Crossing the Bassin by boat is the most beautiful way to arrive in Cap Ferret. The Arcachon – Cap Ferret ferry links the two shores in half an hour. Here is where to board, how to book and the rules to know if you are bringing your bike.
The essentials in 30 seconds
- Route: Thiers jetty (Arcachon) ↔ Bélisaire jetty (Cap Ferret), about 30 minutes, all year round.
- Typical prices: under €10 one way and about €15 return for an adult, free for under-3s.
- Frequency: about one departure an hour in high season, a few a day in winter.
- In summer: extra routes to Le Canon and Le Moulleau.
- Booking: recommended in summer and during school holidays.
Where to board
- In Arcachon: the Thiers jetty, place Thiers, right in the town centre.
- In Cap Ferret: the Bélisaire jetty, allée de Bélisaire, in the heart of the village.
The crossing takes about 30 minutes. The route is run by the Union des Bateliers Arcachonnais (UBA), which also operates other routes, such as Le Moulleau – Cap Ferret or Le Canon – Arcachon.
Booking and timetables
- You can book online on the Bateliers Arcachonnais website, with instant confirmation. A ticket on your phone is enough.
- For a return trip, you choose a time for each direction when you book.
- Times and prices are shown in the booking calendar for the date you choose. They may change without notice.
- In summer and during holidays, arrive early: late-morning and late-afternoon boats can run late.
How much does the crossing cost?
Exact prices are shown when you book and change every season. To give you an idea:
- Adult: under €10 one way, about €15 return.
- Child (3-11): a little cheaper than an adult; free under 3.
- Bike and dog: a few euros extra.
In summer, evening departures are slightly more expensive, and bulky items such as surfboards cost extra.
Timetables by season
- High season (July-August): about one departure an hour, from morning until late evening.
- Mid-season: about one departure every two hours.
- Winter: a few departures a day, with the last return in the late afternoon.
Times may change in bad weather.
Other summer crossings
From mid-June to September, two more routes are added:
- Le Canon – Arcachon: about 35 to 40 minutes, handy for going straight to the middle of the peninsula and its oyster villages.
- Cap Ferret – Le Moulleau: about 20 minutes, the shortest crossing towards the Dune du Pilat side. It depends on the tides and sandbanks, and does not take e-bikes.
Bringing your bike
- The bike must be completely empty: panniers, child seat, etc.
- Bikes over 25 kg, such as fat bikes, are not accepted.
- E-bikes: the battery must be removed and kept with you. Models with a built-in battery are not carried.
Once at Bélisaire, set off on one of our bike rides in Cap Ferret.
Good to know
- Dogs are allowed (a few euros extra).
- Wheelchair access is possible from both jetties, on request at least 2 hours before departure. It can be difficult at low tide.
- Pushchairs: a foldable one is best, and let the crew know when boarding.
- From the Bélisaire jetty, the lighthouse and the village restaurants are a few minutes’ walk away.
The Laguilb tip
Sit outside if the weather allows: the view of the Bassin, the Dune du Pilat in the distance and the stilt huts of the Île aux Oiseaux are part of the trip. And in summer, book your return too: the last evening boat is often full.
Want to see the huts up close? From Arcachon, you can also book a 2-hour cruise around the Île aux Oiseaux.
Which way round should you plan your day?
If you are staying in Arcachon, head to Cap Ferret in the morning: market, oysters at lunchtime, a walk to the Pointe or a climb up the lighthouse in the afternoon, then back at the end of the day with golden light over the Bassin. If you are staying in Cap Ferret, do the opposite: cross in the morning, visit the Ville d’Hiver in Arcachon and the seafront, have lunch there and come back before the last boat.
Either way, leave at least 30 minutes before the last departure: in summer, the queue on the jetty can be long, and in winter the last boat leaves early. Coming from further away? See our guide to getting to Cap Ferret by train, coach or car.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Arcachon – Cap Ferret crossing?
About 30 minutes between the Thiers jetty and the Bélisaire jetty. In summer, the Le Canon – Arcachon route takes about 35 to 40 minutes.
Does the ferry run all year round?
Yes, with a few departures a day in winter and about one an hour in summer. Times may change in bad weather.
Do you need to book the ferry to Cap Ferret?
It is strongly recommended in summer and during school holidays. Out of season, you will usually find a seat on the day.
Can you take a dog on the ferry?
Yes, dogs are allowed on board for a small extra charge. Keep it on a lead while boarding and during the crossing.
Source: Union des Bateliers Arcachonnais, checked on 4 November 2026.
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Cover photo: Marc Ryckaert (MJJR), Wikimedia Commons, licence CC BY 3.0
