Buena Vista Ferry Schedules 2026

Buena Vista Ferry is a small county-run cable ferry across the Willamette River in Oregon, United States — one of only three surviving vehicle ferries on the river. It is operated by Marion County Public Works, and foot passengers cross free.

A crossing measured in metres

The two landings sit about 200 metres apart and the scheduled crossing takes one minute. The east landing appears in timetables as Jefferson — the name of the road and the county seat direction rather than a separate town on the bank — while the west landing is Buena Vista itself. An overhead cable guides the boat; there is no engine steering it across.

What is currently scheduled

The published timetable runs 22 April to 1 September 2026, seven days a week, with 127 crossings a day westbound and 126 back. First departure is 07.00 and the last is 17.30 — a working day rather than an all-hours service. Operation depends on river levels, so high water can stop it outside any timetable.

Paying

Tolls are in US dollars, paid by cash, cheque or the county ferry toll card. Cards are not accepted on board. Pedestrians and cyclists cross without charge; the toll applies to vehicles.

The other Willamette ferry

Marion County also has a hand in the Wheatland Ferry, 35 km downstream, which runs a longer day — 05.30 to 21.45 — and holds a timetable through to 31 October 2026 rather than closing in September. If you are crossing outside the summer window, that is the one still sailing.