On foot is easy, quick and avoids auto lines. Passengers are charged for round trip
travel on most routes, and pay at passenger toll booths. Board an overhead ramp for
loading, or wait for instructions to walk on the car deck. 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 car 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. Travel at other times if
possible. Arrive at the ferry terminal early and plan at least 30 to 40 minutes
of wait time. San Juan Island waits may be 2 to 4 hours during peak season,
depending on the route.
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.
Space on the ferry is limited. It is measured in terms of length, height and width
of the load. Vehicles exceeding a "box" size of 7'6" high by 20 feet long by 8'6"
wide will be subject to surcharges. RVs, bikes on top of the car, and long vehicles
pulling trailers or boats are subject to these charges.
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.
Remember that toll booth attendants are trying to quickly load travelers to
maintain our schedule. Please get accommodation, restaurant, and travel information
from other sources. Also, check the
tourist information available on our website.