Rockland–Matinicus ferry schedule and guide
The Maine State Ferry Service (MSFS) runs the Rockland–Matinicus ferry, a car and passenger ferry from Rockland to Matinicus Isle, Maine, on scheduled dates only. The 23-mile Matinicus ferry crossing takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. The ferry stays at Matinicus for an hour or less before it sails back to Rockland the same day.
Schedule up to date as of October 26, 2026
Contents
Matinicus ferry schedule 2026
The 2026 schedule runs from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026.
Matinicus sailing
This schedule replaces the 2026 schedule on October 28, 2026.
Departures from Rockland
| Departs | To |
|---|---|
| 7:45 AM | Matinicus |
Matinicus sailing
This schedule replaces the 2026 schedule on October 30, 2026.
Departures from Rockland
| Departs | To |
|---|---|
| 9:45 AM | Matinicus |
Matinicus sailing
This schedule replaces the 2026 schedule on November 11, 2026.
Departures from Rockland
| Departs | To |
|---|---|
| 7:15 AM | Matinicus |
Matinicus sailing
This schedule replaces the 2026 schedule on November 13, 2026.
Departures from Rockland
| Departs | To |
|---|---|
| 8:15 AM | Matinicus |
Matinicus sailing
This schedule replaces the 2026 schedule on December 15, 2026.
Departures from Rockland
| Departs | To |
|---|---|
| 10:15 AM | Matinicus |
Matinicus sailing
This schedule replaces the 2026 schedule on December 17, 2026.
Departures from Rockland
| Departs | To |
|---|---|
| 12:00 PM | Matinicus |
MSFS schedules the Matinicus ferry by date, not by day of the week, and each listed time is the departure from Rockland. MSFS posts no time for the boat back from Matinicus. It advises riders to call the Rockland terminal the day before to confirm the trip, since the schedule can change without notice.
Riders and vehicles must be in line and ready to board at least 30 minutes before loading starts, which is 15 minutes before departure. Riders can ask for an added trip through the Matinicus town office or a waiting list at the Rockland terminal, and MSFS does not guarantee one.
Rockland–Matinicus ferry fares
| Fare type | Fare |
|---|---|
| Passenger | |
| Adult 18 and older | $25.00 |
| Minor 6 to 17 | $12.50 |
| Child 5 and under | Free |
| Vehicle | |
| Vehicle and driver | $125.00 |
| Motorcycle and rider | $68.00 |
| Bicycle | |
| Adult with bicycle | $31.00 |
| Minor with bicycle | $18.50 |
- Every ticket is round trip. Vehicle and motorcycle fares include the reservation and cover the driver.
MSFS sells only round-trip tickets, and Matinicus tickets are good only between Rockland and Matinicus. A vehicle reservation is confirmed once it is paid, and its fee is not refunded unless MSFS cancels the trip. A reservation moves to another trip at no charge with two weeks' notice, when space allows, and a no-show is charged.
Rockland–Matinicus ferry details
| Operator | Maine State Ferry Service, part of the Maine Department of Transportation |
|---|---|
| Crossing time | About 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Distance | 23 miles |
| Vessel | M/V Charles Norman Shay |
| Vehicles | Carried by reservation. Drivers give the exact length of a car, and the exact length and weight of a truck, and complete the paperwork for the Matinicus vehicle waste disposal ordinance before arriving. |
| Reservations | Up to three months ahead, by calling the Rockland terminal. |
| Payment | Cash, check or credit card when the reservation is made. |
| Pets | Leashed pets ride in a marked pet-friendly cabin. |
| Food on board | None sold. Riders may bring food and nonalcoholic drinks. |
Rockland ferry terminal for Matinicus
The Matinicus ferry leaves from the Rockland ferry terminal at 517A Main Street (Route 1), Rockland, ME 04841, which also serves Vinalhaven and North Haven. Matinicus has no ferry terminal, so the Rockland terminal handles every Matinicus question and reservation.
The Rockland terminal's own lot takes credit cards only, paid in the lane, and its spaces are first come, first served. Rockland's municipal lots at Buoy Park, Harbor Park and the Thorndike lot off Tilson Avenue take overflow.
Rockland–Matinicus ferry FAQs
When does the ferry go to Matinicus?
The Matinicus ferry runs only on the dates MSFS publishes a year at a time, and the schedule on this page lists the coming ones.
How much time is there on Matinicus on a day trip?
The Matinicus ferry stays at the island for an hour or less before it loads and sails back to Rockland.
Is the ferry the only way to get to Matinicus?
The Matinicus ferry is not the only way to the island. Private water taxis and air services also run to Matinicus.
How do riders reserve the Matinicus ferry?
Riders reserve the Matinicus ferry by calling the Rockland terminal, up to three months ahead.