There are more than twelve different routes, including a water-taxi service to West Seattle and one for Vashon Island and many different stops in the San Juans. The WSDOT Ferries website also has announcements about any schedule adjustments for things like weather or construction on the piers.
There are two ferry terminals in Seattle: one on the downtown waterfront and one at Fauntleroy, in West Seattle – for access to Vashon Island. Other terminals include: Bainbridge, Bremerton, Tacoma (Point Defiance), Vashon, Southworth, Talequah, Edmonds, Kingston, Mukilteo, Clinton, Sydney (B. C. ), Anacortes, Friday Harbor, Orcas Island and Shaw Island.
For international trips, plan to arrive 60 to 90 minutes prior to the scheduled departure, so that all immigration and customs documentation can be taken care of.
There are discounted fares for those 65 and over, people with disabilities and for children. Kids under 6 ride for free. If you have a trailer or an extra long (over 22 feet or 6. 7 meters) or tall vehicle (over 7 1/2 feet or 2. 3 meters), such as an RV, there will be additional surcharges. There is a discounted fare for small cars and for motorcycles. Different fares also apply for all vehicles during “peak season”, which is May 1 to September 30, adding another 25 percent. Most fare are “one-way”, except those to “the islands” having no bridges to the mainland. Nearly all passenger tickets are “round-trip”, except Sydney and Port Townsend/Coupeville. There are waiting areas for vehicles and you may be assigned a specific lane by the ticket seller or pay attention to flaggers who will direct you. At some terminals, such as Bainbridge, there is “overflow waiting” that backs up along the edge of local highways.
Be extremely careful when opening your vehicle doors, or letting children out, if not everyone has finished parking next to you.
It’s not the same as “taking a cruise”, but many people are happy to meet new people, share a lunch table, and exchange pleasantries and conversation.
Unloading of vehicles is not always in the same order as loading. The crew members are experts in maintaining the necessary balance and flow. Watch for bicycles and for late drivers who didn’t make it back to their cars on time.
The Sounder Train runs between Everett, Seattle and Tacoma. The Link Light Rail runs from Seattle to the Sea-Tac airport. There are also some streetcars in downtown Seattle.
