Driving charges · Ferry
Sandbanks Ferry (Bournemouth–Swanage chain ferry)
Chain ferry across the mouth of Poole Harbour between Sandbanks (Poole) and Shell Bay, Studland (Purbeck, Dorset)
Who pays
Drivers of all vehicles on each crossing; pedestrians and cyclists pay going from Sandbanks to Studland (free the other way)
When it applies
Every crossing while the ferry is running
How much
| Vehicle | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Motorbike | £1.18 | Per single crossing. |
| Car or van up to 3,500kg | £6.26 | Per single crossing; double if towing. Bulk token discounts for account holders. |
| Goods vehicle 3,500–20,000kg, or bus/coach 18+ seats | £12.52 | Per single crossing; double if towing. |
| Pedestrian or bicycle (Sandbanks to Studland) | £1.18 | Studland to Sandbanks is free for pedestrians. |
Discounts and exemptions
- Prepaid account with tokens in 10s or 50s at bulk-discount rates; up to five vehicles; auto-pay available
- No exemptions for vehicles: electric vehicles, disabled tax class vehicles and microcars all pay
How to pay
Vehicles: number-plate recognition (no payment at the booth since 1 July 2026). Pay online at sandbanksferry.co.uk/pay or on the Sandbanks Ferry app, up to 30 days before travelling, or use a prepaid account. Pedestrians and cyclists pay by card/contactless when they travel.
Payment deadline
By midnight the day after your crossing
If you don't pay
Unpaid Toll Notification posted to the registered keeper: the toll plus administration costs, initially £24.52, payable within 28 days
Good to know
Card, paper tickets and Sandbanks Ferry Toll Cards stopped being accepted at the booths on 1 July 2026. The service will pause for a scheduled refit from Monday 2 November 2026 (check the operator's site for the return date).
Sources: sandbanksferry.co.uk/ferry-tolls/ · sandbanksferry.co.uk/pay/ · sandbanksferry.co.uk/ · sandbanksferry.co.uk/vehicle-tolling-your-questions-answered