Jamestown-Scotland Ferry

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1 year ago

Life is slower when traveling by the Jamestown Scotland Ferry, and it's so much fun! To go across the James River, you can fight traffic on I-64, or sit back and let the ferry captain do the driving. The ferry crosses the James River from either Jamestown or Scotland/Surry. The pleasant (about) 15-minute ride allows you to park your car on the ship and walk the decks to see seagulls or osprey flying by, water lapping the sides, and the oh so gorgeous view. The ferry has an upper viewing deck too, as well as restrooms. The ride is free and runs often at least twice an hour. Check their website for the schedule. Occasionally you may be randomly selected for a car check by security before boarding. This is done on the car with mirrors, but they check your trunk. It's pretty quick. Enjoy! read more

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Lauren S.

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1 year ago

BEST EXPERIENCE EVER! Love it my first time going on a ferry it is beautiful peaceful and you on an island it is so beautiful! Plus you eat at Virginia diner that was on dinners drivers dives food network it is awesome best food ever! Plus shopping and restaurants and absolutely breathtaking and amazing come here see it for your self it is unbelievable I came down here to celebrate Easter with my family and plus it is so exciting fun and wonderful I am definitely coming down here again and doing this plus you don't get sea sickness and the sites are beautiful and historic so much history the ferry's are named after historic famous legends! Love it so much! They are amazing awesome the workers that work the ferry make you give them so credit and tips they need it and loving passionate it! Happy Easter everyone! read more

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Heather B.

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4 years ago

A wonderful way to travel. Keeps traveling spicy. I've taking the Ferry 3 times now and I love it. Honestly I would love to do it just as the sun is setting.... Imaging the photos! They crew has always been amazing! Hardworking, and so darn nice! It's very easy, wait your turn, follow directions, park and ride. I usually get out of the car and look around. The bathrooms are good. Every boat is different. If you are in the Jamestown area, try to take the ferry and see what's across the water. Or get off and get back on. It's just an experience. read more

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Nicara B.

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3 years ago

I love this ferry. We go a few times a month just to take some time out and relax. It's the scenic route to get to Williamsburg but it's worth it. It's nice that you can get out of your car and enjoy the breeze. I wasn't happy about some of the people of the ferry tonight with all the cursing and acting a little out of control... but, you can't control everyone. It just takes away from the experience when you have your kids and family with you. read more

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Iva S.

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4 years ago

Such a peaceful way to spend an afternoon. Beautiful views as you transit the river. Lived in the area for over 10 years and never took the ferry. Thanks to a friend, I took it and realized why I should've taken it many years earlier they have bathrooms on the upper level just in case you have to visit the ladies or men's room. They are definitely seaworthy and not the snazzy ones that you would see in a beautiful restaurant. But that is sea life. read more

Jamestown-Scotland Ferry - Deck - Public Transportation Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

Jamestown-Scotland Ferry - Other ferry transiting - Public Transportation Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

Jamestown-Scotland Ferry - Live bird shot - Public Transportation Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

Jamestown-Scotland Ferry - Trip friends - Public Transportation Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

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Krishna P.

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5 years ago

Oh it was one of the nice activities we did on our trip to Williamsburg. The ferry ride was free. It was maintained well. Very easy to get in and get out. Staff was organized. Very relaxing ride between Jamestown and Scotland. We could take our car as well. The upper deck was closed when we went. So there was no access to bathrooms. But it was such a short ride we didn't need any. Once on board we could get out of the car and look around. read more

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Betty C.

Elite 24

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3 years ago

Security Guard was the rudest, angriest most unprofessional person I have ever met in my life. Why is this man still employed there? I read another review where he did the exact same thing. He yells at you for not stopping at the stop sign although he stands about 20 feet away from it. Seriously I feared for my life he was horrible! read more

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Sherri G.

