Best Ferry Route Destinations and Scenic Boat Trips

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Best Ferry Route Destinations and Scenic Boat Trips

I took the Hurtigruten coastal voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes in 2017, and what I remember most isn't any single fjord - it's the rhythm of the ship visiting 34 ports over six days. Coffee at 7 am as we approached Ålesund. Lunch underway crossing the Arctic Circle. Evening sunset entering Tromsø. Each morning a different town the working coastal ferry served as supply line. Hurtigruten wasn't a cruise; it was actual transportation that incidentally took passengers through some of the world's most beautiful coastline. That distinction matters. The world's great working ferries deliver something cruises can't - connection to actual lives the boat sustains alongside scenic transport.

Modern ferry travel divides into pure transportation (commute and supply ferries running on schedules), tourist-oriented scenic ferries marketed for views, and hybrid coastal voyages (Hurtigruten, BC Ferries Inside Passage) serving both purposes. The destinations on this list cover all three categories with the best routes globally.

Short Answer

The best ferry route destinations combine scenic value, accessible logistics, and surrounding tourism integration. Norway's Hurtigruten coastal voyage, Canada's BC Ferries Inside Passage, Greece's island-hopping ferry network, Alaska Marine Highway, Croatia's Adriatic ferries, Hong Kong Star Ferry, Stockholm archipelago ferries, Italy's Amalfi-Capri-Naples routes, Japan's Setouchi/Inland Sea ferries, and New Zealand's Cook Strait Interislander lead the global list. Costs range from $5 (urban harbor ferries) to $4,000+ (Hurtigruten full route).

What Makes a Great Ferry Route

Three factors matter. Scenic quality of the sea/landscape transit. Surrounding destinations that justify the trip beyond just the boat. Operational quality - frequency, comfort, dining, on-board experience that makes hours-long trips pleasant rather than endured.

Beyond these, ferry travel often delivers cost-effective transit that competes with flying or driving for specific routes. Vancouver to Victoria via BC Ferries beats flying for affordability and views. Naples to Capri beats road plus boat alternatives. Many great ferries are also great deals.

Tier 1: top-tier Ferry Routes

Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Voyage

The Norwegian coastal voyage operates daily ships between Bergen (south) and Kirkenes (Russian border) - 34 ports over 6 days northbound or 11-12 days round-trip. The route crosses the Arctic Circle, passes Lofoten and Vesterålen archipelagos, visits Tromsø ("gateway to the Arctic"), and traverses the Geirangerfjord (in summer).

Cabin pricing varies dramatically by season, cabin class, and direction - full round trips run NOK 18,000-65,000+ per person. Single-port-to-port passages affordable for shorter sections. Best season: winter for northern lights, summer for midnight sun, both extraordinary.

Hurtigruten operates as actual coastal shipping plus tourism - locals use the ferries for transportation. The mix produces authentic experience cruise lines cannot deliver.

BC Ferries Inside Passage, Canada

Vancouver Island and broader British Columbia coast operate extensive working ferry network. The Discovery Coast Connector (Port Hardy to Bella Coola) and Inside Passage (Port Hardy to Prince Rupert) deliver top-tier coastal scenery. The Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay (Vancouver to Victoria) commuter route is more crowded but spectacular.

Inside Passage costs CAD$200-400 for foot passengers; CAD$500-1,000 with vehicle. Discovery Coast similar. Plan ahead - vehicle space sells out months in advance for peak summer.

Greek Island Ferry Network

Greece operates Europe's most extensive island-hopping ferry network. Athens (Piraeus port) connects to all major islands; Santorini-Mykonos-Crete triangle is most-traveled route. Slower conventional ferries serve smaller islands; high-speed ferries reach major destinations in 2-5 hours.

Tickets €30-80 typical between major islands. Multi-island passes available. Plan reservations for peak summer routes (July-August book 4-8 weeks ahead).

Alaska Marine Highway, USA

Alaska's working ferry system covers 3,500+ miles from Bellingham Washington north along the Alaskan coast to the Aleutian Islands. Inside Passage routes (Bellingham to Skagway) plus Aleutians extension to Dutch Harbor. Working transportation primarily but spectacular for travelers.

