From North Woolwich
to Woolwich
27min
Likely 18 to 38 min, including the queue
Likely the next boat
Woolwich Ferry · Running, reduced
Running, but slower.
Reduced Service: The ferry is reduced to one boat service due to an exercise.
NorthNorth WoolwichSouthWoolwich
Checked 14:53Refreshes every 2 min
Woolwich Ferry times today
Right now, crossing the Woolwich Ferry takes about 27 minutes from North Woolwich to Woolwich and about 22 minutes from Woolwich to North Woolwich, including the queue and loading (checked at 14:53).
From Woolwich
to North Woolwich
22min
Likely 14 to 33 min, including the queue
Likely the next boat
Ferry or tunnel?
The same trip to an equidistant point on the other side, in today's traffic. Tolls for a car at this time.
Starting north of the river
+£1.55 toll, off-peak with Auto Pay (£4.20 without)
Tunnel's 25 min quicker, but you pay
Starting south of the river
+£1.55 toll, off-peak with Auto Pay (£4.20 without)
Tunnel's 24 min quicker, but you pay
Know before you go.
London Ferry tells you how long the Woolwich Ferry will take from each bank, and whether the tunnel would beat it.
- Alerts the moment the ferry stops or starts again, at the times you cross
- Both crossing times on your Lock Screen and Dynamic Island while you drive there
- "Hey Siri, how's the Woolwich Ferry?" Hands-free, so you never touch your phone
- Live Uber Boat river bus times and every boat on the Thames
The Woolwich Ferry, answered
How long does it take to cross on the Woolwich Ferry?
The sailing itself takes about 5 minutes. With the queue and loading, right now it's about 27 minutes from North Woolwich and about 22 minutes from Woolwich. It changes through the day, so London Ferry estimates it live from each bank.
What time does the Woolwich Ferry run?
The Woolwich Ferry runs from 6am to 10pm every day, and it's closed overnight. It can stop for maintenance or bad weather; London Ferry shows whether it's running right now and alerts you when it stops or restarts.
How often do Woolwich Ferry boats leave?
With both boats running, a boat leaves each side roughly every 10 to 15 minutes. With one boat, it's about every 25 minutes.
Is the Woolwich Ferry free?
Yes. The Woolwich Ferry is free for cars, vans, cyclists and foot passengers. The nearby Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels charge a toll.
Is the ferry or the Blackwall tunnel quicker?
It depends on the traffic. London Ferry compares the same trip both ways, ferry against tunnel, in today's traffic and shows the toll for that time of day.
Where does the Woolwich Ferry go?
Across the Thames in east London, between North Woolwich (Newham, E16) and Woolwich (Royal Borough of Greenwich, SE18).
About the Woolwich Ferry
People have crossed the river here since at least the 14th century, and the free ferry opened in 1889. Today's boats, Ben Woollacott and Dame Vera Lynn, are hybrid ferries that entered service in 2019, each carrying 150 passengers and 40 vehicles. The service is run for Transport for London.