Okay...So, we had a pretty meh time at the Melting Pot, but one of the best parts of the evening was the piece of advice the waiter gave us; he suggested we take a ferry ride over to Bainbridge Island. Why? Because we were obviously photographers/tourists and he said we could get some fantastic shots of the city from the ferry. Was he right? Hell yes! We stood on the front deck the entire way there and back; my outfit and the wind did not go so well together. But the wind! It was wonderfully refreshing. And the views! Spectacular. Bainbridge Island was kind of a snore, but the ride was worth whatever we paid for it and whatever damage our hair endured from the wild winds. read more

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As a kid, we always took the ferry over to see my grandma in Bremerton. This summer, I drove Beth up to Seattle for my 20 year HS reunion. She had never been to the city, so I decided to cut up through Bremerton and take the ferry in. It was a gorgeous day and the Mountain was out. Beth was completely taken with coming into town this way. Plus it was convenient to pop into Ivar's right after we got in. This is the perfect way to see Seattle for the first time, and a convenient, but not cheap, way of cutting a half hour off the travel time to the peninsula. I miss you, Bremerton Ferry! read more

Convenient. Very Large. On Time. Clean seats, bathrooms, etc. Reasonable pricing is the bonus when you ride this 35 minute ferry between Seattle and Bainbridge Island. It's a smooth ride with fantastic views of the city as well as the giant Mt. Ranier to the southeast. Clear and easy to understand, the schedule outlines all of the departure and arrival times between the two stops. Outstanding service! read more

I love riding the ferry to Bainbridge Island. I think the Washington State ferries are well operated, timely, dependable, fair priced, and fun! I love that you can take your car or bike on, I love that they have indoor and outdoor seating on the ferry and at their waiting station, I love that they have a cafe to get coffee and even a Pac Man machine. A really great ride! read more

I get motion sickness really easy but by far this was a great boat/ferry experience! The views of Seattle from the ferry is amazing and a perfect picture place with the city. I am the type to get motion sickness really easy but while I was on this ferry I barely felt it move only if I stared into the parts of the moving water where the engine was then I start feeling dizzy but I still enjoyed it a lot! easy and fast and cheap little travel to Bainsbridge island with stunning views especially if you take the boat back from the island to Seattle when it's near sunset ... It's such a nice view but only if the sky is clear! read more

I am one of those- yes one of those individuals you tourists see sleeping on a bench on the Seattle/Bremerton run. Why? Because I am a crazy commuter. So to anyone that has ever wondered onto a ferry and found barely any seating left? Well, because as commuters we know that the only way to take a nap is to grab an empty bench and lay down. That being said... I have never been impressed with our ferry system. It is broken no matter which way or what you try to slice it with. Especially the Bremerton run. I avoid using the restrooms at all costs as the doors do not always lock, and the cracks are wide enough that there almost no point in having a door there. Most of our boats are dirty and old. And sorry to say this, but the staff are not the friendliest around. Ask a questions and they begrudgingly will either answer it for you, but then you will probably learn never to ask another damn questions again. The food prices are comparable to eating at a professional sports stadium- so avoid avoid avoid!! With all my complaining aside- if you are taking the boat for sightseeing purposes- take the Bainbridge- although its' a short 35 min ferry ride- there is a heck of a lot more to do then to visit the eyesore we call Bremerton. You also should know it's $6.90 round trip if you are a walk on passenger- you DO NOT need to pay if you take the boat back into Seattle. read more

The ferry round trip from Seattle to Bainbridge Island and back was great! Cheap, $6 round trip I believe. The ferries are huge with plenty of seating. There are tables, single seats, and even a cafeteria! The ferry was pretty clean though the ladies room was the most disgusting bathroom I've been in in a while. You pay for a round trip ticket on the Seattle pier as there is nowhere to buy your fare back at Bainbridge. Great views from the huge windows of the ferry, check out my pictures! Highly recommend for a day trip. read more

Washington State Ferries - Inside the ferry - Ferries Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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WSF: the best state-run ferry system in Washington State. I commute on the ferry from Vashon Island nearly every day. The ferries are frequently late, the deck crew occasionally rude, and the food in the galleys is overpriced - when the galley is open, that is (perhaps fittingly, the rustbucket ferry M/V Evergreen State - nicknamed after the state itself - has a galley...but no food service. Fix this, WSF!!!). Also, is it too much to ask that the Vashon north end (Fauntleroy) and south end (Tahlequah) ferries be scheduled a half hour apart? This would make it possible to do a U-turn and still get to the Tahlequah ferry in time on those frequent occasions when one arrives at the north end and discovers that the Fauntleroy ferry's full. I look forward to the day that King County takes over the Vashon-Seattle passenger-only ferry. read more