Foot passenger fares $400-800 for major routes; with vehicle $800-2,000. Multi-day trips. Cabins or solarium camping.

Croatian Adriatic Ferries

Jadrolinija and other operators connect Croatian coast and islands. Major routes: Split-Hvar-Korčula-Dubrovnik, Zadar to Adriatic islands, Rijeka to Krk and beyond. Mix of car ferries and high-speed catamarans.

Tickets €5-30 typical for shorter routes; €40-80 for longer. Plan reservations for peak summer.

Star Ferry, Hong Kong

The 1888-founded ferry crossing Victoria Harbour between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. 7-12 minute crossings with extraordinary skyline views. World's most-photographed urban ferry route.

Tickets HK$3-5 (less than $1) - extraordinary value. Operating 6:30 am to 11:30 pm. Combine with Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and Symphony of Lights evening show.

Stockholm Archipelago Ferries

Waxholmsbolaget operates ferries connecting Stockholm with the 30,000-island archipelago. Multi-island day trips via Vaxholm, Sandhamn, Grinda, Utö possible. Distinctive Swedish summer experience.

Day passes SEK 165-185. Cards available for multi-day exploration.

Italian Amalfi-Capri-Naples Routes

Multiple ferry operators connect Naples, Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, Capri, and Ischia. Routes deliver dramatic coastal views including the Amalfi Coast cliffs and Capri's Faraglioni rocks.

Tickets €15-50 between major points. Plan reservations for summer Capri ferries.

Japan Setouchi/Inland Sea Ferries

Japan's Inland Sea (Setouchi) hosts extensive ferry network connecting Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu plus dozens of islands. The Setouchi Triennale art festival region uses ferries extensively. Naoshima, Teshima, and other "art islands" require ferry access.

Tickets ¥500-3,000 typical between major points. Combine with broader Japan travel.

New Zealand Cook Strait Interislander

Wellington to Picton on the Interislander or Bluebridge ferries. 3-3.5 hour crossings with extraordinary Marlborough Sounds views on the South Island approach.

Tickets NZ$50-110 foot passenger; NZ$200-400 with vehicle. Reservations essential for vehicle space.

Tier 2: Distinctive Ferry Routes

Helsinki to Tallinn

Cross the Gulf of Finland in 2 hours. Several operators. Day trips from either city possible. Tax-free shopping for Finns crossing border drives traffic.

Tickets €15-40 each way.

Stockholm to Helsinki, Tallinn

Overnight ferries between Baltic capitals. Cabins, restaurants, on-board entertainment. Functions as cruise plus transportation.

Tickets €60-200 per person depending on cabin.

Amsterdam to Newcastle, UK

DFDS overnight ferry across North Sea. 16-hour crossing with cabins, restaurants, basic entertainment.

Tickets €80-200 per person.

Plymouth to Santander, Spain

Brittany Ferries 24-hour Bay of Biscay crossing. Major ferry alternative to driving for British travelers heading to Spain.

Tickets £150-450 per person depending on cabin.

Marseilles to Tunisia / Algeria

Mediterranean crossings to North Africa. CTN and Corsica-Sardinia ferries.

Tickets €100-250 typically.

Italy to Greece (Ancona, Bari, Brindisi, Venice)

Many operators connecting Adriatic coast Italy with Greek ports. Overnight crossings standard.

Tickets €60-200 per person plus vehicle if needed.

Santiago de Chile region - Pacific Coast Ferries

Chilean ferry network extending into Chiloé and Patagonian fjords from Puerto Montt south.

Norwegian Coastal - Beyond Hurtigruten

Various regional ferry operators serving Norwegian fjords. Many shorter routes accessible for self-drivers.

British Columbia - Northern Routes

Beyond Inside Passage, Northern BC ferries connect more remote coastal communities. Hardcore traveler interest.

Indonesia - Pelni Network

Indonesia's national passenger shipping network connecting major islands. Authentic Indonesian travel experience.

Tickets IDR 200,000-2,000,000 ($13-130) for major routes.

