The Washington State Ferry system is the largest ferry system in the United States, serving eight counties within Washington and the Province of British Columbia in Canada. Our existing system has 10 routes and 20 terminals served by 29 vessels.

Three ferry routes connect directly into Downtown Seattle at Piers 50 and 52, located at 801 Alaskan Way–Seattle/Bainbridge Island, Seattle/Bremerton, and Seattle/Vashon.

Last year almost 25 million riders used the State Ferry service and, of those trips, over 9 million were on the direct-to-Seattle routes. So far, in 2005 alone (WSF’s quarterly report), the Seattle routes have seen more than 2.5 million riders.

You can travel on the ferries three ways:

On Foot–It's easy, quick, and avoids auto lines. Passengers are charged for round trip travel (on most routes) and pay at passenger toll booths. Walk-on passengers must be on board five minutes before departure. Most terminals do not have lockers available or luggage handling facilities, so plan to carry whatever you bring to the terminal. Many ferries are met by public transportation.

By Bike (including motorcycles)–You can load before cars if you are there 20 minutes before departure time. Otherwise, bikes load at the discretion of the crew - if you are really late, you could load and unload last. Bikes should be secured at the side of the boat. Canoes, kayaks, and other sporting equipment can be accommodated at the direction of the crew. Passenger-only ferries have limited space for bikes.

By car–This requires planning ahead. Sunny summer weekends and commuter hours from 6 to 9 a.m. eastbound and 4 to 7 p.m. westbound are busy, so travel at other times if possible. Arrive at the ferry terminal early and plan at least 30-40 minutes of wait time.  Pay your way at the toll booth for car/drivers and passengers. Vehicle fares are one-way, except on the Vashon and San Juan Islands routes. Follow directions to the loading area and remember to be in your car and ready to go 20 minutes before departure time. Cars load in order of arrival with the exception of carpools, vehicles with a special priority, or vehicles to destinations different from yours.

Passenger-only fares are based on age and may be paid daily. Monthly passes and ticket books are also available.

Washington State Ferries vehicle fares are based on length, height, and width of the vehicle.

Monthly Pass Prices

Monthly passes provide a discount for customers who make 16 or more round trips in a month.

Monthly Pass Hierarchy

More expensive passes are good on less expensive ferry routes. The hierarchy is as follows: Passenger-only; Central Sound; Fauntleroy/Southworth and Port Townsend/Keystone; Vashon Island; and Mukilteo/Clinton.

For more information about Washington State Ferries, visit http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/index.cfm.