Add 15-30 minutes for loading and unloading.

It depends on the boat type, but you should always build in buffer time. A passenger-only ferry might load in 5 minutes; a car ferry can take 20-30 minutes just to park everyone. Tourist boats (sightseeing, dinner cruises) often count boarding time as part of the “ride” experience, so they’re slower by design.

Check the operator’s schedule. If they say “45 minutes crossing,” that’s usually just the time between departure and arrival, not including the chaos of getting on and off. On busy routes (think Washington State Ferries or Staten Island Ferry), you’ll wait longer at peak hours.

Pro tip: Arrive 15-20 minutes early for walk-on ferries, 30-45 minutes if you’re driving. You’ll spend less time wondering and more time enjoying the ride.

Plan for the worst-case schedule, not the brochure.