SeaLink standard timetable read 28 September 2026 (weekday pattern shown by default); new two-ferry timetable expected November 2026 · Representative services only — check the operator for today's full timetable
Departures 1–10 / 10
Departures 1–10 / 10
Crossing time
~45 min
Operator
SeaLink South Australia
Map – Kangaroo Island Ferry
| Fare type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult, one way (from) | $49.00 |
| Concession or student, one way (from) | $39.00 |
| Child 3-14, one way (from) | $25.50 |
| Infant 0-2 | Free |
| Vehicle, campervan or motorhome up to 5 m, one way (from) | $99.00 |
| Vehicle, campervan or motorhome 5.1 to 5.9 m, one way (from) | $112.00 |
| Motorbike, one way (from) | $38.00 |
| Bicycle, surfboard or windsurfer, one way (from) | $13.00 |
| Temporary fuel surcharge per passenger, each way | $5.00 |
| Temporary fuel surcharge per vehicle, each way | $14.00 |
Fares are sold by SeaLink online or on 13 13 01, and the prices below are its published 'from' fares for one-way travel, which move with demand and time of travel. SeaLink's own fare page says these prices were valid to 31 March 2026 and no newer table was found, so treat them as a guide and check the booking price. Since 17 April 2026 a temporary fuel surcharge of $5 per passenger and $14 per vehicle each way has been added to new bookings (not resident or freight fares); SeaLink reviews it monthly. Vehicle fares are listed separately from passenger fares. All fares in Australian dollars (AUD).
SeaLink runs the only scheduled vehicle ferry to Kangaroo Island, running between its terminal at Cape Jervis on the mainland and Penneshaw on the island. The crossing takes about 45 minutes. SeaLink says it has served the route for more than 30 years and that the South Australian Government confirmed it in a competitive tender announced in December 2021 for the Kangaroo Island Ferry Service. The ferries run every day of the year except Christmas Day.
The timetable is a base pattern with flags rather than a fixed grid. From Cape Jervis the daily sailings are 09:00, 10:00, 16:00, 18:00 and 19:00; 07:00 runs Monday to Friday, 12:00 Monday to Saturday and 15:00 on Sunday. From Penneshaw the daily sailings are 08:30, 10:30, 14:30, 17:30 and 19:30, with 05:30 on weekdays, 13:30 Monday to Saturday and 16:30 on Sunday. SeaLink adds 06:00, 13:00, 21:00 and 21:45 from Cape Jervis, and 07:30, 11:30, 20:30 and 22:15 from Penneshaw, when seasonal capacity requires. The 09:00 from Cape Jervis is timed to meet the SeaLink coach from Adelaide.
Booking rules matter more than the times. SeaLink asks for check-in at least 30 minutes before departure, takes online bookings for passengers and vehicles up to 5.9 metres, and wants a phone call on 13 13 01 for anything longer, or a car and trailer combination over 9.9 metres. Electric and hybrid vehicles must be declared at booking, and freight and commercial units over 5.5 metres long or 2.9 metres wide go to a separate department. Kangaroo Island has biosecurity rules, and SeaLink provides bins at its terminals for prohibited items.
Two dated changes affect any trip this autumn. A temporary fuel surcharge of $5 per passenger and $14 per vehicle each way has applied to new bookings since 17 April 2026 and is reviewed monthly. And SeaLink's notice of 16 August 2026 announces a three-day shutdown from Tuesday 20 to Thursday 22 October, with the last sailing leaving Cape Jervis at 6pm on Monday 19 October, while new vehicle ramps are installed for the incoming ferries Wanggami and Ruwi. The new timetable is expected to start in November 2026.
- Arrive at the terminal a few minutes before departure; vehicle boarding usually closes earlier.
- Check the operator's service alerts before travelling — weather, tides and river levels affect services.
- Confirm accepted payment methods and whether a booking is required for vehicles.
Frequently asked questions
About 45 minutes between Cape Jervis and Penneshaw, according to SeaLink's timetable page. SeaLink asks passengers to check in at least 30 minutes before departure.
SeaLink's fare page lists adult one-way fares from $49, concession or student $39 and child $25.50, with a car up to 5 metres from $99. A temporary fuel surcharge of $5 per passenger and $14 per vehicle each way applies on new bookings. The page says its prices were valid to 31 March 2026, and fares vary by departure, so confirm at booking.
No. SeaLink plans a temporary shutdown from Tuesday 20 to Thursday 22 October 2026 inclusive, weather permitting. The last sailing before it leaves Cape Jervis at 6pm on Monday 19 October, and services resume on Friday 23 October on a limited schedule.
The current standard timetable has seven scheduled departures from Cape Jervis on a weekday and six on Saturday or Sunday, with a similar number back from Penneshaw. SeaLink adds extra sailings when seasonal demand requires. Its announced two-vessel timetable lists 22 departures a day on weekdays from September to April.
Yes. Trailers, boats and caravans up to 5 metres are priced from $99 and 5.1 to 5.9 metres from $112. A car towing a trailer can be booked online only if the combined length is 9.9 metres or less and the width is 2 metres or less; larger combinations must be booked by phone on 13 13 01.
SeaLink runs a daily public coach service between Adelaide and Cape Jervis, and its 09:00 sailing meets that coach. Link SA also operates public bus Route 1259 between Adelaide and Cape Jervis.
SeaLink lists items prohibited on the island and asks passengers to dispose of them in the biosecurity bins at the SeaLink terminal before travelling. The list is on SeaLink's Kangaroo Island page.
Wanggami and Ruwi, two drive-through vessels that SeaLink is bringing into service for the Kangaroo Island Ferry Service. Ruwi's delivery has been delayed, and SeaLink expects the new timetable to start in November 2026, so times may change.