The Bodensee ferry network turns the lake into a means of transport. From Konstanz the car ferry to Meersburg takes about fifteen minutes and runs continuously — it's the fastest way to cross. Longer routes connect to Friedrichshafen (about an hour), Mainau island, Bregenz in Austria, and Swiss ports including Kreuzlingen and Romanshorn. Slower panoramic boats also run in summer, making circuits of the lake with commentary.
A combined day ticket covers multiple crossings and is worth buying if you plan to visit Mainau and cross to Meersburg in the same day. The network is operated by BSB (Bodensee-Schiffsbetriebe) and timetables are reliable. In winter the service is reduced but not cancelled.