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2 years ago

What an easy way to cross the Jamestown River. Something to enjoy on both sides. Ferry rides are mostly on time and the folks who work the ferry are nice as can be. Be prepared to stop for a vehicle check before rolling on. It is random checks. And don't let it bother you. They check under your car for bombs and other items they don't want crossing the ferry. It's all for our protection and the transportation. Thankful they check. It only takes a few minutes and the team is very thorough and quick. read more

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Kathy K.

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6 years ago

The ferry ride is a 20 minute from Jamestown across the historic James River to Surry. Operating 24/7 is a great way to enjoy a country drive. read more

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Alyson B.

Elite 25

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4 years ago

This ferry is such a nice way to commute. The ferry was right on time and took 20 minutes to cross, even in a pretty bad storm. It was nice to avoid the bridges and tunnels from Suffolk to Williamsburg. I'm looking forward to taking the ferry again on a nicer day. read more

Jamestown-Scotland Ferry - Bad storm on ferry. - Public Transportation Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

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Alison M.

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8 years ago

Let me start by saying: I lovvveeeeee ferry boats. LOVE them. Until about a year ago - I had no idea that this was even a thing. This is a great way to get from Jamestown to the Smithfield/Surry/Suffolk side of town much faster and avoid the bridge. It's easy and pleasant and relaxing. I've twice ridden this ferry and found it to be timely, organized, and well-run by the staff. It's easy to use, free, and runs on time about every 30 minutes or so through prime time and about every hour from 9pm and later into the early morning hours. read more

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Amanda R.

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4 years ago

Security guard before the ferry was very rude flagged us through then got mad for not stopping and made my family stop to yell at us. I had children in the back sleeping and because of his unwarranted outburst my baby woke up and started crying. Very very disappointing experience. Not how I wanted to start my vacation. read more

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Kathryn M.

Elite 24

890

1618

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7 years ago

The last time I was on a ferry boat was 21 years ago and to be honest, this was a much better experience. I didn't even know we had a ferry boat in Williamsburg. This was our son's first time on a ferry. The attendants were great at parking. It only took about 30 to get across the James River into the county of Surry. The restrooms were clean. You were able to take the stairs up to see more of the beautiful view. This was fun and convenient for the whole family! read more

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Pedro F.

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7 years ago

Great way across the river from Jamestown to Surry. Super easy to drive onto and off and very well organized. While we were on vacation it was a nice experience, my daughter loved it, beautiful views and breeze. I recommend you try it too. read more

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Sandra S.

Elite 23

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7 years ago

Excellent services and it is free. Very organize and professional staff . Clean bathrooms and in general the whole ferry is a good and refresh experience.Fast way to get to Williamsburg when there is traffic on 64 from Richmond. read more

Jamestown-Scotland Ferry - From the ferry - Public Transportation Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

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Terry C.

105

21

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4 years ago

This was an enjoyable way to get across to see Surry. Recommend it. Make sure the castle is open on the day you travel.

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Barbara C.

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9 years ago

This was such a fun experience. Driving onto a ferry from Jamestown to surry and back again. 5 stars read more

Jamestown-Scotland Ferry - This was extremely exciting. First time on a ferry with vehicle - Public Transportation Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

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Cindy G.

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10 years ago

Well maintained and organized ferry ride. 15 minutes from Jamestown to Surry. Restroom upstairs. Typically runs every 30 minutes and after 9pm. every hour on the hour. read more

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Whisper A.

217

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14

6 years ago

Absolutely love riding the ferry to abs from the Williamsburg outlets. My kids enjoy the ride and the scenery. Definitely worth the detour and best part is it's free read more

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Stephen M.

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7 years ago

I take this ferry every day and it's a very convenient method of traveling to Surry from Williamsburg Virginia and back. The ferry ride gives you a great view of the water on both sides of the river. The ferry is easy to use and there's a good website that tells you the latest ferry arrival and departure times. read more

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Kevin K.

