Aransas Pass–Port Aransas ferry hours and guide
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) runs the Aransas Pass–Port Aransas ferry, a free car and passenger ferry across the Corpus Christi Channel between Harbor Island, near Aransas Pass, and Port Aransas on Mustang Island, Texas. The Aransas Pass–Port Aransas ferry carries State Highway 361 and runs around the clock, weather permitting. The route is about a quarter mile long.
Schedule up to date as of October 26, 2026
Contents
Aransas Pass–Port Aransas ferry hours
| Days | Posted hours |
|---|---|
| Daily, 365 days a year | Open 24 hours1 |
- Runs 24 hours a day, weather permitting. TxDOT runs between two and six ferries a day on the route.
Aransas Pass–Port Aransas ferry fares
| Fare type | Fare |
|---|---|
| Fare | |
| Vehicles and passengers | Free |
- TxDOT charges no fare on the Aransas Pass–Port Aransas ferry.
Aransas Pass–Port Aransas ferry details
| Operator | Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) |
|---|---|
| Crossing time | Usually under 10 minutes |
| Distance | About a quarter mile |
| Vessels | TxDOT runs between two and six ferries a day. Each ferry carries up to 20 passenger vehicles. |
| Vehicles | Up to 80,000 pounds, 80 feet long and 13 feet wide, with no permits accepted. Single axles carry up to 20,000 pounds and tandem axles up to 34,000 pounds. |
| Pets | Dogs stay in vehicles, except seeing-eye dogs, which riders hold. A walk-on passenger with a dog on a short leash can stand at the back of the ferry when there is room away from other riders. Large dogs in truck beds are restrained or stay with their owner. No other animals go on deck. |
| Hazardous materials | Not allowed. Riders can bring no more than two portable gasoline cans of 6 gallons. |
| Smoking | Not allowed on board |
| Accessibility | TxDOT asks riders with special needs to call (361) 749-2850 in advance, so the crew can arrange vessel parking. |
Aransas Pass and Port Aransas ferry terminal locations
The Aransas Pass–Port Aransas ferry links the Aransas Pass ferry terminal on Harbor Island with the Port Aransas ferry terminal on Mustang Island. State Highway 361 runs to both ferry terminals.
| Ferry terminal | Location |
|---|---|
| Aransas Pass ferry terminal | State Highway 361 on Harbor Island, reached from Aransas Pass on the mainland |
| Port Aransas ferry terminal | State Highway 361 in Port Aransas, on Mustang Island |
Port Aransas ferry wait times
TxDOT says drivers can wait longer for the Aransas Pass–Port Aransas ferry at peak summer hours. TxDOT posts the current ferry wait on message signs along State Highway 361, one for each direction.
The same wait times appear on TxDOT's Corpus Christi district traffic site, under SH 361 Aransas Pass East. TxDOT also posts webcams at the ferry landings.
Port Aransas ferry FAQs
Is the Port Aransas ferry free?
The Aransas Pass–Port Aransas ferry is free. Texas charges no toll on either TxDOT ferry, for vehicles or passengers.
Does the Port Aransas ferry run 24 hours?
The Aransas Pass–Port Aransas ferry runs around the clock, every day of the year, weather permitting.
How long is the Port Aransas ferry ride?
The Aransas Pass–Port Aransas ferry crosses about a quarter mile of the Corpus Christi Channel, usually in under 10 minutes. Waits to board run longer at peak summer hours.
Can dogs ride the Port Aransas ferry?
Dogs ride the Aransas Pass–Port Aransas ferry inside vehicles. A walk-on passenger with a dog on a short leash can stand at the back of the ferry when there is room away from other riders.
How big a vehicle can ride the Port Aransas ferry?
The Aransas Pass–Port Aransas ferry takes vehicles up to 80,000 pounds, 80 feet long and 13 feet wide. TxDOT accepts no permits for larger loads.