Cape May-Lewes Ferry Riders Face a New Charge Starting This Week

Beginning this week, anyone taking a vehicle onto the Cape May-Lewes Ferry will pay a fuel surcharge.

The Cape May–Lewes Ferry says it will add a temporary $7 fuel surcharge to all vehicle fares per crossing, citing rising diesel prices and volatility in fuel markets.

Ferry officials expect the surcharge to remain in effect through December 31, though the amount may change with fuel costs.

The surcharge will not apply to walk-on passengers

Diesel Fuel Prices Are Hitting Ferry Hard

Delaware River and Bay Authority Public Information Officer Jim Salmon says customers will start seeing the surcharge on Monday.

"If we just maintained our traffic levels and had the runs that we're having, we'd be approximately $110,000 over our fuel budget for the month," said Salmon.

Heath Gehrke, director of ferry operations, said fuel hedging contracts helped limit the financial impact of higher diesel prices during the summer.

With those contracts expiring, he said the ferry decided to pass along some of the increased costs to customers.

The Delaware River and Bay Authority Commission authorized vehicle fuel surcharges in February 2009.

According to the ferry, the surcharge applies only when the price the authority pays for marine diesel rises faster than the eight-year trend.

The ferry last implemented a fuel surcharge in April 2022.

Published fares Don't Show the Surcharge

You won't see the surcharge when you look at a list of published ferry charges.

The DRBA is telling customers to review the final amount shown during the reservation process before purchasing tickets. Rates are subject to change and will be assessed when you check in at the tollbooth.

Ferry officials say the surcharge will be removed if and when fuel prices return to previous levels.

According to AAA, as of Sunday, the national average price of diesel sits at about $6.32 per gallon. The average a year ago was $3.679, AAA says.

Customers can find updated surcharge information at CMLF.com or by calling 800-643-3779.