Boise River Shuttle Service: Your Complete Transportation Guide

Essential Shuttle Information for River Floaters

The Boise River shuttle service is the key to a stress-free floating experience, providing convenient transportation from the take-out point at Ann Morrison Park back to Barber Park. This professional shuttle service eliminates the need for multiple vehicles and allows you to focus entirely on enjoying your river adventure.

Current Pricing and Schedule (2025 Season)

Shuttle Fee: $4.00 per person (cash or card accepted)
Operating Hours: Daily from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM during floating season
Departure Frequency: Approximately every 20-30 minutes from Ann Morrison Park
Season: Typically operates from June 20 through Labor Day weekend

Cost-Effective Transportation: At just $4 per person, the shuttle service represents exceptional value compared to the alternative of using ride-sharing services or taxis for the 6-mile trip back to Barber Park. For groups of 3 or more, the shuttle is significantly more economical than other transportation options.

Real-Time Shuttle Information and Timing Strategies

Detailed Departure Schedules by Day Type

Weekday Service (Monday-Friday):
• Departures: Every hour on the hour from Ann Morrison Park
• Operating hours: 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM... through 9:00 PM
• Planning tip: More predictable timing but less flexibility - plan float completion carefully

Weekend & Holiday Service (Saturday, Sunday, Holidays):
• Departures: Every 20 minutes from Ann Morrison Park
• Operating hours: 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM with continuous 20-minute intervals
• Advantage: Maximum flexibility - reduces waiting time significantly

2025 Season Usage Statistics

Popular Service: As of late 2025, nearly 47,000 people have used the shuttle service - approximately 31% of the 150,000+ annual river floaters. This demonstrates the service's value and popularity among visitors who prefer the convenience of ending their adventure at their parked vehicle.

Advanced Planning Tools

Interactive Resources:
• Float the Boise Interactive Map: Real-time conditions and planning tools
• Current Conditions Monitor: River flow, weather, and service status
• Safety Checklist Integration: Coordinate shuttle timing with safety planning

Optimal Timing Strategies for Different Scenarios

Family Groups with Children:
• Target weekend mornings (10 AM start) for 20-minute shuttle frequency
• Plan 2.5-3 hour float time to catch 1:00-2:00 PM return shuttles
• Avoid peak afternoon hours when children may be tired

Corporate and Large Groups:
• Coordinate multiple float start times to manage shuttle capacity
• Designate shuttle coordinators to manage group logistics
• Consider weekday hourly service for predictable corporate scheduling

Peak Season Visitors (July-August):
• Start floats early (10 AM-11 AM) to avoid 2-5 PM shuttle peak demand
• Expect 20-40 minute waits during peak afternoon hours
• Monitor weather for afternoon thunderstorm shuttle suspensions

Shuttle Route and Pickup Locations

Primary Pickup Point: The shuttle departs from the designated pickup area at Ann Morrison Park, located near the main take-out points where floaters exit the river. Clear signage and staff presence during peak hours make the pickup location easy to find.

Drop-Off Location: The shuttle delivers passengers directly to Barber Park's main parking area, providing convenient access to vehicle pickup or equipment return. The drop-off point is strategically located near the main entrance for easy orientation.

Scenic Route Benefits: The shuttle journey follows the Boise River Greenbelt and scenic roadways, offering passengers a different perspective on the route they just floated. Many riders enjoy seeing the river from above and spotting landmarks they passed during their float.

Strategic Parking and Transportation Tips

Smart Parking Strategy: Many experienced floaters use this cost-saving approach: park your vehicle at Ann Morrison Park (free parking), take the shuttle to Barber Park, rent equipment and float back to your car. This strategy saves $7 in Barber Park parking fees while providing the convenience of ending at your vehicle.

Group Coordination: For larger groups, consider having one person drive the group to Barber Park, then take the shuttle back to retrieve additional vehicles parked at Ann Morrison Park. This approach minimizes shuttle costs while ensuring everyone starts together.

Timing Considerations: Plan your float timing to align with shuttle operations. Since the last shuttle departs at 9:00 PM, ensure your float concludes with enough time to catch return transportation, especially during peak summer months when extended daylight hours tempt late starts.