Philippines Inter-Island Ferries

Extensive Philippine ferry network connecting major islands. RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) ships standard.

Tickets ₱500-3,000 for typical routes.

Caribbean Inter-Island Ferries

Various operators connecting Caribbean islands. Less developed than other regional networks; verify schedules and conditions before planning.

St. Lawrence Seaway Cruise - Quebec Region

Canadian river/seaway ferry routes including Trois-Rivières to Quebec routes.

Falmouth to St. Mawes, Cornwall

Short scenic ferry traversing Cornwall's south coast harbour. Distinctive for British travelers.

Sydney Ferries, Australia

Sydney Harbour ferries from Circular Quay reach Manly, Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, and various waterfront destinations. Working transportation with scenic value.

Tickets AU$3-8 per crossing.

San Francisco Bay Ferries, USA

Working bay ferries connecting San Francisco with Sausalito, Oakland, Larkspur. Combining commute use with scenic value for tourists.

Tickets $7-15 per crossing.

Staten Island Ferry, NYC

Free 25-minute crossing between Manhattan and Staten Island with Statue of Liberty views. Among NYC's best free experiences.

Free.

Boston Harbor Ferries

Working ferries connecting Boston with Hingham, Hull, harbor islands.

Cap Ferret-Arcachon Bay Ferries, France

French Atlantic coast ferries connecting Bordeaux region tourism.

Vladivostok-Sakhalin / Hokkaido Ferries

East Asian ferry connections (verify current operations and political situation).

Sicily-Mainland Italy

Numerous ferry operators connecting Sicily with mainland Italy. Catania-Reggio Calabria, Messina-Villa San Giovanni shortest.

Sardinia Ferries

Genoa, Civitavecchia, Naples to Sardinia ferries. Overnight options popular.

Tickets €40-200.

Corsica Ferries

A number of operators connecting France and Italy with Corsica.

Faroe Islands Ferries

Inter-island ferries within Faroes plus connection to Iceland and Denmark.

Greenland Coastal Ferry - Sarfaq Ittuk

The Greenlandic coastal ferry connecting major settlements. Authentic experience similar to Hurtigruten in concept.

Sample Itineraries

14-Day Hurtigruten Round Trip Norway

Days 1-12: Bergen-Kirkenes-Bergen full round trip. Option to disembark at intermediate ports for excursions. Days 13-14: Bergen exploration. Estimated cost: NOK 30,000-90,000.

7-Day Greek Island Hopping

Days 1-2: Athens. Days 3-4: Santorini. Days 5-6: Mykonos. Day 7: Return Athens. Estimated cost: €1,500-3,500.

5-Day Croatian Coast Ferry Tour

Days 1-2: Split. Day 3: Ferry to Hvar. Day 4: Ferry to Korčula. Day 5: Ferry to Dubrovnik. Estimated cost: €1,200-2,500.

Cost Comparison

Route	Foot Passenger Cost	With Vehicle	Time
Hurtigruten full	NOK 18,000-65,000	Varies	6-12 days
BC Ferries Inside Passage	CAD$200-400	$500-1,000	15 hours
Greek inter-island	€30-80	Add €60-120	2-8 hours
Alaska Marine Highway	$400-800	$800-2,000	Multi-day
Croatia Adriatic	€5-30 short / €40-80 long	Add €30-100	1-12 hours
Star Ferry HK	HK$3-5	N/A	7-12 min
Stockholm Archipelago	SEK 165-185 day pass	N/A	Day trip
Naples-Capri	€15-25	Vehicle pricier	50 min
NZ Interislander	NZ$50-110	$200-400	3-3.5 hours
Helsinki-Tallinn	€15-40	Add €40-80	2 hours

Tips for Ferry Travel

Book vehicle space well ahead. Foot passenger space typically available; vehicle space sells out months ahead for popular routes. Alaska Marine Highway, BC Ferries, NZ Interislander, Greek ferries with cars all require advance booking.

Pack appropriately for trip length. Multi-day ferries (Hurtigruten, Alaska, longer European overnight) require cabin amenities or comfort gear for solarium camping. Day ferries simpler.

