{"id":13,"date":"2022-02-25T06:54:10","date_gmt":"2022-02-25T06:54:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost:4097\/?page_id=13"},"modified":"2023-04-20T16:02:10","modified_gmt":"2023-04-20T16:02:10","slug":"wa","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/localhost:4097\/wa\/","title":{"rendered":"Ferries in Washington State"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Washington, the Evergreen State, is home to the largest ferry<\/a> system in the United States, Washington State Ferries<\/a>, a division of the Washington State Department of Transportation<\/a> (WSDOT). However, there are other ferry services outside of those operated by WSF. Some of which we list on this page. The state’s ferry history dates back to the early 20th century and ferry transportation has been essential to the residents of Washington ever since.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ferry routes in Washington state<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are a number of ferry routes in the state of Washington. They connect communities that are separated by water and provide access to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. In the table below are public and private ferry services you can take in the state of Washington. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Route name<\/th>Route operator<\/th>Description<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Anacortes-Sidney B.C. Ferry<\/td>Washington State Ferries<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Anacortes-San Juan Islands Ferry<\/a><\/td>Washington State Ferries<\/td>Passenger and car ferry service between Anacortes, Lopez Island, Shaw Island, Orcas Island, and Friday Harbor (San Juan Islands).<\/td><\/tr>
Bremerton Fast Ferry<\/td>Kitsap Transit<\/td>Passenger-only ferry service between Bremerton and Seattle.<\/td><\/tr>
Edmonds-Kingston Ferry<\/a><\/td>Washington State Ferries<\/td>Passenger and car ferry service between Edmonds and Kingston.<\/td><\/tr>
Fauntleroy-Southworth Ferry<\/a><\/td>Washington State Ferries<\/td>Passenger and car ferry service between Fauntleroy and Southworth.<\/td><\/tr>
Fauntleroy-Vashon Ferry<\/a><\/td>Washington State Ferries<\/td>Passenger and car ferry service between Fauntleroy and Vashon Island.<\/td><\/tr>
Gifford-Inchelium Ferry<\/td>Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Guemes Island Ferry<\/td>Skagit County<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Keller Ferry<\/td>Washington State Department of Transportation<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Kingston Fast Ferry<\/td>Kitsap Transit<\/td>Passenger-only ferry service between Kingston and Seattle.<\/td><\/tr>
Lummi Island Ferry<\/a><\/td>Whatcom County<\/td>Weekday, weekend, and select holiday service between Lummi Island and Gooseberry Point.<\/td><\/tr>
Mukilteo-Clinton Ferry<\/a><\/td>Washington State Ferries<\/td>Passenger and car ferry service between Mukilteo and Clinton.<\/td><\/tr>
Point Defiance-Tahlequah Ferry<\/a><\/td>Washington State Ferries<\/td>Passenger and car ferry service between Point Defiance Park in Tacoma, WA, and Tahlequah on Vashon Island.<\/td><\/tr>
Port Townsend-Coupeville Ferry<\/a><\/td>Washington State Ferries<\/td>Passenger and car ferry service between Port Townsend and Coupeville, a historic town located on Whidbey Island, in Island County, Washington.<\/td><\/tr>
Seattle-Bainbridge Island Ferry<\/a><\/td>Washington State Ferries<\/td>Passenger and car ferry service between Bainbridge Island and Seattle.<\/td><\/tr>
Seattle-Bremerton Ferry<\/a><\/td>Washington State Ferries<\/td>Passenger and car ferry service between Bremerton and Seattle.<\/td><\/tr>
Southworth Fast Ferry<\/td>Kitsap Transit<\/td>Passenger-only ferry service between Southworth and Seattle.<\/td><\/tr>
Southworth-Vashon Ferry<\/a><\/td>Washington State Ferries<\/td>Passenger and car ferry service between the community of Southworth in Kitsap County, WA, and Vashon Island, WA.<\/td><\/tr>
Victoria B.C.-Port Angeles Ferry<\/td>Black Ball Transport<\/td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
Ferry routes in Washington (state)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Planning your Washington ferry trip<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Scheduling and reservations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For routes operated by Washington State Ferries, it is easy to check schedules and make reservations through their website or mobile app. Not all WSF operated routes require reservations, however. Most routes are first come first served, but it is still recommended to purchase your tickets ahead of your departure for popular routes and during peak travel times. Even for routes not operated by WSF, it is still easy to purchase tickets from the ferry operator’s website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fares and pricing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fares for most ferry routes in Washington vary depending on your destination, vehicle type and length, and the time of year. Bicycles typically cost extra, too. However, discounts are usually available for seniors, military personnel, people with disabilities, and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boarding and onboard amenities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Passengers should plan to arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Be sure to follow all crew member instructions to ensure a smooth boarding process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Onboard amenities include ample seating, restrooms, snack bars, and Wi-Fi on select routes. Some vessels also offer designated pet areas and quiet rooms for relaxation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why use a ferry in Washington state?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Scenic beauty and wildlife sightings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the more enjoyable reasons to take a ferry in Washington state is it gives you a chance to immerse yourself in the region’s breathtaking natural beauty. Most vessels serving the routes are equipped with outdoor passenger decks giving you panoramic views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. It’s also not uncommon to see wildlife and marine life like bald eagles, orcas, and sea lions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Environmental benefits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ferries are an eco-friendly mode of transportation. The boats emit fewer greenhouse gases per passenger mile compared to cars. Traveling on them reduces your carbon footprint and protects the environment. In fact, Washington State Ferries is currently seeking a shipbuilder to convert their Jumbo Mark II class vessels, the MV Puyallup<\/a>, MV Tacoma<\/a>, and MV Wenatchee<\/a>, to hybrid electric, reducing their carbon footprint by more than 20%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accessibility and convenience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ferries in Washington state provide convenient connections between major cities, coastal communities, and popular tourist destinations. Their frequent and reliable service offers an accessible and hassle-free way to explore the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for a smooth ferry experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n