West Seattle Water Taxi schedule and guide
King County Metro runs the West Seattle Water Taxi, a passenger-only ferry between Pier 50 on the downtown Seattle waterfront and Seacrest Park in West Seattle. The West Seattle Water Taxi crossing takes about 10 to 15 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
West Seattle 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 |
|---|---|
| 5:55 AM | West Seattle |
| 6:30 AM | West Seattle |
| 7:05 AM | West Seattle |
| 7:40 AM | West Seattle |
| 8:15 AM | West Seattle |
| 8:50 AM | West Seattle |
| 10:30 AM | West Seattle |
| 11:30 AM | West Seattle |
| 12:30 PM | West Seattle |
| 1:30 PM | West Seattle |
| 2:30 PM | West Seattle |
| 3:25 PM | West Seattle |
| 4:05 PM | West Seattle |
| 4:45 PM | West Seattle |
| 5:25 PM | West Seattle |
| 6:05 PM | West Seattle |
| 6:45 PM | West Seattle |
Departures from Pier 50, Saturdays and Sundays
| Departs | To |
|---|---|
| 8:30 AM | West Seattle |
| 9:30 AM | West Seattle |
| 10:30 AM | West Seattle |
| 11:30 AM | West Seattle |
| 12:30 PM | West Seattle |
| 1:30 PM | West Seattle |
| 2:30 PM | West Seattle |
| 3:30 PM | West Seattle |
| 4:30 PM | West Seattle |
| 5:30 PM | West Seattle |
| 6:30 PM | West Seattle |
Departures from West Seattle, Mondays through Fridays
| Departs | To |
|---|---|
| 6:15 AM | Pier 50 |
| 6:50 AM | Pier 50 |
| 7:25 AM | Pier 50 |
| 8:00 AM | Pier 50 |
| 8:35 AM | Pier 50 |
| 9:10 AM | Pier 50 |
| 11:00 AM | Pier 50 |
| 12:00 PM | Pier 50 |
| 1:00 PM | Pier 50 |
| 2:00 PM | Pier 50 |
| 3:00 PM | Pier 50 |
| 3:45 PM | Pier 50 |
| 4:25 PM | Pier 50 |
| 5:05 PM | Pier 50 |
| 5:45 PM | Pier 50 |
| 6:25 PM | Pier 50 |
| 7:05 PM | Pier 50 |
Departures from West Seattle, Saturdays and Sundays
| Departs | To |
|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | Pier 50 |
| 10:00 AM | Pier 50 |
| 11:00 AM | Pier 50 |
| 12:00 PM | Pier 50 |
| 1:00 PM | Pier 50 |
| 2:00 PM | Pier 50 |
| 3:00 PM | Pier 50 |
| 4:00 PM | Pier 50 |
| 5:00 PM | Pier 50 |
| 6:00 PM | Pier 50 |
| 7:00 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 West Seattle 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.
West Seattle Water Taxi fares
| Fare type | Cash or ticket | ORCA card |
|---|---|---|
| One-way fare | ||
| Adult (19 to 64) | $6.25 | $5.25 |
| Senior (65 and older) or disabled, with a Regional Reduced Fare Permit | $2.50 | $2.50 |
| 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 West Seattle 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 the vending machine at the terminal. 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.
West Seattle Water Taxi details
| Operator | King County Metro (King County Water Taxi) |
|---|---|
| Crossing time | About 10 to 15 minutes |
| Vessels | MV Doc Maynard carries 278 passengers. The Spirit of Kingston carries 149 passengers and 16 bicycles. |
| Vehicles | Not carried. The West Seattle 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, and each boat holds 18 to 26 bicycles. 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. |
| Restrooms on board | The Spirit of Kingston has one accessible restroom inside and two outside on the first deck. |
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.
West Seattle water taxi terminal parking and directions
The West Seattle Water Taxi docks at Seacrest Park, 1660 Harbor Avenue SW, Seattle, WA 98126. The park has restrooms, a boat launch, a fishing pier and a scuba diving launch.
Seacrest Park has a very limited amount of short-term parking, and on-street parking runs along Harbor Avenue SW. Metro's DART Route 773 shuttle connects the dock with the Alaska Junction, and Route 775 connects it with the Admiral Junction and Alki. Walkers and cyclists reach Alki Beach on the waterfront pathway.
West Seattle Water Taxi FAQs
How long is the West Seattle Water Taxi ride?
The West Seattle Water Taxi ride between Pier 50 and Seacrest Park takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Where does the West Seattle Water Taxi leave from downtown?
The West Seattle Water Taxi leaves from Pier 50, at 801 Alaskan Way at the bottom of Yesler Way.
Does the West Seattle Water Taxi take cash?
The West Seattle 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 the terminal vending machine.
Do kids ride the West Seattle Water Taxi free?
Youth 18 and younger ride the West Seattle Water Taxi free.
Can bikes ride the West Seattle Water Taxi?
Bicycles ride the West Seattle Water Taxi at no extra charge. Each boat holds 18 to 26 bicycles.
Does the West Seattle Water Taxi run on holidays?
The West Seattle 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.