CAPE MAY, NJ – The Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 26-18 at its April 21, 2026, Board meeting, which authorized a revised fare schedule for the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. The adjustments, which were developed following a virtual public meeting held on February 9, 2026, are designed to ensure the continued operational excellence of the bi-state crossing while expanding benefits for families and streamlining the reservation process. The new fares will officially go into effect on June 1, 2026.
 
“Our focus is to both reduce our operating deficit with modest fare changes but keep fares as affordable as possible - even in times of escalating fuel and operating costs - by offering discounts that encourage multiple trips, family bookings, and reserved travel” said Heath Gehrke, Director of Ferry Operations. “Because traveling for a vacation or visiting family are the two top reasons why people use the Cape May – Lewes Ferry, we know affordable family travel is important to our customers’ decision-making process.”

A central highlight of the new schedule is the expansion of family-friendly pricing, specifically for increasing the period where children 6 to 13 travel for free. This “free-travel” window for children now extends from October through May, providing significant value for families traveling during the off-season and shoulder months. 

The revised fare schedule also introduces a “staircase pricing” model for vehicle bookings. Under this new system, base fares remain consistent for early bookings, but prices will step up incrementally as vessel capacity reaches 50%, 75%, and 90% thresholds. Additionally, vehicle fares will see a seasonal increase ranging from $2 to $6 depending on time of year, and the Authority has transitioned group and return-trip discounts to a fixed percentage of the base fare.  

Other notable changes include a $2 increase to shuttle fares and a $2 adjustment to the non-refundable reservation cancellation fee and the "show-go" handling fee for non-reserved vehicle travel. These modifications are projected to generate approximately $1.5 million in additional revenue annually to help offset the service’s operating deficit.  Travelers are encouraged to review the complete fare table – a portion of which is below - or visit www.CMLF.com.  The website also has detailed information on Loyalty Rewards and ticket expiration policies. 

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 About the Cape May-Lewes Ferry  
Owned and operated by the Delaware River and Bay Authority, the Cape May – Lewes Ferry is open year-round and has carried more than 50 million passengers since its inception on July 1, 1964. As an integral transportation system connecting the communities and economies on both sides of the Delaware Bay, the Ferry service is a significant catalyst for economic growth and regional tourism activity in New Jersey and Delaware. Its operations sustain over 4,000 jobs while generating tens of millions of dollars in local taxes and hundreds of millions in regional economic activity. For schedule, rates and other program information, please visit the ferry’s website at www.CMLF.com, or call toll free, 800-643-3779. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram @CMLFerry.