Rising diesel prices force new charges for motorists crossing Delaware Bay, with the additional fees expected to remain through the end of 2026.
CAPE MAY, N.J. — Motorists traveling aboard the Cape May–Lewes Ferry are now paying more to cross Delaware Bay as rising diesel fuel costs have prompted a temporary $7 surcharge on every vehicle crossing.
The additional charge took effect Monday, Oct. 12, increasing the cost of a round-trip vehicle reservation by $14.
The Delaware River and Bay Authority, which operates the ferry between Cape May, New Jersey, and Lewes, Delaware, announced the surcharge last week, citing rising fuel prices and continued volatility in energy markets.
The surcharge applies to all vehicle fares but does not affect passengers who board the ferry without a vehicle.
Ferry officials expect the additional charge to remain in effect through Dec. 31, although the amount could be adjusted if fuel prices change.
Why Ferry Officials Say the Increase Is Necessary
Heath Gehrke, director of ferry operations, said the ferry had been able to limit the financial impact of rising diesel prices through fuel-hedging contracts established before the latest increases.
Those agreements helped stabilize fuel expenses during the busy summer travel season.
But with the contracts expiring, ferry officials say they can no longer absorb the higher costs without adjusting fares.
"Diesel fuel prices have risen significantly this year, and the Ferry was able to mitigate the majority of the fiscal impact on our operation this summer with hedging contracts," Gehrke said in a statement announcing the increase.
"With our fuel hedges expiring and no relief on the horizon, we had to make the tough decision to share some of the fuel cost increase with our customers."
The ferry's public information officer, Jim Salmon, told Delaware Public Media that the operation could exceed its monthly fuel budget by approximately $110,000 if traffic levels and scheduled crossings remained unchanged.
How Much More Will Travelers Pay?
The new surcharge is assessed per vehicle crossing, meaning drivers will pay:
$7 extra for a one-way trip.
$14 extra for a round trip.
No additional fuel surcharge for walk-on passengers.
The fee is added to the ferry's existing vehicle fares, which vary depending on the type and size of the vehicle, travel date and reservation.
For example, a vehicle fare that previously totaled $36 one way would increase to $43 with the new surcharge.
A round-trip vehicle reservation that previously cost $72 would increase to $86.
Those examples illustrate the additional charge; actual fares depend on the reservation.
The ferry cautions that published fares do not include applicable fuel surcharges. Customers should review their final total during the reservation process before purchasing tickets.
Rates are also subject to confirmation when motorists check in at the tollbooth.
First Fuel Surcharge Since 2022
Although the increase is new, the Delaware River and Bay Authority has had the authority to impose fuel surcharges for more than 17 years.
In February 2009, the authority's commissioners adopted Resolution 09-05, allowing ferry management to assess additional vehicle charges when marine diesel prices rise faster than the eight-year historical trend.
The last time the Cape May–Lewes Ferry implemented a fuel surcharge was April 2022.
Officials say the current surcharge will be removed if fuel prices return to previous levels.
The authority has not announced whether any adjustments will be necessary before the end of the year.
Another Expense for Shore Travelers
The Cape May–Lewes Ferry provides a year-round transportation connection between southern New Jersey and Delaware, serving vacationers, residents and motorists traveling along the East Coast.
The ferry also plays an important role in regional tourism, connecting Cape May County with Delaware's coastal resort communities.
The surcharge arrives during the fall travel season, when visitors continue traveling to Cape May County for weekend getaways, festivals and other attractions.
Although walk-on passengers will not pay the additional fee, motorists bringing vehicles aboard will see the higher price reflected in their reservations.
For travelers who use the ferry regularly, the added costs could accumulate over multiple trips.
Ferry officials have not announced any reductions in service associated with the fuel increase.
What Travelers Should Know
The $7 surcharge applies to vehicle travel beginning Oct. 12, including reservations made for crossings during the remainder of the year.
Travelers should check the final reservation price because the surcharge is not included in the ferry's published base fares.
The amount could change if diesel prices rise or fall.
Current fares, schedules and reservation information are available at CMLF.com or by calling 800-643-3779.
The Cape May–Lewes Ferry continues operating year-round across Delaware Bay.
About the Author
Karen Johnson
With over 30 years of news experience in major markets like Los Angeles, Denver, and Columbus, Karen now covers our area for South Jersey NewsBeat. She also brings her articulate and conversational news delivery to WOND radio listeners every weekday. Her background includes work with the NBC Radio Network, and she thrives in fast-paced news environments.
