Most relocation guides never mention it, but one of the most charming small outings on the First Coast is a five-minute ferry ride across the St. Johns River.

The Mayport Ferry sits just north of St. Johns County, in Jacksonville’s Duval County. It’s an easy day trip from Ponte Vedra Beach and Nocatee, and it fits the water-oriented lifestyle that draws many buyers here.

What It Is

  • Official name: St. Johns River Ferry, often called the Mayport Ferry
  • Operator: Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA)
  • Route: Mayport Village to Fort George Island
  • Distance: about 0.9 miles, crossing the St. Johns River roughly 2.5 miles inland from the river’s mouth
  • Crossing time: about 5 to 10 minutes
  • Role: connects the north and south ends of State Road A1A for cars and passengers

Schedule and Fares

  • Departs every 30 minutes
  • Mayport Village departures: on the hour and half hour
  • Fort George Island departures: quarter past and quarter before the hour
  • Monday to Thursday: about 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • Friday: about 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday: about 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Runs seven days a week, including holidays
  • Pedestrian or bicycle fare: $1
  • Motorcycle fare: $6 ($5.50 with the MyJTA app)
  • Vehicle fares are higher, so check the JTA site or app for current pricing

Hours and fares change, so verify them with JTA before you go.

Why It Fits the St. Johns County Lifestyle

  • Quick drive from the county’s northern communities. Mayport is roughly 30 to 40 minutes from Ponte Vedra Beach and Nocatee, depending on traffic.
  • A scenic shortcut. The crossing links Mayport’s working waterfront and seafood restaurants with Fort George Island’s state parks and historic sites.
  • Easy outings for visiting family. It’s a low-cost activity for grandchildren and guests, and fits with the beach, boating, and marsh recreation already part of life here.
  • Pairs with the county’s own waterways. The same lifestyle shows up in St. Johns County marinas, the Intracoastal, Matanzas Bay, and river-access communities like RiverTown.

The Honest Caveats

  • It’s a day trip, not a commute. The ferry is in Duval County, so it won’t replace your daily route.
  • Reliability varies. The ferry has had multi-week shutdowns for repairs and maintenance, including one that ended in June 2025, plus temporary closures for rough water.
  • Check before you go. Verify that it’s running on the day you plan to visit.
  • Schedules shift. Hours are adjusted a few times a year and around holidays.

Who Will Appreciate It

  • Buyers drawn to a coastal, water-oriented routine in Ponte Vedra Beach, Nocatee, or Vilano Beach
  • Retirees who enjoy low-key day trips and scenic drives
  • Families entertaining visiting grandchildren
  • Anyone who likes small local traditions more than big attractions

The Bottom Line

The Mayport Ferry won’t change your home search, but it shows what daily life on the First Coast looks like: water, easy day trips, and a slower pace within a short drive of home. Treat it as a bonus, and confirm the schedule before you load the car.

Want to Live Close to the Water?

I can help you compare coastal, river, and waterfront communities in St. Johns County based on how you actually plan to spend your days.

Call or text Gail DeMarco: 904-640-8000
Best St. Johns County Relocation Specialist
Serving Ponte Vedra Beach, Nocatee, Vilano Beach, RiverTown, St. Augustine, and all of St. Johns County, FL

Schedule, fare, and service details reflect JTA and public sources current as of publication and change frequently. Drive times are approximate. Always verify current ferry operations with the Jacksonville Transportation Authority before visiting.