Casco Bay Lines
4.7(2.2K)google
4.2(156)yelp
BoatingSenior-FriendlySunsetOutdoorOcean ViewMust-SeeCoastIsland
Overview
Casco Bay Lines (also known as the Casco Bay Island Transit District; abbreviated to CBITD) is a publicly run transportation company that services the residents of the islands of Casco Bay, Maine. The seven islands are Peaks Island, Little Diamond Island, Great Diamond Island, Diamond Cove, Long Island, Chebeague Island and Cliff Island. The company has a fleet of five vessels.
Practical Info
Mon5:00 AM – 11:30PM
Tue5:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Wed5:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Thu5:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Fri5:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Sat6:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Sun5:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Suggested Duration2-5 hours
Best TimeThe summer sun from June to September delivers peak cruising conditions. Booking their legendary 5:30 PM 'Sunset Run' or a seasonal evening mailboat run is highly recommended. Cruise across the tranquil waters of Casco Bay as the sky flares into crimson, watching historic stone fortifications, pine-studded islands, and solitary lighthouses glide past under the crisp, refreshing evening maritime breezes.
Getting ThereThe grand ferry terminal is positioned directly on the waterfront at 56 Commercial Street in the Old Port. Self-drivers park directly in the large paid surface lot adjacent to the terminal piers or nearby multi-level garages. It is fully walkable from anywhere downtown. For mass transit, the Portland METRO Bus Route 8 (Waterfront Loop) stops directly at the entrance pavilion doors.
Travel Tips
- The ferry terminal on Commercial Street provides zero long-term vehicle fields; driving tourists must route directly to the adjacent multi-tier Casco Bay Garage, which hits 100% capacity lock by 09:30 daily in summer.
- The passenger and vehicle ferries operate under ruthless maritime schedules; transport slots for personal cars are highly constrained, requiring operators to line up in dedicated lanes over 60 minutes pre-departure.
- The open bay develops erratic sub-polar drafts that drive exterior deck temperatures below 10°C even in mid-July; packing technical windproof and waterproof outer shells is mandatory to prevent shivering and salt-spray soaking.
Reviews
Positive
- Riding the iconic yellow ferries across the blue Casco Bay grants stunning views of pristine green islands and historic lights. Striking landscapes.
- The ultimate high-value budget scenic cruise! A few dollars for a basic commuter ferry ticket delivers 1-2 hours of fantastic ocean cruising fun.
- The ferry terminal crowd management is efficient, with fast lines. Schedules are frequent and punctual; cabins are wide with warm indoor lounges.
- Excellent location right on the Old Port waterfront, making walking or driving access easy. A perfect transit hub linking the city to outer islands.
Heads up
- On sunny summer weekend afternoons, ferries to popular islands face high tourist density; cabins are packed, making window seats hard to secure.
- The terminal building does not offer its own free parking lot; drivers must use expensive nearby commercial garages, adding extra spending.
- Exposed to Atlantic winds, foggy or windy weather makes outdoor decks bone-chilling and bumpy; enclosed wind shelters are limited for elders.
- Basic ferry tickets do not include historical narration services, and zero dining options exist aside from vending machines. Generic.