Cape May–Lewes Ferry
M.V. Twin Capes near the Cape May, New Jersey terminal on July 4, 2005.
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|
| Locale |
 US 9, North Cape May, New Jersey and Lewes, Delaware
|
|---|---|
| Waterway | Delaware Bay |
| Transit type | Passenger/automobile ferry |
| Owner | Delaware River and Bay Authority |
| Operator | Delaware River and Bay Authority |
| Began operation | July 1, 1964 |
| System length | 17 miles (27 km) |
| No. of lines | 1 |
| No. of vessels | 4 |
| No. of terminals | 2 |
| Website | http://www.cmlf.com/ |
The Cape May–Lewes Ferry is a ferry system that traverses a 17-mile (27 km) crossing of the Delaware Bay to connect North Cape May, New Jersey with Lewes, Delaware. The ferry constitutes a portion of U.S. Route 9, and is the final crossing of the Delaware River-Delaware Bay waterway before it meets the Atlantic Ocean.
The Cape May–Lewes Ferry, operated by the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA), consists of three ferry vessels and two terminal facilities. Its operations are based at its Cape May terminal, which is actually located in North Cape May, on the north shore of the Cape May Canal.
The three vessels in the fleet carry both vehicles (passenger cars, buses, RVs, tractor trailers, motorcycles, and bicycles) and foot passengers. Each has a capacity of about 100 cars, selling out in advance during the popular summer weekends (although passenger capacity usually does not). Advance reservations are accepted.
The ferry trip takes approximately 80 minutes and provides a view of three lighthouses: the Cape May Light in New Jersey, and the Harbor of Refuge Light and Delaware Breakwater East End Light near Lewes.
The ferry's terminal buildings were substantially overhauled in 2000–01. A new Cape May terminal replaced the existing structure, built in 1988. The Lewes terminal, also built in 1988, was expanded and renovated at the same time. Both terminals now feature unique, recognizable "towers," which contain elevators and staircases connecting the terminal buildings to glass-enclosed walkways. The walkways allow foot passengers to board the vessel directly on the second deck, avoiding vehicles driving onto the car deck below.
The terminal buildings feature gift shops, food courts, bars, restaurants, ticketing and information booths, and occasional history or art exhibits.
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