You’re sitting in a line of cars, watching the same taillights you’ve been watching for the last twenty minutes. The bridge is ahead, but it’s not moving fast. Off to your left, a ferry slides across the water, unhurried, carrying people who seem to have figured something out. That moment of comparison isn’t unusual. For many travellers, especially those with time to choose their route, the ferry isn’t a backup plan — it’s the preferred one.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional travel or medical advice. Consult your doctor before travelling if you have health concerns, especially regarding motion sickness or mobility limitations.
People choose ferries over bridges because the ferry lets you stay part of the landscape instead of just passing through it. You can move around, feel the air, watch the shoreline change, and arrive feeling like you’ve already had part of your experience — not just endured the getting there.
Ferries offer freedom without the wheel: standing, walking, drinking bad coffee, and watching the horizon shift.
The difference is subtle but real. Driving across a bridge, the landscape stays at a distance. You glimpse water between railings, catch a quick view of a shoreline, then you’re back in traffic, focused on the road ahead. On a ferry, that same stretch of water becomes the centre of attention. You watch the wake spread behind the boat, notice the way light falls on the water at different times of day, spot a seal or a distant lighthouse. The journey itself becomes something you do, not something you endure to get somewhere else.
For many older travellers, that shift matters. A 2024 survey by the American Public Transportation Association found that 78% of riders aged 55 and older reported lower stress levels when using public water transit compared to driving. The reasons aren’t complicated: no steering, no merging, no watching for the car ahead to brake. Just sitting — or standing — and letting the boat do the work.
What You Gain by Going Slow
There’s a common belief that the fastest route is always the best one. That makes sense if speed is all that matters. But travel isn’t just about arrival. It’s also about how you feel when you get there.
Ferries change your mental state before you even dock. The open water, the rhythm of the waves, the fact that you can get up and walk around — these things have a measurable effect. A Norwegian study of commuters on the Hurtigruten coastal ferry system found that passengers reported significantly lower anxiety levels after even a short crossing, with effects lasting several hours after disembarking. The researchers attributed this to a combination of fresh air, natural light, and the absence of traffic-related decision-making.
There’s also the social dimension. On a bridge, you’re alone in your car. On a ferry, you’re among people. You might nod at a fellow passenger on the deck, share a table in the café, or simply enjoy the background hum of conversation. For anyone who lives alone, that quiet companionship can make the difference between a trip that feels lonely and one that feels connected.
And then there’s the simple pleasure of watching the world from a different angle. Coastlines look different from the water. Towns you’ve driven past a hundred times reveal a different character when seen from the harbour side. The Wellington–Picton ferry in New Zealand offers views of the Marlborough Sounds that you simply cannot get from the road — rugged coastline, sheltered waterways, and hills that drop straight into the sea.
Before You Book a Ferry Ticket
Ferry travel is straightforward, but it works best when you know what to expect.
The first thing to understand is that ferries run on schedules that answer to the weather, not just the clock. Wind, fog, and tides can delay or cancel crossings, especially on open-water routes. If you have a tight connection on the other side, build in a buffer. A two-hour ferry can become a four-hour journey if conditions shift.
Motion sickness affects about one in three adults over 55 more than it did in younger years, because the inner ear structures that control balance become more sensitive with age. If you’ve never been seasick, you might still feel it on a smaller vessel in choppy water. Take medication before boarding — once symptoms start, it’s much harder to settle them.
Accessibility varies widely between ferries. Newer vessels, like the hybrid-electric BC Ferries ships introduced in 2026, have level boarding, wide corridors, and accessible washrooms. Older boats may have steep stairways and narrow doorways. Before booking, check the operator’s website for deck plans and accessibility information. Many operators in Europe and North America now publish detailed accessibility guides for each vessel in their fleet.
Packing makes a difference, too. The temperature on deck can be ten to fifteen degrees cooler than on land, and wind makes it feel colder still. Layers matter — a windbreaker over a fleece, with a hat that won’t blow off. Sunscreen is worth bringing even on overcast days, because water reflects UV light. And a reusable water bottle helps with hydration, which also lessens the chance of motion sickness.
Here’s a straightforward sequence for anyone new to ferry travel:
Look up deck plans, number of decks with outdoor access, and onboard facilities. Some ferries have heated indoor lounges; others are basic.
