Become a Friend of the Ferry and Win a Bike Tour for Two in Italy!
The Island Line Bike Ferry
2024 Bike Ferry season will begin on May 24th!
The ferry operates continuously throughout the day, no reservations are required and passage is by donation only.
Spring - Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays plus Memorial Day
- Opening day is 5/24
- During the Spring we operate on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 5/24-6/16, with service on 5/27 as well
Summer - daily schedule (7 days a week)
- Daily Service Begins Monday 6/17 through Labor Day Monday 9/2 (end of daily service).
Hours - the Ferry runs Monday through Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 6pm.
Fall - Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays plus Indigenous Peoples Day
- During the fall we operate on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays beginning on 9/6 and ending on 10/7.
- Our last day of fall service is Indigenous Peoples Day Monday 10/14.
Hours - the Ferry runs on Friday 10am to 5pm and Saturdays and Sundays 10am to 6pm.
Your route to the Bike Ferry
Location: Island Line Trail, South Hero, VT 05486
The Island Line Trail ranks as one of the most scenic vistas in the world and has some of the easiest riding and walking terrain in all of Vermont. Superb biking and walking, gorgeous views, trails, farms, and good food await you along the Island Line Trail. The Trail starts south of downtown Burlington in Oakledge Park and parallels the lakeshore to the Colchester Causeway. The Causeway is like no other trail in the world as you are surrounded by lake and distant mountain views in all directions. Two and a half miles out you can treat yourself to a ride on the Island Line Bike Ferry. Our specially equipped bike ferry, will carry you comfortably across the 200 foot "Cut," on your way to the Champlain Islands for more riding, and wonderful shops selling food, refreshments and ice cream. The ride is equally impressive traveling from South Hero Island to the greater Burlington area.
Looking for more cycling routes in the Champlain Area?
The Lake Champlain Bikeways maps cover dozens of possible cycling loops in Grand Isle County, Chittenden County, Franklin County, Addison/Rutland/Windsor Counties, Essex County (NY), and Clinton County (NY). They feature some 1,636 total network miles for bicyclists.
Check out the Bikeways Map!
Volunteer at the Bike Ferry!
Local Motion's Bike Ferry, located 10 miles from Burlington on the beautiful Colchester Causeway, needs volunteer Dockside Ambassadors! Greet passengers, sell tickets, and provide tourist info to the best of your knowledge. Receive training on-site when you arrive for your shift.
Bike Ferry History
The Bike Ferry and the Island Line Trail are rich in Vermont history. Learn more about how this historic rail trail turned into a beloved bike path ridden by visitors and locals alike!
Got Questions?
Find the answers to your most pressing questions about the Local Motion Bike Ferry on our Ferry FAQ page. Still don't have the answer you are looking for? Please reach out to us at [email protected]
Special Groups
Interested in using our bikes or bike ferry for a special event, corporate outing, wedding, etc.? Learn more here!
