The Sandbanks Chain Ferry provides a vital 4-minute crossing over the mouth of Poole Harbour, connecting the Sandbanks peninsula to Shell Bay and the Isle of Purbeck.
Taking the ferry saves a 25-mile road trip and offers some of the best views in Dorset!
The ferry runs continuously every day.
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From Sandbanks: Departs at 00, 20, and 40 past the hour.
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From Shell Bay: Departs at 10, 30, and 50 past the hour.
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First ferry: 7:00 am (Sandbanks side). Last ferry: 11:00 pm.
🚨 100% CASHLESS SERVICE. You must use a contactless card or smart device.
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Pedestrians/Cyclists: £1.18 (Return trip from Shell Bay is FREE for foot passengers!)
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Cars & Small Vans: £6.26
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Large Vehicles: £12.52
If you are driving onto the ferry, use postcode BH13 7QN (Sandbanks) or BH19 3BA (Studland).
If you are walking on, there is no parking at the ferry slipway itself; you will need to park further down the peninsula and walk to the toll booths.
KEY INFORMATION
MAP DIRECTIONS
YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO CROSSING POOLE HARBOUR
Taking the Sandbanks Chain Ferry (officially named the Bramble Bush Bay) is a rite of passage for visitors to the Dorset coast. Not only does it slice a tedious 25-mile drive out of your journey to the Jurassic Coast, but it also offers a uniquely picturesque way to travel across the mouth of the world’s second-largest natural harbour.
Navigating the Tolls and Queues For 2026, the ferry has moved to a completely cashless, tap-and-go system to speed up boarding times. Simply drive up (or walk up to the pedestrian gates) and present your contactless card or smart device.
During the peak summer holidays and sunny weekends, the vehicle queue can stretch far down Banks Road. If you are driving, we highly recommend planning your crossing for early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the longest waits. During these busy periods, ferry staff often walk down the vehicle queue with mobile card readers to process payments before you even reach the slipway, helping to keep traffic flowing.
The Foot Passenger Loophole If you don’t need your car on the other side, leave it behind! Taking the ferry as a foot passenger or cyclist is incredibly cheap and highly recommended. Even better, foot passengers only pay a toll when leaving the Sandbanks side—the return journey back from Shell Bay/Studland is completely free! It is the perfect way to head over to the pristine beaches of the Purbecks for a stress-free afternoon.
Plan Your Journey To The Coast
Plan your crossing with confidence. Check the live ferry status right now, or find out exactly where to park before you arrive.
THE HISTORY & ENGINEERING OF THE CHAIN FERRY
Why a chain ferry and not a bridge? The mouth of Poole Harbour experiences incredibly fast, complex tidal currents that would make standard ferry navigation dangerous, and a bridge would disrupt the high volume of luxury yachts and commercial shipping entering the port.
The solution, which has been in place since 1926, is a ferry pulled along two massive, submerged steel chains. The current vessel, the Bramble Bush Bay, was put into service in 1994. It spans 242 feet in length and can carry up to 48 cars per crossing. As the ferry moves, the chains are lifted from the seabed, passing through the boat’s hydraulic drive wheels before dropping safely back to the sea floor, allowing shipping to pass over them when the ferry is docked.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I take my dog on the Sandbanks Ferry? Yes! Dogs are very welcome on the ferry and travel completely free of charge. However, they must be kept on a lead at all times for safety.
Does the ferry run in bad weather? The Bramble Bush Bay is a robust vessel, but operations can occasionally be suspended during extreme high winds, severe tidal conditions, or for scheduled mechanical refits. We always recommend checking the official live ferry status before setting off on stormy days.
Can motorhomes and caravans use the ferry? Yes, larger vehicles can use the ferry, but you will be subject to higher toll charges depending on your vehicle’s weight (above or below 3,500kg). Be aware that the approach roads on both sides can be tight during peak season!
Are there toilets on the ferry? No, there are no public facilities onboard the ferry itself due to the short 4-minute crossing time. However, there are public conveniences located near the slipways on both the Sandbanks and Shell Bay sides.