Washington Island ferry schedule and guide
Washington Island Ferry Line runs the Northport–Washington Island ferry, a year-round car and passenger ferry through Death's Door between Northport Pier at the tip of Door County and Detroit Harbor on Washington Island, Wisconsin. The Washington Island ferry crosses in about 30 minutes. Tickets are sold first come, first served, and drivers need vehicle reservations for part of the winter.
Vehicle reservations required in winter
Washington Island Ferry Line requires vehicle reservations from December 21, 2026 through March 11, 2027.
Schedule up to date as of October 26, 2026
Contents
Washington Island ferry schedule Fall 2026
The Fall 2026 schedule runs from October 19, 2026 to December 6, 2026.
Departures from Northport, Saturdays through Thursdays
| Departs | To |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Washington Island |
| 9:30 AM | Washington Island |
| 11:00 AM | Washington Island |
| 1:00 PM | Washington Island |
| 3:00 PM | Washington Island |
| 5:00 PM | Washington Island |
Departures from Northport, Fridays
| Departs | To |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Washington Island |
| 9:30 AM | Washington Island |
| 11:00 AM | Washington Island |
| 1:00 PM | Washington Island |
| 3:00 PM | Washington Island |
| 5:00 PM | Washington Island |
| 7:45 PM | Washington Island |
Departures from Washington Island, Saturdays through Thursdays
| Departs | To |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Northport |
| 8:45 AM | Northport |
| 10:15 AM | Northport |
| 12:00 PM | Northport |
| 2:00 PM | Northport |
| 4:00 PM | Northport |
Departures from Washington Island, Fridays
| Departs | To |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Northport |
| 8:45 AM | Northport |
| 10:15 AM | Northport |
| 12:00 PM | Northport |
| 2:00 PM | Northport |
| 4:00 PM | Northport |
| 7:00 PM | Northport |
Fridays after November 6
This schedule replaces the Fall 2026 schedule on November 13, 2026; November 20, 2026; November 27, 2026; December 4, 2026.
The Friday night trips make their last run on November 6.
Departures from Northport
| Departs | To |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Washington Island |
| 9:30 AM | Washington Island |
| 11:00 AM | Washington Island |
| 1:00 PM | Washington Island |
| 3:00 PM | Washington Island |
| 5:00 PM | Washington Island |
Departures from Washington Island
| Departs | To |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Northport |
| 8:45 AM | Northport |
| 10:15 AM | Northport |
| 12:00 PM | Northport |
| 2:00 PM | Northport |
| 4:00 PM | Northport |
Washington Island Ferry Line changes its schedule several times a year, with the most trips in summer and the fewest in midwinter. On some summer and fall Fridays, Washington Island Ferry Line adds night trips. Weather and traffic can change the schedule.
Washington Island ferry fares
| Fare type | Round trip | One way |
|---|---|---|
| Passengers | ||
| Adult | $16.00 | – |
| Child 6 through 11 | $8.00 | – |
| Child 5 and under | Free | – |
| Vehicles | ||
| Car | $30.00 | – |
| Motorcycle | $18.00 | – |
| Bicycle | $6.00 | – |
| Oversized vehicles | ||
| Oversized vehicle 15 to 20 feet | – | $19.00 |
| Oversized vehicle 21 to 25 feet | – | $34.00 |
| Oversized vehicle 26 to 30 feet | – | $44.00 |
| Oversized vehicle 31 to 35 feet | – | $53.00 |
| Oversized vehicle 36 to 45 feet | – | $68.00 |
| Oversized vehicle 46 to 55 feet | – | $79.00 |
| Oversized vehicle 56 to 60 feet | – | $95.00 |
- Vehicle fares do not include the driver or passengers. Pets ride free. A round-trip ticket is good for any return ferry on any day.
- Oversized vehicles include motor homes, trailers, semis and box or flatbed trucks, measured by overall length. Semis, dump trucks, box and flatbed trucks and trailers may also pay $10 a ton for their load.
