Ferry vs. transbordador

In Spanish, the words 'ferry' and 'transbordador' both refer to a type of boat used for transporting people, vehicles, or goods across a body of water. However, their usage and contexts can vary.

Ferry

In Spanish, 'ferry' is a borrowed word from English. It is commonly used in international contexts or in regions with significant English influence. It often refers to modern or large ferries used for long distances.
Tomaré el ferry para cruzar el canal de la Mancha.
(I will take the ferry to cross the English Channel.)
El ferry de Barcelona a Ibiza tiene un horario regular.
(The ferry from Barcelona to Ibiza has a regular schedule.)
Compramos los boletos para el ferry en línea.
(We bought the tickets for the ferry online.)

Transbordador

'Transbordador' is the traditional Spanish term used to describe a ferryboat. It generally refers to smaller ferries that might be used for shorter distances or local routes.
El transbordador cruza el río cada media hora.
(The ferry crosses the river every half hour.)
Utilizamos el transbordador para llegar a la isla cercana.
(We use the ferry to reach the nearby island.)
El transbordador no opera durante tormentas fuertes.
(The ferry does not operate during heavy storms.)

Summary

Both 'ferry' and 'transbordador' refer to vessels that transport people or goods over water. 'Ferry' is an anglicism more frequently used in international or urban settings involving larger and modern boats, while 'transbordador' is a traditional Spanish term suited for smaller vessels on shorter, often more localized routes.