Nothing feels more "Seattle" than taking a ferry. You can walk on or drive your car on. The upper deck provides seating, bathrooms, and a small cafeteria. Dogs are not allowed on this level. Booths with huge windows line the upper inside deck so you can enjoy the exquisite view. If you're lucky, you may even see a whale. read more

Ferries are so much fun. I have good memories of going to Tilicum Village with my grandparents. I like that most of the ferries have wifi so you can use you laptop and the younger set can use wifi on a Nintendo DS handheld to play on-line games and more importantly, keep quiet. If you go to BC, Canada by ferry don't forget you papers! On the way back the U.S. guards are borderline paranoid. They will do random searches with bomb sniffing dogs and under the car mirrors. Don't panic if they do this when you go though, it is a good thing for them to check for safety as well as "BC bud" and other harmful stuff. Once on our way to Canada we went into the bathrooms, they are very clean and state of the art. They have those motion sensor sinks and toilets. One of the toilets got stuck on and was flushing non stop, it was like a waterfall but, sounded like a jet engine! read more

I love our ferry system! It simply does well on all fronts. It's affordable, far reaching, religiously on time, clean, and a great experience all by itself. I've taken the ferries to Bainbridge, Port Angeles, and around the San Juan islands and have yet to have a bad experience. read more

We took a trip to Bremerton on a Friday with 2 of us and a car. Getting to the ferry, getting a ticket, and getting on was incredibly easy and hassle-free. It did cost about $19-20 one way, but mostly because the car price is about $12 each way. Inside was roomy with lots of seats. Bathrooms were reasonable for a short ferry ride, but by no means luxurious. Don't plan on using this as a home away from home. That being said, the ferry is a good way to take in a nice view and get where you're going. read more

Many times on this ferry over the last 15 years on my visits to Seattle. Soothing. Pay to get to Bainbridge, ride free to return to Seattle, enjoy the view. read more

They say they have a 95% or higher on time rating when my experience has been 50% at best. Sub par customer service and can be downright rude at times for no reason at all. read more

Kingston ferry: MV Puyallup: Dry MV Spokane: Beer/Wine MV Walla Walla: Unknown read more

Cheap, clean, and such a smooth ride!!! I was pretty bummed that I couldnt book a tour to Mt. Rainer (tours start in May), and really wanted to take a boat somewhere! Fortunately for me, I found the State Ferry and am so glad I did! Instead of paying $100 for a boat ride to Mt. Rainer, I spent $6.70 for a boat ride to the beautiful Bainbridge Island. The views of Seattle are spectacular as you are pulling away from the pier (Pier 52)! The ride itself is relatively short (35 minutes). And the seats were comfy and clean. The ferry ride was also very smooth (I could barely feel the engine). Plenty of restrooms on board and they also serve food as well. You can drive your car on the ferry too (but I dont know the cost of that...check the website!) I'm so glad we took the ferry and found a beautiful island on the other side of Seattle! read more

This review is for Motorcycle and scooter riders if you want to go see one of the fine islands in WA what a better way to travel then by 2 wheels with a motor even so when you get to the Ferries dock go up to the office and park by it then go inside and get your ticket then pull off to the side you don't have to wait in the long ass line they will let you on first, before the cars and its a great way to spend a day take your bike and go hit Vashon or another Island for the day you won't regret it read more

Decided to take the ferry to bainbridge island to do some wine tasting while on our trip to Seattle, only 35 mins to get to the island. You can get a beer or some wine in the galley while you look out the window and enjoy your ride. It's a fun experience especially when you head back at night you can see the city and Ferris wheel all lit up. read more

Washington State Ferries - City lights - Ferries Near Me - Seattle, Washington

My rating only applies as a tourist taking the ferry round trip from Seattle to Bainbridge. It's a great view of Seattle, and of Bainbridge. The ride is smooth, not too long, but long enough you feel like you're actually on a ferry and not just a Disney ride. I took a number of similar ferries in Norway, and they operate in a very similar manner, which is a good thing in my opinion. Just riding without a car is the least expensive way to do it, and probably the best way anyway, if you're a tourist. The walk into town on the Bainbridge side is perfectly easy and it has some cute shops and whatnot. read more

Rode from bremerton to Seattle round trip 5 times. Safe, comfortable relaxing minus the loud obnoxious kids lying about seeing jelly fish and sea otters from the window of the ferry..... Not possible. Ride to Seattle FREE returning to Bremerton 8$ for an adult. read more