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3

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8 years ago

Generally speaking, the ferry is a great experience. It's part of my work commute, and it's a great way to relax before and after work. Sometimes it's a bit frustrating when other passengers keep their cars running, or when the tourists feed the seagulls bread (which will kill the birds). What really has been bugging me lately is the security stop before you get to the ferry from the Jamestown side. Many of the folks who work the station are pleasant, but a couple of the guys working there simply seem like they hate what they do. Any time I'm waived through, they get visibly frustrated with me because I follow the law and stop at the stop sign. It's a pretty silly thing for a person working security to be upset about. I'm not going to run the stop sign, even if you point aggressively. read more

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Sita C.

0

10

2

10 years ago

Good thing to do with the kids during the summer. My son loves to ride the Ferry and the best part is this place is FREE!

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More info about Jamestown-Scotland Ferry

2110 Jamestown Rd
Williamsburg, VA 23185
Directions
(800) 823-3779
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.virginiadot.org/travel/ferry-jamestown.asp

Hours

What time does Jamestown-Scotland Ferry open?

What time does Jamestown-Scotland Ferry close?

Other Amenities

Does Jamestown-Scotland Ferry have free WiFi?

Yes, Jamestown-Scotland Ferry has free WiFi.

Review Highlights - Jamestown-Scotland Ferry

“The ferry ride is a 20 minute from Jamestown across the historic James River to Surry.”

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Jamestown-Scotland Ferry

4.6

(43 reviews)

2.7 mi

We didn't book our sunset charter in time and it was raining off and on - we thought a good view of…read morethe sunset was not in the cards for us tonight. We opted instead to take the scenic Colonial Parkway drive and perhaps catch some views over the river. We lucked out and found a free ferry that crossed the river just as the sun was setting. The storm couldn't hold back the sunset no matter how hard it tried and the ferry offered us the best views. In the end we got our sunset cruise and it didn't cost us a cent.

Getting on the ferry and off was easy and fast. More than enough space for all the cars. Didn't…read morehave to wait long and the ride was enough time to explore and take in the sights walking around and exploring the viewing deck.

We are on the Jamestown Ferry.

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Elizabeth River Ferry

4.5

(33 reviews)

37.8 mi

I rode the Elizabeth River Ferry from Chesapeake to the Water District in Norfolk. It was February…read moreso it was chilly and windy but sunny and beautiful. We rode up top on the way over and sat inside on the way back. The cost was $2 round trip and we found free street parking in Chesapeake. There was a sign posted advising customers to wait to walk down the ramp until everyone got off the boat. I handed my ticket to someone just inside the boat. They scanned it and gave it back to me as it's needed for your return trip. We walked upstairs and enjoyed the sites of the bay as we traveled across the water.

It is sail250 weekend. I live in Portsmouth and all I heard was take the ferry it will be easy. We…read moregot there at 9 to find out first ferry isn't running until 10. Then on the busiest weekend you all have 1 ferry running. I have my mother 80 yo and her friend 90 yo and I have stage 4 cancer. It is ridiculous you did not plan better. It is now 10:30 @ still no ferry. Very disappointing.

Ferry ride on a cloudy day

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A window seat

Paddlewheel Ferry

4.0

(4 reviews)

37.8 mi

Have Exact fare, or get a pass Round trip, day pass…read moreVarious discounts. Check the board and have yo money right!!!

Pleasant little ferry that hits up the Norfolk inlet, then two spots a dozen blocks from one…read moreanother on the Portsmouth coast. The fare is $1.50, cash only and exact change necessary. Note that this isn't a car ferry, just a people one! The signage to get on board wasn't so clear in the dark, when we rode it. If you're worried about making it, you might want to ask someone around where the ferry docks up, because you'll only have a few minutes to hop aboard. There are two levels to the boat, an enclosed one on the main deck and an upper deck that's rather exposed to the elements; beware if it's wet or windy outside. This is not a fast ferry, so you'll have to hunker down, especially when crossing the Elizabeth. There was a pretty big crowd late into the weeknight evening when we rode, and I can imagine the latest shifts not feeling all that safe if you're all alone. Travel with a buddy just in case!

