Bainbridge Island Ferry Seattle Ferry Terminal Seattle WA USA Essential Travel Guide

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A red sailboat named 'TRUE' docked at Bainbridge Island Marina on a cloudy day.
Credit: pexels.com, A red sailboat named 'TRUE' docked at Bainbridge Island Marina on a cloudy day.

The Bainbridge Island Ferry Seattle Ferry Terminal is a crucial hub for travelers heading to and from the island. It's located in Seattle, WA, USA.

The terminal is situated at 801 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98104, making it easily accessible by car or on foot. You can also take a bus to get there.

The ferry ride itself is a scenic experience, offering stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound.

How to Get to the Terminal at SeaTac Airport

Getting to the terminal at SeaTac Airport is relatively easy. You can take a light rail train from the airport to the Westlake Center in downtown Seattle, then transfer to the Monorail to get to the Seattle Center. The trip takes about 40 minutes.

The SeaTac Airport is 14 miles from the Seattle waterfront, and the drive typically takes around 20-30 minutes in good traffic.

To get to the ferry terminal, take a taxi or ride-share from the airport, or use public transportation like the Link Light Rail and the Metro bus.

The airport is also a major transportation hub, with many car rental agencies and shuttle services available.

Planning Your Trip

Credit: youtube.com, What to Know Before You Take the Bainbridge Island Ferry | A Guide 2023

To get to the Seattle ferry terminal, take the exit for Edgar Martinez Drive S from I-5 Northbound, and follow the signs to the terminal. The terminal is located at 801 Alaskan Way Pier 52 Seattle, WA 98104.

The best way to plan your trip is to check the Washington State Ferries website for the most up-to-date sailing schedule. You can also download the WSDOT app to access "Vessel Watch", which tracks the ferries in real-time.

To minimize delays, plan to arrive at the terminal at least 30-60 minutes ahead of the scheduled departure time if you're driving on, and 15 minutes prior to sailing if you're a walk-on passenger. For non-peak travel, a minimum of 30 minutes in advance is recommended.

Here are some recommended arrival times to keep in mind:

Your Guide

The Seattle to Bainbridge Ferry has been navigating the Puget Sound since 1951, bringing commuters and visitors to and from the island for more than 70 years.

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The ferry schedule can be found on the Washington State Ferries website, and you can even track the ferries in real-time using the WSDOT app.

To get to the Seattle ferry terminal, you can take one of the many bus lines that stop nearby, including the C LINE, G LINE, and H LINE.

The nearest bus station to the terminal is Alaskan Way & Columbia St, just a 2-minute walk away.

You can also take the light rail, with the nearest station being S Jackson St & Occidental Ave Walk, just an 8-minute walk away.

The ferry itself offers comfortable seating areas, many with tables and all with beautiful views out the windows. You can grab a local beer, glass of wine, or snacks from the galley to enjoy during the sailing.

The ferry route does not allow ticket sales in advance, so you'll need to buy your ticket on the day of your sailing, either online or in person. Adult tickets cost around $10, and anyone under the age of 18 rides for free.

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Here's a quick rundown of the ferry schedule and ticket prices:

The ferry offers over 20 crossings to Bainbridge Island each day, beginning before sunrise and into the late hours of the evening.

Ride Duration

Planning your trip to Bainbridge Island involves considering a few key factors, including ride duration. The ferry ride between Seattle and the island takes approximately 34 minutes.

If you're short on time, you'll be happy to know that the ferry ride is relatively quick. This allows you to make the most of your day on the island.

To give you a better idea of what to expect, here's a breakdown of the ferry ride duration:

  • The ferry ride between Seattle and the Bainbridge Island takes approximately 34 minutes.

Washington State

If you're planning a trip to Washington State, you'll want to consider the ferry schedule. The Bainbridge Island ferry gets crowded on weekends and during rush-hour in the mornings and afternoons.