Verify ID requirements. International ferries require passports. Domestic ferries usually photo ID (driver's license sufficient). Greek inter-island ferries often check ID.

Sea sickness preparation. North Sea, Bay of Biscay, Cook Strait, English Channel all known for rough water. Anti-nausea medication, eating before sailing, fresh air on deck all help. Verify weather forecasts before sailing.

Photography strategy. Outdoor decks available on most ferries - vital for scenic photography. Indoor ferry windows often dirty, scratched, or salt-streaked. Wear weather-appropriate clothing for outdoor deck time.

Consider weather flexibility. Storms cancel ferry crossings. Some routes (Skellig Michael, smaller island ferries) cancel frequently. Build buffer days into itineraries dependent on ferry transport.

Multi-modal combinations. Trains often reach ferry terminals - Bergen to Hurtigruten, Wellington to Interislander, Athens to Piraeus. Multi-modal travel combining trains and ferries delivers low-stress logistics.

On-board dining considerations. Long ferries have restaurants but quality and cost vary. Hurtigruten meals included; many overnight ferries have decent restaurants. Pack snacks for shorter ferries with limited food.

For broader background, Wikipedia on Ferry provides historical context. Country-specific ferry operators maintain current schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are ferries cheaper than flying?
For passengers without vehicles, often comparable. With vehicles, ferries usually cheaper than equivalent flying-plus-rental-car. Time costs longer for ferries. Best value when ferry trip itself is destination experience rather than just transit.

Can I bring my car on international ferries?
Yes for most routes. Customs declarations required for international crossings. Vehicle insurance must cover destination country. Verify rental car cross-border policies; some rentals exclude specific countries.

What about pets?
Most major ferries accept pets - usually in dedicated pet decks or vehicle storage during crossings. Service animals accommodated more flexibly. Verify with specific operators.

Are smaller ferries safe?
Reputable operators with regular service maintain safety standards. Question smaller informal ferries in developing destinations - verify safety records before boarding. Life vests should be available; weather cancellations should occur for legitimate concerns.

How do disembarkation logistics work?
Foot passengers exit via dedicated walkways. Vehicles drive off. Larger ports have customs and immigration on-board. Plan 30-60 minutes for international ferry disembarkation; 10-20 minutes domestic.

Are ferries family-friendly?
Generally yes. Children often enjoy ferry experiences. Long ferries have children's areas, dining options, sleeping accommodations. Sea sickness affects some children - preparation helps.

Final Recommendations

For first-time scenic ferry travelers, Norway's Hurtigruten coastal voyage delivers the world's premier scenic ferry experience. Plan minimum 6-day one-way; ideal 11-12 day round trip. Best season summer for midnight sun or winter for northern lights - both extraordinary.

For travelers wanting island-hopping flexibility, Greek ferry network and Croatian Adriatic ferries deliver multi-island travel at affordable cost. Plan minimum 7 days for meaningful island variety.

For North American travelers, Alaska Marine Highway and BC Ferries Inside Passage deliver top-tier scenery at reasonable cost. Plan minimum 5-7 days for full experience.

For combined value with broader travel, integrate ferry transport with rail and city tourism. Wellington to Picton on Interislander combined with NZ South Island travel; Naples to Capri ferry combined with Amalfi Coast; Helsinki to Tallinn combined with Baltic capital tourism.

For specialty experiences, Setouchi art island ferries (Japan), Stockholm archipelago multi-day exploration, and Faroe Islands inter-island ferries deliver distinctive travel beyond common tourist routes.

The pattern across all great ferry travel: lean into the slowness. Ferries take longer than flying. The trip is part of the destination. Building this expectation into trip planning transforms ferry travel from inconvenience into highlight. The Hurtigruten passenger who fights against the ship's schedule has frustrating week. The passenger who embraces the rhythm - coffee at sunrise, port visit at lunch, evening sailing through fjord light - has a transformative trip.

Pick a route where the scenery and pace genuinely interest you. Plan flexible enough that ferry timing drives schedule rather than fights it. Bring books. Watch the water. Then arrive in the destination changed by the trip rather than simply transported by it.

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