What Time Does Woolwich Ferry Close

Let’s be honest: most of us don’t spend our days wondering about ferry schedules. We’re too busy worrying about milk going off, missing the post, or whether that weird noise in the car is just a pebble or the end of days. But then comes a sunny Saturday, and you think, “Hey, let’s take the ferry across the Thames for fun.” Suddenly, you need to know: what time does the Woolwich Ferry close?

I’ve been there. One Sunday afternoon, I packed the kids, a bag of crisps, and way too much optimism. We rolled up to the Woolwich Ferry terminal at 7:45 p.m., smiling like we owned the river. The man in the booth just shook his head. “Last boat’s gone, mate.” The kids cried. The crisps got crushed. It was a proper parenting fail. Don’t be me.

Here’s the simple, life-saving truth: the Woolwich Ferry closes at 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, and 6:00 p.m. on Sundays and public holidays. That’s it. No midnight magic. No late-night river glide. You miss that window, and you’re looking at a long drive around the Dartford Crossing or a very sad sit-down on a bench while seagulls judge you.

Why should you even care?

Because the Woolwich Ferry isn’t just a boat—it’s a free boat. That’s right, you pay zero pounds to cross the Thames with your car, bike, or just your curious self. In a world where a tube ride costs more than a sandwich, that’s practically a superhero move. Missing the closing time means paying for the tunnel or bridge, which feels like a tax on your bad timing.

Think of the ferry like that one friend who always leaves the party early. You love them, they’re reliable, but if you don’t check the clock, you’ll be standing alone in an empty kitchen. The ferry leaves every 15 to 20 minutes during the day, but the last departure is firm. No “just one more crossing” because you forgot your phone.

I once saw a guy sprint down the ramp with a takeaway curry in hand. He made it, but only just. The crew cheered. The rest of us clapped. It was the most dramatic thing I’ve seen since my cat refused to eat a different brand of tuna.

The seasonal twist

Here’s where it gets a bit seasonal. During summer, the closing time doesn’t change—it’s still 7:00 p.m. on weekdays. But the daylight plays tricks on you. You see golden sun, gentle ripples, and think, “Surely they run later when it’s this nice?” Nope. The ferry is a creature of habit, not romance. It closes when it closes, like a pub that refuses to serve you “one for the road.”

In winter, the darkness makes it worse. You leave work, hit traffic, and by the time you reach the terminal, it’s 6:45 p.m. and the crew is already yawning. Don’t risk it. Give yourself an extra 30 minutes for “life stuff”—like a sudden craving for a pasty from the nearby shop.

What actually happens after closing?

After 7:00 p.m. (or 6:00 p.m. on Sunday), the ferries are tied up, the ramps are lifted, and the boatmen go home to their tea. The terminal becomes a quiet, wind-swept place where only the occasional cyclist stares at the dark water, wondering if they should’ve taken the train. It’s peaceful, but it’s not helpful if you’re trying to get to the other side.

If you do arrive late, you have two choices: drive 20 miles to the Dartford Crossing and pay a toll, or sit there and rethink your life choices. I recommend the first option. On the plus side, the night view from the crossing is lovely. On the minus side, your wallet hates you.

Hidden gems if you time it right

But if you do arrive before closing, you get a mini-adventure. You can watch the ferry approach from the waiting area, wave at the crew, and feel a little thrill as the ramp clangs down. It’s like a theme park ride, but with fewer safety warnings and more diesel smell. During peak times, you might queue for 10–15 minutes, but that’s just time to eat that bag of crisps you brought.

The best part? The ferry runs every day except Christmas Day. So even on a drizzly Tuesday in March, you can drive on, feel the sway of the boat, and pretend you’re in a movie where the protagonist has their life together. You’re welcome.

Quick cheat sheet for your phone

Save this in your notes, because nobody memorises this stuff: Weekdays & Saturday: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. | Sunday & public holidays: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The ferry runs every 15 minutes when it’s busy, every 20 when it’s not. Last boarding is usually 5 minutes before actual closing, so don’t roll up at 6:58 p.m. thinking you’re clever. You’re not. You’re just a hopeful pedestrian with a car.

And if you’re walking or cycling, the same rules apply. No special late-night foot passenger service. The ferry doesn’t love you more because you’re on two legs.

So there you have it. Next time you’re planning a spontaneous river crossing—whether it’s to visit a friend, explore the other side, or just escape the traffic on the A2—remember the woolly mammoth in the room: the Woolwich Ferry closes early. Set an alarm. Tell your mate in the passenger seat. And for heaven’s sake, don’t bring crushed crisps.