Bar Harbor-Yarmouth Ferry: CAT Ferry 2024
CAT FERRY SERVICE BASICS:
• Route: Bar Harbor, Maine ↔ Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
• Distance: 185 km (115 miles) across Bay of Fundy
• Crossing Time: 3.5 hours
• Season: May through October (seasonal)
• Operator: Bay Ferries Limited
• Vessel: High-speed catamaran ferry
2024 Schedule
SEASONAL SCHEDULE:
• Season Start: May 15, 2024
• Season End: October 14, 2024
• Frequency: Once daily each direction
• Days Operating: Daily during season
• Weather Dependent: Service may be cancelled
• Advance Notice: Check website for updates
DAILY DEPARTURE TIMES:
• Bar Harbor to Yarmouth: 8:00 AM AST
• Yarmouth to Bar Harbor: 2:30 PM AST
• Check-in Time: 2 hours before departure
• Cut-off Time: 1 hour before departure
• Time Zone: All times Atlantic Standard Time
Passenger Fares (2024)
ADULT FARES:
• Adult (16+): $95 USD / $130 CAD
• Senior (65+): $85 USD / $115 CAD
• Child (5-15): $65 USD / $90 CAD
• Infant (0-4): Free
• Student (with ID): $85 USD / $115 CAD
Vehicle Fares (2024)
VEHICLE TRANSPORTATION:
• Car/Small SUV: $195 USD / $265 CAD
• Large SUV/Pickup: $235 USD / $320 CAD
• Motorcycle: $95 USD / $130 CAD
• RV (under 20 feet): $275 USD / $375 CAD
• RV (20+ feet): $355 USD / $485 CAD
• Commercial Vehicle: Quote on request
Booking Information
HOW TO RESERVE:
• Online: catferry.com (recommended)
• Phone: 1-877-762-7245
• Advance Booking: Highly recommended
• Peak Season: Book 2-3 months ahead
• Payment: Credit cards, cash at terminal
• Confirmation: Email confirmation sent
Terminal Locations
BAR HARBOR TERMINAL (USA):
• Address: 121 Eden Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
• Parking: $15 USD per day
• Amenities: Restrooms, snack bar, WiFi
• Nearby: Downtown Bar Harbor (5-minute walk)
• US Customs: Located at terminal
• Check-in: 2 hours early for customs processing
YARMOUTH TERMINAL (CANADA):
• Address: 68 Water Street, Yarmouth, NS B5A 1L4
• Parking: Free short-term, $10 CAD/day long-term
• Amenities: Visitor center, restrooms, gift shop
• Nearby: Downtown Yarmouth (walking distance)
• Canadian Customs: Located at terminal
• Services: Car rentals, taxi, tourist information
What to Bring
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
• US Citizens: Valid passport or enhanced driver's license
• Canadian Citizens: Valid passport or enhanced ID
• International Visitors: Valid passport and visa (if required)
• Vehicle Registration: Required for all vehicles
• Pet Documentation: Health certificates for pets
Onboard Amenities
FERRY FACILITIES:
• Seating: Indoor and outdoor seating areas
• Café: Light meals, snacks, beverages
• Restrooms: Multiple locations onboard
• WiFi: Complimentary internet access
• Gift Shop: Maritime souvenirs and essentials
• Pet Area: Designated space for pets
Travel Tips
PLANNING RECOMMENDATIONS:
• Arrive Early: Allow extra time for customs
• Weather Monitoring: Service can be cancelled
• Motion Sickness: Bring medication if prone
• Food Options: Limited onboard, consider packing
• Currency: Both USD and CAD accepted onboard
• Reservation Changes: Call ahead, fees may apply
Pets and Special Needs
PET TRAVEL:
• Pet Fee: $25 USD / $35 CAD each way
• Requirements: Health certificate, vaccination records
• Restrictions: Must remain in vehicle during crossing
• Service Animals: No additional fee
• Pet Relief: Available at terminals pre-boarding
• Advance Notice: Recommended for multiple pets
Accessibility Services
ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES:
• Wheelchair Access: Ferry is wheelchair accessible
• Accessible Restrooms: Available onboard
• Elevator Access: Between vehicle and passenger decks
• Priority Boarding: Available for mobility-impaired passengers
• Assistance: Staff available to help with boarding
Weather and Cancellations
WEATHER CONSIDERATIONS:
• Sea Conditions: Service cancelled in rough weather
• Advance Notice: Usually 2-4 hours notice
• Refunds: Full refund for weather cancellations
• Rescheduling: Next available sailing at no charge
• Updates: Check website or call before travelling
• Bay of Fundy: Can have challenging conditions
Connecting Transportation
FROM YARMOUTH CONNECTIONS:
• Halifax: 300km, 3.5-hour drive
• Digby: 135km, 1.5-hour drive
• Car Rentals: Available at Yarmouth terminal
• Bus Service: Maritime Bus connections
• Tour Operators: Day tours available
FROM BAR HARBOR CONNECTIONS:
• Portland: 280km, 3-hour drive
• Boston: 450km, 5-hour drive
• Acadia National Park: Adjacent to Bar Harbor
• Car Rentals: Available in downtown Bar Harbor
Seasonal Considerations
BEST TRAVEL PERIODS:
• Early Season (May-June): Fewer crowds, cooler weather
• Mid Season (July-August): Peak tourism, warmest weather
• Late Season (September-October): Fall foliage, moderate crowds
• Booking Strategy: Earlier and later in season easier to book
• Weather Risk: Higher in shoulder seasons
Alternative Routes
OTHER MARITIME FERRY OPTIONS:
• Saint John-Digby: Bay Ferries, year-round service
• Portland-Yarmouth: Previously operated, currently suspended
• Land Route: Drive through New Brunswick
• Air Travel: Direct flights Halifax-Boston available
Cost Comparison
TRAVEL COST ANALYSIS:
• Ferry (car + 2 adults): ~$385 USD total
• Driving via NB: Gas $120 + time/accommodation
• Flying: $300-600 per person (no vehicle)
• Ferry Advantage: Scenic route, vehicle transport
• Time Savings: Avoids 8+ hour drive through NB
Contact Information
CUSTOMER SERVICE:
• Reservations: 1-877-762-7245
• Website: catferry.com
• Email: info@catferry.com
• Social Media: @catferry (updates and alerts)
• Emergency: Contact terminal directly