Vashon Water Taxi schedule and guide
King County Metro runs the Vashon Water Taxi, a passenger-only ferry between Pier 50 on the downtown Seattle waterfront and the Vashon ferry terminal on Vashon Island. The Vashon Water Taxi crossing takes about 22 minutes. Riders pay as they board, King County Metro takes no reservations, and youth 18 and younger ride free.
Schedule up to date as of October 26, 2026
Contents
Vashon Water Taxi schedule Fall and winter 2026–2027
The Fall and winter 2026–2027 schedule runs from October 10, 2026 to April 9, 2027.
Departures from Pier 50, Mondays through Fridays
| Departs | To |
|---|---|
| 5:30 AM | Vashon |
| 6:38 AM | Vashon |
| 7:40 AM | Vashon |
| 8:50 AM | Vashon |
| 11:25 AM | Vashon |
| 12:45 PM | Vashon |
| 3:00 PM | Vashon |
| 4:30 PM | Vashon |
| 5:30 PM | Vashon |
| 6:30 PM | Vashon |
Departures from Vashon, Mondays through Fridays
| Departs | To |
|---|---|
| 6:10 AM | Pier 50 |
| 7:10 AM | Pier 50 |
| 8:15 AM | Pier 50 |
| 9:25 AM | Pier 50 |
| 12:00 PM | Pier 50 |
| 1:30 PM | Pier 50 |
| 3:45 PM | Pier 50 |
| 4:58 PM | Pier 50 |
| 5:58 PM | Pier 50 |
| 6:58 PM | Pier 50 |
Thanksgiving Day
This schedule replaces the Fall and winter 2026–2027 schedule on November 26, 2026.
No sailings.
Christmas Day
This schedule replaces the Fall and winter 2026–2027 schedule on December 25, 2026.
No sailings.
New Year's Day
This schedule replaces the Fall and winter 2026–2027 schedule on January 1, 2027.
No sailings.
The Vashon Water Taxi does not sail on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day or New Year's Day. On other holidays, King County Metro runs the regular schedule for that day of the week.
Vashon Water Taxi fares
| Fare type | Cash or ticket | ORCA card |
|---|---|---|
| One-way fare | ||
| Adult (19 to 64) | $7.00 | $6.00 |
| Senior (65 and older) or disabled, with a Regional Reduced Fare Permit | $3.00 | $3.00 |
| Youth (18 and younger) | Free | Free |
| ORCA LIFT | – | $1.00 |
- Riders pay a one-way fare as they board. Bicycles and pets ride at no extra charge.
Every Vashon Water Taxi fare is a one-way fare, paid when boarding. Riders pay with exact cash, a tapped credit or debit card or phone, an ORCA card, the Transit GO Ticket app or a paper ticket from a terminal vending machine. King County Metro does not accept checks or bus transfers.
The senior and disabled fare needs a Regional Reduced Fare Permit. Bicycles, pets, strollers and luggage ride at no extra charge.
Vashon Water Taxi details
| Operator | King County Metro (King County Water Taxi) |
|---|---|
| Crossing time | About 22 minutes |
| Vessel | MV Sally Fox, 104 feet long, carries 278 passengers. |
| Vehicles | Not carried. The Vashon Water Taxi is passenger-only. |
| Reservations | Not taken. Every passenger waits in line, including riders who bought a ticket or pass in advance. |
| Payment | Exact cash, tap to pay, ORCA card, Transit GO Ticket app or paper ticket |
| Bicycles | No extra charge. Bicycles up to 73 inches long and 15 inches wide fit the racks. Cyclists walk their bicycles between the pier entrance and the boat. |
| Pets | Leashed dogs and cats in crates ride free. |
| Accessibility | The docks, waiting areas and boats are accessible. Riders who need help boarding tell a crew member or press the ADA assistance call button in the Pier 50 waiting area. |
Pier 50 water taxi terminal parking and directions
The Pier 50 water taxi terminal sits on the downtown Seattle waterfront at 801 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98104. Riders enter at the bottom of Yesler Way. The covered waiting area holds up to 500 passengers, and an ORCA card vending machine sells and reloads cards before boarding.
Pier 50 has no parking. Paid lots and metered street parking are nearby. Elevated walkways lead from 1st Avenue and Marion Street to the restrooms in the Washington State Ferries terminal at Colman Dock, so walk-on passengers reach Pier 50 without crossing busy streets.
Link light rail and Metro routes 21, 56, 57, 101, 102, 113, 125 and 150 and the RapidRide C and H lines serve the Pier 50 water taxi terminal.
Vashon ferry terminal parking for the water taxi
The Vashon Water Taxi docks at the Vashon ferry terminal, which Washington State Ferries owns and runs, at 10800 North Vashon Highway, Vashon, WA 98070. The terminal building has an indoor waiting area, restrooms, ticket vending machines and snack and drink machines. A restaurant sits on shore near the base of the dock.
Free parking is about a block away, uphill from the Vashon ferry terminal. Metro routes 118 and 119 connect the terminal with the rest of Vashon Island, Tahlequah and Dockton.
Vashon Water Taxi FAQs
How long is the Vashon Water Taxi ride?
The Vashon Water Taxi ride between Pier 50 in Seattle and Vashon Island takes about 22 minutes.
Where does the Vashon Water Taxi leave from in Seattle?
The Vashon Water Taxi leaves from Pier 50, at 801 Alaskan Way at the bottom of Yesler Way on the downtown Seattle waterfront.
Can cars ride the Vashon Water Taxi?
The Vashon Water Taxi carries passengers only. Drivers take the Washington State Ferries Fauntleroy–Vashon–Southworth ferry or the Point Defiance–Tahlequah ferry instead.
Does the Vashon Water Taxi take cash?
The Vashon Water Taxi takes cash in the exact amount. Riders also pay by tapping a card or phone, with an ORCA card, with the Transit GO Ticket app or with a paper ticket from a terminal vending machine.
Is there parking for the Vashon Water Taxi?
The Vashon Water Taxi has free parking about a block uphill from the Vashon ferry terminal. Pier 50 in Seattle has no parking, only paid lots and metered street parking nearby.
Does the Vashon Water Taxi run on holidays?
The Vashon Water Taxi runs on most holidays on its regular schedule for that day of the week. It does not sail on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day or New Year's Day.