Yes, you can absolutely use a ferry service to ship a car, and it's a common method for transporting vehicles over bodies of water, especially for relocations or long-distance travel along coastal routes. The process is straightforward: you drive your car onto the ferry at the departure port, and you drive it off at the destination. Many major ferry operators, like Washington State Ferries or the Alaska Marine Highway System, are built around this very concept.
However, it’s not a dedicated "car shipping" service in the way an auto transporter truck is. You are typically required to be a passenger on the same ferry or have special arrangements for unaccompanied vehicle transport, which is less common and more expensive. The primary use case is for you and your car to travel together on a scheduled passenger ferry route.
Key Considerations for Shipping a Car by Ferry:
- Route Availability: This is the biggest factor. Ferry services are geographically specific. You can't ship a car from New York to Florida by ferry, as no direct route exists. It's primarily for crossings like Seattle to Bainbridge Island, or from the mainland to islands like Martha's Vineyard or Hawaii (via specialized services).
- Cost: Pricing is usually per vehicle and per passenger. The cost depends on the vehicle's length and the route's distance. It's generally more affordable than air freight but can be more expensive than driving a long land-based detour.
- Booking: Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak seasons, as space for vehicles is limited.
- Preparation: You will need to arrive well before departure for vehicle screening and loading. The vehicle must be in good working order to drive on and off under its own power.
For comparison, here are some alternative methods for shipping a car long-distance:
| Method | Typical Use Case | Relative Cost | Key Consideration |
|---|
| Ferry | Regional travel over water | Medium | Geographic and schedule limitations |
| Open-Air Transport | Long-distance cross-country | Low | Most common; vehicle exposed to elements |
| Enclosed Transport | Shipping luxury/classic cars | High | Protects from weather and road debris |
| Drive-Away Service | Cross-country relocation | Varies | A professional driver drives your car |
| Air Freight | International/emergency | Very High | Extremely fast but prohibitively expensive |
If a ferry route aligns with your travel needs, it can be a scenic and efficient option. For true point-to-point vehicle shipping without your accompaniment, especially over land, an auto transport company is the standard solution.
