Bike Ferry Hours
The Island Line Bike Ferry
Spring Hours: Open Weekends Only from May 22 - June 21.
- Friday 10 am - 5 pm
- Saturday & Sunday 10 am - 6 pm
Summer: Open Daily from June 22 - September 7
Fall: Open Weekends Only from September 11 - October 12
The Bike Ferry is accessible to all who bike, walk, or roll out to it. The ramp down to the Ferry is a gentle slope (though the angle will change with the water level of the lake). We ask all users to please walk down the ramp with their bikes - if you or someone in your party must stay seated in a mobility device, please make Bike Ferry staff aware so they can help you safely make your way to the boat. The Bike Ferry entrance is level with the docks, with a small gap over the water. Our staff is experienced in safely securing many types of bicycles, trailers, wheelchairs, and many other mobility devices!
What to expect on your route to the Bike Ferry
To reach the Bike Ferry, you must first travel out into the middle of Lake Champlain along the Island Line Trail. You may choose to start your journey as far south as Burlington's Oakledge Park, following the 8 paved miles of the Burlington Greenway multi-use path up to Airport Park.
Starting from Airport Park, the Island Line Trail follows the Colchester Causeway on 5 miles of crushed gravel and is 4+ feet wide in most places. Once you reach Lake Champlain, the trail is completely exposed with sweeping views of both the Adirondack and Green Mountains. The Bike Ferry is located at a 200 foot gap in the Island Line Trail known as the “Cut”. The Ferry is open to all who bike, walk, or roll out to it - no motor vehicles!
Be prepared for weather out on the Causeway - it is often windier than weather forecasts predict, and there is very little shade. Bring a jacket, sunscreen, and water. There are no facilities out on the Causeway. Airport Park has a restroom with a water fountain, and on South Hero you will find a portable restroom at the intersection of the trail and Martin Road.
While there aren't many options directly on the trail, there are many places to stop and eat, play, or shop very close by! Find suggested routes and nearby businesses:
Island Line Trail Interactive Map
Volunteer at the Bike Ferry!
Local Motion's Bike Ferry, located 10 miles from Burlington on the beautiful Colchester Causeway, needs volunteer Dockside Ambassadors! Greet passengers, solicit donations, and provide tourist info to the best of your knowledge. Receive training on-site when you arrive for your shift.
Sign up for Dockside Ambassador shifts
Bike Ferry History
The Bike Ferry and the Island Line Trail are rich in Vermont history. Learn more about how this historic rail trail turned into a beloved bike path ridden by visitors and locals alike!
Got Questions?
Find the answers to your most pressing questions about the Local Motion Bike Ferry on our Ferry FAQ page. Still don't have the answer you are looking for? Please reach out to us at [email protected]
Special Groups
Interested in using our bikes or bike ferry for a special event, corporate outing, wedding, etc.? Learn more here!
