A great, but expensive way to see the beauty of Seattle's surroundings. Living near the peninsula offers so much and the ferry system helps you to explore and see just a bit more of it. Traveling from Seattle and Point Defiance (area), as well as Anacortes and through the San Huan Islands, the Washington State Ferry service helps people and their varying modes of transportation get from one side of the water to the other. We have reached a point where - especially in the summer months - one needs reservations on many routes in order to ensure passage at a reasonable time, however first-come-first-served lines are also an option. Be prepared to wait in those lines for one or two ferries on busy weekends and holidays. Adventures are sure to be had, though, in any direction the ferries take you. read more

Vashon Island Ferry - Ferries Near Me - Vashon, Washington

This was our first ferry and it was great! Super easy to find and we didn't wait too long before we were on our way to Vashon Island. And Vashon island is beautiful, next time we will spend a whole day exploring we only had a few hours on 2 islands this trip before we had to be back in Seattle. read more

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It's so easy to get here - just drive to the north side of the island; it's a tiny bit complicado because there is a break in the line due to some residences and a defunct business (and people sightseeing the waterline), oh yean and a public beach access, so that is awkward and that is why not 5 stars. Otherwise, easy as can be; we watched the line all weekend from our vantage in a nearby airbnb and it seemed to remain steady in terms of length and usually everyone seemed to get on - so put your fears aside and go ahead and take the ferry! P.S. there is south side one as well which seems more popular for Tacoma folks. This northside one will take you to the Port Orchard/Southworth terminal and to the Fauntleroy/West Seattle terminal. read more

Quick service. You can pre-purchase your ride.. or purchase at the ferry. I love when we can see the whales.

Such a beautiful ride:). I wish I could just stay on this ferry! The views! Also, the ferry is super clean and has fun puzzles to work on in the 15 or so minutes from Tacoma. read more

Vashon Island Ferry - Towards Tacoma - Ferries Near Me - Vashon, Washington

This whole system has gone to crap. Very rude workers and a schedule that is an absolute scam and never runs on time. Be prepared to get there a 1-3 hours early for the boat you are planning to catch. lack of urgency and planning from their end has caused me to miss many many important appointments and no longer be able to work jobs off island. read more

We are frequently using the ferry from the Northside of the island to Seattle - its an easy and quick trip and we love the beautiful ride! :) read more

First time using the ferry to go back, thought I was going to a ticket buying station. That wasn't it and that's on me. However some idiot decided to cut me off to tattle then let him cut all of those people to get back to the ferry. I explained to the employee that I was trying to buy a ticket but that didn't click with them and they lectured me about not cutting in line. A few problems with that, I was pulled off to the side while others were boarding, there was no way for me to cut the line if I'm stopped and letting everyone get on first. And if cutting people is so bad, why did they let the white man cutting in their queue while berating the person of color for the same thing? Yeah WSF needs to check its biases. read more

I've been a passenger for both business and pleasure on a number of their routes. It's a great way to see the Seattle skyline and get some fresh air weather permitting. Knock on wood I've never had issues with their schedule and all of my trips have been on time and stress-free. I usually unplug for the trip and use the time to read or just enjoy the ride. This time my voyage to Vashon only took about 20 minutes and it was just enough time to get some fresh sea air and plan our day in Vashon. read more

Reservations are released in three tiers at 7 am. At the two week point EVERY slot was filled by the time the site loaded for me at 7.15. My family has had property on Orcas since 1996. Getting up there once a summer has become next to impossible! If you are paying San Juan Island property taxes then spots on the ferry should be left for you! read more

Been waiting 3 hours to get off this Island!!!! All I did was drop daughter off at camp. Now I still have a two hour drive before I get home. I'm starving!!! Why only one ferry running when you know a festival is on the island every year!!! read more

Due to the fact Hurricane Irma was bearing down on Florida, we had to extend our Pacific Northwest vacation. When finding out our flight had been cancelled, we scrambled to find another hotel for a night, so we did one in Olympia Washington. Doing so, gave us a day to drive around the area. No clue where we were going, no destination insight. Somehow Gig Harbor got in there and we kept circling around Gig Harbor, which lead to the ferry several times. Kind of blaming it on the GPS girlfriend. Finally as we were looking for a place to see the sunset, the ferry was there once again so we thought why not. One of the best decisions of the trip. We got the most amazing sunset on one side and as we proceeded on the other side was Mount Rainier absolutely amazing beautiful energy. This was our second Ferry and I guarantee you when we go back to Pacific Northwest we will be taking others. read more

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Anacortes to Friday Harbor sucks never on time they cancel change routes what ever they need don't even have the guts to explain outside of using the excuse short on help read more

