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 Life Hack?
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 affordable 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.
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Featured Experience
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
Is the Sandbanks Ferry running today?
The chain ferry is incredibly reliable and operates year-round, but services can occasionally be suspended due to extreme weather conditions, unusually severe tides, or scheduled bi-annual maintenance. We always recommend checking the official ferry website or their live social media feeds for real-time status updates before setting off.
What times does the Sandbanks Ferry run?
The ferry generally runs a continuous, daily service. It departs Sandbanks every 20 minutes (on the hour, 20 past, and 40 past) and departs Studland at 10 past, 30 past, and 50 past the hour. Regular services typically commence from 7:00 AM and run until 11:00 PM, though it is always best to check their official timetable for seasonal changes.
Can I pay by card on the Sandbanks Ferry?
Yes, contactless and chip-and-pin card payments are fully accepted and highly encouraged to keep the queues moving quickly. If you are a foot passenger or cyclist, you pay at the toll booths. If you are in a vehicle, you pay at the booth on the Sandbanks side, or directly to the staff onboard when travelling from the Studland side.
How long does the ferry crossing take?
The actual physical crossing across the mouth of Poole Harbour is very quick, taking only about 4 to 5 minutes. However, you should factor in loading and unloading times, and during busy summer weekends or bank holidays, the waiting time to board can be significantly longer.
Do I need to book the Sandbanks Ferry in advance?
No, you cannot pre-book the chain ferry. It operates purely on a first-come, first-served, roll-on-roll-off basis. Because it acts as a floating bridge, you simply join the queue on either the Sandbanks or Studland side. During peak summer months, be prepared for queuing traffic along Banks Road.