Elizabeth River Ferry
Portsmouth ↔ Norfolk
The Elizabeth River Ferry is the most scenic and fun way to travel between Portsmouth and Norfolk during the reunion weekend. The ferry landing is just steps from the Renaissance Hotel — making it the easiest connection to the Norfolk Marriott, Sheraton, Waterside District, and downtown Norfolk.
💲 Only $2 Each WayHow to Ride the Ferry
Ferry Route & Landings
Portsmouth LandingHigh Street Landing — 1 High St, Portsmouth, VA 23704 · Steps from the Renaissance Hotel front entrance
Norfolk LandingWaterside Marina — 333 Waterside Dr, Norfolk, VA 23510 · Steps from Waterside District, Norfolk Marriott (5 min walk), and Sheraton (8 min walk)
Crossing TimeApprox. 5 minutes across the Elizabeth River — the most scenic commute of the weekend!
Fare$2.00 each way · Cash or contactless payment (tap to pay) accepted · Exact change appreciated
AccessibilityFully wheelchair accessible · ADA-compliant boarding ramp · Bicycle friendly
PetsLeashed pets welcome on board
HRT Info Line(757) 222-6100 · Mon–Fri 6 AM – 7 PM
Ferry Schedule
Operating Hours — July 24–26, 2026
Every 30 min
Friday Jul 24
First Ferry: 5:45 AM
Last Ferry: 11:45 PM
Every 30 minutes
Last Ferry: 11:45 PM
Every 30 minutes
Saturday Jul 25
First Ferry: 10:15 AM
Last Ferry: 11:45 PM
Every 30 minutes
Last Ferry: 11:45 PM
Every 30 minutes
Sunday Jul 26
First Ferry: 10:15 AM
Last Ferry: 9:45 PM
Every 30 minutes
Last Ferry: 9:45 PM
Every 30 minutes
⚠️ Note
Saturday ferry runs from 10:15 AM — plan early morning trips by rideshare or car
Reunion Weekend TipAfter the Saturday Banquet (midnight), the last ferry is at 11:45 PM — plan to board by 11:30 PM to be safe. Rideshare is the best option after midnight.
Sunday WorshipThe ferry doesn't run until 10:15 AM Sunday — worship service is at 10 AM so take a rideshare or drive to St. John Baptist Church Sunday morning.
Step-by-Step: How to Ride
First Time on the Ferry? Here's How
- 1Walk out of the Renaissance Hotel front entrance onto Water Street and turn right.
- 2Walk about 2 minutes along the waterfront to the High Street Landing ferry dock.
- 3Pay $2 using cash or tap-to-pay at the fare box as you board.
- 4Enjoy the 5-minute scenic ride across the Elizabeth River to Norfolk!
- 5Arrive at Waterside Marina in Norfolk — Waterside District is right there, Marriott is a 5-min walk, Sheraton is an 8-min walk.
- 6To return to Portsmouth, board the ferry at Waterside Marina and ride back — same $2 fare.
- ✓That's it! Easiest $2 you'll spend all weekend. The ferry runs every 30 minutes so you won't wait long.
The Tide Light Rail — Norfolk
$2 per ride
About The TideNorfolk's light rail system runs 7.5 miles through downtown Norfolk with 11 stops — perfect for exploring after the ferry drops you in Norfolk
Key Stops Near HotelsMacArthur Square — Norfolk Marriott (1 block) · Civic Plaza — Sheraton (1 block) · Harbor Park — Amtrak Station
Great For VisitingChrysler Museum of Art · MacArthur Memorial · NAUTICUS · Norfolk Botanical Garden area
Fare$2.00 per ride · All-day pass available · Purchase at station kiosks
FrequencyEvery 20 minutes · Mon–Sat: 6 AM – 11 PM · Sun: 8 AM – 9 PM
Best ComboTake the ferry from Portsmouth → Waterside Marina, then hop on The Tide to explore all of downtown Norfolk
F.R.E.D. — Free Ride Every Day
FREE
What is F.R.E.D.?A free on-demand electric shuttle serving downtown Norfolk — great for short hops between restaurants, hotels, and attractions in the Norfolk waterfront area
How to RequestCall (757) 478-7233 or flag down the shuttle on the street · No app required · No reservation needed
Service AreaDowntown Norfolk waterfront — Waterside District, MacArthur Mall, Norfolk Marriott, Sheraton, Chrysler Museum area
HoursTuesday–Thursday: 11 AM – 9 PM
Friday–Saturday: 11 AM – 11:30 PM
Sunday: Not available
Friday–Saturday: 11 AM – 11:30 PM
Sunday: Not available
Best UsePerfect for getting around Norfolk after arriving by ferry — hop between Waterside District, restaurants, and your hotel without paying for a rideshare
Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) Bus
$2 per ride
About HRTHampton Roads Transit operates bus routes throughout Portsmouth, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach — the most comprehensive transit option in the region
Fare$2.00 per ride · Day pass available · Exact change required for cash
Trip PlanningUse the HRT GoPass app or visit gohrt.com to plan your route and purchase passes
HRT Info Line(757) 222-6100 · Mon–Fri 6 AM – 7 PM · Sat 8 AM – 5 PM
Best UseThe HRT bus is best for reaching areas not covered by the ferry or light rail — like Chesapeake City Park, Virginia Beach, or Norfolk State University campus
Quick Reference — All Transportation
Elizabeth River Ferry
Portsmouth ↔ Norfolk · Every 30 min · Sat from 10:15 AM
$2 each way
Uber & Lyft
Available 24/7 · Best after midnight or early morning
$10–$40
The Tide Light Rail
Downtown Norfolk · Every 20 min · Mon–Sat 6 AM–11 PM
$2 per ride
F.R.E.D. Shuttle
Downtown Norfolk only · Fri–Sat until 11:30 PM
FREE
⭐ Featured — Elizabeth River Ferry
Elizabeth River Ferry — Steps from the Renaissance Hotel
$2 each way
Portsmouth → NorfolkHigh Street Landing → Waterside Marina · 5-minute ride · Every 30 minutes
Weekend HoursFri: 5:45 AM–11:45 PM · Sat: 10:15 AM–11:45 PM · Sun: 10:15 AM–9:45 PM
Fare$2 each way · Cash or contactless
After Midnight (Banquet)Last ferry is 11:45 PM Saturday — use Uber or Lyft after midnight
Sunday MorningFerry doesn't run until 10:15 AM — take a rideshare to the 10 AM worship service
Weekend Transportation Tips
Get around like a local all weekend
- The Elizabeth River Ferry ($2) is the star of the weekend — it's steps from the Renaissance Hotel and drops you right at Waterside District in Norfolk in just 5 minutes.
- The ferry runs every 30 minutes on Saturday starting at 10:15 AM — plan your timing so you don't miss a boat.
- After the Saturday Banquet at midnight, the last ferry is 11:45 PM — book your Uber or Lyft in advance if you'll be cutting it close.
- Sunday morning the ferry doesn't run until 10:15 AM — take a rideshare to the 10 AM worship service at St. John Baptist Church.
- Use F.R.E.D. (free shuttle) to get around downtown Norfolk after arriving by ferry — no app, no payment, just call or flag it down.
- Carpooling between family members staying at different hotels saves money on rideshare costs throughout the weekend.
- The Tide Light Rail is great for exploring Norfolk — $2 gets you to the Chrysler Museum, MacArthur Memorial, and back to the ferry landing.
- Save this page to your phone home screen for quick access to all transportation info all weekend long.