Concept designs for a proposed $5 million ferry terminal upgrade at Bellerive have been released.

The terminal will include indoor waiting areas, improved seating for a larger number of passengers, bicycle storage options and be fully accessible, artist impressions released on Sunday show.

Transport Minister Eric Abetz said the passenger service between Hobart and the Eastern Shore transported 500 commuters a day, with the upgraded facility to "deliver substantial improvements in passenger amenity and comfort and make it more accessible".

"Our Bellerive to Hobart ferry service remains popular with commuters, offering an alternative to the Tasman Bridge for pedestrians and cyclists, providing fast and convenient access to the city and Eastern Shore," Mr Abetz said.

Initially offered as a 12-month trial in 2021, the mostly commuter service has proven popular, with passengers taking more than 380,000 trips since its inception.

A development application will be submitted to Clarence City Council by the end of the month, with approvals expected to take between six to 12 months.

Construction of the new terminal will commence once planning approvals are completed.

A planned expansion of the River Derwent ferry network will then see three new terminals built at Lindsifarne Bay, followed by Sandy Bay and Wilkinsons Point at Glenorchy at a cost of $20 million.

The ferry service operates 15 trips every day, departing from Bellerive Pier at 6:20am each weekday, with outbound runs from Brooke Street Pier at Sullivans Cove beginning at 7:20am.

Each crossing takes about 15 minutes, with services running at 40-minute intervals during peak hours.