The staff at the terminal in the lot were just horrible. A bunch of teenagers that had no type of customer service. Was rude with any question you asked them. I am sure it's a stressful job but it's also a pretty simple job to do and they could have been a bit more educated in the process and things going on. Seemed unaware of their surroundings. read more

Busy ferry terminal & marina. Cars & boats are coming & going. Clean bathrooms, maps & boat schedules are posted here. read more

See all

Rather than make this a referendum on the entire ferry system in Washington (short version: more expensive than you think, pretty inconvenient, sometimes unreliable, and the only game in town), it's more going to be a few words about the terminal here on San Juan Island. This was my first trip to SJI, despite having been in the islands a few times before. I finally made it to Friday Harbor and it was a lovely town. The terminal, however, is quite modest and not anything to write home about. What is great, however, is that it's located in the heart of town. Unlike other islands where you get off and have to drive elsewhere (looking at you, Orcas) this is totally walkable if you want to leave your car and just go into Friday Harbor to walk around for the day. I came in vehicle, so I drove off the boat and into town, and chose to drive the entire perimeter of the island, which is also a totally great way to do SJI. On the flipside, that location is also great on the way out. You should plan on arriving an hour or so before your departure. The lanes to load are on a steep hill, so be sure you have a good parking brake. You can get out of your car and then walk over to get ice cream, or look for souvenirs, or whatever you please, just do keep an eye out for the ferry. Unfortunately, loading lanes enter straight from the road so look for the person in the orange vest to get your lane assignment. This part is a bit chaotic, and our return trip was backed up behind a very late ferry so we had to park in town, then repark in the loading lane. read more

The holding lanes are on a bit of an incline. You don't want to be that person whose vehicle has shotty brakes that steps away for a moment to get a cup of coffee and finds the brakes gave out while you stepped away... So please use your parking/emergency brake and be mindful of which way you turn your tires if in an outer lane near a curb or rock. The service can be a bit abrupt, but they deal with a high load of traffic especially in the summer so it is just them being direct and trying to get you on your way as quickly as possible. The view of the water and the town from the holding lanes is quite lovely and depending on the time of day there is lots to watch. read more

See all

The Friday Harbor ferry terminal, located in the heart of this cute little town, is pretty much the only way on and off the island if you have a vehicle. So that means it's usually pretty busy, and there are long lines especially on weekends. Luckily you can make reservations for your chosen ferry run, making the waits a little shorter than the all day affairs they were when I was younger. The terminal is not fancy by any stretch of the imagination. There's a giant waiting lot for cars, and a very small building that boasts no services other than a couple of vending machines. Luckily, there are several restaurants and coffee shops within easy walking distance. One good thing to know, if you've never been to Friday Harbor before, is that you only have to pay the ferry fare going westbound. All eastbound fares are included in your original price. So don't look for a ticket booth or anything like that. You are good to go if you're heading back to Anacortes! read more

See all

Teenagers working get upper lot need a lesson in customer service. Attitudes not appreciated.

We have always enjoyed the feery service for 60 yrs as children and adults,personal has always comunicated correctly, put you in correct lane. This time, the emoyee put us in a lane that was not really even marked, wrote an O gor Orcas on Windshield, we waited for approval to load , noone came, we had to wait another 4 hrs. Because of low volume, and no interest of worker. They make it clear, wait for worker to give signL of worker to load!! Workers freak out if you move with out them saying you can! Barely heard shaw and Anacortes! They freaking did not follow through! read more

See all

Took this ferry as a foot passenger. Driving a passenger vehicle onto the island, I recommend making reservations. Once you exit the terminal much of the tourist activities are walking distance.(boutique shops,eateries, coffee houses, etc) Lots of amazing photos ops here, love the scenery. Not a lot of tourist this time of year, so no crowds. No need to pay on the way back to Anacortes. read more

See all

Enjoyed a smooth and timely ride from Anacortes to Friday Harbor over the St Patty's Day weekend. Thanks much!

No frills here. It's not like the Anacortes terminal with food, souvenirs etc. It's literally just somewhere to stand as you wait for the ferry. BONUS POINTS though because as we were on the ferry about to leave, we could see orcas jumping in the distance. Whoever was manning the loudspeaker was nice enough to let us all know. So watch for those lil black and white splashy guys as you're departing. read more

The staff that meets you on the dock is curt and all business, but I imagine it's hard to herd humans, dogs, bikes and vehicles without injury and on time. Asking questions can be difficult at times. This terminal features a cozy little waiting room that is manned by agents during certain hours. It was chilly outside and they did not mention our well-behaved & quiet canine staying inside with us as we warmed up with cocoa. There is a plethora of brochures and information, however it is not clear that it is free for return trips. This had to be explained to quite a few tourists we shared the little space with, as no agent was available. Get a coffee at the doctor's office across the street and enjoy the best ferry system in the world. read more

See all

Conveniently located right in Friday Harbor, there are plenty of shops and restaurants to visit while waiting for the ferry. The staff are friendly and helpful (which isn't the case at all WSF terminals). This is one of the nicer places to catch a ferry in the state. read more

The prices go up every year. They've instituted the reservation system a few years back and you still need to show up 35 minutes before sailing or they will not honor your reservation. The boat are frequently late. The staff seem u sure how to load a boat nearly everytime and they often put larger vehicles in difficult positions with little regard to how it will play out. The 155 sailing needs to go through customs, which has 3 booths, however they ALWAYS have the third one closed even though they only have the customs and bp for one sailing a day. This service is an overpriced joke, but it's the only one in town. read more

For the 10:05pm ferry to anacortes, no one is around outside. It's hard to know where to go if this is your first time. You have to check in at the station. read more

I LOVE taking the ferry to Anacortes from Friday Harbor. It is one of my favorite trips on a ferry. Winter can be a bit dreary, but when drink service open, the Orcas are in my view and the sea is not in the gray zone,it is the most amazing adventures on the Puget Sound. When leaving Friday Harbor, make sure you come early. I know the reservation system is on place, but the ferries can be packed, especially on holiday weekends. Make sure you bring you cell or camera to get pictures during whale watching season. read more

Great, quick, comfortable. Right close to many restaurants and shops. Also close to bus and/or tram service around isld.