The Bolivar Ferry Connects Galveston to the Bolivar Peninsula for Free

Highway 87 reaches the water at Galveston, pauses for a ferry, and starts again at Port Bolivar. TxDOT carries cars and walk-on passengers without a toll. The crossing turns a county road connection into one of Galveston's familiar small adventures.

State ferry service began here in 1930. Galveston County ran it briefly before Texas took over, and the old toll disappeared in 1950. Today at least one vessel normally runs day and night, with more added as traffic grows.

The line can be part of the trip on busy beach days. Check TxDOT's live wait and vehicle limits before joining it. Severe weather can reduce or stop service, so never depend on the ferry for a hurricane evacuation.