United States · National-park island boats, Gulf coast to the Keys
Florida ferry routes & schedules
Florida's ferries here serve two remote national-park destinations. From Pensacola on the Gulf coast, boats cross to the barrier-island beaches of the Gulf Islands National Seashore; far to the south, a long catamaran run from Key West reaches the isolated Fort Jefferson at Dry Tortugas.
- 5
- Connections
- 2
- Operators
- 5
- Quays
- 1h 12m
- Avg crossing
About
Ferry travel in Florida
Two very different park crossings
These aren't commuter links — they're gateways to protected islands. Around Pensacola, short passenger boats hop across to the white-sand barrier beaches and Fort Pickens of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. At the opposite end of the state, a high-speed catamaran makes the roughly two-hour run from Key West out to Dry Tortugas National Park and its massive 19th-century Fort Jefferson — a bucket-list day trip that sells out in season, so book well ahead.
Quays
Ferry quays in Florida
5 quays with published connections. Open a quay for every route that calls there.
At a glance
Which Florida crossings run most often?
The busiest published crossings, ranked by number of listed sailings.
| Route | Crossing | Sailings | Operators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Pickens → Pensacola (Downtown) | 45m | 3 / wk | 1 |
| Pensacola Beach - Quietwater → Fort Pickens | 1h | 3 / wk | 1 |
| Pensacola (Downtown) → Pensacola Beach - Quietwater | 1h | 3 / wk | 1 |
| Fort Jefferson → Key West Ferry Terminal | 2h 30m | 1 / wk | 1 |
| Key West Ferry Terminal → Fort Jefferson | 2h 30m | 1 / wk | 1 |
Timetables
Ferry routes in Florida
5 routes departing Florida.
Fort Jefferson1 route
Fort Pickens1 route
Key West Ferry Terminal1 route
Pensacola (Downtown)1 route
Pensacola Beach - Quietwater1 route
Operators
Who runs the ferries in Florida?
Guides
Planning ferry travel in Florida
Practical guides to fares, booking and the crossings worth building a trip around.
- Foot Passenger vs Taking the Car: Which Should You Choose?When it's worth bringing the car onto the ferry and when you're better off as a foot passenger — cost, convenience and what waits on the other side.
- Do You Need to Book a Ferry in Advance?When you can just turn up and when advance booking is essential — for foot passengers, vehicles and peak-season travel.
- How to Avoid Seasickness on a FerryCombat seasickness effectively on your next ferry trip. Discover practical tips, remedies, and strategies for a smooth, enjoyable journey across any sea.
Travel updates
Latest updates for Florida
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Dry Tortugas National Park?
By ferry or seaplane only — Dry Tortugas lies about 70 miles west of Key West with no road access. A high-speed catamaran makes the roughly two-hour crossing from Key West to Fort Jefferson once a day. It's a popular day trip with limited capacity, so book well in advance, especially in the busy winter and spring season.
How many ferry routes are there in Florida?
Florida has 5 ferry and express-boat connections across 5 quays. Each route page lists the timetable, crossing time and operator.
Who operates ferries in Florida?
Boat and ferry services in Florida are run by 2 operators, including Dry Tortugas National Park and Gulf Islands National Seashore. Most are part of United States's county public-transport network.
How long are ferry crossings in Florida?
Across Florida's active crossings the average sailing takes about 1h 12m, while the longest runs roughly 2h 30m. Each route page shows the exact duration.
Explore
Other ferry regions in United States
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated July 19, 2026.