Jamestown-Scotland Ferry
Frequently Asked Questions
On board the ferryHow much does it cost?
The ferry is free.
Do I need reservations?
The ferry does not take reservations, nor are they necessary.
Can I park my car and walk onto the ferry?
There is no place around the ferry for motorists to leave
vehicles unattended. However, you may get dropped off and walk aboard the
ferry.
May I take a motorcycle?
Yes, as long as you are riding it, or it is securely hitched to a trailer
being towed by another vehicle.
Do I have to stay in my vehicle for the entire trip?
Once the ferry is moving, feel free to move around on the deck. Note: Under certain security
threat levels, passenger access around the ferry may be limited. The crew
will provide directions in these situations.
May I take my camper on the ferry even though it has a propane tank?
Yes. Make sure it is properly secured before
travel.
Can I take a tour-sized bus on the ferry?
Group tours are welcome. However, please plan ahead. The ferry
can only accommodate five large buses at a time. If you have more than that in your
group, some may have to wait for the next ferry.
Is there a long wait for the ferry?
That depends on your arrival time and if any major
events are taking place in the area of the ferry. General wait times can vary
from 15 to 30 minutes. During the summer, it could be longer.
You can avoid peak traffic times of 6 – 8 a.m. and 4 – 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can also
arrive before ferry departure times.
What kind of security procedures are on the ferry?
The Virginia Department of Transportation takes the security of ferry passengers and crew very seriously.
Security officers stationed on each dock conduct random screenings
of passenger vehicles daily and are on-site 24 hours a day to respond to
security threats.
How will this affect my trip?
Ferries depart at their posted times. Plan to
arrive a few minutes early to ensure your vehicle can be properly
screened before boarding.
What can I do to make things move more quickly?
We encourage passengers to arrive early, be patient with the security
officers screening vehicles, and be prepared to open trunks and enclosed
containers when selected for screening. Security officers will work to make
the screening process move as quickly as possible.
What if I refuse to be screened?
All passengers must consent to security screening to board the
ferry.
What are you looking for?
- Unaccompanied baggage or packages
- Explosives and incendiary devices
- Hazardous materials
- Items that could result in significant loss of life, environmental damage, or a disruption to the transportation system
