Ferries to the Kitsap & Olympic Peninsula
Sailing on the Washington State Ferries is a bucket list experience and often feels like a sightseeing tour itself. Bring your binoculars and camera! On a clear day, you may be greeted by views of the Olympic Mountains, the Cascade Range, Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, and if you’re lucky, even whale sightings while navigating across the Puget Sound. The Washington State Ferries we feature below are the best options for traveling to the Olympic Peninsula. The crossings are typically 35 minutes and provide a great opportunity to stretch your legs, purchase snacks or refreshments, breath in some fresh sea air, and splits up your drive time. Yes, the ferry logistics can be a bit daunting on the weekends and during the busy summer season. However, our Operations Team is here to help you identify the best travel gameplan when you’re visiting for an upcoming tour or shuttle with us.
Seattle-Bainbridge Ferry
About this route
The Seattle-Bainbridge Ferry is ideal for travelers departing from Downtown Seattle, South Seattle, or SeaTac Airport. Vehicle reservations are not required, however, vehicle delays are frequent during the summer season and on weekends. With a connection to the Clallam Transit Strait Shot, this ferry is the best option for walk-on passengers traveling without a vehicle looking to visit the Olympic Peninsula.
Key Information & Links
Sailing Time: 35 minutes
Drive time to Port Angeles: 1 hour 45 minute drive
Bus to Port Angeles: Clallam Transit Strait Shot
Vehicle Spaces Remaining:
Edmonds-Kingston Ferry
About this route
The Edmonds-Kingston Ferry is ideal for travelers from North of Seattle. Vehicle reservations are not required, however, vehicle delays are frequent during the summer season and on weekends. The best public transportation connection is the Dungeness Bus Line for walk-on passengers, especially to Port Townsend. However, we would recommend the Seattle-Bainbridge Ferry for a more direct bus route to Port Angeles.
Key Information & Links
Sailing Time: 30 minutes
Drive time to Port Angeles: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bus to Port Angeles: Dungeness Bus Line
Vehicle Spaces Remaining:
Coupeville-Port Townsend Ferry
About this route
The Coupeville-Port Townsend Ferry is ideal for travelers from Whidbey Island, which is typical for those traveling from Anacortes, the San Juan Islands, Bellingham, or Vancouver B.C. Vehicle reservations are accepted in advanced and are highly recommended. Vehicle delays are frequent during the summer season and on busy weekends. Walk-on ferry reservations are not needed, which is a great option for exploring Port Townsend. However, there is no direct bus connection to Port Angeles from the ferry terminal.
Key Information & Links
Sailing Time: 35 minutes
Drive time to Port Angeles: 1 hour 5 minutes
Bus to Sequim: Jefferson Transit
Vehicle Reservations: Highly recommended!
Vehicle Spaces Remaining:
Is my ferry full?
Check vehicle spaces remaining by terminal
How to manage ferry delays and backups
These ferries will experience delays and vehicle space backups during peak travel times (weekends and holidays), especially during the summer. When possible, we recommend traveling in the early morning or late evenings to avoid these vehicle delays.
Before driving to the ferry terminal follow these two steps:
Check ferry schedule for travel alerts, delays, or cancelled sailings
Check vehicle spaces remaining if traveling by vehicle
(Coupeville-Port Townsend Only: make a vehicle reservation in advance!)
Please note as a walk-on passenger, there are no reservations required and vehicle ferry backups are not applicable to you. However, ferries typically sail on a delayed schedule on weekends and holidays due to heavier traffic, so please adjust travel logistics accordingly.