Sandbanks Ferry is a chain ferry that crosses the entrance to Poole Harbour between Haven Point (Sandbanks) and Shell Bay (Studland). Travelling between Swanage and Bournemouth it saves around 13 miles compared with driving around the harbour, while journeys between Swanage and Poole are approximately eight miles shorter. As well as reducing journey times, the crossing itself is part of the experience. Every time I take the ferry from Sandbanks to Studland it feels like the start of a holiday, and it’s one of Dorset’s most enjoyable short journeys.
During summer weekends, bank holidays and sunny days, queues can become quite long, particularly on the Studland side, so allow extra time if you’re travelling at peak periods.
Website: www.sandbanksferry.co.uk
The current ferry operates throughout the year, with crossings every 20 minutes (subject to weather, maintenance and shipping movements).
Sandbanks Ferry Timetable
Leaves Sandbanks (on the Poole – Bournemouth side) at 07:00 then 20 minutes past the hour, 40 minutes past the hour and on the hour until 23:00 (every 20 minutes)
Leaves Shell Bay (on the Studland – Swanage side) at 07:10 then 30, 50 and 10 minutes past each hour until 23:10 (every 20 minutes)
The times above are daily throughout the year except for Christmas day but they are subject to shipping movements, essential maintenance and other operational factors and should be taken as a guide only.
Sandbanks Ferry Prices 2026
| Pedestrians (From Sandbanks to Studland) | £1.18 |
| Pedal or Motor Cycles | £1.18 |
| Car | £6.26 |
| Light van, most camper vans, mini buses up to 17 seats | £6.26 |
| Goods vehicles max 3500kg | £12.52 |
| Bus or coach (18 or more seats) | £12.52 |
Paying for the Sandbanks Ferry
From July 2026, the Sandbanks Ferry introduced an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system for vehicles. Cars, vans, motorhomes and other vehicles no longer stop at a toll booth before or after boarding.
Drivers can choose to:
- Pay online after their crossing.
- Purchase crossings in advance.
- Create an online account for automatic payment, with discounts available for frequent users.
Always follow the payment instructions displayed at the ferry terminals and on the official Sandbanks Ferry website www.sandbanksferry.co.uk. Failure to pay for a vehicle crossing within the required period may result in additional charges.
Pedestrians and cyclists continue to pay by card or contactless at the ticket machine before boarding the ferry.
There is no charge for foot passengers travelling from Studland to Sandbanks.
💡 DorsetGuide Top Tip
If you’re paying online after your journey, it’s surprisingly easy to forget once you’ve arrived at your destination and started enjoying your day. While you’re waiting on the ferry, set a reminder or alarm on your phone for later that day to pay the crossing fee. It only takes a few seconds and could save you from forgetting the payment altogether.
Ferry Way Car Park Sandbanks
Sat Nav postcode is BH13 7QN (just to the left of the ferry overlooking the entrance to Poole Harbour). Capacity 27 spaces (3 disabled). Car park charges are given below. Payment can be made by cash, card, online or using the council’s parking app.
More information about this car park can be found on the https://www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ website
| Mon-Sun, anytime, all year | |
| 1 hour (max stay) | £2.50 |
Related Pages: Sandbanks / Sandbanks Beach / Sandbanks Shore Road Beach / Shell Bay Beach / Boat Trips from Sandbanks / Studland Beaches / Studland Village / Poole Harbour / Swanage