Chartering a whale would be far more reliable than WSF!! If you need to get across somewhere, take my advice....drive if you can....clog up our ALREADY overwhelmed highways!! Need WSF for a job, find a different job!! Unless you like spending HOURS in a ferry line!! read more

Great service. They have obviously been doing this for a while because they have it all down to a fine science. They are super friendly and helpful. The trip from Seattle to Vashon took about 15-20 minutes and was uneventful. read more

Is negative stars a thing? Guess not or else I would give this SHIT service just that!!!!!!! Can I be a Billionaire and buy this crap form the state and make it better??????? Any billionaires out there to take this challenge?? Why does it SUCK So F*cking much?? Never EVER ontime and yesterday the day I chose to visit my family who for some Fuc*king reason still live on Vashon I got in line around 330pm figured I would be on the 440 or maybe 540 since the line was past all the way up the hill near the S turns.. long line not usual. Well by 600 pm and the 540 came and left, late of course left at 556pm I decided to check the schedule once more and see what the next boat was, get ready..... The next ferry was 1005pm WTF in what world is this Acceptable?? I went to speak to an employee who by the way they are so friendly to people (Not) told me that a ferry has broke down earlier. Honestly I was not surprised It's the same damn thing every Fuc*ing year! So yeah folks in line for a ferry from 330pm to 800pm I called some phone number to ask if there was anything I could do in the future to stay up to date on ferry issues and the website is the only option or the mobile app. Website had no information about a boat being down or anything like that. I did pull out of line and went to the south end terminal where two hours later I was on a boat going home! The person on the phone told me the boats are over 60years old and that's why they breakdown all the time she said. What happens to all the FU*KING Money they collect? Everyday hundreds of vehicles pay over $20 dollars to use this crap service because A: they depend on it B: no other choice! Where are these millions of dollars going? One day I will never have to visit Vashon and I can't wait! Because obviously this service has been crap since I can remember and if it's only getting worse after 20years well there it is! PLEASE SOMEONE BUY THIS FROM THE STATE. Or put me in charge I'll show to how to run this shit! read more

Up until 5 months ago I was a casual ferry user. It was always kind of an adventure. I've recently moved to Vashon and now use the ferry to commute and I'm still liking the experience. It gives me a chance to get my head together before heading off to Redmond. I mean this literally since the 15 minute ride is just enough time to get in a meditation session. This direction the ferry boarding process is different than any other ferry I've taken. With most ferries you board according to whatever lane you're in. Cars all follow each other and go in one of the parking bays until that bay fills up and then are directed to another bay. With this ferry each car stops at the edge of the boarding ramp and is individually directed to a bay based on size. It's kind of like the ferry workers are doing a jigsaw puzzle. You may or may not have a better position for de-boarding than the guy in line in front of you. It's a little msyterious and confusing. read more

As a commuter who lives on Orcas Island and works in Friday Harbor, I see every work day the very hard-working crews aboard the inter-island ferry. Today, the terminal attendant called me at home to let me know the sailing that I take to work was cancelled. I work nights and had just woken up, saw my phone was ringing. I grabbed my bag and rushed it and made it. The attendant is a champ, as are the rest who work the Orcas Terminal. I mean, really, he called me at home and was able to get me on that boat. Who I fault for this continuing ferry bullshit is management who have failed to get funding, retain new workers and keep STAFFING levels above skeleton-crew level. My story is one of so many who are suffering due to the incompetent oversight, as are the crews who are out there right now working their asses off and getting the receiving end of complaints from passengers. THE CREWS ROCK, management needs to improve employee retention (only about 10-15% new hires continue a second year, due to pay and uncertain work schedules), and increase staffing. read more

First time using the Southworth/Seattle/Vashon ferry. I'm sold! If I need to come to Seattle I'll take this ferry route from now on. No major lines, plenty of seating. read more

This Ferry is not a well-oiled machine like the Seattle-Bainbridge ferry. When we got off on Vashon, an employee asked us for something - couldn't quite hear him. He was brash and not friendly at all, seeming annoyed that we didn't automatically know what he wanted from us. That's poor communication from you, buddy, we aren't mind readers. And you'd think someone who works the ferry terminal for a living would be good at directing the public??? Also, the Southworth ferry was 30 minutes late on our way off of Vashon. read more

I took several ferry rides while I was in the Seattle area, and have no complaints other than I wish they were longer. They were on time, seemed pretty efficient, and were clean and large with lots of space to chill both indoors and out. LOVE! Thank you for your service. read more

If you are on tight travel schedule yet seeking a Northwest experience without the four hour summer trek to San Juans, Vashon is a fantastic Seattle alternative for an overnight trip or daytime drive. This is an often overlooked itinerary starting in West Seattle. Summer rate for 2017 is approximately $23 (car + driver) on up and includes roundtrip. Or continue south on island and take ferry from that point to Tacoma! read more

