FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Ferry Travel Tips

Vehicles with low clearance issues such as motorhomes, campers, boats, trailers etc. are advised to check your local tide charts and determine your ride time based on high tides. http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/tide_pred.html.  You may also contact (251) 861-3000.

Please arrive in advance. City Ferry asks that travelers be at the dock 30 minutes to 1 hour prior to departure. During the busy summer months, passengers should build extra time into their schedules to accommodate the heavy ferry use and potential vehicle screening.

Aboard the Ft. Morgan all life jackets are stowed in the life jacket room opposite of the wheelhouse. Aboard the Marissa Mae Nicole life jackets are stowed in the life jacket room on the front of the boat under the stairs AND on the left side of the back of the boat inside the deck locker. Child life jackets are stowed in the life jacket locker located under the stairs on the left side of the back of the boat. Life jackets can be requested for your safety and convenience at any time aboard the vessel.

Aboard the Ft. Morgan maximum overall weight per vehicle is 50,000 pounds. Any vehicle over 21 feet in length, please call ahead. The Marissa Mae Nicole cannot accommodate any trailers, motor homes, campers, boats etc. in excess of 10 feet.

Commercial vehicles such as fuel trucks, tractor trailers commercial buses, etc. are prohibited aboard the ferry. Please contact (251) 861-3000 for classification or questions.

In the event of a vehicles keys being locked inside the vehicle please contact a crew member immediately. In some cases a window may have to be broken. City Ferry is not responsible if this action must be taken.

Follow the directions of the ferry deckhand while driving on and off the ferry.

If you have any questions while on the ferries please feel free to contact one of the crew members at any time.

About Mobile Bay Ferry

Can all vehicles access the ferry?

No. At certain stages of the tide, we have clearance issues with some makes and models of vehicles, as well as some RV’s, boats and trailers. Please contact our office prior to your arrival if you have concerns about the make and model of your vehicle.

How early should I arrive to board the ferry?

We ask that travelers be at the dock at least 30 minutes to 1 hour prior to departure. During busy summer months, you should build extra time into your schedule to accommodate the heavy ferry use and potential vehicle screening.

How long does the trip take?

Approximately 40 minutes.

Can I reserve my spot on the ferry?

No. We operate on a first come, first served basis. We DO NOT take reservations on either of our ferries.

Is there a round-trip ticket option?

NO. There are no round-trip tickets. However, we do offer a discount to same-day return trips. This fare can be found in the ticket fares chart (left).

My vehicle is longer than 21-feet; can I still ride the ferry?

YES! However, please call ahead for preferred loading instructions and to avoid potential delays. NOTE: Commercial vehicles such as fuel trucks, tractor trailers, commercial buses, etc. are prohibited aboard the ferry.

Are children allowed on the ferry?

Yes, of course! However, small children need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian while on the deck of the ferries at ALL times.

Is my dog allowed on the ferry?

YES! Pets are allowed and must be on a leash when not in a vehicle. Animals that are not people-friendly must be transported in a pet carrier or remain in your vehicle.

Are there restrooms aboard the ferry?

Yes! On the Marissa Mae Nicole the restroom is in the center of the vessel below the wheelhouse. On the Ft. Morgan the restroom is located under the observation deck opposite of the Crew Room.

Can I smoke on the ferry?

No. There is no smoking allowed aboard the ferries.

FOR ALL ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS PLEASE CALL (251) 861-3000.