Moving from Seattle to other points in the state of Washington is easier, thanks to the Washington State ferry system.
Although local Seattleites see these ferries as yet another transportation option, tourists, just like me, enjoy unleashing the full potential of what these ferries have to offer.
It’s time to dive deep into the magic hidden places near Seattle, WA, with the help of ferries!
Let’s check out the 5 best ferry rides in Seattle with up-to-date prices, locations, and route information.
3 Tips to Make the Best of Your Seattle Ferry Ride Adventure
Before you embark on a new journey through the waters of Seattle, there are three tips and recommendations that will help you to improve your experience:
- Pick the right ferry seats: It’s not always easy to pick the perfect seats during your ferry ride, but if you are lucky enough, and weather permits, you should choose an outside deck seat at the top of the ferry. Here, you can take great pictures, enjoy the landscape, and have a boat trip like no other. Avoid inner section seats – they are the worst!
- Plan ahead: Some town destinations might require you to have your passport and hand. Other destinations can only be visited if you make advanced reservations. Therefore, make sure to perform your own research so that you can go as prepared as possible.
- Make an itinerary: There are several things to see, places to visit, and spots to discover in the multiple destination towns connected by Seattle ferry rides. Whether you want to see the city, ride a bike, or camp in a park, make sure to make an itinerary, so you don’t end up missing these marvelous experiences.
5 Best Ferry Rides in Seattle You Can Take This Weekend
Taking a ferry from the shores of Seattle is not only a magical experience, but it is also an easy one.
Forget about complicated processes – going on a ferry ride in Seattle is simple, quick, and really fun. Nonetheless, you must go prepared.
I have experienced Seattle ferry rides several times, so I’ll give you my expert tips so you can have updated information and unique insights into the best ferry rides in Seattle.
1. Fauntleroy to Vashon Island Ferry
Fauntleroy is a neighborhood located in west Seattle. A short, 20 minute ferry ride connects it directly with Vashon Island.
The ferry route is 3.3 miles long and takes about 20 minutes to arrive at the North-End Ferry Terminal on Vashon Island. From there, you’ll surely want to continue to the more “interesting parts” of the island
This short ferry ride is amusing and full of awesome things to look for. Vashon Island is big and rustic. Visitors often rent bikes to explore the beautiful island in all its glory.
You can have some fun by going from north to south of the island, but you’ll probably need a car to explore locations that are not within walking or bike riding distance from the island’s main points.
Check out the Fauntleroy – Vashon Ferry schedule to plan your trip.
Fauntleroy to Vashon Island ferry ride at a glance
- Terminal Location: Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal, 4829 SW Barton St, Seattle, WA 98136
- Crossing Time: 20 minutes
- Price Range: Adults (19 to 64 years old) cost $6.25, senior citizens (64+ years old) cost $3.10, and youth passengers (18 and younger) ride free of charge.
- Cars Allowed: Yes. Fares for cars vary based on length. They range from $32.60 (vehicles under 30’) to $171.50 (vehicles under 80’).
2. Seattle to Whidbey Island Ferry
Looking to get from Seattle to Whidbey Island by ferry? Look no further than the fabulous Mukilteo-Clinton Ferry.
The Mukilteo ferry, located 25 miles north of the Seattle area, connects you with Clinton, Washington on the southern end of Whidbey Island, the largest of Washington state’s coastal islands.
The ferry ride is short at only 3.7 miles and a 20 minute crossing time. However, once on the Whidbey Island, there are many things to see and explore that will delight tourists.
I recommend you visit the Spoiled Dog Winery and then head north Deception Pass State Park, which separates Whidbey Island from Fidalgo Island.
Seattle to Whidbey Island ferry ride at a glance
- Location: Mukilteo Ferry Ramp, 910 First Street, Mukilteo, WA 98204
- Crossing time: 20 minutes
- Price range: Adults (19 to 64 years old) cost $5.80, senior citizens (64+ years old) cost $2.90, and youth passengers (18 and younger) ride free of charge.
