Sandbanks to Studland Ferry

Sandbanks Ferry is a car ferry service that operates across the entrance to Poole Harbour between Haven Point (Sandbanks) and Shell Bay (Studland). When travelling between Swanage and Bournemouth it shaves about thirteen miles off the journey effectively cutting it in half. Between Swanage and Poole it’s about an eight mile saving. Apart from reducing the journey time it’s also a fun experience. Every time I take the ferry from Sandbanks across to Studland I feel that I’m going on holiday. When visiting Dorset it’s an experience not to be missed.

Sandbanks Ferry does not operate a pre-booking system, just pay at the toll booth. Cash and card are accepted. See toll prices below.

Vehicles getting off the ferry at Shell Bay. Note the large chains that are used to guide the ferry across the very strong tidal currents at the mouth of Poole Harbour.

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 (i.e departures 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.

Vehicles waiting for the ferry on the Shell Bay side.

Sandbanks Ferry Prices 2023

Pedestrians (From Sandbanks to Studland)£1
Pedal or Motor Cycles£1
Car£5
Light van, most camper vans, mini buses up to 17 seats£5
Goods vehicles max 3500kg£10
Bus or coach (18 or more seats)£10

There is no charge for pedestrians travelling from Studland to Sandbanks. Information last checked/updated on 06 March 2023. Prices subject to change. Check website www.sandbanksferry.co.uk for up-to-date details

All prices are one-way and include all passengers in the vehicle. The toll booth is on the Shell Bay side of the crossing so when travelling in a car from Sandbanks to Shell Bay you pay when you get off the ferry, and when travelling from Shell Bay to Sandbanks you pay before you get on the ferry. The toll booth now accepts payment by card.

Foot passengers, cyclists and motorbikes travelling from Sandbanks to Studland need to buy a ticket BEFORE getting on the ferry – there’s a ticket machine by the car park.

There is no charge for foot passengers travelling from Studland to Sandbanks.

Information may change without notification so please check the Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Company website www.sandbanksferry.co.uk for up-to-date details, prices and payment methods.