Hi there!
If you want to take the slow scenic route from St Augustine to Amelia Island, then you can take the Mayport ferry across the St Johns River from Mayport to Fort George Island.
This direction would be if you are driving the Florida A1A north.
If you are going in the opposite direction, you can also take the ferry from Fort George Island to Mayport. This direction would be if you are driving the Florida A1A south.
If you don’t want to bother with a ferry ride, then you’ll want to make sure your driving route doesn’t include the ferry.
There is also an extra fee to take the ferry.
The reason to do the ferry is for the experience!
Depending on how far away you’re coming from, your driving route may not necessarily include the ferry.
If you are looking to drive the A1A in the Jacksonville area, then it will include the ferry crossing!
St Johns River ferry is open
The St Johns River ferry was closed in 2023 through early May for maintenance, but is now open.
Check for any alerts before you go: See current updates.
St Johns River ferry schedule for Mayport – Fort George Island
👆 Mayport ferry schedule: The St Johns River ferry departs from Mayport and Fort George Island every 30 minutes. See current schedule.
Cost of St Johns River ferry
👆 Mayport ferry cost: The cost to take the Mayport ferry across the St Johns River is $7 per car during the week and $8 per car on the weekend. You can also walk onto the Mayport ferry, and it will cost $1. See current prices.
How to take the Mayport ferry across the St John River
I took the Mayport ferry to Fort George Island going north on the A1A on the way to Amelia Island, so below will reflect that!
1. Drive to the Mayport ferry landing!
The Mayport ferry landing is on google maps.
If you are driving north (like north to Amelia Island), you want to go to the Mayport ferry at Mayport Landing. (map)
If you are driving south (like south to St Augustine), you want to go to the Mayport ferry at Fort George Island. (map)
Once you get closer, you will start to see signs for the ferry port so you will know you’re near!
👆 Drive the A1A north to get to Mayport!
👆 2.3 miles away from the St John River ferry from Mayport Village you can see the current ferry fares.
👆 Welcome to Mayport Village, established in May 1562.
2. Enter the Mayport ferry parking area
There are also limited parking spaces if you won’t be taking the ferry across and just want to just out Mayport Landing.
There is also a picnic area and bathroom.
3. Get in “line” for the Mayport ferry!
The ferry gate will remain closed until it’s time to get on the ferry.
When you get to the parking lot for the Mayport ferry, you will see several lanes that are numbered.
To get on the ferry as soon as possible, you want to fill up the lanes in the numbered order.
Cars will be directed to drive onto the ferry by lane.
So if there’s room in lane 1, you want to drive into lane 1.
If lane 1 is full, and there are spaces in lane 2, you want to drive into lane 2.
etc etc!
You don’t need to do anything else besides get in line. You will pay for the ferry once you get on the ferry.
You will also see the current cost of the Mayport ferry near the gate.
4. Wait for the ferry from Fort George Island to arrive!
You will be waiting for the ferry to arrive from the other side of the river.
When it does, you will see the workers opening up the gates, and then you will see cars drive off the ferry!
5. Drive onto the St Johns River car ferry!
And then it will be time to drive onto the car ferry!
You will be directed when it’s your turn.
And then once you are on the ferry, you will be further instructed where to drive (and park) your car.
👆 At the front of the car ferry! 😱😂
You can turn the engine on once you have stopped driving.
You can stay in your car for the duration of the ferry, and actually you are encouraged to stay in your car.
According to the St Johns River ferry:
For the safety of our crew and other passengers, please remain in your vehicle for the duration of the trip.
6. Pay for the ferry ticket
Once you are on the ferry, someone will come around and collect for the ferry fare.
You don’t buy Mayport ferry tickets ahead of time.
7. Wait for the Mayport ferry departure time!
You can do some pelican watching!
When I was there, there were birds on both sides of the ferry.
8. Enjoy the ferry ride to Fort George Island across the St Johns River!
9. Arrive at the Fort George Island ferry landing!
The workers will get the ferry ready for the cars to drive off.
10. Drive from the car ferry onto Fort George Island!
And when it’s safe, you can drive onto Fort George Island!
11. Continue driving the A1A north to Amelia Island!
Or wherever your next destination is!
If you’re taking the St Johns River ferry from Mayport to Fort George Island, you continue driving on the A1A north!
👆 Welcome to the islands of Heckscher Drive, the Florida Keys of the north!
You will drive by the Talbot Islands, including Big Talbot Island State Park where you can stop to do a short hike to Boneyard Beach.
And then from Big Talbot Island, you will drive onto a bridge, and then your first glimpse of Amelia Island will be Amelia Island State Park! 👇
You might see cars driving on the beach at Amelia Island State Park.
Or, if you’re taking the St Johns River ferry from Fort George Island to Mayport, you continue driving on the A1A south!
If you missed the video above, you can watch the Mayport ferry video on youtube!
And that’s a bit about the Mayport ferry!
I did the Mayport ferry in January 2023. Your experience may vary!
More A1A:
More for your Florida road trip:
HAPPY TAKING THE MAYPORT FERRY!
There are partner websites included in this post. I may earn a commission.