Washington State Ferries operates the largest ferry system in the United States by ridership

Washington State Ferries (WSF) runs 10 routes across Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands, carrying roughly 27 million passengers per year. The system connects Seattle to Bremerton, Bainbridge Island, and Vashon Island; Edmonds to Kingston; Tacoma to Vashon Island and Gig Harbor; and several routes through the San Juan Islands. Unlike private ferry operators, WSF is a public transportation agency run by the Washington State Department of Transportation, which means fares are set by the state legislature and routes are chosen based on public need rather than profit.

You do not need a reservation for most WSF routes — you arrive, pay your fare, and board the next available ferry. Walk-on passengers (people without vehicles) pay less than drivers. Peak fares and off-peak fares differ, and discounts exist for seniors, disabled passengers, and youth. The ferries run year-round on fixed schedules, though weather and mechanical issues can cause delays or cancellations.

Key Takeaways

  • Washington State Ferries operates 10 public routes across Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands with no reservation system for most sailings.
  • Walk-on fares are lower than vehicle fares, and peak-hour pricing is higher than off-peak, with discounts for seniors, disabled passengers, and youth.
  • You can pay cash at the terminal, use a ORCA card (the regional transit card), or buy tickets online before boarding.
  • Schedules change seasonally and vary by route, so checking the WSF website before you travel prevents missed sailings.
  • Vehicles require a reservation on San Juan Island routes but not on Puget Sound routes, though arriving early improves your chances of boarding during busy times.

Fares and payment methods for walk-on passengers

Walk-on fares depend on the route and the time of day. Peak fares (roughly 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays) cost more than off-peak fares. A peak-hour walk-on fare from Seattle to Bainbridge Island, for example, costs more than the same trip during midday. The WSF website lists exact fares for each route and time period, and fares change annually.

You can pay in three ways: cash at the ticket booth (most terminals have booths open during peak hours), an ORCA card (the regional transit card used on King County Metro buses and other transit systems), or online through the WSF website before you travel. Buying online in advance guarantees your fare and saves time at the terminal. If you plan to ride ferries regularly, an ORCA card is faster than paying cash each time.

Discounts explore to seniors (65 and older), passengers with disabilities, and youth (ages 5 to 18). Children under 5 ride free. To use a senior or disability discount, you must show a valid ID at the ticket booth or load the discount onto an ORCA card at a regional transit office.

Vehicle fares and reservation requirements

If you are driving a car, truck, or motorcycle onto a ferry, you pay a vehicle fare in addition to your walk-on fare. Vehicle fares vary by route and time of day, just like walk-on fares. A vehicle from Seattle to Bainbridge Island costs significantly more during peak hours than during off-peak times.

On Puget Sound routes (Seattle–Bainbridge, Seattle–Bremerton, Edmonds–Kingston, Tacoma–Vashon, and Tacoma–Gig Harbor), vehicles do not require a reservation. You arrive, pay your fare, and board the next ferry with space. During peak times, ferries fill up and you may wait for a later sailing. On San Juan Island routes, vehicle reservations are required and must be made online through the WSF website. Reservations for San Juan routes open 12 weeks in advance and fill quickly during summer.

Motorcycles and bicycles pay reduced vehicle fares. Bicycles can be brought on board free on most routes, though space is limited and you should arrive early during busy times.

Schedules, delays, and seasonal changes

WSF publishes schedules for each route on its website. Schedules change seasonally — summer schedules (typically June through September) run more frequent sailings than winter schedules. Some routes run hourly sailings during peak times and less frequently during off-peak hours. The schedule for each route shows the departure time from each terminal, the sailing duration, and any stops in between.

Ferries can be delayed or cancelled due to weather, mechanical issues, or staffing shortages. The WSF website and mobile app show real-time status updates for each route. If a sailing is cancelled, passengers are moved to the next available ferry. During winter storms or high winds, sailings to the San Juan Islands are cancelled more frequently than Puget Sound routes because the San Juans are more exposed to weather.

Check the schedule before you travel, especially if you have a tight connection or appointment. Arriving 30 to 45 minutes before your sailing gives you time to buy a ticket and board without rushing.

What to bring and what is prohibited on board

Ferries allow passengers to bring personal items, food, and beverages on board. You can bring a bicycle, a stroller, or a wheelchair. Service animals (dogs trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities) are allowed in the passenger cabin. Pets that are not service animals must stay in your vehicle or in a pet carrier in designated areas.

Prohibited items include weapons (including firearms and knives), explosives, and hazardous materials. Alcohol purchased off the ferry cannot be brought on board, though the ferry sells beer and wine in the galley. Smoking is prohibited everywhere on the ferry except in designated outdoor areas on some vessels.

Passengers with disabilities can request information at the ticket booth. Ferries have accessible restrooms, elevators, and seating areas. If you need specific accommodations, contact WSF customer service before your trip to arrange them.

Planning a trip to the San Juan Islands

The San Juan Islands are served by three WSF routes: Anacortes to San Juan Island (Friday Harbor), Anacortes to Orcas Island, and Anacortes to Lopez Island. These routes require vehicle reservations and take 45 minutes to over an hour depending on the destination. Walk-on passengers do not need reservations but should arrive early, especially during summer.

Reservations open 12 weeks in advance on the WSF website. During summer (June through August), sailings fill up quickly, and some sailings may be fully booked. If your preferred sailing is full, you can join a standby list or book a different time. Cancellations happen regularly, so checking back frequently can open spots.

The San Juan Islands are popular for day trips and overnight visits. If you are planning a day trip, check the return ferry schedule before you board — the last sailing back to Anacortes may leave earlier than you expect, especially in winter. Many visitors stay overnight and return the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy a ticket before I arrive at the terminal?

No, but buying online in advance saves time and locks in your fare. You can also buy a ticket at the terminal using cash or an ORCA card. During peak times, ticket lines can be long, so arriving early helps.

What happens if my ferry is cancelled?

WSF moves passengers to the next available sailing at no additional cost. If no ferry is running that day (rare, but happens during severe weather), you can request a refund or rebook for another day. Check the WSF website for real-time cancellation updates.

Can I bring my car on a walk-on ticket?

No. If you drive a vehicle onto the ferry, you must pay a vehicle fare in addition to your walk-on fare. Vehicle fares are listed on the WSF website for each route.

How early should I arrive before my sailing?

For walk-on passengers, 15 to 20 minutes is usually enough. For vehicles on Puget Sound routes, arrive 30 to 45 minutes early to allow time for the vehicle line. On San Juan Island routes with a reservation, arrive at least 30 minutes before your sailing time.

Are there discounts for frequent riders?

Yes. An ORCA card can be loaded with a pass for unlimited travel on a specific route for a set period (monthly or quarterly passes are available). Commuters who ride the same route regularly save money with a pass compared to paying per trip.