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Riding the ferry is one of the essential experiences of Seattle/Puget Sound. Great deal for I think $6.70 round trip as a passenger (without car). My favorite ride is from Seattle to Bremerton. You get a nice long view of Seattle receding into the distance and then wind through narrow passages of Puget Sound -- you really get pretty close to the shore at the narrowest point. Much more interesting than the ride to Bainbridge which always seems a little short (especially if you REALLY like to ride the ferry) but still a good ride as well. Best boat of all if you're looking for a classic experience is the Hyak -- the original Superferry. Often on the Bremerton run. Only one with the original 1967 decor. If you want the ultimate modern/big experience, go for the Puyallup, Wenatchee, or Tacoma. One or more of those are usually on the Bainbridge run. read more

The only thing about the ferries which you can NOT like is their popularity. And weekends when everyoen is on the same time schedule when going to and returning from an isalnd, a far foo place anywhere which uses ferry transport. Standing in a ferr y lien is not always pleasant especially if your car is running because everyone is moving about 1/2 mph and you can't just stop. Everything else.. the view, the destination, the casual outrdoorsy feel, mmm, the funny restrooms, the newspapers left to recycle share with other passengers. The coffee is great. The Ivar's chowder is really good, a b t expensive. Bring your own apple to go with it. We are truly blesses to live in Seattle and have the ferry system to appreciate and to enjoy. read more

Terrible. The Bremerton-Seattle run is ALWAYS late. Whether it's in the morning or evening, you an count on at least one direction of ferry being late every day. We pay them with our tax dollars, they ar supposed to service the people. The ferry workers couldn't care less about you making it on time to your job, or that you wanna get home after a very long day. I am not the only one expressing frustration with this route lately. If the state stopped paying them until they got their act together, you bet they'd straighten up! I'm gonna take my business to Kitsap Transit Fast Ferries. Always on time, friendly employees, and a time saver!! read more

I am writing this review because I cannot believe the Yelping community rates something like the ferry system. Really people, do you have nothing better to do than to rate public transportation??? BUT... the fact of the matter is, a ferry ride to anywhere in Washington state is a MUST for everyone. Be it local resident or Western Washington tourist, the WA state ferries are by far one of the most relaxing and beautiful ways to see Elliot Bay and the Puget Sound region. I would ride the ferries daily if I had reason to go back and forth across the water, but that would get slightly pricey! So, in a nut-shell, I am a total dork for rating "transportation" here on Yelp, but honestly the system deserves 5+ stars for being safe and on time... read more

To drive "for free" in the HOV lanes on 405 will cost $15 for a flex pass plus the minimum activation fee of $30 for the good to go pass. $45 out of pocket to drive "for free". read more

It's always fun to ride the ferrys, probably better if you can schedule on off hours, off time of season, and not the weekend. And especially not when you have to be somewhere at a specific time. Buying tickets on line is always a good idea. Then sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery, esp. if you've hit the lottery and it's a warm sunny day. It's also a great way to take in the skyline views of downtown Seattle for a very reasonable fare. Children are half the price of adults and a child price goes up to the age of 18. Last week-end, we took the ferry over to the island, walked a short way to the village, had dinner, then gelato, then rode the ferry back. Very nice way to spend an evening. read more

As a tourist you should go on at least one route - CHEAP and fun. Cheap way for harbor tour without any knowledge.... Brimington to Seattle one way for a car was $13.00 and about 50 minute ride. Get in line early and while you wait enjoy near sights. They run often so wait is not that long at its longest. read more

Seattle terminal-For such a spectacular water crossing, it is embarrassing that WA Ferries cares so little about the key experience- waiting for a ferry. Dirty, dark, no outdoor seating for views and fresh air. Walking up ramp from street is pungently unpleasant. It is simply gross. Please consider some temporary art or colorful info- graphics for the waiting. Please add more fresh air during construction. Explain what the enhancements might be for visitors and commuters. How about free wifi for an amenity that cheers the traveler. It could be so much better without much effort. read more

I like to yelp bars and restaurants, as such, I have both eaten and drank on the WSF and it's grand. Where else can you, for a few bucks, zip across the sound and have a beer. I can think of no better "idea" to answer the question, on a nice sunny Seattle day of "What to do?" Are you by yourself, need a date idea, have friends in town? Go get on that ferry, buy a Red Hook ESB, and ignore the sign that says you can't take your beer out of the "galley" seating area. Take that guy upstairs on the sun deck, look both ways, and drink down a little bit of Washington Life. (Or just sit in the Galley and watch the coast sail by, if you're an upstanding ferry boater!) read more

