Grafton & Brussels Ferries
Two ferries serve the Grafton area. The Grafton Ferry crosses the Mississippi between St. Charles County, Missouri and Grafton, Illinois, for $10 a car one way, from 5 a.m. most days. The Brussels Ferry crosses the Illinois River from Route 100 near Grafton to Calhoun County, and it is free and runs 24 hours a day, operated by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
The Two Ferries at a Glance
Grafton Ferry: Hours
Per the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau:
- Monday to Thursday: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sunday: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The bureau says the ferry runs seven days a week, 365 days a year. Missouri's DOT lists the St. Charles to Grafton crossing as seasonal, so check before you drive to the landing, especially in winter.
Grafton Ferry: Fares
- Cars and small trucks: $10 one way, $19 round trip.
- Motorcycles: $7 one way, $13 round trip.
- Bicycles: $6 one way.
- Foot passengers: $5 one way.
- Trucks over 1 ton: $11 one way (tandem $12, semi $15).
- Trailers: $2 per axle, one way.
- Commuter pass: $70 for 10 one-way trips.
Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted.
Where the Grafton Ferry Lands
- Illinois side: near the Grafton Lighthouse and the public boat ramp, off Market Street in Grafton.
- Missouri side: Grafton Ferry Road, just off Highway 94 in St. Charles County.
The bureau says the crossing saves about 30 minutes over driving around between St. Charles County and Grafton. The ferry takes buses and vans, and passengers can get out of their cars during the crossing. The City of Grafton owns it; a private company operates it, per IDOT.
Brussels Ferry: Free, 24 Hours
IDOT owns and runs two free ferries across the Illinois River, both operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Brussels Ferry links Route 100 near Grafton with the Illinois River Road in Calhoun County, near the village of Brussels. IDOT places it about a mile west of Grafton. The tourism bureau has reported intermittent daytime restrictions for routine inspections. The other free IDOT crossing is the Kampsville Ferry, on Route 108 near Kampsville.
Which Ferry Do I Need?
- Coming from St. Louis or St. Charles, Missouri: the Grafton Ferry, then about 5 miles on Route 100 to Pere Marquette State Park. See parking and directions.
- Exploring Calhoun County across the Illinois River: the free Brussels Ferry.
- Just want a river ride: the Brussels Ferry costs nothing. Go in winter and watch the treetops for bald eagles.
Grafton & Brussels Ferries FAQ
How much is the Grafton Ferry?
$10 one way or $19 round trip for a car or small truck. Motorcycles are $7, bicycles $6 and foot passengers $5 one way.
What are the Grafton Ferry hours?
Monday to Thursday 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., per the local tourism bureau.
Is the Grafton Ferry open year round?
The tourism bureau says it runs 365 days a year, but MoDOT lists it as seasonal, so check before you go in winter.
Is the Brussels Ferry free?
Yes. IDOT runs it free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Where does the Brussels Ferry go?
Across the Illinois River from Route 100 near Grafton to the Illinois River Road in Calhoun County, near Brussels.