A ferry has operated at Woolwich since the 14th century, and commercial crossings operated intermittently until the mid-19th century. The free service opened in 1889 after tolls were abolished on bridges to the west of London.
Traffic increased in the 20th century due to the rise in motor vehicle traffic and it remained popular because of the lack of nearby bridges. Pedestrian use dropped after the construction of a parallel foot tunnel and the extension of the Docklands Light Railway to Woolwich Arsenal station. Alternatives such as the Thames Gateway Bridge and Gallions Reach Crossing have been proposed as replacements, but there are no plans to discontinue the Woolwich Ferry.
Around two million passengers use the ferry each year.
