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Jamestown–Scotland ferry schedule and guide

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) runs the Jamestown–Scotland ferry, a free car and passenger ferry across the James River between Jamestown in James City County and Scotland in Surry County, Virginia. The Jamestown–Scotland ferry crossing takes about 20 minutes. VDOT runs the Jamestown–Scotland ferry 24 hours a day, every day of the year, holidays included, and takes no reservations.

Schedule up to date as of October 26, 2026

Next ferries from Jamestown

  1. in 3 minto Scotland
  2. in 28 minto Scotland
  3. in 48 minto Scotland

Contents

Jamestown–Scotland ferry schedule

The Year-round schedule runs from July 26, 2024 until further notice.

Departures from Jamestown, Daily

DepartsTo
3:30 AMScotland
4:30 AMScotland
5:20 AMScotland
5:40 AMScotland
6:05 AMScotland
6:30 AMScotland
6:55 AMScotland
7:20 AMScotland
7:45 AMScotland
8:10 AMScotland
8:35 AMScotland
9:00 AMScotland
9:30 AMScotland
10:00 AMScotland
10:30 AMScotland
11:00 AMScotland
11:30 AMScotland
12:00 PMScotland
12:30 PMScotland
1:00 PMScotland
1:30 PMScotland
2:00 PMScotland
2:30 PMScotland
3:00 PMScotland
3:30 PMScotland
3:55 PMScotland
4:20 PMScotland
4:45 PMScotland
5:10 PMScotland
5:35 PMScotland
6:00 PMScotland
6:25 PMScotland
6:50 PMScotland
7:15 PMScotland
7:35 PMScotland
8:00 PMScotland
8:30 PMScotland
9:30 PMScotland
10:30 PMScotland
11:30 PMScotland
12:30 AMScotland
1:30 AMScotland
2:30 AMScotland

Departures from Scotland, Daily

DepartsTo
3:00 AMJamestown
4:00 AMJamestown
5:00 AMJamestown
5:20 AMJamestown
5:40 AMJamestown
6:05 AMJamestown
6:30 AMJamestown
6:55 AMJamestown
7:20 AMJamestown
7:45 AMJamestown
8:10 AMJamestown
8:35 AMJamestown
9:00 AMJamestown
9:30 AMJamestown
10:00 AMJamestown
10:30 AMJamestown
11:00 AMJamestown
11:30 AMJamestown
12:00 PMJamestown
12:30 PMJamestown
1:00 PMJamestown
1:30 PMJamestown
2:00 PMJamestown
2:30 PMJamestown
3:00 PMJamestown
3:30 PMJamestown
3:55 PMJamestown
4:20 PMJamestown
4:45 PMJamestown
5:10 PMJamestown
5:35 PMJamestown
6:00 PMJamestown
6:25 PMJamestown
6:50 PMJamestown
7:15 PMJamestown
7:35 PMJamestown
8:00 PMJamestown
9:00 PMJamestown
10:00 PMJamestown
11:00 PMJamestown
12:00 AMJamestown
1:00 AMJamestown
2:00 AMJamestown

VDOT runs the posted Jamestown–Scotland ferry schedule as staffing and vessels allow. Departures do not always fall on the hour or half hour. Tides, bad weather and poor visibility can change the schedule, and VDOT can change it without notice.

Jamestown–Scotland ferry fares

Fare typeFare
Fare
Vehicles and passengersFree
Fares in effect October 26, 2026
  • VDOT runs the Jamestown–Scotland ferry free of charge.

Jamestown–Scotland ferry details

OperatorVirginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)
Crossing timeAbout 15 to 20 minutes
VesselsFour ferries. The Pocahontas and Powhatan carry 70 cars each, and the Surry and Williamsburg carry 50 cars each.
VehiclesUp to 12 feet 6 inches tall. Box trucks up to 32,000 pounds and tractor-trailers up to 56,000 pounds. Up to five large buses per ferry.
Hazardous materialsOnly loads that need no hazardous materials placard. Campers with propane tanks ride when the tanks are secured.
ReservationsNot taken
PaymentFree
BicyclesCarried. Motorcycles ride when ridden aboard or hitched on a trailer.
PetsDogs ride in the car, or on a leash on the ferry deck. Only service animals enter the passenger lounge.

Jamestown ferry terminal address and directions

VDOT gives the Jamestown Settlement address, 2110 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185, for GPS directions to the Jamestown ferry terminal. From Richmond, drivers take Interstate 64 east to Williamsburg and the Lightfoot exit for Route 199. Route 199 leads to Jamestown Road (Route 31), which runs straight to the ferry dock.

No parking near the Jamestown–Scotland ferry is set aside for riders who leave their vehicles. Walk-on passengers ride when someone drops them off.

Scotland ferry terminal address and directions

The Scotland ferry terminal is at 16289 Rolfe Highway, Surry, VA 23883. From the town of Surry, Route 31 runs north to the Scotland ferry landing. Drivers from the south and west reach Surry on Route 10.

Jamestown–Scotland ferry wait times

VDOT says the wait to board usually runs 15 to 30 minutes. Lines grow during the weekday morning and evening rush, and in summer during events in the area. VDOT posts traffic queues about half a mile from each landing, and its 1-800-VA-FERRY line gives traffic updates and the ferry's operating status.

Security officers on each dock screen vehicles at random, so riders arrive a few minutes early and stand ready to open trunks and containers. All engines stay off while the ferry is under way, under Coast Guard rules. Groups that want to ride together call ahead, and the crew tries to load them on one ferry.

Jamestown–Scotland ferry FAQs

Is the Jamestown ferry free?

The Jamestown–Scotland ferry is free. VDOT charges no fare for vehicles or passengers.

Does the Jamestown–Scotland ferry run 24 hours?

The Jamestown–Scotland ferry runs 24 hours a day, every day of the year, holidays included. The Jamestown–Scotland ferry schedule on this page lists the overnight departures.

How long is the Jamestown ferry ride?

The Jamestown–Scotland ferry takes about 15 to 20 minutes to cross the James River.

Can walk-on passengers ride the Jamestown ferry?

Walk-on passengers ride the Jamestown–Scotland ferry when someone drops them off. There is no place near the ferry to park and leave a vehicle.

Can riders get out of the car on the Jamestown ferry?

Once the Jamestown–Scotland ferry is moving, riders can walk around the deck. The crew can keep riders in their vehicles in bad weather or at higher security levels.

What address does the Jamestown ferry use for GPS?

VDOT gives 2110 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185 for the Jamestown side and 16289 Rolfe Highway, Surry, VA 23883 for the Scotland side.

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