Rockland–Vinalhaven ferry schedule and guide
The Maine State Ferry Service (MSFS) runs the Rockland–Vinalhaven ferry, a car and passenger ferry between Rockland and the island of Vinalhaven, Maine. The 15-mile Vinalhaven ferry crossing takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. MSFS sells only round-trip tickets, and vehicles need a reservation or a place in the first-come line.
Schedule up to date as of October 26, 2026
Contents
Vinalhaven ferry schedule Summer 2026
The Summer 2026 schedule runs from March 9, 2026 to October 31, 2026.
Departures from Rockland, Daily
| Departs | To |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Vinalhaven |
| 8:45 AM1 | Vinalhaven |
| 10:30 AM | Vinalhaven |
| 1:00 PM | Vinalhaven |
| 2:45 PM | Vinalhaven |
| 4:30 PM | Vinalhaven |
- May leave 10 minutes late on Mondays and Thursdays for fueling
Departures from Vinalhaven, Daily
| Departs | To |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Rockland |
| 8:45 AM | Rockland |
| 10:30 AM | Rockland |
| 1:00 PM | Rockland |
| 2:45 PM | Rockland |
| 4:30 PM | Rockland |
MSFS runs a mainland ferry and an island ferry on the Vinalhaven route, so boats leave Rockland and Vinalhaven at the same times. MSFS runs fewer boats on Thanksgiving and New Year's Day and no Vinalhaven ferry on Christmas Day.
The captain decides 30 minutes before each departure whether to cancel it, and a cancelled first run does not mean later runs are cancelled. MSFS posts cancellations on a recorded line at each terminal, by text through New England 511 and on its Facebook page.
Rockland–Vinalhaven ferry fares
| Fare type | Off-peak | Peak |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger | ||
| Adult 18 and older | $15.75 | $23.00 |
| Minor 6 to 17 | $8.00 | $15.00 |
| Child 5 and under | Free | Free |
| Vehicle | ||
| Vehicle and driver | $41.50 | $55.00 |
| Motorcycle and rider | $32.00 | $42.50 |
| Vehicle reservation | $17.00 | $17.00 |
| Bicycle | ||
| Adult with bicycle | $22.75 | $29.75 |
| Minor with bicycle | $14.75 | $21.75 |
- Every ticket is round trip, and MSFS sells no one-way tickets. A vehicle or motorcycle ticket covers its driver, and a bicycle ticket covers its rider. Vehicles over 20 feet pay an extra charge per foot. Off-peak fares apply from October 1 to May 31, and peak fares from June 1 to September 30.
MSFS sells round-trip tickets only, at its terminals and in its webstore, and offers no senior, military or AAA discounts. Tickets do not expire and are not tied to a sailing, so they do not hold a place on any boat. Either half of a Vinalhaven ticket works in either direction, and a rider who goes one way keeps the other half for a later trip.
The webstore sells passenger, vehicle, motorcycle and bicycle tickets to riders paying by credit or debit card. Truck tickets and vehicle reservations come only from a terminal, in person or by phone.
Rockland–Vinalhaven ferry details
| Operator | Maine State Ferry Service, part of the Maine Department of Transportation |
|---|---|
| Crossing time | About 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Distance | 15 miles |
| Vehicles | Carried, with a reservation or in the first-come line. A vehicle ticket covers the driver. |
| Reservations | Vehicle reservations open one month ahead and close two hours before departure, in person at the Rockland terminal or by phone. |
| Payment | Credit or debit card in the MSFS webstore, or at a terminal ticket office. |
| Bicycles | Carried with a bicycle ticket, which covers its rider. |
| Pets | Leashed pets ride in a marked pet-friendly cabin. |
| Accessibility | Varies by vessel. MSFS asks riders who need help boarding to call the departure terminal ahead. |
| Food on board | None sold. Riders may bring food and nonalcoholic drinks, and every boat has inside seating. |
Rockland ferry terminal parking and directions
The Vinalhaven ferry leaves from the Rockland ferry terminal at 517A Main Street (Route 1), Rockland, ME 04841, which also serves North Haven and Matinicus. The terminal's own lot sits next to the building and takes credit cards only, paid in the lane. Its spaces are limited, first come, first served, and cannot be reserved, even with prepaid parking.
Rockland's municipal lots at Buoy Park, Harbor Park and the Thorndike lot off Tilson Avenue take overflow, and the Oceanside High School lot at 400 Broadway opens in summer. MSFS advises arriving early in the busy summer season.
Vinalhaven ferry terminal
The Vinalhaven ferry terminal is at 79 Sands Road, Vinalhaven, ME 04863. Vinalhaven's village, with a few shops and restaurants, is within walking distance of the ferry. The Vinalhaven terminal closes for lunch each day.
Drivers leaving Vinalhaven without a reservation call the Vinalhaven terminal early in the morning the day before to get a line number, which sets their place and the time to line up. This applies to same-day round trips too.
When the Vinalhaven ferry is busiest
Vehicle reservations to Vinalhaven sell out quickly at any time of year. Without one, MSFS advises putting a car in the first-come line close to the departure before the one the driver wants. Boarding starts 15 minutes before departure, and the driver must be in the car with tickets ready.
MSFS advises day-trippers to leave in the morning, since an afternoon start leaves little time on the island before the last boat back. Riders who make a spur-of-the-moment trip do best as walk-on passengers.
Rockland–Vinalhaven ferry FAQs
How long is the ferry ride to Vinalhaven?
The Vinalhaven ferry ride from Rockland takes about 1 hour 15 minutes and covers 15 miles.
Does the Vinalhaven ferry need a car reservation?
The Vinalhaven ferry carries cars with a reservation or from the first-come line. Reservations open one month ahead and sell out quickly at any time of year.
Can riders buy a one-way ticket to Vinalhaven?
MSFS sells only round-trip tickets to Vinalhaven. A rider who goes one way keeps the other half, which does not expire.
Are dogs allowed on the Vinalhaven ferry?
Dogs and other pets ride the Vinalhaven ferry on a leash, in a marked pet-friendly cabin.
Is there food on the Vinalhaven ferry?
The Vinalhaven ferry sells no food or drink. Riders may bring their own food and nonalcoholic drinks.
Can riders go from Vinalhaven to North Haven by ferry?
MSFS runs no ferry between Vinalhaven and North Haven, for riders or vehicles. Both islands have their own ferry from Rockland, and private water taxis run between islands.