The Local Motion Bike Ferry
The 2023 Bike Ferry Season
BECOME A FRIEND OF THE FERRY!
The 2023 Friend of the Ferry campaign has begun, anchoring our novel “pay-what-you-can'' ferry service. For your $50 donation you will receive your neon green "bike band" and membership sticker. This season our crew will be looking for proudly displayed 2023 bike bands identifying all of our valued supporters of something truly exceptional, where there are no exceptions and Everyone Rides! Donations made during this campaign (through April 15th)are recognized on our Donor Commendation board at The Cut.
It goes without saying that we are all united in our love of the Bike Ferry and in sharing it with the rest of the world. From its inception two years ago, the Friends of the Ferry program, with the goal of making the Bike Ferry accessible to everyone regardless of the ability to pay, has resonated with so many people.
A true Vermont destination, our Bike Ferry is an Island Line Trail link to walkers and cyclists between the greater Burlington area and the Champlain Islands. Our docks are located 2.5 miles off-shore on the spectacular Colchester Causeway. The trip across the “Cut” is breathtaking with distant views of the Green Mountains to the east and the Adirondacks across the Lake to the west. It’s not uncommon for us to welcome passengers from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries in a single season! Please consider a trip to see us this season, you will not be disappointed.
Donate to Friends of the Ferry!
2023 Bike Ferry Schedule
Spring -
- Friday 5/26, Saturday 5/27, Sunday 5/28, Memorial Day Monday 5/29
- Fridays - 6/2, 6/9 Saturdays - 6/3, 6/10 Sundays - 6/4, 6/11
Summer -
- Daily Service Begins Friday 6/16 through Labor Day Monday 9/4
Fall -
- Fridays 9/8, 9/15, 9/22, 9/29, 10/6 Saturdays 9/9, 9/16, 9/23, 9/30, 10/7 Sundays - 9/10, 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, 10/8
- Indigenous Peoples Day Monday 10/9 (last day of the 2023 season)
Daily Hours - the Ferry runs on-demand from 10am to 5pm Monday through Friday and 10am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday
Your route to the Bike Ferry
Location: Island Line Trail, South Hero, VT 05486
The Island Line Trail ranks as one of the most scenic vistas in the world and has some of the easiest riding and walking terrains in all of Vermont. Superb biking and walking, gorgeous views, trails, farms, and good food await you along the Island Line Trail. The Trail starts south of downtown Burlington in Oakledge Park and parallels the lakeshore past nature preserves and across the Colchester Causeway via the Bike Ferry. Our specially equipped bike ferry, the Bill and Carole Hauke II, will carry you comfortably across the 200 foot "Cut," whether you are heading south from the Islands or north from the Burlington/ Colchester area.
Looking for more cycling routes in the Champlain Area?
The Lake Champlain Bikeways maps cover dozens of possible cycling loops in Grand Isle County, Chittenden County, Franklin County, Addison/Rutland/Windsor Counties, Essex County (NY), and Clinton County (NY). They feature some 1,636 total network miles for bicyclists.
Check out the Bikeways 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, sell tickets, and provide tourist info to the best of your knowledge. Receive training on-site when you arrive for your shift.
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!