Many scenic routes sell out, especially in summer. Book online at least a week ahead. If you’re taking a vehicle, reserve that too.
Thirty minutes before departure is standard. This gives you time to park or find your boarding gate without rushing.
If you want views, go to the outdoor deck on the less crowded side. If you’re prone to chill, find a seat near the indoor lounge with a window.
Not All Ferry Rides Are the Same
The word “ferry” covers a wide range of experiences, from a ten-minute harbour crossing to a multi-day voyage through fjords.
The most familiar type is the short urban crossing — the kind that connects two parts of a city or links a city to a nearby island. The Star Ferry in Hong Kong operates exactly this way: a five-minute ride across Victoria Harbour, inexpensive, frequent, and consistently beautiful because the skyline changes with the light. These ferries work best as a practical alternative to tunnels or bridges, but they also happen to offer some of the best city views you’ll find anywhere.
Then there are the medium-length scenic routes — one to four hours across open water or through archipelagos. The Kusadasi to Samos ferry in Greece takes about ninety minutes on a retro vessel with wooden benches and a captain who has been running the route since the 1970s. These crossings are long enough to settle into a rhythm but short enough to do as a day trip. They’re ideal for travellers who want the experience without committing to overnight accommodation on board.
The longest category is the multi-day ferry — vessels that function as working transport and cruise ship combined. Norway’s Hurtigruten coastal ferry covers the length of the Norwegian coastline over several days, delivering mail and supplies to remote communities while passengers watch fjords, mountains, and sometimes the Northern Lights from heated observation lounges. Chile’s Navimag ferry through Patagonian fjords takes three days and offers raw, dramatic scenery with basic cabins and a social, communal atmosphere. These are not for everyone, but for those with time and curiosity, they offer something no bridge ever could.
| Aspect | Driving a Bridge Route | Taking a Ferry |
|---|---|---|
| Travel time | Usually shorter, but unpredictable with traffic | Fixed schedule, but subject to weather delays |
| Cost | Fuel plus tolls on many bridges | Ticket price, often comparable to toll plus fuel |
| Experience | Seen through a windscreen, limited views | Open air, full panorama, changing perspectives |
| Stress | Stop-and-go, merging, navigation decisions | Minimal: board, sit, watch, arrive |
| Physical comfort | Sitting in one position, restricted movement | Freedom to stand, walk, stretch, use facilities |
| Social interaction | None beyond toll booth or fellow passengers | Shared space, café, deck conversation |
What Makes a Ferry Crossing Comfortable
The difference between a good ferry trip and a miserable one often comes down to a few simple things you bring with you.
Wind is the main factor. Even on a calm day, a ferry moving at speed creates its own breeze, and that breeze carries moisture. A jacket that blocks both wind and water makes the difference between spending the whole crossing on deck and retreating to a stuffy indoor lounge after ten minutes. Look for something with a hood that cinches and pockets that close securely — you don’t want your phone or glasses sliding out when you lean against the railing.
The right jacket isn’t an expense; it’s something you’ll use in many situations beyond ferry travel. It’s the kind of practical purchase that earns its place in a wardrobe over years, not weeks.
Battery life is another practical concern. Many ferries, especially older ones, don’t have USB ports in seating areas. If you rely on your phone for entertainment, navigation, or simply taking photos of the passing scenery, a drained battery can leave you frustrated mid-crossing. A power bank that holds enough charge to top up a phone once or twice is a small piece of insurance.
The third item that changes the experience is a good water bottle. Ferry cafés tend to charge premium prices for bottled water, and dehydration amplifies the discomfort of motion sickness. Having your own water means you can sip steadily through the crossing without having to queue at a counter.
If you’re prone to cold hands on deck, thin liner gloves that work with touchscreen phones are worth packing. They let you take photos or check departure times without exposing your fingers to the wind.
These three items — a windproof jacket, a power bank, and a reusable water bottle — make ferry travel simpler and more comfortable, whether you’re crossing a harbour for twenty minutes or spending three hours on open water. They’re not expensive investments. They’re the kind of practical choices that experienced travellers learn to prioritise.
