Bay Shore Ferry
The Bay Shore Ferry Terminal is the primary mainland gateway to western and central Fire Island, providing seasonal passenger ferry service from Bay Shore to several of the island’s most popular beach communities. Located on the Great South Bay in Bay Shore, the terminal serves thousands of residents, vacationers, and day-trippers each year traveling to Ocean Beach, Saltaire, Seaview, Ocean Bay Park, Fair Harbor, Kismet, Atlantique, Dunewood, Lonelyville, and other Fire Island destinations.
Because Fire Island has few roads and no bridge connections for most communities, ferries departing from Bay Shore provide one of the most important transportation links between Long Island and the barrier island. During the summer season, boats depart frequently throughout the day, making the terminal one of the busiest passenger ferry facilities on Long Island.
Gateway to Fire Island
The Bay Shore Ferry Terminal is operated by Fire Island Ferries, a privately operated passenger ferry company that has served Fire Island for decades. The terminal provides scheduled ferry service to numerous communities along the western and central portions of the barrier island, many of which have no direct vehicle access.
Passengers board ferries bound for residential communities, vacation destinations, beaches, restaurants, hotels, and marinas throughout Fire Island. Whether traveling for a day at the beach or an extended vacation, the Bay Shore terminal serves as the starting point for millions of annual passenger trips across the Great South Bay.
Destinations Served
Fire Island Ferries operates scheduled service from Bay Shore to numerous Fire Island communities, including:
Each community offers its own unique atmosphere, ranging from lively downtown districts and restaurants to quiet residential neighborhoods, protected beaches, and family-oriented summer destinations.
Terminal Facilities
The Bay Shore Ferry Terminal includes passenger waiting areas, ticket offices, restrooms, nearby parking facilities, bicycle accommodations, baggage carts, and convenient pedestrian access to the ferry docks. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early during weekends and holidays, particularly throughout the summer when passenger demand is highest.
Numerous restaurants, shops, hotels, and other services are located nearby in downtown Bay Shore, allowing travelers to explore the village before or after their ferry trip.
Parking
Several public and private parking lots serve the Bay Shore Ferry Terminal. Parking availability, rates, and seasonal restrictions vary throughout the year, with demand increasing significantly during the summer beach season. Travelers should confirm current parking information before arriving, particularly for overnight stays on Fire Island.
Seasonal Ferry Service
Ferry schedules vary depending on the season. Summer service operates much more frequently than winter service, with additional departures scheduled on weekends, holidays, and during peak travel periods. Weather conditions, tides, and operational requirements may occasionally affect departures.
Passengers should always consult the latest ferry schedules before traveling, especially during the off-season or when severe weather is expected.
Transportation to the Terminal
The terminal is conveniently located near the Bay Shore Long Island Rail Road station and is accessible via local roads, taxis, rideshare services, and Suffolk County Transit bus routes. Many visitors arrive by train from New York City before transferring to the ferry for Fire Island.
Map of the Bay Shore Ferry Terminal
Key Facts & Details
| Location | Bay Shore, Suffolk County |
|---|---|
| Operator | Fire Island Ferries |
| Primary Service | Passenger ferry transportation to western and central Fire Island |
| Waterway | Great South Bay |
| Destinations | Ocean Beach, Saltaire, Seaview, Ocean Bay Park, Fair Harbor, Kismet, Atlantique, Dunewood, Lonelyville |
| Vehicle Service | Passenger ferries only; automobiles are not transported |
| Parking | Public and private parking available nearby |
| Nearest Railroad | Bay Shore Long Island Rail Road station |
| Season | Year-round with expanded summer schedules |
The Bay Shore Ferry Terminal serves as one of Long Island’s busiest passenger transportation hubs, connecting the mainland with many of Fire Island’s most popular communities. Whether visiting for a relaxing beach day, a summer vacation, or a weekend getaway, the terminal provides convenient access to the barrier island’s beaches, villages, parks, and waterfront destinations while preserving the unique car-free character that has long defined much of Fire Island.