- Cars Allowed: Yes. Fares for cars vary based on length. They range from $15.30 (vehicles under 30’) to $79.30 (vehicles under 80’).
3. Seattle to Bainbridge Island Ferry
The ferry ride from Seattle to Bainbridge Island takes you on a quick trip where you can see the Seattle skyline by day or night and, if you are lucky enough on your ride, enjoy the wonders of the marine wildlife swimming about the water.
You can catch the Seattle to Bainbridge ferry from Colman Dock in Seattle daily, from Sunday to Saturday, but you need to plan ahead in order to catch a departure time that works for you.
The island is a beautiful 65 miles of open land location where people ride bikes, go hiking, camp, and enjoy nature in a unique way.
There are several artsy towns where you can take pictures and dive deep into the marvels of an underestimated state full of life and beautiful landscapes.
The route is 9.7 miles with a crossing time of 35 minutes.
Seattle to Bainbridge Island ferry ride at a glance
- Location: Colman Dock, 801 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98104
- Crossing time: 35 minutes
- Price range: Adults (19 to 64 years old) cost $9.45, senior citizens (64+ years old) cost $4.70, and youth passengers (18 and younger) ride free of charge.
- Cars Allowed: Yes. Fares for cars vary based on length. They range from $25.55 (vehicles under 30’) to $134.10 (vehicles under 80’).
4. Seattle to Bremerton Ferry
The Seattle to Bremerton Ferry route is one of the most popular ferry routes in the State of Washington because it connects two beautiful places in a fun and enjoyable boat trip.
Washington State Ferries go from the Seattle Waterfront Terminal Colman Dock to Bremerton, located on the Kitsap Peninsula.
There are many things to see and discover on the Seattle to Bremerton ferry ride. You can experience the great Seattle skyline, go to the Puget Sound Navy Museum in the Puget Sound Region, and see the great USS Turner Joy navy destroyer docked forever in Kitsap County.
I personally feel this ferry ride is a water taxi for one reason: you don’t need a car to explore Bremerton. You can either move around on a bike, or walk from one interesting point to another.
The distance covered by the Bremerton ferry is approximately 16 miles and the trip has a crossing time of 1 hour.
Seattle to Bremerton Ferry ride at a glance
- Location: Colman Dock, 801 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98104
- Crossing time: 60 minutes
- Price range: Adults (19 to 64 years old) cost $9.45, senior citizens (64+ years old) cost $4.70, and youth passengers (18 and younger) ride free of charge.
- Cars Allowed: Yes. Fares for cars vary based on length. They range from $25.55 (vehicles under 30’) to $134.10 (vehicles under 80’).
5. Seattle to Victoria, B.C. Ferry
You can take the Seattle-Victoria, B.C. ferry from Pier 69 in downtown Seattle. It is possible to park your car at the Bell Street Pier Garage for $10 per calendar day.
Keep in mind that you are going from Washington State to Canada – therefore, you will need a valid passport to complete this ride.
All in all, the British Columbia area is a beautiful place to visit, and thanks to this private ferry service, you can have a great adventure like no other.
The Seattle to Victoria, B.C. Ferry is the only one on our list not operated by Washington State Ferries.
Check out the schedule on their official website to plan your trip the trip.
This is the longest ferry ride in Seattle. It covers a distance of 90.9 miles and takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete!
Seattle to Victoria, B.C. Ferry ride at a glance
- Location: Pier 69, 2701 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98121
- Duration: 2 hours and 45 minutes
- Price range: From $109 one-way to $155 round-trip.
What’s the best ferry ride in Seattle to take in 2023?
It depends on what you are looking for: do you want to explore natural, untouched landscapes at San Juan, or go on a quick ride through Washington State?
In my personal preference, the best ferry ride in Seattle is the Seattle to Bremerton ride – it is quick, really fun, and cheap!
Needless to say, you are now ready to experience all the best ferry rides Seattle has to offer by yourself and decide which one will be your favorite.