Operator's hours table updated 27 September 2026, valid until 31 October 2026 · Sailings shown by frequency — exact times from the operator. · Representative sailings only — check the operator for today's full timetable
Departures 1–10 / 10
Departures 1–10 / 10
Operator
C. Toms & Son Ltd
Map – Polruan Ferry
| Fare type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult passenger, single | £3.50 |
| Child passenger (3-12), single | £1.60 |
| Bicycle, single | £2.10 |
| Dog, single | £0.50 |
| Parcel, single | £1.60 |
Fares are paid on board, by cash or card; the operator says it does not issue tickets and there is no advance booking. Every fare is a single. The fares page carries no date, so the amounts may change without notice. All fares in pounds sterling (GBP).
The Polruan ferry is a foot-passenger boat across the River Fowey, joining Polruan Quay on the east bank to the town of Fowey on the west. It is run by C. Toms & Son Ltd, a Polruan boatyard that also operates the separate Bodinnick car ferry further up the river. The operator describes it as a continuous daily service, and the crossing is the link that lets walkers close loops on the Hall Walk and reach the South West Coast Path from Fowey without a long drive round via Lostwithiel.
There is no timetable of departures. The operator publishes opening hours only: the first boat leaves Polruan when the day starts, then boats leave each side roughly every 10 to 15 minutes, with the last from Polruan five minutes before closing and the last from Fowey at closing time. The hours in force are those marked as updated on 27 September 2026 and valid until 31 October 2026, then the yearly winter pattern applies, though the operator prints those dates without a year.
On the Fowey side the landing changes. In winter and on summer evenings the ferry uses Town Quay in the middle of Fowey, and the operator says it is running to Town Quay until 15 May 2027. In summer the daytime crossing switches to Whitehouse Pier on the Esplanade, a few minutes from the main shopping street. Check the landing named on the notice before you walk to the wrong quay.
Both landings are reached by steps. Dogs, bicycles and pushchairs are welcome, but the operator says it cannot wheel a wheelchair directly aboard and asks anyone with limited mobility to ring first. There are no toilets on board; public ones stand on Polruan Quay and Fowey Town Quay. The fleet is four passenger boats, licensed for 12, 12, 26 and 48 people, so a large group should tell the office in advance.
Payment is on board by cash or card, and every fare is a single. Gales occasionally stop the service, mostly in winter, and the operator uses its Facebook page for notices.
- Arrive at the slipway a few minutes before departure; vehicle queues build quickly in summer.
- Check the operator's notices before travelling — tides, weather and maintenance affect sailings.
- Confirm accepted payment methods: several crossings are contactless-only.
Frequently asked questions
Until 31 October 2026 the operator's table (updated 27 September) gives Monday to Friday 07:00-19:00, Saturday 08:00-19:00 and Sunday 10:00-19:00. After that its yearly winter pattern keeps the weekday and Saturday hours and finishes Sundays at 17:00, but those dates carry no year and no dated winter table has been published. The ferry runs every day except Christmas Day.
No. The operator publishes opening hours, not departure times. After the first boat leaves Polruan the ferry runs continuously, leaving each side about every 10 to 15 minutes. The last ferry from Polruan leaves 5 minutes before closing time and the last from Fowey leaves at closing time.
An adult single is £3.50 and a child (aged 3 to 12) single is £1.60. A bicycle is £2.10, a dog £0.50 and a parcel £1.60. All tickets are single, and you can pay by cash or card on board; the operator does not issue advance tickets.
In winter and on summer evenings it lands at Town Quay (satnav PL23 1AT) in the middle of Fowey, and the operator says it is running there until 15 May 2027. In summer the daytime service uses Whitehouse Pier (PL23 1HZ) on the Esplanade. In Polruan it leaves from Polruan Quay (PL23 1PA).
The operator only says the crossing between Polruan and Fowey takes a few minutes and gives no figure in minutes. The ferry goes continuously during opening hours, so you rarely wait long for the next boat.
Yes. Dogs (£0.50, on a lead), bicycles (£2.10) and pushchairs are all welcome, though both landings are reached by steps and staff help with pushchairs where they can. The operator cannot wheel a wheelchair directly aboard; it asks anyone with limited mobility to call 01726 870232 before travelling.
It does not run on Christmas Day. In rough weather, usually gales in winter, the operator stops the service when landing and crossing conditions are unsafe, and posts notices on the Polruan Ferry Facebook page. Late ferries outside the published hours can be booked direct with the ferrymen, weather permitting.
No. Both are run by C. Toms & Son Ltd, but the Polruan ferry carries foot passengers, bicycles and dogs between Polruan and Fowey. The Bodinnick ferry is a separate crossing further up the river that carries cars.