Balboa Island ferry hours and guide
Balboa Island Ferry runs the Balboa Island ferry, a car and passenger ferry between the Balboa Peninsula and Balboa Island in Newport Beach, California. The Balboa Island ferry crosses about 800 feet. Riders pay cash on board, and the Balboa Island ferry takes no reservations.
Older commuter passes end January 1, 2027
From January 1, 2027, the Balboa Island Ferry no longer accepts older commuter passes: the green tickets and the old blue and red punch cards. Riders can exchange them at the ferry office until then.
Schedule up to date as of November 2, 2026
Contents
Balboa Island ferry hours
| Days | Posted hours |
|---|---|
| Daily, 365 days a year | 6:30 AM to 12:00 AM |
Balboa Island ferry fares
| Fare type | Fare |
|---|---|
| Walk-on | |
| Adult | $2.00 |
| Child (5 to 11) | $1.00 |
| Child (under 5) | Free |
| Bicycle | |
| Adult with bicycle | $2.25 |
| Child with bicycle (5 to 11) | $1.25 |
| Vehicle | |
| Vehicle and driver | $3.00 |
| Each adult passenger | $2.00 |
| Each child passenger | $1.00 |
| Motorcycle or scooter | $2.50 |
| Commuter | |
| Commuter booklet, 30 crossings | $64.00 |
- Cash only, paid on board. No bills larger than $20. A commuter booklet covers one car and its driver per ticket; passengers pay extra.
Balboa Island ferry details
| Operator | Balboa Island Ferry |
|---|---|
| Distance | About 800 feet |
| Reservations | Not taken, and no advance tickets |
| Payment | Cash only, paid to the deckhand on board during the crossing. No bills larger than a $20 bill. Balboa Island Ferry sells commuter pass booklets at its office, by mail and from captains on board. |
| Accessibility | Heavier powered wheelchairs can use the vehicle ramp. |
Balboa Island ferry landing locations and car line
The Balboa Island ferry runs between the Balboa Peninsula ferry landing and the Balboa Island ferry landing. On Balboa Island, the car line for the Balboa Island ferry forms on Agate Avenue, reached from Park Avenue.
| Landing | Location |
|---|---|
| Balboa Peninsula ferry landing | Next to the Balboa Fun Zone on Palm Street and Balboa Boulevard, 410 Palm St, Newport Beach, CA 92661 |
| Balboa Island ferry landing | Next to 410 South Bay Front, Newport Beach, CA 92662 |
Balboa Island ferry FAQs
Does the Balboa Island ferry take credit cards?
The Balboa Island ferry takes cash only. Riders pay the deckhand on board during the crossing, with no bills larger than a $20 bill.
Does the Balboa Island ferry sell tickets in advance?
The Balboa Island ferry sells no advance tickets and takes no reservations. Frequent riders can buy a commuter pass booklet at the Balboa Island Ferry office, by mail or from a captain on board.
Is the Balboa Island ferry open every day?
The Balboa Island ferry runs 365 days a year. Service continues during the Christmas Boat Parade.
Where do cars line up for the Balboa Island ferry?
On Balboa Island, the car line for the Balboa Island ferry forms on Agate Avenue, reached from Park Avenue. On the Balboa Peninsula, the Balboa Island ferry lands next to the Balboa Fun Zone on Palm Street and Balboa Boulevard.
Can wheelchairs ride the Balboa Island ferry?
Riders in heavier powered wheelchairs can board the Balboa Island ferry by the vehicle ramp.