Shuttle Service During Peak Season

High-Demand Periods: During busy summer weekends, especially July and August, shuttle demand can be substantial. Expect potential waiting times of 20-40 minutes during peak afternoon hours (2:00-5:00 PM). Plan accordingly and consider bringing entertainment or snacks for the wait.

Capacity Management: Shuttle vehicles accommodate approximately 15-20 passengers depending on group size and equipment. During extremely busy periods, multiple trips may be necessary, resulting in longer wait times for later passengers in line.

Weather Impact: Summer afternoon thunderstorms can temporarily suspend shuttle operations for safety reasons. Monitor weather forecasts and consider earlier float times during periods of predicted afternoon storms.

Alternative Transportation Options

Ride-Sharing Services: Uber and Lyft operate in the Boise area and can provide transportation between Ann Morrison Park and Barber Park. However, costs typically range from $15-25 per ride, making the shuttle more economical for most groups.

Bicycle Transportation: Adventurous visitors can bike from Ann Morrison Park back to Barber Park using the Boise Greenbelt system. The approximately 6-mile ride takes 30-45 minutes and provides excellent exercise and sightseeing opportunities.

Public Transportation: While limited, Boise's public bus system provides some connectivity between the parks during certain hours. Check Valley Regional Transit schedules for current routes and timing.

Booking and Reservation Information

No Advance Reservations: Shuttle service operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance booking required or available. Simply arrive at the pickup location and join the queue during operating hours.

Payment Methods: The shuttle service accepts both cash and credit/debit cards, making payment convenient for all visitors. Having exact change speeds up the boarding process during busy periods.

Group Accommodations: Large groups should coordinate arrival times at the pickup location and be prepared for the possibility of being split across multiple shuttle trips during peak demand periods.

Safety and Comfort Features

Professional Drivers: All shuttle drivers are trained professionals familiar with the route and experienced in safely transporting groups of recreational visitors. Drivers often provide helpful local information and floating tips during the journey.

Vehicle Safety: Shuttle vehicles are regularly maintained and inspected to ensure passenger safety and comfort. All vehicles are equipped with proper seating and safety equipment required for commercial passenger service.

Weather Protection: Enclosed shuttle vehicles provide protection from sun, wind, and unexpected weather, ensuring passenger comfort regardless of conditions.

Environmental and Community Benefits

Reduced Traffic Impact: The shuttle service significantly reduces vehicle traffic along the popular river corridor, helping preserve the peaceful, natural atmosphere that makes Boise River floating so appealing.

Environmental Stewardship: By reducing the need for multiple vehicle trips, the shuttle service helps minimize air pollution and parking demand at both locations, supporting Boise's commitment to environmental protection.

Local Economic Support: Using the official shuttle service supports local employment and helps fund continued maintenance and improvement of the floating facilities and river access points.

Special Considerations and Tips

Equipment Transport: If you have personal floating equipment, the shuttle can accommodate reasonable amounts of gear. However, large items or excessive equipment may require special arrangements or alternative transportation.

Photography Opportunities: The shuttle ride provides excellent opportunities to photograph the river corridor from a different perspective. Many passengers enjoy capturing images of areas they floated through earlier in the day.

Local Insights: Shuttle drivers often share valuable local knowledge about river conditions, weather patterns, wildlife sightings, and other Boise area attractions. Don't hesitate to ask questions during your ride.

Integration with Other Park Services

Equipment Rental Coordination: The shuttle service coordinates closely with equipment rental operations to ensure smooth transitions for visitors using both services. Rental staff can provide shuttle timing information and help plan your complete floating experience.

Parking Service Integration: Shuttle operations work in conjunction with parking services at both locations to minimize confusion and maximize convenience for all visitors.

Multi-Day Visit Planning: For visitors planning multiple days of floating, the shuttle service enables efficient transportation regardless of where you choose to park, making it easy to vary your floating experience from day to day.

Barber Park - Unofficial Guide - Floating - Event Center - Tube Rental

For more information please go to the Ada County Parks & Waterways website: https://adacounty.id.gov/parksandwaterways/