In short
- Liberty Square is located in downtown Charleston at 340 Concord Street.
- Patriots Point is in Mount Pleasant and is highly recommended for RVs.
- Both locations offer the same 2-hour and 15-minute tour experience.
In this article
The official Fort Sumter ferry departs from two locations. You can leave from Liberty Square in downtown Charleston or Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant. Both routes take you to the island fort and cost the same. Your choice depends on where you are staying and how you prefer to travel.
Which departure location is better?
Liberty Square is best for pedestrians in downtown Charleston, while Patriots Point is best for drivers and RVs.
Liberty Square features the primary Visitor Education Center. Its parking is at a city garage with a strict 7-foot height limit. Patriots Point has a large surface lot in Mount Pleasant that accommodates oversized vehicles easily.
What is the Liberty Square departure like?
It is the primary downtown hub at 340 Concord Street.
This location includes a museum detailing the events leading up to the Civil War. Arrive at least 45 minutes before your ferry departure to explore these free exhibits. The National Park Store is also located here.
Why choose the Patriots Point departure?
It offers easy surface parking and sits near the USS Yorktown.
This Mount Pleasant location allows you to avoid downtown Charleston traffic. It is strongly recommended for visitors traveling in RVs or large vehicles. The ferry ride from here passes the USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier.
Do the ferry routes take the same amount of time?
Yes, both ferry rides take 30 to 40 minutes each way.
The total tour experience from either location lasts exactly 2 hours and 15 minutes. This timeline includes exactly 60 minutes to explore the fort itself before the ferry departs for the return trip.
Does the ticket price change based on location?
No, standard ferry tickets typically cost $35 to $40 from either dock.
Prices are identical regardless of your departure point. Combo tours that include other attractions range from $67 to $78. A paid ferry ticket is strictly required for access, as private boats are prohibited from docking.
Where should I park for each location?
Use the 24 Calhoun Street garage for Liberty Square or the onsite lot at Patriots Point.
The downtown garage near Liberty Square charges variable rates and has a 7-foot height restriction. Patriots Point uses a paid surface lot that easily fits larger vehicles and offers a much simpler parking experience.
Questions travellers ask
What happens if I miss my ferry?
Daytime ferry tickets are 100% refundable if canceled at least 2 hours in advance. If you miss your scheduled time, you may need to purchase a new ticket. Ferries operate on strict schedules.
Can I change my departure location after booking?
You must depart from the location listed on your ticket. If you need to switch from Liberty Square to Patriots Point, cancel your original ticket 2 hours in advance and book a new one.
Are there bathrooms at the departure points?
Yes, both Liberty Square and Patriots Point have restroom facilities available before you board the ferry. There are also restrooms onboard the ferry itself.