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Smith's Fort Plantation

5.0

(4 reviews)

4.6 mi

Smith's Fort is the site of Captain John Smith's proposed "New Fort" and is located directly across…read morethe James River from Jamestown on the banks of Gray's Creek. In 1609, Captain John Smith began construction of a fort site on the property. The fort was abandoned a few months later due to what would be known as the "Starving Time" in Jamestowne. The earthworks dug 411 years ago in 1609 can still be seen to this day. Captain John Smith built a fort on the south side of the James River as a retreat position should Jamestown be attacked by Virginia Indians or the Spanish. This dower tract of land between two streams was given to John Rolfe in 1614 by Powhatan upon Rolfe's marriage to Pocahontas. It is considered the first land actually given to America by the Indians. Rolfe is known to have cultivated the early tobacco crop on this property known as the Virginia Sweet. Between 1751 and 1765, a brick plantation house was built that still stands today, with much of its interior original pine woodwork still intact. The Manor House exemplifies the upper-middle-class lifestyle enjoyed by the Jacob Faulcon family in 18th-century Surry County. In 1886, the property, then called Gray's Creek Farm, was purchased by a collective group of African American families including Bolling Morris, John and Carter Hardy and Robertson Simmons. By the 1920s, Mr. Morris was the sole owner and he eventually sold it via an agent to John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Smith's Fort was later acquired by Preservation Virginia in 1933 and has operated as a museum ever since. Located in the manor house is a print on paper from a steel engraving done by John C. McRae in 1855 entitled, "The Wedding of Pocahontas." It was modeled from an original oil painting by Henry Brueckner in the same year. It depicts the day in April 1614 when Pocahontas was wed to Englishman John Rolfe, an event that initiated 8 years of peace with the Algonquin Indians. The original painting resides in the Getty Museum. This is a Virginia treasure and recommend a visit.

Cynthia is a very knowledgeable guide. She knows the history of the area and the house. The period…read morefurniture is a wonderful touch on the house. The gift shop actually have black walnut items made from the a tree on the plantation.

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Bacon's Castle

4.8

(26 reviews)

8.7 mi

Great guided tour with a lot of history provided. The property and castle is under restoration. I…read morelove American history.

Wow, wow, WOW! What a fascinating place! So much history!…read more My friend and I went for a ghost tour on a Saturday night. The woman who ran our tour is named Sarah and she is a direct descendant of one of the original families that lived there. Also assisting with the tour was a man named Kenny from a paranormal research group in Richmond. Kenny considers himself a sceptic. His organization (I can't remember the name), works to document data, analyze the data, and try to come up with a scientific reason for the "paranormal" incidents. Both Sarah and Kenny have LOADS of knowledge! They shared a lot of history and stories with our small group. They also provided K2 meters that detect energy fluctuations. The stories were absolutely fascinating, first-hand, and some very recent (including with Kenny the sceptic). While we were finishing our tour, we heard a loud thunk on the wooden floor of the landing where we were, as if it had been struck with a boot or solid-heeled shoe. Then the floor was vibrating in a progressing manner as if someone was walking across the floor. One of the light-up cat toy balls on the floor was lighting up like crazy and several of the K2 meters were lighting up. So how about that?! A tour WITH paranormal activity! What a fun experience! I cannot wait to go back!

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Tangier Island Cruises

3.5

(17 reviews)

50.6 mi

My extended family & I loved the comfort & attention to detail afforded by this team. Tawny…read more(Bowess), Capt Bowie, Regan (crew) and others, all were very knowledgeable and eager to help guests. Amenities like large bathrooms and refreshments made sure kids, elderly, disabled, and even one in between had a great time.

