We operate a ferry that carries vehicles, bicycles and foot passengers across Windermere from Ferry Nab in Bowness to Far Sawrey.
The ferry runs throughout out the day and the journey takes around 10 minutes, one way. The ferry can carry up to 18 vehicles (depending on their size) and over 100 passengers.
If you miss the ferry, there is approximately a 20 minute wait for the next one. During British Summer Time demand can be high, so vehicles may queue for longer.
The ferry runs throughout the day and we do not have a set timetable. This is because weather conditions, maintenance issues and numbers of passengers can all affect departure times.
Find the times for the first and last crossings
Locations
Ferry Nab
Bowness-on-Windermere
LA23 3JH
Far Sawrey ferry landing
Far Sawrey, Ambleside
LA23 3JH
Google map for the ferry landing at Far Sawrey
Fares
Blue badge holders (displaying a badge) and emergency services travel for free.
Pay on the ferry - card payments only.
| Fares from April 2025 | Single |
|---|---|
| Pedestrian | £1.15 |
| Pedal cycle and rider | £2.20 |
| Moped, motorcycle, horse | £2.75 |
| Vehicles up to 6m | £6.60 |
| Vehicles over 6m | £12.05 |
| Vehicle and trailer over 6m | £12.05 |
We offer special contracts for:
- books of tickets
- three month pre-paid contracts
- annual pre-paid contracts
If you would like to discuss this, please contact us by telephone.
Windermere Ferry
Telephone: 01539 713 066
Departure times
These times may be affected by factors such as the weather conditions, passenger numbers and maintenance issues.
On days when we have less than a full crew, the team take breaks at:
- 10:10am to 10:40am. The last crossing before the morning break is at 9:50am from Ferry Nab and 10am from Ferry House
- 6:10pm to 6:40pm. The last crossing before the afternoon break is 5:50pm from Ferry Nab and 6pm from Ferry House
In Winter, the timetable finishes an hour earlier than in Summer.
First crossings
Monday to Saturday
The first crossings on Monday to Saturday are:
- from Ferry Nab at 6:50am
- from Far Sawrey at 7am
Sunday
The first crossings on Sunday are:
- from Ferry Nab at 8:50am
- from Far Sawrey at 9am
Last crossings
Summer
From the last Sunday in March to the last Saturday in October, the last crossings are:
- from Ferry Nab at 9:50pm
- from Far Sawrey at 10pm
Winter
From the last Sunday in October to the last Saturday in March, the last crossings are:
- from Ferry Nab at 8:50pm
- from Far Sawrey at 9pm
Accessibility
Vehicles drive directly onto the ferry. Blue badge holders (displaying a badge) travel free.
There are no steps, but the ramp can be steep, depending on lake levels. Our crews help wheelchair and mobility scooter users on and off the ferry.
There are bench seats in the pedestrian area with overhead cover, which are not wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be located just outside this area with overhead cover.
Public toilets
There are no public toilets on-board.
The closest public toilets are Ferry Nab car park, Bowness (300 metres from the Ferry Nab slipway).
The public toilets at Ferry Nab car park close at the end of October until summer.
Ferry Nab car park toilets are wheelchair accessible.
There are currently no toilets at Ferry House, Far Sawrey.