The busiest times for the ferry departing from Bainbridge are Monday-Thursday mornings, with the 6:20 AM, 7:05 AM, 7:55 AM, 8:45 AM, and 9:40 AM departure times often being completely booked.

Credit: youtube.com, WASHINGTON STATE 6 DAY ROAD TRIP ITINERARY | BEST THINGS to DO, EAT & SEE | Travel Guide

For the ferry departing from Seattle, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are the busiest days, with the 2:05 PM, 3:00 PM, 3:50 PM, and 4:45 PM departure times often or mostly being completely booked.

To plan your trip, check the Washington State Ferry service's predicted heatmap, which indicates how full your boat is likely to be based on date and time.

If you're driving to the ferry terminal, be aware that the peak commute hours usually begin with the 3:00 p.m. departure through approximately 7:00 p.m., so plan to arrive 30-60 minutes ahead of the scheduled departure.

To help you plan your trip, here's a summary of the busiest times for the Bainbridge Island ferry:

The Best Hotel

Book your lodging on Bainbridge Island and plan your itinerary. Our boutique hotel is within walking distance from the ferry terminal and all of the best things to do in Winslow.

You'll enter our garden courtyard as you arrive at the hotel, a central gathering space surrounded by elegant suites and townhomes. This peaceful atmosphere is ideal for reading or conversation.

Our rooms and townhomes have a warm and welcoming feeling, with Northwest-themed decor, custom-made furnishings, and elegant appointments. Guests often comment that they feel at home without daily stresses.

The hotel offers outdoor seating for an afternoon in the sunshine.

3 Awesome Things

Beautiful view of Mount Rainier with Seattle waterfront and buildings. Perfect for travel and nature enthusiasts.
Credit: pexels.com, Beautiful view of Mount Rainier with Seattle waterfront and buildings. Perfect for travel and nature enthusiasts.

The Bainbridge Island Ferry offers an unforgettable experience, and here are three things to look forward to:

The View is simply stunning, with the Seattle skyline, Space Needle, and majestic Mount Rainier dominating the open sky. You'll also catch glimpses of the Cascade Mountain Range and the snow-capped Olympic Mountain Range.

Wildlife Sightings are a common occurrence on the ferry, with harbor seals, bald eagles, and even orca pods spotted by passengers. The captain usually makes an announcement to ensure everyone gets a glimpse of these amazing creatures.

Ride in Comfort, as the ferries feature large comfortable seats, cozy booths, and a fully stocked galley serving delicious snacks like Ivar's famous clam chowder.

Ferry Terminal and Area

The Bainbridge Island ferry terminal is located on Colman Dock in Seattle, Washington, USA. This is a convenient location for travelers, with the terminal being a short walk from downtown Seattle.

The terminal is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, making it easily accessible for travelers arriving at any time.

Credit: youtube.com, Walking Tour of the new Seattle Ferry Terminal and taking the ferry to Bainbridge Island

The Bainbridge Island ferry route is operated by Washington State Ferries, which offers multiple sailings throughout the day. The ferry ride typically takes around 35 minutes.

The Colman Dock area has plenty of amenities, including food and drink options, restrooms, and parking. The terminal is also close to other attractions, such as the Seattle Aquarium and Pike Place Market.

The ferry terminal has a ticket office and vending machines for easy ticket purchase. You can also buy tickets online in advance to save time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry ride from Seattle to Bainbridge?

The ferry ride from Seattle to Bainbridge typically takes about 35 minutes. Enjoy the stunning view of Seattle's skyline during your crossing.

How early should I show up for the Bainbridge ferry?

Arrive at the tollbooth at least 20 minutes before departure for a smooth crossing. Plan ahead to ensure a hassle-free experience on the Bainbridge ferry

Felicia Larson

Writer

Felicia Larson is a seasoned writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for logistics. Her work focuses on the intricate world of shipping companies, where she delves into the complexities of global logistics and supply chain management. Through her articles, she aims to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the industry, from the latest technological advancements to the challenges faced by shipping companies.

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