Frequently Asked Questions | The Cape May

Cape May-Lewes Ferry FAQ's: Everything You Need to Know Before You Sail

Planning a trip across the Delaware Bay? You’ve come to the right place. Our Frequently Asked Questions are designed to help you plan every detail of your Cape May–Lewes Ferry experience — from boarding and ticketing to bringing your car, RV, pet, or bike along for the ride. Whether you’re crossing for a family beach getaway, a group tour, or a scenic day trip, you’ll find answers to the most common questions travelers ask before they sail.

No matter how you travel, the Ferry offers a smooth, scenic, and flexible way to connect the shores of New Jersey and Delaware. Curious about what types of vehicles can fit aboard? Wondering how to travel with an RV or commercial truck? Or maybe you’re planning a bus tour or looking to rent a Ferry trolley for your own event. Our FAQs cover it all — including accessibility options, family travel tips, and details about traveling with pets so everyone in your crew can come along.

If you’re wondering about local connections once you arrive, our FAQ pages also explain ground transportation options in Cape May and Lewes, from shuttles to taxi and ride-share services. You can even learn how to extend your trip with Ferry events or book seasonal excursions that make the most of your time on both sides of the Bay. Each section is easy to browse, giving you quick answers — and links to learn more — before you plan or book your crossing.

From accessibility and ticketing to vehicles, travel tips, and special events, our FAQ pages are your go-to guide for a smooth, stress-free sailing. So before you book, explore the topics below to discover how easy — and enjoyable — it is to travel aboard the Cape May–Lewes Ferry. We’re here to make sure your trip is as relaxing as the ride itself.

General Questions About Travel on the Cape May - Lewes Ferry

Do I Need a Reservation to Travel on the Ferry?

Reservations are recommended and can be made online or by calling 800.643.3779.

If you arrive without a reservation we’ll do our best to accommodate you, but please be aware that we may not be able to do so. The Ferry sells out regularly throughout the year but frequently during the high-season (Spring into Early Fall).

Do I Need an ID or Passport to Travel on the Ferry?

Yes, a valid ID (identification) is required to travel on the Cape May – Lewes Ferry.

Here is a list of approved IDs that may be used to board the Ferry:

US Passport (Current or Expired
Foreign Passport (Current only)
ID (Government ) issued by Federal, State, & Local Government with a photograph
Uniformed Services (Military) ID (US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard & Space Force)
Valid State (US) Driver’s License with a photograph
Alien Resident Receipt card with photograph, INS form 1151 or 1551
Employment Authorization Document issued by INS (Current only), INS form 16888
Canadian Driver’s license with photograph
International Driver’s License with photograph indicating country of origin
DRBA employee ID badge with photograph.

Does the Ferry Offer "Stand By" Tickets?

When multiple, consecutive departures are sold out, “Stand By” tickets may be available and sold on a first-come, first-served basis at the Toll Booth (they cannot be booked in advance).

For more information, visit our Arriving or Boarding the Ferry pages.

What Happens If I Miss My Reservation?

Failure to appear for your scheduled departure time will result in the cancellation of that crossing and the application of a non-refundable No-Show fee of $26.00.

For more information, visit our Arriving or Boarding the Ferry pages.

May I Bring My Dog On Board the Ferry?

Yes! Well-behaved and leashed pets are welcome aboard. Further down this FAQ Page you will see the Pet FAQ which contains more information on sailing with your Furry family members.

SUMMER PET PASSENGERS: Remember that the car deck and other Ferry decks may be extremely hot and could burn your pet’s feet or paws – just as you would your own without shoes. Please protect your furry friend’s paws when traveling – if you would not walk barefoot on a surface, they should not either.

May I Park My Car at the Terminal Overnight?

Yes, overnight parking is available—free of charge—at both the Cape May and Lewes terminals if you have a purchased round-trip ticket.

You must register your return date, phone number, and vehicle details, including license plate, with the ticket counter prior to boarding.

Does the Ferry Sail in the Rain, Wind, or Bad Weather? When Doesn't the Ferry Sail?

Yes! We do our best to ensure every crossing departs as scheduled, all 365 days per year (yes, we sail daily!).

That said, passenger safety is our number one concern, so our marine operations team closely monitors the conditions during any weather event. If we have to postpone, consolidate, or cancel departures, reserved guests will be notified via email, text, and/or phone call.

We’ll also put an advisory message up on the website and post it on our social media channels with as much notice as possible.

Is The Ferry Handicap Accessible?

Yes. While no elevator is on board the vessels, passengers with accessibility needs can use the elevators inside the terminal and board via the foot passenger walkway.

Passengers can repeat the process (in reverse) to disembark and be reunited with their vehicle on the other side.

For information, see the ‘Accessibility Information & FAQ’ further down this page.