You only have to pay one way when going to/from Vashon Island or any island in WA for that matter. $18 for a driver and car seems reasonable. I like the ferry system in our state and the trips I took today to visit Vashon were uneventful, which is the best kind. Beautiful scenery and it's quick and easy to go upstairs on the ferry for the view. read more

Extremely short staffed. I am disabled and they have me sitting here for 3 hours because they don't know how to scan the digital ferry passes. There is also only one boat due to a severe lack of employees. If you have an important appointment be early and take the earlier boat if possible. The only problem is staff/guards making you feel like a bum/druggie/homeless/like you're carrying a bomb which apparently is supposed to discourage some vague and non relevant idea of 'loitering' despite there being extra seats even on a bad day. I gave them an extra star for their manager. Shes a boss and seems to really care about her employees and all of the passengers. Hopefully things will get better because I miss the cafeteria which actually has decent food. Lastly, you (and I) should probably give the employees some slack because they're the ones who got vaccinated so they could protect us (and themselves,,) and keep working read more

This ferry route of Vashon - Fauntleroy or Vashon - Southworth can be great when it's working properly with a three vessel schedule as it's supposed to do, now and again it looses a vessel without warning and does the two vessel adjusted schedule that can and does cause delays throughout the three terminal route. I know passengers by car get frustrated more easily due to ferries departing on schedule and not loaded as completely as they can be. Note that WSF is more concerned with on time departures, as printed in the seasonal schedule books and not so much concerned with how full each sailing actually is due to its requirement to have on time sailings as priority for state required mandates, which leaves most people driving onto a vessel in the Southworth - Vashon - Fauntleroy triangle easily frustrated and with often lengthy weight times for crossings. I love visiting Vashon from Fauntleroy and always walk across due to the lower cost and less frustration if my vessel left on time and not as full as it should be. Just know that the WSF and those using the Vashon terminal are working together presently to find a solution that allows departures to be on time and have the vessel more full of cars than it presently is allowing. Of all the sailings the WSF offers, the Vashon- Fauntleroy- Southworth triangle is the most complex and most criticised offerings. Just know that the dock hand onboard a vessel that's unloading or loading is having a hard enough time ensuring they follow strict safety and security protocols and they aren't being rude or dismissive, they have to follow strict protocol for every arriving vessel, unloading, loading and departure of that vessel in a fairly short time and usually don't hear you or they are physically unable to assist you due to their duties on the vessel or the dock! So don't be too rough on them. If you want to do something, make WSF more focused on capacity per sailing versus a strict on time requires departure they currently prefer over anything else! read more

Some ferries are better than others, but the Kaleetan has some stinky-ass restrooms...peee-ewww.

Too expensive and never on time. I just watched a 3rd boat pull out for Fauntleroy but the Southworth ferry was supposed to be here and hour ago. read more

Why are the ferry workers so crabby? And NEVER smile? The blonde lady in the booth at Pt.Defiance is so unhappy and rude. Can't smile or say good morning.! Wthell?? Extremely poor customer service! They are so lucky to have a good job! read more

One Star is too many. Read below Why should my ten pass ferry ticket ($145.00) expire????????? I'm almost 70 years old. Retired. Travel a lot. I buy the ten pass ticket to save money. I go travel around and return to SORRY YOUR TICKET HAS EXPIRED???????? Ninety Days???? My hard earned cash is in your bank and did not expire!!!!! Where are my rides!?? NOT FAIR IN ANY LANGUAGE !!!!!!!!! I understand they need to have an expiration date like anything. BUT YOUR EXPIRATION DATE IS UNREASONABLE!! NINETY DAYS AND POOF any balance of unused rides go POOF ! !!!! When I asked WHY 90 days here is the also UNREASONABLE RESPONSE BELOW Thank you for contacting Washington State Ferries. I'm sorry that you were not aware that there was an expiration date for your ticket. As part of the terms of agreement, our tickets state that they expire in 90 days. If you cannot use 10 rides in 90 days, you always have the option to buy a single ride pass. Thank you, WHICH OF COURSE COST 40% more !!!!!! Very rude response Smart Alec response that makes as much sense as your 90 day expiration date. Why do you get to keep my money and I go without the trips??????? 90 days is UNREASONABLE YOU ARE essentially telling me to go screw myself if I don't like your short term expiration and go pay the higher one pass ticket. It's people like you who work in a government office and behave as you do that gives government a bad name. NINETY DAYS IS FREEKING UNREASONABLE!!!!!! AS ARE YOU YOURSELF!!!! You found the perfect job for your unreasonable SELF. HOPE YOU ENJOY IT !!!! Web Agent is a good title for you. essentially telling me to take a hike Elaine--Web Agent Customer Service & Information Washington State Ferries (206)464-6400 Smart Alec response that makes as much sense as your 90 day expiration date. Why do you get to keep my money and I go without the trips??????? 90 days is UNREASONABLE YOU ARE essentially telling me to go screw myself if I don't like your short term expiration and go pay the higher one pass ticket. It's people like you who work in a government office and behave as you do that gives government a bad name. NINETY DAYS IS FREEKING UNREASONABLE!!!!!! AS ARE YOU YOURSELF!!!! You found the perfect job for your unreasonable SELF. HOPE YOU ENJOY IT !!!! Web Agent is a good title for you. read more

