Ferry FAQ

No reservations are needed. Both the North Ferry (Greenport) and South Ferry (Sag Harbor/North Haven) operate on a first-come, first-served basis. During peak summer weekends, arrive early as wait times can be 30–60 minutes.

The North Ferry charges $15 one-way or $24 round-trip per car, plus $3 per person. The South Ferry charges $15 one-way or $20 round-trip per car, plus $2 per person.

Yes, both ferries accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and cash.

The ferry ride takes approximately 5–7 minutes on both crossings.

The North Ferry runs year-round approximately 6:00 AM to 11:45 PM. The South Ferry runs approximately 6:00 AM to 11:45 PM. Hours vary seasonally — check our schedule pages.

Yes! Pets are welcome. Dogs must stay in your vehicle or be on a leash on the ferry deck.

Yes. Bicycles are accommodated on both ferries for a small additional fee.

Approximately 10–15 minutes on Route 114 from North Ferry to South Ferry. The island is about 8 square miles.

Head north on Route 114 — a straight 4-mile scenic drive through Shelter Island Heights. Takes about 10–12 minutes.

Beach parking permits are required May 15–September 15. Daily $25, weekly $70, monthly $125, seasonal $250. Purchase at Town Hall (38 North Ferry Road) or at shelterislandtown.gov.

Top picks: Vine Street Cafe (upscale farm-to-table), Leon 1909 (wood-fired French-Italian), SALT Waterfront Bar and Grill (casual dockside seafood), Sunset Beach (European beach club), Isola (Italian pizza), Maria Kitchen (best takeout), Stars Cafe (locals favorite breakfast).

Year-round options include Stars Cafe, The Islander, Shelter Island Slice, Maria Kitchen, and The Chequit Tavern.

SALT Waterfront Bar and Grill at the Island Boatyard, Sunset Beach on Shore Road, and The Terrace at the Pridwin Hotel overlooking Crescent Beach.

Top hotels: Shelter Island House (11 rooms, breakfast, pool, bikes), The Pridwin Hotel (10-acre waterfront resort), Rams Head Inn (17 suites, private beach), The Chequit (boutique historic hotel), Sunset Beach Hotel (European beach club), West Neck Guesthouse (B&B near Crescent Beach), Dering Harbor Inn (harborside suites).

Hotels run $300–$600/night in peak season. Dining ranges from $15 casual takeout to $80+ per person. A day trip with ferry, bike rental, and casual lunch can be done for under $100 per person.

Hike Mashomack Nature Preserve, rent bikes, relax at Crescent Beach or Wades Beach, visit Sylvester Manor Farm, explore Shelter Island Heights Historic District, kayak tours, and craft beer at Shelter Island Craft Brewery.

Absolutely. Many visitors use the ferry as a scenic connector between the North Fork (Greenport) and the Hamptons (Sag Harbor). A 2–3 hour stopover is enough to grab lunch and explore.