United States
Buena Vista Ferry
A historic Willamette River cable ferry in Oregon
Est. 1852Marion County, Oregon, USA
Photo: Kirt Edblom / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)- 2
- Routes
- 2
- Ports
- 1m
- Avg crossing
- 1 cable ferry (6 vehicles)
- Vessels
- 1852
- Founded
Buena Vista Ferry is a historic Willamette River cable ferry in Oregon, founded in 1852 and based in Marion County, Oregon, USA. It operates 2 ferry routes serving 2 ports in United States. Across its network, crossings average about 1m.
Live board
Buena Vista Ferry departures today
Filtered to sailings that operate on today's date — open a departure for its full timetable.
Timetables
Which routes does Buena Vista Ferry operate?
2 routes with live schedules.
| Route | Crossing | Sailings | Operators | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buena Vista → Jefferson | 1m | 127 / wk | 1 | United States |
| Jefferson → Buena Vista | 1m | 126 / wk | 1 | United States |
Buena Vista1 route
Jefferson1 route
Network
Where does Buena Vista Ferry sail?
Buena Vista Ferry sails to 2 ports.
Experience
Onboard & services
- Cable vehicle ferry
- Free for pedestrians
- Year-round service
- Cash / toll-card only
- A county-run cable ferry across the Willamette River, founded 1852
- One of only three surviving vehicle ferries on the Willamette
- Connects Marion County and Polk County near Buena Vista
- Guided across the river by an overhead cable, carrying up to six vehicles
- Runs year-round, seven days a week, subject to river levels
About
About Buena Vista Ferry
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. Founded in 1852, it is a rare working link to Oregon's 19th-century network of river crossings.
Across the Willamette
The ferry connects Marion County on the east bank with Polk County on the west, near Buena Vista a few miles south of Independence, guided across the roughly 220-metre-wide river by an overhead cable. It carries up to six vehicles and runs seven days a week, year-round, subject to river levels.
A working antique
Operated by Marion County Public Works, the current electrically-powered vessel entered service in 2011, replacing an older boat and allowing year-round crossings. Tolls are in US dollars, paid by cash, check or the county ferry toll card — no cards accepted on board. Foot passengers cross free.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When was Buena Vista Ferry founded?
Buena Vista Ferry was founded in 1852, and is headquartered in Marion County, Oregon, USA.
Where does Buena Vista Ferry sail?
Buena Vista Ferry operates 2 ferry routes and serves 2 ports in United States, including Buena Vista, Jefferson.
Can I take a car on Buena Vista Ferry ferries?
Yes — Buena Vista Ferry operates vehicle-carrying ferries on some routes. Book vehicle space in advance, especially in peak season, and check the specific crossing for size limits.
What facilities are available on Buena Vista Ferry ferries?
Buena Vista Ferry ferries typically offer Cable vehicle ferry, Free for pedestrians, Year-round service, Cash / toll-card only. Facilities vary by vessel and route — check the specific sailing for details.
How early should I arrive for a Buena Vista Ferry ferry?
Arrive at the terminal at least 30–60 minutes before a Buena Vista Ferry departure as a foot passenger, and allow longer with a vehicle. Boarding and check-in times vary by port and route — confirm with Buena Vista Ferry.
How do I find Buena Vista Ferry ferry times?
Browse the live timetables for every Buena Vista Ferry route on this page. Schedules are updated as the operator publishes them — always confirm with Buena Vista Ferry before travelling, as sailings change seasonally.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated July 26, 2026.
Contact & booking
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