Unbelievably poorly managed and run. WSF workers are about as unhelpful as can be. Overpaid, over staffed, and entitled. On most ships the crew takes pride in maintaining the vessel. WSF crews show no such concern. On one recent trip to Southworth the direct route arrived late, was only partially loaded, and departed with cars still sitting in the line. Since the next boat was packed with Vashon travelers you'd think they would have made sure those going to Southworth would have been loaded...but that would have required actual effort. read more

They're always late, always breaking down. The ferry workers are rude and don't give a shit if things run on time or not. The Colman Dock is under construction so the ferry workers don't bother even cleaning the bathrooms which always look dirty because of the the homeless people. The summer is worse the ferries run at least 30 min behind and the stupid tourists can't figure out how swipe a simple ticket! The only thing that makes it nice is when the weather is nice or when you see Orcas. That's very because the Orcas are dying and will probably go extinct in 10 years time. read more

The Vashon side is the best run route of the ferry system in the nearby sound, but that isn't saying much... Nothing at all really! I have been commuting here now for almost 30 years, and it has always been dismal!!! People who come here for a day trip will give it 4-5 stars, but if they catch it more than a few times and their hatred for the ferries will grow and grow and grow!!! Once the ferries are under way and sailing they are perfect! Crewman are nice, and it's pleasant, but the dock workers and the whole system in general brings that pleasant experience down to 2 stars... And I'm being generous!!! Most of the dock workers will just straight up ruin your day! And that's if it isn't already ruined from the boats being late, messed up, cancelled or broken!!! These people are so rude! There used to be an African American gentleman who was the best ever... Now they moved him to Fauntleroy bc it's even worse than this side! So now our only glimmer of pleasantness is gone! I understand that these dock workers have to deal with the idiots and morons of the day, especially all the people from Southworth, but still, they could treat us nicer! The ferry system in general needs to get its act together! Overall awful employees especially on the docks, severe price gauging, and the worst government run service in the country is killing Vashon, it's commerce, it's tourism, and the island in general! read more

No complaints. Ferry was was fast and workers were kind and polite. Love the view! First time on this ferry. Very relaxing and fun.

Excellent! This Ferry was clean, on time, fast, kind to customers and was easy to ride. It takes 2-25 mins to arrive. Ferry is the great way of reaching Vashon. There were some pedestrians taking the ferry as well. Absolutely fantastic view during the sailing. read more

The ferries are never on time even though they claim to be 97% on time. Avoid the Vashon, Southworth, West Seattle ferry if you can. It's the worst! read more

Quick trip to Vashon Island and back. I love the ferry. The boats could use a little refreshing, but I still got mad love for 'em.

I ride this ferry for work a couple times a week. The other reviewers are correct the view is beautiful but a majority of the workers are horrible. If you don't know the exact routine they will start yelling at you and calling you names, I have seen this happen to other riders and it's their first time on the ferry. I can't believe people can be this rude and have such bad customer service and still keep their job. I have had a couple good interactions with the workers but most are lazy and disgruntled. read more

No complaints here. Arrived shortly before the ferry. Waited in line out on the street and then got right on when it was time. Haven't had a bad ferry experience yet, but it was quick getting outta here on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon :) read more

I made it on time to catch ferry at Southworth and Seattle wasn't even loaded yet only 2 cars to back on for Vashon. The cashier at toll booth was so rude. She said no you cannot get on this boat. The other employees always let me back down. It's bad enough that I have to commute but to have her be a troll and make me miss my boat is unacceptable. Now I'm late for work because her grumpy butt had to work. I was catching the 8:25 ferry so you might want to look who was working and talk to them about this because she should be cleaning bathrooms on the ferry instead of helping customers. read more

The Southworth / Fauntleroy/Vashon Ferry is ALWAYS running late it isnt dependable at ALL why pay so much for a ferry ride that's always late for what reason I dont understand why even have a schedule if it's going to be late all the tine read more