Okay, Savannah friends... did you know you can take a BOAT RIDE across the Savannah River for FREE?! 🤯🚢
Yep! No expensive sightseeing cruise tickets, no complicated transportation plans, and no need to drive around trying to find downtown parking. Just a fun little ferry ride with some pretty fantastic waterfront views! 😍
While exploring Savannah, Georgia, we stumbled upon this fun little travel hack, and it turned out to be one of our favorite unexpected side quests!
Here's how we did it and how you can add this FREE adventure to your own Savannah itinerary! 👇
🚗 Where to Park for the Savannah Belles Ferry
One of the things we loved most about this little adventure was how EASY it was to get started!
We headed over to the Savannah Convention Center on Hutchinson Island, where we found plenty of parking and had no trouble getting situated. (Of course, parking availability can vary when there's a big event happening at the convention center, so keep that in mind!)
From there, it's just a short walk to the Savannah Belles Ferry landing. No navigating the busy downtown streets, circling blocks looking for a parking spot, or trying to squeeze into a tiny parking garage with your vehicle. 🙌
A little parking tip that can make your Savannah adventure SO much easier!
Just remember that convention center parking is paid, so check current rates before heading over.
🚢 Hop Aboard the FREE Savannah Belles Ferry!
Now for the fun part!
The Savannah Belles Ferry, operated by Chatham Area Transit (CAT), is a FREE passenger ferry that takes you across the Savannah River between Hutchinson Island and the historic downtown waterfront.
And when I say FREE, I mean FREE! 🎉
The ferry connects three main landing locations:
Trade Center Landing: On Hutchinson Island, right near the Savannah Convention Center.
City Hall Landing: Along the heart of Savannah's popular River Street waterfront.
Waving Girl Landing: Near the Savannah Marriott Riverfront.
This makes it super convenient to hop across the river, explore different areas of downtown Savannah, and then catch another ferry when you're ready to head back!
We boarded at the Convention Center and got off at the City Hall Landing stop. From there, we walked along the waterfront, explored the shops, soaked up all the Savannah charm, and made our way down the riverfront.
Then, instead of retracing our steps, we caught the ferry at the Waving Girl landing and rode it right back across the river to where we originally parked!
Easy peasy. A little boat ride. Some sightseeing. A whole lot of Savannah charm. And all without paying for a tour! 🥰
🌊 What Is the Ferry Ride Like?
Okay, so this isn't a fancy sightseeing cruise with a tour guide and a cocktail in hand (although that does sound lovely 😂).
It's a passenger ferry, but all temperature controlled and inside away from the elements - but the views are still pretty fantastic!
As you cross the Savannah River, you'll get to see the historic waterfront from a completely different perspective, watch the ships passing by, and enjoy those beautiful views of the Savannah skyline.
It's a VERY short ride, but honestly, that's part of the fun!
One thing to know: You might have to wait around 10–15 minutes for the next ferry, depending on the schedule and where you're boarding. So don't plan your day down to the very last minute.
Consider it a little bonus time to enjoy the river views! 🌞
⏰ Savannah Belles Ferry Schedule & Hours
The Savannah Belles Ferry generally operates daily from 7 AM to 10 PM, making it a convenient transportation option for exploring downtown Savannah.
CAT publishes the current schedules and service updates, so I definitely recommend checking before you go. Routes, frequency, and holiday service can vary.
👉 Check the official ferry schedule here:
https://catchacat.org/getting-around/zero-fare/savannah-belles-ferry/
You'll find the latest information about ferry operating hours, landing locations, and schedules.
❤️ Is the FREE Savannah Belles Ferry Worth It?
100% YES!
If you're planning a trip to Savannah, Georgia, and looking for fun, unique, and budget-friendly things to do, put this one on your list!
It's an easy way to experience the Savannah River, explore the famous River Street waterfront, browse the shops, and enjoy a little boat ride without spending a dime on admission.
We loved how simple the whole experience was: park at the convention center, take a short walk to the ferry, explore downtown, and ride right back to where we started.
And let's be honest... sometimes the BEST travel memories come from the unexpected little adventures you stumble across along the way. ❤️
So consider this your sign to add a FREE boat ride to your Savannah bucket list!
Because who doesn't love a little FREE adventure?! 🚢✨
SAVE THIS for your next trip to Savannah, Georgia, and share it with someone you'd love to explore with!
🌎 Follow The Roamsteaders for More Adventures!
We're The Roamsteaders, a family of four-legged co-pilots (two cats included! 🐈🐈) and two humans + one teen exploring the country one campground, national park, hidden gem, and unexpected side quest at a time! 🚐✨
From FREE things to do and must-see destinations to family-friendly adventures, road trip tips, and all the little places worth adding to your bucket list, we're here to help you make the most of your travels!
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