Perhaps one of my highlights of my trip since the public transportation was quite affordable and surprisingly had quite a bit of accommodations inside with food, and arcade games. The ride to Bainbridge was pleasant, that was so nice that they only charge one way. read more

Make sure to get there before 4:30 because those doors lock on the minute! Had a great experience and they even helped getting extra copies made. Just like any office, be as kind and polite as you would expect them to be, and you will get what you need taken care of. read more

We were told that we would pay one way for a ferry ride. But as a government operation, they fell apart and then demanded we pay again for the way home. Disappointed to have the state fail again. Would rather drive around instead of paying extra to pay this terrible operation any more money. read more

I generally only ride the ferries a few times a year, but, now that I've been in Seattle for 20 years that adds up to a fair number of times. And, in all those times, I have never had a single problem with them. The ferry crews do an amazing job of keeping things rolling in an amazingly efficient manner -- maintaining order while unloading one ferry full of cars and then loading on another. Their primary focus is getting folks where they need to be on time and safely. But, they always do this in a friendly and professional manner. Plus, they are just so damn pretty! I never tire of the sight of a ferry making its way across the sound -- especially when framed by the mountains or a sunset. So peaceful. So Seattle. The ferries rock! read more

The need better lane management! How does one come early and NOT get on the ferry? We were bumped off by people just arriving just because they got in a different lineup lane. Now we sit in a no idle zone in the heat sweating in wrong places. Thanks seattle ferry system for taking an extra hour of my life... That being said, the rest of public transportation in Seattle is great and I won't let the one experience let me down....just had to vent. read more

I usually don't have anything to say I've been an islander for quite a long time but after literally being first in line and watching a southworth boat leave with one car then another boat leave with just passengers I just have to say I call b.s!! It's a holiday tommorrow and this is rediculous! So not only is the 830 pm. Late but it only takes passengers..maybe you should state that on your web page..I personally find it such a waste!! So many workers and costing tax money for what?? Ok after waiting over an hour my boat is here.. or is it?? read more

The servicd has gotten really derelict in their customer communication. An 11 AM scheduled departure was listed on the schedule online but was delayed due to the tide....leaving many that had a reservation stuck for 2 hours waiting for the 12:30 PM....thus doubling the reservations for 1 boat trip......screwing anyone that did not schedule a reservation in anticipation for the dereliction of the ferry department of the DOT. Completely unacceptable and if this was an actual business it would be replaced by a better service. read more

CORRUPT, HORRIBLE and incompetent!!!! I waited in line for the Mukilteo ferry for over an hour only to be accused of line cutting. The woman was rude, mean, and unreasonable. She acted as if she was a border guard and that I did not have the right papers to cross "the border". I suppose since they are part of a union they can act as mean, grumpy and pissed off as ever. Too bad for those of us who have to rely on the ferries. Corrupt as hell!!! Beware of an Asian woman on the Mukilteo-Clinton route in the middle toll booth with sun glasses, black hair and about 5'7 with a very bad attitude. read more

ooh! OOH! there's so much my A.D.D. can't keep up! woke up early on day two and after a stop at the most AWESOMEST PLACE EVER, VIVACE! we headed to the ferry terminal... bainbridge was the destination. it was cold and windy as "F" and i wouldn't have ad it any other way! it's about a 35 min ride, about 1h 20m round trip...so pretty and it was super fun battling the wind currents attempting to walk around the different deck levels of the ship....good times, i literally was ALMOST blown over...such a pretty part of the states, the pac NW, and this was a great lil time out to enjoy it. did i mention WINE FOR BREAKFAST! WOOT! read more

I take the ferry to Bremerton (Manette, specifically) at least two/three times a month, sometimes more. Courteous staff. Nibbles + beer/wine available, but expect to pay a premium. I always ride my bike on. I greatly appreciate that WSF has a bicycle permit program that reduces the time and $$ to bring my bike. It's like $20 bucks a year and well worth it for the bike surcharge fee, fully transferable. That combined with the ORCA pass?!? It's a pretty great thing. read more

Yep, the ferry is great if you take it ONCE in a WHILE. As a DAILY commuter from Bainbridge the lateness, the expense, and the dirtiness of the tables as well as the exhorbitant amount charged for food ($2.50 for a SMALL popcorn?!) gets old. However; sitting outside in the summer while seeing the sunrise over Mt. Rainier makes all of the crankiness leave. My pictures from my commute are much better than from the I-5. read more