A group of children and two adults sitting on a bench inside a ferry or boat, looking at their phones or toys, with large windows showing blue sky and water outside.
Casco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal
Daily Schedule

Is the ferry commute right for me?

Many students spend their morning commutes packed onto a crowded bus, losing valuable instructional time when they could be learning. The ferry commute is unique in that the boat becomes a part of the Long Island Elementary Student’s classroom. While on the ferry, students engage in a variety of learning activities with a dedicated “Sea Nanny” who meets the students at the ferry terminal in Portland and accompanies, supervises and instructs them during the commute to the Long Island Elementary School. The commute is a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Portland to Long Island. Rather than sitting idly, students get to experience the thrill of watching the waterfront come to life and learn about the unique challenges facing coastal Maine communities. They spend their time actually enjoying their commute, whether playing education-based games, conducting research, or using their time reading and learning together.

Two children sitting at a green table reading books. The girl on the right has blonde hair and is focused on her book, while the boy on the left wears a beanie and is looking at a different book.
Four children standing outdoors, looking at a historical plaque mounted on a stone pedestal, with trees and buildings in the background on a sunny day.

  • "Riding the ferry is so much more fun than driving to school!"

    Former Student

  • "I like watching the sea life and the waves from the boat."

    Former Student

  • "I miss riding the ferry to get to school every day. There's something very peaceful there."

    Former Student

FAQ

  • 40 minutes

  • No! We have “Sea Nannies” who accompany, supervise, and instruct the children while on the ferry from Portland to Long Island and back.

  • Casco Bay Line Ferry Terminal is located at 56 Commercial Street Portland, ME.

  • Students will be greeted at the dock and transported the 3 minute drive to Long Island Elementary School.