before you load a mower.
Planning around the mainland
A ferry day is easier when the mainland side is sorted too. If you are building a Portland routine, the guide to the portland maine farmers market is a good companion read.
Thinking about a longer stay? The notes on moving to portland maine cover the wider picture.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Casco Bay islands ferry?
Show answer
On the Summer 2026 schedule, an adult roundtrip was $16.00 to any island, and senior, child and disabled fares were $8.00 each. Check the operator’s current rate panel before you travel.
Can I bring a dog or a bicycle?
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Yes, with a ticket. The Summer 2026 schedule listed $4.50 roundtrip for a dog, which must be leashed, and $7.00 roundtrip for a bicycle. Service animals are exempt.
Can I take a car to the islands?
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The Peaks Island timetables mark car ferry sailings with “cf”, and vehicles should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. The other islands are listed as passenger service.
Are the ferry times the same all year?
Show answer
No. The operator issues separate spring, summer, fall and winter timetables, and each one says the schedule is subject to change without notice. Confirm times for your travel date.