Windproof Jacket
A good windbreaker needs to block the breeze, repel light rain, and pack down small enough to carry without thinking about it. For ferry travel, the key feature is a hood that stays put in wind — not one that flaps off your head the moment you step outside. Many brands make jackets specifically for this, with adjustable cuffs and sealed zippers. The colour doesn’t matter, but a pocket that holds a phone and zips closed is surprisingly useful when you’re leaning over a railing.
- Blocks wind chill that can make deck time unpleasant within minutes
- Packs into a small bag for easy carrying
- Works across seasons — useful beyond ferry travel
Note: A waterproof jacket is not the same as a water-resistant one. For ferry travel, water-resistant is usually sufficient unless you’re crossing in heavy rain.
You can find a wide selection of windproof jackets suited to ferry travel by searching for windproof jackets with hoods online.
Portable Power Bank
Not all ferries have charging ports, and even those that do may have limited availability. A power bank with enough capacity to charge a phone once or twice is a straightforward solution. The practical consideration is size: a larger bank holds more charge but weighs more in a pocket or bag. For ferry use, a mid-sized bank with around 10,000 mAh is usually the right balance. It fits in a jacket pocket and will charge a typical phone from empty to full at least once.
- Ensures your phone stays charged through the crossing
- Small enough to carry without adding noticeable weight
- Useful for any travel, not just ferries
Note: Check airline rules if you’re flying to your ferry departure point. Power banks must typically be carried in hand luggage, not checked bags.
A range of reliable portable power banks can be found by searching for portable power banks online.
Finding Your Right Crossing
The best ferry for you depends on what you want from the journey — not on which route is most famous.
If you’re choosing a ferry for the first time, start with what’s close to where you live or where you’re visiting. A local ferry that runs frequently and costs little is a low-risk way to see whether you enjoy the experience. The Mackinac Island Ferry in Michigan takes just eighteen minutes and runs regularly through the season — enough time to feel the difference from driving, not so long that you’re committed to a whole day.
If you have more time and want a genuine journey, look for ferries that travel through islands or along coastlines rather than straight across open water. The Anacortes–San Juan Islands ferry in Washington state wove through the San Juan archipelago, and the route itself changes character as you pass different islands. The Split–Dubrovnik coastal ferry in Croatia passes a steady stream of islands and historic towns along the Dalmatian Coast. These routes reward the traveller who pays attention.
And if you’re looking for something quieter, consider Lake Lucerne’s ferries in Switzerland. Some of these vessels are now electric, running silently through mountain scenery. The pace is slow, the views are constant, and the experience is peaceful in a way that few forms of travel can match.
- Ferries trade speed for experience, and for many travellers that trade is worth making.
- Practical preparation — layers, a power bank, timing — makes the difference between a good crossing and a forgettable one.
- The best ferry for you is the one that fits your situation, not the one that’s most famous.
Closing Thoughts
There’s no right answer to the question of ferry versus bridge. Some days you need to get somewhere quickly, and the bridge is the sensible choice. Other days, the ferry offers something the bridge cannot — a chance to slow down, to watch the world from a different angle, to arrive feeling like you’ve already started your trip rather than simply endured the getting there.
If you’ve never taken a ferry when a bridge was available, it might be worth trying once. Pick a route near you, choose a day with calm weather, and give yourself time on deck. You might find that the slower way is the one that stays with you longer.
For those interested in more ways to make travel rewarding in later years, our article on why day trips feel more rewarding after retirement explores a similar idea — that the value of a journey isn’t always measured in distance or speed.
References
The American Public Transportation Association survey showing reduced stress among older adults using public water transit — APTA Public Transportation Facts.
FlyViza’s guide to scenic ferry rides in 2026, including the Kusadasi–Samos route and Mackinac Island Ferry details — The Ultimate Guide to Scenic Ferry Rides in 2026.
Mental Floss list of scenic ferry rides worth taking, including Wellington–Picton and Hong Kong Star Ferry — Scenic Ferry Rides Worth Taking Once.
Travel Tales article on why ferry travel is underrated, including Hurtigruten passenger anxiety data — Sailing Stories: Why Ferry Travel is the Most Underrated Way to Explore the World.
Ecolodges Anywhere roundup of scenic ferry rides worldwide, including BC Ferries and accessibility information — Most Scenic Ferry Rides in the World.
