Additional Coverage:
- I love taking my car on a ferry from Delaware to New Jersey. It turns a boring drive into a scenic day trip. (businessinsider.com)
All Aboard! Ferry Trip Adds Fun to Jersey Shore Commute
A recent trip to visit family in New Jersey led me and my husband to discover a delightful way to break up a long drive: the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. While the ferry itself, traveling between Lewes, Delaware and Cape May, New Jersey, takes about 90 minutes and adds perhaps an extra 30-60 minutes to the overall travel time compared to driving, the experience is well worth it.
Round-trip tickets for two, including our vehicle, cost $94 in April. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season.
We arrived at the Lewes terminal an hour before departure, giving us time to grab coffee and a bite at Lewes Coffee Co., located right at the terminal. For those wanting a full meal, the restaurant Grain on the Rocks is also on-site.
We strolled along the waterfront, enjoying the views and stretching our legs before boarding. The terminal also boasts outdoor dining and a beer garden at Grain during the summer months.
Boarding was a breeze. Ferry employees efficiently directed vehicles onto the ship, accommodating everything from motorcycles to RVs.
Onboard, we purchased snacks from the cafeteria (they offer hot food and drinks as well) and explored the amenities, including a gift shop and an upper-deck bar. Although the weather was initially pleasant, strong winds prompted the captain to request passengers remain seated for a portion of the journey.
Plenty of indoor seating made this no problem, and we settled in for some quiet reading.
Outdoor seating is plentiful, and we were able to enjoy the sunshine and coastal views once the ferry neared Cape May. We even caught sight of some kitesurfers taking advantage of the breezy conditions.
While we didn’t spot any dolphins or whales on this particular trip, they have been known to make appearances, adding an extra touch of magic to the ferry ride. Disembarking was just as easy as boarding, making for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
The Cape May-Lewes Ferry transforms an otherwise ordinary drive into a refreshing coastal interlude, definitely worth considering if you’re traveling in the area.