Washington Island Ferry Line sells tickets first come, first served at the Northport Pier ticket booth. A round-trip ticket is good for any return ferry, at any time, on any day. The Northport Pier ticket booth also sells combination tickets with the Rock Island Ferry and the Cherry Train tour of Washington Island.
Washington Island ferry details
| Operator | Washington Island Ferry Line |
|---|---|
| Crossing time | About 30 minutes |
| Vessels | Five ferries, each carrying 149 passengers and 18 to 22 standard-sized vehicles. MV Arni J. Richter has an ice hull for four-season service. |
| Vehicles | Cars, motorcycles, bicycles, motor homes, trailers, semis and box or flatbed trucks |
| Reservations | Tickets are first come, first served. Vehicles need reservations for part of the winter, shown in the alert above the schedule while it applies. |
| Pets | Pets ride free on a leash on the main decks, or in a vehicle. |
| On board | Open-air deck seating and a heated cabin. Smoking is not allowed on board. |
Northport ferry terminal parking and directions
The Washington Island ferry leaves from Northport Pier, 215 WI-42, Ellison Bay, WI 54210, where Highway 42 ends at the tip of the Door Peninsula. From Green Bay, drivers take Highway 57 north to Sturgeon Bay, then Highway 42 or Highway 57 to Sister Bay, then Highway 42 to its end at Northport Pier.
Riders who leave their cars on the mainland park free in the Northport Pier lots near North Port Des Morts Drive and behind the Visitor Center, on either side of the highway. Restrooms, information and tickets are at Northport Pier.
| Lot | Location | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Northport Pier lots | Near North Port Des Morts Drive and behind the Visitor Center | Free |
Washington Island ferry dock at Detroit Harbor
The Washington Island ferry lands at Detroit Harbor on Washington Island. Bicycle rentals are on the island dock, and moped and UTV rentals are nearby. Washington Island Ferry Line recommends bringing a car, motorcycle or bicycle to get around Washington Island.
The Rock Island Ferry leaves from Jackson Harbor, about 8 miles and 20 minutes across Washington Island from the ferry dock. Rock Island State Park has free parking at Jackson Harbor and no entry fee, but riders need a Rock Island Ferry ticket.
When to arrive for the Washington Island ferry
Washington Island Ferry Line asks riders to be in line 15 minutes before departure. Riders meeting a Cherry Train tour on the island take a ferry that leaves at least 45 minutes before the tour starts.
Washington Island Ferry Line is not responsible for damage to low exhaust systems when vehicles load.
Washington Island ferry FAQs
How long is the ferry to Washington Island?
The Northport–Washington Island ferry crosses Death's Door in about 30 minutes, passing Plum, Pilot and Detroit islands.
Does the Washington Island ferry run in winter?
The Washington Island ferry runs all year, with fewer trips in winter, and MV Arni J. Richter breaks ice. Drivers need vehicle reservations for part of the winter. The schedule at the top of this page lists the trips running now.
Can cars go on the Washington Island ferry?
The Washington Island ferry carries cars, motorcycles, bicycles and oversized vehicles. Each ferry holds 18 to 22 standard-sized vehicles, and tickets are first come, first served.
Where is the Washington Island ferry in Door County?
The Washington Island ferry leaves from Northport Pier, 215 WI-42, Ellison Bay, WI 54210, at the end of Highway 42.
How do riders get to Rock Island from Door County?
Riders take the Washington Island ferry from Northport Pier, cross Washington Island to Jackson Harbor, and take the Rock Island Ferry from there. Combination tickets for both ferries are sold at the Northport Pier ticket booth.
Can dogs ride the Washington Island ferry?
Pets ride the Washington Island ferry free, on a leash on the main decks or in a vehicle.
More Wisconsin ferries
- Madeline Island ferry, the car ferry across Lake Superior between Bayfield and La Pointe
- Lake Express ferry, the high-speed car ferry across Lake Michigan between Milwaukee and Muskegon
- Wisconsin ferries, every Wisconsin route on FerryRiders.com