The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) reminds the public that historic Connecticut River ferries will close for the 2024 season on Saturday, November 30. Until then, the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry and the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry will operate on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. and on weekends from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Services will not run on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28, 2024.
The two historic CTDOT owned and operated ferries are among the most unique modes of transportation in the country, where pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles are all welcome. Thus far this season, both ferries have carried nearly 102,000 passengers and roughly 45,000 vehicles across the Connecticut River. Ferry season 2024 opened on Friday, April 26. Both services were delayed from the anticipated April 1 start due to high water levels on the river.
“Connecticut ferries provide a wonderful alternative option across the scenic Connecticut River,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “High water levels delayed the start of this season by several weeks, still warm temperatures have allowed thousands of commuters, cyclists, individuals, and families, to experience all the services Connecticut ferries have to offer. The public still has a couple weeks to travel on a historic ferry with Master Captains Blaise Clemente and John Kennedy and the CTferry crews. We look forward to a successful 2025 season next year on the Connecticut River.”
The Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry is the nation’s oldest continuously operating ferry, first coming into service in 1655. It travels between Rocky Hill and Glastonbury on the Connecticut River, providing a crossing between Hartford and Middletown. The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry launched service in 1769. It continues the scenic Route 148 between Chester and Hadlyme and is a shorter travel route than crossing over the East Haddam Swing Bridge. This year the Selden III, the vessel that transports the public across the river, celebrated its 75th year of service.
While the ferries plan to close for the season on November 30, services may experience interruptions due to weather conditions, water levels, or mechanical issues. Any closures or delays will be posted on the CTDOT real-time travel and traffic website CTroads.org.
For additional information on the ferries, including fares, schedules, and detailed history, please visit CT.gov/DOT/CTferries.