By Elijah Johnson 
When most travelers plan a trip, they picture airports, highways, or train stations—but few pause to consider ferries. That’s a shame, because some of the most magical travel experiences happen on the water. Picture this: the early morning fog lifting off a quiet harbor, the scent of salt and cedar in the air, and a ferry gently rocking as you watch a coastline slowly reveal itself. Seagulls wheel overhead, waves lap against the hull, and you realize this isn’t just transportation—it’s a moving window into a destination’s heart.
Ferry travel offers something rare in today’s fast-paced world: the chance to slow down, soak in the scenery, and connect with the rhythm of a place. Across the globe, ferries link bustling cities, hidden islands, and remote towns, often passing through landscapes that planes and cars can’t match. Whether it’s cruising past towering fjords in Norway, hopping between Greek islands, or gliding through the backdrop of the Statue of Liberty in New York, ferry rides combine adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable views. Let’s dive into some of the world’s most scenic ferry routes you might not have considered—and why they should be on your travel bucket list.
Norway’s Fjord Ferries: Sailing Through a Natural Wonder
Norway is famous for its dramatic fjords—deep blue waters flanked by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. While many travelers book cruises, locals know the ferries are the best-kept secret. The Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord routes, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are accessible by public ferry. As the boat glides between cliffs rising thousands of feet above the water, you’ll see tiny farms perched on hillsides and hear the distant roar of waterfalls. Unlike a cruise ship, ferries feel intimate, affordable, and authentically local.
Greece’s Island-Hopping Ferries: A Sea of Blue and White
Few travel experiences are as iconic as boarding a ferry in Greece. The Aegean Sea sparkles like liquid sapphire, dotted with whitewashed villages and sunlit beaches. Ferries connect Athens with beloved islands like Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete, but the real charm comes when you venture onto smaller, lesser-known islands such as Milos or Naxos. You’ll share the deck with locals carrying groceries, families heading home, and backpackers chasing the next adventure. The rhythm of the waves sets the tone for island life—unhurried, timeless, and endlessly inviting.
The Staten Island Ferry: New York’s Free Skyline Cruise
Sometimes the most scenic ferry rides are hiding in plain sight. In New York City, the Staten Island Ferry carries more than 20 million passengers a year—and it’s completely free. For commuters, it’s a daily necessity. For travelers, it’s an unforgettable way to see the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island without paying for a pricey harbor cruise. As the boat pulls away from Lower Manhattan, the skyscrapers glitter against the sky, and the city feels both massive and approachable. It’s one of the most affordable—and photogenic—adventures in America.
Alaska’s Marine Highway: A Frontier by Sea
If you want to experience raw wilderness, Alaska’s Marine Highway System is an adventure unlike any other. These ferries connect more than 30 communities along the state’s rugged coastline, many of which can’t be reached by road. Imagine sailing past glaciers, spotting whales and sea otters, and docking at remote towns that few tourists ever see. It’s part transportation system, part national park, and part lifeline for Alaskans. Travelers can hop off for days of exploration and then catch another ferry onward. It’s slow travel at its finest—where the journey and the destination are equally thrilling.
Hong Kong’s Star Ferry: Tradition on the Water
For more than a century, the Star Ferry has carried passengers across Victoria Harbour, connecting Hong Kong Island with Kowloon. While the ride lasts only 10 minutes, it’s steeped in history and charm. The green-and-white boats offer front-row seats to one of the world’s most iconic skylines, especially dazzling at sunset or during the nightly Symphony of Lights. At just a few cents per ride, it’s proof that unforgettable experiences don’t need to come with a big price tag.
Croatia’s Adriatic Ferries: Gateway to Island Dreams
Croatia has become a beloved European destination, but many visitors stick to Dubrovnik or Split. What they miss are the hundreds of islands scattered across the Adriatic Sea, many accessible only by ferry. Routes from Split to Hvar or from Zadar to Dugi Otok reveal a coastline studded with medieval towns, hidden beaches, and vineyards spilling down to the water’s edge. The ferries here are not just a link between places—they’re part of the magic that makes island life so alluring.
Final Thoughts: Let the Journey Be the Destination
Travel isn’t always about speed or efficiency. Some of the most unforgettable travel memories happen in between destinations—standing on a ferry deck as the sun paints the water in shades of gold, sharing a laugh with a local family, or spotting dolphins racing alongside the boat. These fleeting moments stay with you long after the trip ends, making the ferry ride itself a story worth telling.
So the next time you’re planning a trip—whether it’s a bucket-list adventure in Norway, a family outing in New York, or a sun-soaked escape in Greece—consider taking the ferry. Step onto the deck, let the salty breeze tousle your hair, and watch as the scenery unfolds slowly before you. When you travel by ferry, the journey becomes part of the adventure, a living, breathing experience that you’ll carry with you long after you’ve returned to shore.