You came to Port Aransas for Texas warmth, fun, and the sand and water at the beach along the Gulf of Mexico. You can drive to your vacation accommodations with no problem in many locales, but an island vacation is different. Get to your island oasis via State Highway 361 or join the over eight million annual passengers and take the more adventurous route aboard the Port Aransas ferry!
The Route
The Port Aransas ferry system route takes the Corpus Christi Channel between Aransas Pass on the mainland and Port Aransas on Mustang Island. The quarter-mile route takes ten minutes or less, although peak summer traffic may require a longer wait time to get on the ferry. Up to six ferries transport passengers and their vehicles between the points 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day as long as weather permits safe travel.
Capacity
Each Port Aransas ferry can transport up to 20 regular passenger vehicles at a time. Combined vehicles – including trucks hauling water toys like boats – are restricted to 80’x13’ and no taller than 13’6”. The single-axle vehicle weight limit is 20,000 pounds, tandem-axle vehicles may weigh no more than 34,000 pounds, and combination vehicles may not exceed 80,000 pounds. If you think your load may not fit these criteria, contact TxDot for alternate options. Weather conditions and water levels may also be considered when allowing certain vehicles.
Wait Times
If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t like to wait long, there are a couple ways to check out how long you’ll be waiting to board. The Port Aransas ferry system’s Twitter account (@PortA_Ferry) posts wait times, or you can tune your car’s radio to AM 530 for 24-hour ferry information including wait times, safety information, and emergency notifications that may change your plans.
Getting to Port Aransas
No matter how you get to Port Aransas, you need a private and luxurious place to stay when you get here. When you stay in a vacation rental in Port Aransas provided by The Dunes, you’ll enjoy easy access to the beach and the crashing waves of the Gulf. We’re close to many other area attractions, shopping, dining, and activities the area has to offer. We offer one-bedroom units for a more intimate stay, up to three bedrooms for your larger group. Prepare a delicious home-cooked meal, in the fully equipped kitchen. Afterward, spread out in an open living space for a movie or to relax. Enjoy the view from the private balcony or patio or spend some time near the pool. For a premium experience, choose a unit with bonuses like multiple flat-screen TVs, stainless steel appliances, and more.
Contact us today to book your stay in Port Aransas at the Dunes Condos and make island memories to last a lifetime!