Charlotte–Essex ferry schedule and guide
Lake Champlain Transportation Company (LCT) runs the Charlotte–Essex ferry, a car and passenger ferry across Lake Champlain between Charlotte, Vermont and Essex, New York. The Charlotte–Essex ferry crosses about 3 miles of lake in about 25 minutes. LCT runs the Charlotte–Essex ferry all year as weather permits and takes no vehicle reservations.
Schedule up to date as of October 26, 2026
Contents
Charlotte–Essex ferry schedule
The Late October 2026 schedule runs from October 26, 2026 to November 1, 2026.
Departures from Charlotte, Daily
| Departs | To |
|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | Essex |
| 7:00 AM | Essex |
| 8:00 AM | Essex |
| 9:00 AM | Essex |
| 10:00 AM | Essex |
| 10:30 AM | Essex |
| 11:00 AM | Essex |
| 11:30 AM | Essex |
| 12:00 PM | Essex |
| 12:30 PM | Essex |
| 1:00 PM | Essex |
| 1:30 PM | Essex |
| 2:00 PM | Essex |
| 2:30 PM | Essex |
| 3:00 PM | Essex |
| 3:30 PM | Essex |
| 4:00 PM | Essex |
| 4:30 PM | Essex |
| 5:00 PM | Essex |
| 6:00 PM | Essex |
| 7:00 PM | Essex |
| 8:00 PM | Essex |
Departures from Essex, Daily
| Departs | To |
|---|---|
| 6:30 AM | Charlotte |
| 7:30 AM | Charlotte |
| 8:30 AM | Charlotte |
| 9:30 AM | Charlotte |
| 10:30 AM | Charlotte |
| 11:00 AM | Charlotte |
| 11:30 AM | Charlotte |
| 12:00 PM | Charlotte |
| 12:30 PM | Charlotte |
| 1:00 PM | Charlotte |
| 1:30 PM | Charlotte |
| 2:00 PM | Charlotte |
| 2:30 PM | Charlotte |
| 3:00 PM | Charlotte |
| 3:30 PM | Charlotte |
| 4:00 PM | Charlotte |
| 4:30 PM | Charlotte |
| 5:00 PM | Charlotte |
| 5:30 PM | Charlotte |
| 6:30 PM | Charlotte |
| 7:30 PM | Charlotte |
| 8:30 PM | Charlotte |
LCT changes the Charlotte–Essex ferry schedule with the seasons, and this page shows each new schedule from the day it starts. LCT recommends arriving at the dock 15 minutes before the departure.
Charlotte–Essex ferry fares
| Fare type | Each way |
|---|---|
| Vehicles | |
| Driver and vehicle under 19 feet | $12.25 |
| Driver and vehicle 19 to 23 feet | $17.50 |
| Driver and vehicle 23 to 27 feet | $19.50 |
| Driver and vehicle 27 to 36 feet | $27.00 |
| Driver and vehicle 36 to 45 feet | $35.50 |
| Driver and vehicle 45 to 54 feet | $43.00 |
| Driver and vehicle 54 to 63 feet | $52.00 |
| Driver and vehicle 63 to 72 feet | $63.00 |
| Motorcycles | |
| Motorcycle and driver | $8.00 |
| Three-wheeled motorcycle | $12.25 |
| Motorcycle trailer | $4.25 |
| Passengers | |
| Adult passenger | $5.50 |
| Senior passenger (65 and over) | $5.00 |
| Child passenger (6 to 12) | $3.25 |
| Child under 6 | Free |
| Bicycles | |
| Bicyclist | $6.75 |
| Child bicyclist (6 to 12) | $4.50 |
| Buses | |
| Bus and driver | $35.50 |
- LCT prices every fare each way, and a fuel surcharge may apply. LCT takes credit cards at every ticket booth. A Commuter Card takes 30% off regular fares.
LCT charges the same fares on the Charlotte–Essex ferry as on the Grand Isle–Plattsburgh ferry. LCT prices vehicles by their total length and width and the deck space they use. Vehicles longer than 72 feet pay a charge for each extra foot, and vehicles wider than 8.5 feet pay one and a half times the regular rate.
Charlotte–Essex ferry details
| Operator | Lake Champlain Transportation Company (LCT) |
|---|---|
| Crossing time | About 25 minutes |
| Distance | About 3 miles |
| Vehicles | Up to 40 tons and 13 feet 6 inches tall. The ramps are 11 feet 4 inches wide at the deck and carry up to 40 tons. |
| Reservations | Not taken for vehicles. Vehicles board first come, first served. |
| Payment | Credit cards at the ticket booths. The ATM is on the Essex dock only. LCT takes no personal checks and no Canadian currency. |
| Bicycles | Carried at the bicyclist fare |
| Motorcycles | Carried, with no tie-downs. Riders stay with their motorcycles and hold them steady as the ferry docks. |
| Pets | Pets ride on a leash on the ferry and the dock. |
| On board | Each ferry has a covered lounge with seating, most of them on the second deck. |
Charlotte ferry terminal parking and directions
The Charlotte ferry terminal is at 2901 Ferry Road, Charlotte, VT 05445. From US Route 7, drivers turn onto Ferry Road (F-5) in Charlotte and follow the signs to the ferry dock.
The Charlotte ferry terminal has a small commuter parking lot just before the turn for the ticket booth. Cars can stay in it for up to 72 hours.
Essex ferry terminal parking and directions
The Essex ferry terminal is at 1 Main Street, Essex, NY 12936. From Interstate 87, drivers take exit 31 or exit 33 and follow the signs 12 miles to the ferry dock.
The Essex ferry terminal has no commuter parking lot. No buses or shuttles stop at the docks.
Charlotte–Essex ferry in winter
The Charlotte–Essex ferry runs all year as weather permits. In winter, LCT can close the crossing for a time for bad ice or strong north winds. The Charlotte–Essex ferry is LCT's southernmost crossing on Lake Champlain.
LCT describes the crossing as a vantage point for summer views and fall foliage, with the Adirondack Mountains and the Green Mountains in view.
Charlotte–Essex ferry FAQs
Does the Essex ferry run in winter?
The Charlotte–Essex ferry runs all year as weather permits. LCT can close it for a time in winter for bad ice or strong north winds.
How long is the Charlotte ferry ride?
The Charlotte–Essex ferry crosses about 3 miles of Lake Champlain in about 25 minutes.
Is there parking at the Essex ferry?
The Essex ferry terminal has no commuter parking lot. The Charlotte ferry terminal has a small one, where cars can stay for up to 72 hours.
Does the Charlotte–Essex ferry take reservations?
The Charlotte–Essex ferry takes no vehicle reservations. Vehicles board first come, first served, and LCT recommends arriving 15 minutes before the departure.
Is there a ferry from Burlington to Port Kent?
LCT runs two Lake Champlain crossings, the Charlotte–Essex ferry and the Grand Isle–Plattsburgh ferry. LCT lists no Burlington–Port Kent crossing, and its Burlington waterfront location runs the Ferry Dock Marina.