Cape May-Lewes Ferry Complete Guide: Fares, Schedule & Travel 2025
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Cape May-Lewes Ferry Complete Guide
Route: North Cape May, New Jersey ↔ Lewes, Delaware
Distance: 17 miles across Delaware Bay
Crossing Time: 85 minutes
Schedule: Daily year-round service (365 days)
Fleet: 3 vessels (100 vehicles, 800 passengers each)
Operator: Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA)
Started: July 1, 1964
Do I Need the Cape May-Lewes Ferry? 2025 Update
The Cape May-Lewes Ferry provides the most direct route between southern New Jersey shore towns and Delaware beaches. Without the ferry, drivers must travel via the Delaware Memorial Bridge, adding 2-3 hours to the journey.
Key Reality: This is one of only two year-round direct crossings between Delaware and New Jersey. The ferry serves as a crucial link for tourism and commerce between the Jersey Shore and Delaware beaches.
2025 Update: Reservations are required for all crossings. The ferry handled 746,430 passengers and 276,436 vehicles in 2023, with regular summer sellouts requiring advance booking.
Cape May-Lewes Ferry Fares: Current Rates
Ferry fares vary by season, vehicle size, and passenger type. Vehicle fares include the driver, with additional passengers charged separately. Significant discounts are available for frequent travelers.
Vehicle Fares (2025 Rates)
| Vehicle Type | Peak Season (Memorial Day - Labor Day) | Off-Season | Round Trip Discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Vehicle (under 20') | $44-47 | $32-36 | 18% savings |
| Medium Vehicle (20'-25') | $53-59 | $40-45 | 18% savings |
| Large Vehicle (26'-45') | $60-67 | $48-55 | 18% savings |
| Extra Large Vehicle (over 45') | $74-84 | $60-70 | 18% savings |
| Motorcycle | $22-25 | $16-20 | 18% savings |
| Bicycle (with rider) | Foot passenger fare only | Foot passenger fare only | Bicycle free |
Passenger Fares (2025 Rates)
| Passenger Type | Peak Season One-Way | Off-Season One-Way | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (14+) | $11.00 | $9.00 | Includes vehicle drivers |
| Children (6-13) | $3.00 | Free | Reduced rate (2024 decrease) |
| Children (under 6) | Free | Free | No charge year-round |
| Seniors (62+) | $9.00 | $7.00 | $2 discount off adult fare |
| Military/First Responders | $9.00 | $7.00 | $2 discount with ID |
Additional Fees & Services (2025)
Priority Boarding: $5 optional fee for earlier boarding/disembarkation (subject to capacity)
No-Show Fee: $26 (increased from $10 to encourage cancellations)
Stand-By Fee: $2 handling fee for unreserved vehicles
Cape May Shuttle: $8 round-trip to downtown Cape May (summer only)
How to Book & Travel on Cape May-Lewes Ferry
Reservations are required for all crossings and can be made online or by phone. The ferry welcomes vehicles, foot passengers, and bicycles with comprehensive onboard amenities.
Booking Your Trip:
- Online: cmlf.com (recommended for best rates)
- Phone: 800-643-3779 (8 AM - 4 PM daily)
- Advanced booking required - summer sailings sell out regularly
- Government-issued photo ID required for all passengers
Arrival & Check-In:
- Arrive 45-60 minutes before departure
- Check-in at toll booth (vehicles) or ticket counter (foot passengers)
- Must check-in at least 30 minutes before departure
- Vehicle staging in numbered lanes
Onboard Experience:
- 85-minute crossing with spectacular Delaware Bay views
- Multiple passenger decks with indoor/outdoor seating
- Food court, gift shop, and bar service
- Elevators and accessibility features
- Free WiFi and charging stations
To plan your Cape May-Lewes Ferry journey and check current schedules, use the official ferry booking system
Ferry Schedule & Seasonal Operations
Year-Round Service:
- Daily departures 365 days per year
- Weather permitting (safety is top priority)
- Schedule varies by season with peak summer frequency
Typical Daily Schedule:
- Cape May departures: 7:00 AM earliest - 6:00 PM latest
- Lewes departures: 8:45 AM earliest - 7:45 PM latest
- Summer peak: Up to 8-10 departures per day each direction
- Winter minimum: 2-3 departures per day each direction
Seasonal Variations:
- Peak Season (June-August): Maximum frequency, advanced bookings essential
- Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): Moderate frequency
- Off-Season (November-March): Reduced schedule but daily service
Recent Changes (2024-2025)
Fare Structure Updates (April 2024):
- Vehicle fares increased: $1 for standard, $2 for medium, $3 for large vehicles
- Children's fares decreased: Ages 6-13 reduced by $1
- No-show penalty increased from $10 to $26
- New $5 priority boarding option added
Enhanced Loyalty Rewards Program:
- Points redeemable for future travel
- Free passenger/driver trip for every 10th trip
- Airline-style rewards program launch
- Multi-trip voucher books available (6-trip and 12-trip)
Operational Improvements:
- Record 2023 traffic: 276,436 vehicles and 746,430 passengers
