Ferries shape a lot of North Fork travel.
Greenport has the North Ferry to Shelter Island. Shelter Island has the South Ferry to North Haven and Sag Harbor. Orient Point has the Cross Sound Ferry to New London, Connecticut. Together, they let you turn the North Fork into a loop, add Shelter Island to a Greenport day, or skip a long drive around the Sound.
The most important thing to know is that these ferries are not all the same. The Greenport and Shelter Island ferries are short local crossings. The Orient Point ferry is a longer trip across Long Island Sound.
Quick ferry overview
| Ferry | Route | Best for | Main thing to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Ferry | Greenport to Shelter Island | Greenport day trips, Shelter Island access | Short local crossing between Greenport and Shelter Island |
| South Ferry | Shelter Island to North Haven | Shelter Island to Sag Harbor / Hamptons loop | Runs between Shelter Island and North Haven, near Sag Harbor |
| Cross Sound Ferry | Orient Point to New London, CT | Connecticut trips, New England route, car ferry | Longer crossing; check schedule and book ahead when needed |
| Shelter Island ferry loop | Greenport → Shelter Island → North Haven | North Fork to South Fork day route | Requires both North Ferry and South Ferry |
| Passenger ferry trip | Greenport to Shelter Island | No-car visitors, simple ferry ride | Easy add-on from Greenport if timing is good |
North Ferry: Greenport to Shelter Island
The North Ferry connects Greenport with Shelter Island. This is the ferry most North Fork visitors notice first because the Greenport terminal is close to the village waterfront, restaurants, shops, museums, and the train station area.
The North Ferry site describes the service as “Connecting Shelter Island with Greenport and the North Fork.” Its current homepage lists the last boat as 11:45 p.m. from Shelter Island and midnight from Greenport, though you should check the ferry site before relying on late-night timing.
You can take a car, bike, or walk on as a passenger. For many visitors, the ferry ride itself is part of the day.
South Ferry: Shelter Island to North Haven
The South Ferry connects Shelter Island with North Haven, near Sag Harbor. It is the ferry you take if you want to continue from Shelter Island toward the South Fork.
The South Ferry Company says it shuttles people and vehicles between Shelter Island and North Haven 365 days a year, usually every 10–15 minutes. Its homepage currently lists vehicle fares at $18 one-way and $25 round-trip, with cash-only payment accepted onboard and same-day round trips required.
This ferry is useful if you want to make a loop: Greenport to Shelter Island, Shelter Island to North Haven, then Sag Harbor or the Hamptons.
Cross Sound Ferry: Orient Point to New London
Cross Sound Ferry runs between Orient Point, NY and New London, CT. This is the big North Fork ferry, not a short village-to-island ride.
Use this ferry if you are heading between the North Fork and Connecticut, Rhode Island, eastern Massachusetts, casinos, or other New England destinations. Because this is a longer crossing, treat it more like a travel reservation than a casual add-on. Check the schedule, fare, reservation rules, vehicle details, and weather before you build the day around it.
Which North Fork ferry do you need?
If you are in Greenport and want Shelter Island
Take the North Ferry. This is the simplest ferry trip from the North Fork. You can walk on, bike on, or bring a car.
If you want to go from Greenport to Sag Harbor
Take the North Ferry from Greenport to Shelter Island, then drive or ride across Shelter Island and take the South Ferry to North Haven. From there, Sag Harbor is nearby.
If you want Connecticut or New England
Take the Cross Sound Ferry from Orient Point to New London. Give yourself enough time to get to Orient Point, check in, board, cross the Sound, and continue from New London.
If you are visiting without a car
Greenport is the easiest ferry town. You can arrive by train, walk around the village, and take the North Ferry as a passenger to Shelter Island.
Greenport ferry day plan
Arrive in Greenport late morning. Walk the waterfront. Ride the carousel if you have kids. Get oysters, lunch, or coffee. Walk to the North Ferry and ride over to Shelter Island. Spend a little time there, then come back for dinner or drinks in Greenport.
If you have a car, you can explore more of Shelter Island. If you are walking on, keep the plan smaller. The ferry ride and the change of scenery may be enough.
Shelter Island ferry loop
The full Shelter Island loop uses two ferries: Greenport to Shelter Island on North Ferry, then Shelter Island to North Haven on South Ferry. You can also do it in reverse.
This route is great if you want to connect the North Fork and South Fork in a more scenic way. It is less great if you are already tired, hungry, short on time, or traveling with people who dislike waiting in ferry lines.
Orient Point ferry to Connecticut
The Orient Point ferry is most useful when your trip naturally points toward Connecticut or New England. It is especially helpful for Connecticut weekends, Rhode Island or Massachusetts drives, casino trips, visitors coming from New England to the North Fork, and avoiding the New York City-area drive around Long Island Sound.
Build in extra time for the drive to Orient Point. If you are coming from Greenport, Southold, Cutchogue, Mattituck, or Riverhead, remember that Orient Point is farther east than it may look on a quick map glance.
Taking a car on the ferry
Bringing a car gives you more freedom, especially on Shelter Island or when crossing to Connecticut. It also means higher fares, more boarding rules, and more reason to check current details.
- Check current fares before leaving.
- Keep cash handy for South Ferry.
- Follow crew instructions.
- Do not assume a round-trip ticket is valid whenever you want.
- During peak weekends, expect lines.
Walking on the ferry
Walking on can be the easiest way to enjoy the ferry without turning it into a logistics project. The North Ferry is the best passenger ferry experience for most Greenport visitors because the Greenport side is already walkable.
Walking on to Shelter Island is pleasant, but Shelter Island itself is not as compact as Greenport. Have a plan before assuming you can see everything on foot.
Common ferry mistakes
Treating every ferry like a casual five-minute add-on
The North Ferry can be casual. The Cross Sound Ferry is more of a travel leg. Do not treat them the same.
Forgetting that Shelter Island has two ferries
Greenport gets you to Shelter Island. South Ferry gets you from Shelter Island to North Haven. If you want Sag Harbor or the Hamptons, you need both.
Forgetting cash
South Ferry says cash-only payment is accepted onboard.
Booking dinner too tightly after a ferry
Ferries are part of the fun, but lines, boarding, traffic, and parking can all add time. Leave room before a reservation.
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FAQ
Is there a ferry from Greenport to Shelter Island?
Yes. The North Ferry connects Greenport with Shelter Island. It is the main ferry for visitors who want to add Shelter Island to a Greenport day.
Can you take a car on the Greenport ferry?
Yes. The North Ferry carries vehicles as well as passengers, bikes, and pedestrians. Check the official ferry site for current fares and operating details before you go.
How do you get from the North Fork to the Hamptons by ferry?
Take the North Ferry from Greenport to Shelter Island, cross Shelter Island, then take the South Ferry from Shelter Island to North Haven near Sag Harbor.
Is there a ferry from Orient Point to Connecticut?
Yes. Cross Sound Ferry runs between Orient Point, New York, and New London, Connecticut.
Can you visit Shelter Island without a car?
Yes, but keep the plan simple. You can walk onto the North Ferry from Greenport, but Shelter Island is spread out. If you want to see more than the ferry area, plan bikes, a taxi, a ride, or a limited walking route.