The captain was great. The boat ride was beautiful and we enjoyed the local restaurant Lorraine's.read more

The boat from VA

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Jamestown Discovery

4.8

(4 reviews)

0.3 mi

Great sunset tour on the James River! Our party of 10 friends had a really enjoyable sunset tour…read morewith Captain Corey and William this past week. The boat is clean with comfortable seat cushions and pop-up tables in each row for drinks and snacks, which you may bring on board. We enjoyed the wine and baked goods we brought with us. The ride is mostly pretty smooth since the boat is a pontoon boat. We had a short period of time with some rocking while watching the sun set, but it didn't last long. Captain Corey's commentary about the James River and Jamestown Island was fun and interesting. We saw wildlife such as eagles and great blue herons. When the boat was out on the James River, we saw the Jamestown-Surry Ferry. We then went close to the recreated ships at Jamestown Settlement. The sunset on the James is spectacular. Though we had some clouds, it was still lovely. As the sun sets, they play music, which adds to your enjoyment. The tour lasted an hour. I highly recommend for a couple, a family, and a group of friends!

This was just the funnest experience! The pier where the boost was docked was just lovely. The…read moreguide for the trip was friendly and funny and the scenic hour went too fast. We had a wonderful boat load of people and it helped that the guide engaged us all on several occasions, giving us the opportunity to get to know one another. We would definitely do it again.

Jamestown Haunted River Cruise 8:45pm tour

Jamestown Haunted River Cruise 8:45pm

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Merry Point Ferry

4.6

(5 reviews)

41.5 mi

A small ferry that is a lot of fun to take across the river. The crossing is fairly quickly…read more Closed on Sunday and Monday and during inclement weather.

Another great little ride on this cool ferry! The captain is always pleasant! It was bust today!…read moreCars lined up on both sides so we had to wait a bit, but it was worth the wait! Love this mode of transportation!

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Hampton Roads Helicopters

5.0

(1 review)

36.0 mi

Most fun ever, can't wait to go again! Tour was a gift booked for me, but loved it !! Took a ton…read moreof pictures, saw everything in Virginia Beach. Very Knowledgeable and professional pilot.

From the owner: We provide flight instruction, tours, and charter services. We also specialize in personalized…read moreaircraft sales, and offer hangaring and pilot services. We are an authorized Robinson Helicopters Dealer and Service Center.

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Anvil Campground

4.0

(92 reviews)

6.4 mi

We stayed at this campground for a little over 2 months while relocating & enjoyed our stay. The…read morestaff here make this place wonderful & are very accommodating. It's clean and well kept & they also have fun activities for kids on the weekends and holidays. I will say if you are a light sleeper to keep in mind the campground is next to the railroad and the trains run through multiples times throughout the night but this is out of the campgrounds hands.

Welp... Anvil did it again... we came, visited, and yet again - blown away by the customer service…read moreand general good time. First off we LOVED the spot we got. Those premium spots are just clutch. The morning of call is great. They keep you informed of any changes, say to get setup, and make it super casual. When we arrived, we knew where to setup, knew that checking in wasn't the omg gotta do this moment, and then just had the no-pressure rush. Why I like this campground - it's all about the customer service. We visit the store - smiling, helpful face that loves the dog (always helps) and always attentive to any questions we may have. When folks were having issues I saw folks running to help, fixing issues, and saying hello to customers pulling in.... all at the same instance (looked exhausting - but it's also what sets this place apart). For those that have an issue with the train, I get it... however, at a certain point it becomes white noise and it even entertained our daughter as she watched the coal or passenger trains roll on through. Imo - not a big deal as it just adds to the character of the place... but I guess everyone is different. Keep it up Anvil.. see ya soon! Food Taste: n/a Overall Service: 5 Value of food to cost: 4 Facility: 5 Ambiance: It's a small campground... it seems tight but they pack a lot of neat things in such a small place Repeat customer: yes Dog Friendly: yes