- Enhanced online booking system
- Improved terminal amenities and dining options
- First female permanent captain appointed (2020)
Ferry Terminals & Amenities
Cape May Terminal (North Cape May, NJ)
Location: 1200 Lincoln Boulevard, North Cape May, NJ 08204
Features: Main ferry operations base with maintenance facilities
Amenities: Gift shop, Stowaways restaurant, restrooms, free parking
Shuttle Service: Summer shuttle to Cape May Welcome Center downtown
Lewes Terminal (Lewes, DE)
Location: 43 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, DE 19958
Features: Expanded terminal building with glass-enclosed walkways
Amenities: Grain On the Rocks restaurant, Lewes Coffee Company, gift shop
Transit: DART Route 204 bus service to Delaware beaches
Onboard Amenities
Dining & Shopping: Food courts, bars, gift shops, arcade games
Comfort Features: Climate-controlled cabins, outdoor decks, elevator access
Scenic Views: Three lighthouses visible: Cape May Light, Harbor of Refuge Light, Delaware Breakwater East End Light
Travel Planning & Tips
Journey Times:
- Ferry crossing: 85 minutes
- Total trip time: 3 hours (including boarding/disembarking)
- Alternative driving route: 3-4 hours via Delaware Memorial Bridge
Pet-Friendly Travel:
- Pets welcome on outdoor decks or in vehicles
- Must be leashed and sociable
- Summer warning: Metal decks get hot - protect paws
- Crew assistance available for pet owners
Vehicle Restrictions & Guidelines:
- Accurate vehicle length/width measurement required
- Low clearance vehicles: Book 2 hours before/after high tide
- Maximum capacity: 100 vehicles per crossing
- Bicycles, motorcycles, RVs, and commercial trucks welcome
Ferry History & Significance
Service Launch & Development
Original Service (1964):
- Service began July 1, 1964
- Fleet of five ships purchased from Virginia (formerly Chesapeake Bay service)
- Original 24-hour schedule
- Replaced by current three-ship fleet in 1970s
Modern Era Enhancements (1990s):
- Substantial fleet overhaul with cruise ship amenities
- Addition of restaurants, bars, and entertainment
- Terminal expansions and modernization
- Shift from pure transportation to tourist attraction
Economic Impact
Regional Significance:
- Over 50 million passengers carried since 1964
- Sustains over 4,000 jobs
- Generates hundreds of millions in regional economic activity
- Critical link for Delaware and South Jersey tourism
Financial Operations:
- $14 million annual fare revenue
- $25 million operating costs (60% cost recovery)
- No taxpayer funding - self-supporting DRBA operation
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation?
Yes, reservations are required for all crossings. While the ferry will try to accommodate walk-ups if space is available, summer sailings regularly sell out and advance booking is essential.
Is there parking at the terminals?
Yes, free parking is available at both terminals. Overnight parking is permitted with a round-trip ticket - just register your vehicle details with the ticket counter before boarding.
What if the weather is bad?
The ferry operates 365 days per year, but safety is the top priority. During severe weather, crossings may be delayed, consolidated, or cancelled. Passengers are notified via email, text, and social media.
Can I bring alcohol on board?
Opened alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Alcohol is sold onboard and in terminals, but terminal purchases must be discarded before boarding. Unopened bottles in vehicle storage areas are permitted but must remain stored during the voyage.
How much faster is the ferry than driving?
The ferry and driving take approximately the same total time (3-4 hours), but the ferry provides a relaxing break from driving and eliminates the need to navigate through urban areas around Philadelphia and Baltimore.
Cape May-Lewes Ferry vs. Alternative Routes
| Route Option | Total Time | Approximate Cost | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape May-Lewes Ferry | 3 hours | $55-75 (car + driver) | Scenic, relaxing, direct |
| Via Delaware Memorial Bridge | 3.5-4 hours | $10-15 tolls + gas | Lower cost, flexible timing |
| Ben Franklin/Betsy Ross Bridge | 4-5 hours | $12-20 tolls + gas | Multiple route options |
Useful Links & Resources
Related Delaware Transportation:
- Delaware Memorial Bridge - Alternative Delaware-New Jersey crossing
- Delaware Toll Roads - Complete Delaware toll road system
- Delaware Route 1 - Connection to Delaware beaches
Official Ferry Resources:
- Ferry Reservations: cmlf.com or 800-643-3779
- DRBA Main Office: (302) 571-6300
- Customer Service: customerservice@drba.net
- Cape May Terminal: 1200 Lincoln Boulevard, North Cape May, NJ
- Lewes Terminal: 43 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, DE
Transportation Connections:
- Cape May Shuttle: Summer service to downtown Cape May
- DART Route 204: Lewes terminal to Delaware beaches
- NJ Transit: Cape May area bus connections
- Amtrak: Philadelphia connections via bus/car
