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Seattle to Bainbridge Ferry Schedule – Weekday Schedule
The ferry ride between Seattle and Bainbridge Island takes place roughly every 50-55 minutes from Monday through Friday. The earliest departure from Coleman Dock/Pier 52 occurs at 5:30 a.m., and the final ferry leaves at 1:35 a.m. on the following calendar day. The last three boats later in the evening are scheduled 1 hour 20 minutes apart, at 10:55 p.m., 12:15 a.m., and 1:35 a.m. The crossing between the two locations requires 35 minutes.
Bainbridge to Seattle Ferry Schedule – Weekday Schedule
Ferries departing from Bainbridge begin earlier than those on the Seattle side to accommodate island residents who work in the city. The initial ferries leave at 4:45, 5:20, and 6:20 a.m. From the 7:05 a.m. ferry onwards, they run about every 50-55 minutes throughout the rest of the day. The final few ferries in the evening are spaced further apart at 9:45 p.m., 11:35 p.m., and 12:55 a.m. the following day. Crossing time is 35 minutes.
Seattle to Bainbridge Ferry Schedule – Weekend/Holiday Schedule
On Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, the ferry operates on a slightly different schedule, with the first trip to Bainbridge departing at 6:10 a.m. and the final trip leaving at 2:10 a.m. the following day. Between the first and second ferry in the morning, there is a gap of 1 hour and 45 minutes, with the second ferry departing at 7:55 a.m. After that the ferries run approximately every 50-55 minutes throughout the day until late at night. The last few ferries have more irregular intervals at 10:40 p.m., 11:15 p.m., 12:45 a.m., and 2:10 a.m. Crossing time is 35 minutes.
• Always double check the official site for holiday schedules, as they are subject to change.
Bainbridge to Seattle Ferry Schedule – Weekend/Holiday Schedule
During weekends, holidays and public holidays, the ferry departs later in the morning and continues running until later at night. The earliest departure is at 5:20 a.m. and the last one is at 1:25 a.m. the following day. The initial few ferries leave at irregular intervals: 5:20, 7:05, 8:45, and 9:45 a.m. After that, the ferries operate about every 50-55 minutes until 9:45 p.m. The last late night ferries have greater gaps between them, departing at 10:30 p.m., midnight, and 1:25 a.m. the next day. The crossing time is 35 minutes.
• Always double check the official site for holiday schedules, as they are subject to change.
Seattle-Bainbridge Ferry Prices
The ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island costs $8.50 for adults. Fares for seniors (over 65) and children (6-18 years) are half price, only $4.25. Children 5 and under can ride free.
Charges are for one-way tickets. The return voyage from Bainbridge back to Seattle is free of charge.
Tickets could be purchased at the terminal on the travel day using cash or card. Senior, disabled, and child tickets are not available at the self-assist machine; they must be bought at the ticket window. Reservations cannot be made ahead of time, but it is unusual that a ferry will fill up completely for walk on passengers. On busy days it may fill up with cars, though, so plan on arriving at least 20 minutes early if traveling with a vehicle. Boarding for walk-on passengers ends 5 minutes before the ferry’s scheduled time of departure.
Though reservations cannot be made ahead of time, single or multi-ride tickets for adults may be purchased online in advance with a credit or debit card and received via email. They are valid for 90 days after purchase. Tickets for seniors and children are not available online.
Adult: $8.50
Child (6-18): $4.25
Child (0-5): Free
Seniors (65+): $4.25
Buying Tickets in Advance for the Seattle-Bainbridge Ferry
Tickets may be bought online beforehand taking the trip. This isn`t required, but it does save time by avoiding waiting in line at the terminal for tickets, which can be long; especially on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday afternoons in July and August. Despite tickets may be purchased ahead, reservations cannot be made. The ferry operate on a first come, first serve basis.
Ferry Wait Times & Delays
Ferries are nearly always available for walk-on passengers, including those transporting bicycles. But for people driving onto the ferry, there may occasionally be some congestion – especially during the summer months. The busiest times for drivers heading from Seattle to Bainbridge are Fridays from 2:00 to 7:30p.m. and Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Midday Sundays and weekday evening rush hours can also experience significant automobile crowding, too.
From Bainbridge Island to Seattle, the busiest travel times are on Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. It is best to depart early in the morning to avoid heavy car traffic. Saturdays can be crowded in the late afternoons, and weekday mornings from 6:30-9:30a.m. are also more busy than average periods.
Even with increased traffic, significant delays are uncommon. The Seattle-Bainbridge ferry typically departs on schedule or within two minutes past. It`s very rare for departure to be later than ten minutes.
Seattle-Bainbridge Ferry with Vehicle
The ferry that travels between Seattle and Bainbridge Island does not accept reservations for drivers transporting vehicles. Anyone planning to take their car on the ferry should arrive at least 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time – an hour or more in advance during commonly busy periods in the summer months. Usually vehicles are loaded in the order that they arrive, though sometimes cars may be rearranged to accommodate larger trucks. Vehicle boarding ends two minutes before the scheduled time that the ferry leaves the dock.
The payment rates for vehicles of different sizes traveling with ride-hailing services are provided. For compact cars up to 14 feet long, the cost is $12.05 including the driver’s fare. Larger standard sized cars, SUVs, and mid-sized trucks up to 22 feet have a rate of $15.35. Reduced rates of $9.90 and $13.20 respectively apply for disabled and senior customers using vehicles of the same sizes mentioned earlier.
Motorized transportation rates, inclusive of driver, are $6.60 for adults and $4.45 for seniors and those with disabilities.
From May 1st to September 30th, there is a slight elevation in the rates for vehicles with drivers. During this time period, the cost for compact automobiles (up to 14 feet) plus operator is $14.30. For standard sized vehicles, SUVs, and mid-sized trucks (up to 22 feet), the rate is $18.20. The costs for disabled and senior drivers for the same vehicles mentioned above during the peak season are $12.25 and $16.15 respectively. Motorcycle and scooter rates are $7.90 for adults and $5.85 for senior and disabled riders.
If traveling with bikes racked on the car, there is no extra charge, as long as the total length does not exceed the 14 foot or 22-foot size limits.
Seattle-Bainbridge Ferry with Kids
The boat ride is always thrilling entertainment for youngsters, and downtown Winslow offers many family-friendly attractions, sights, and dining options. Costs for children ages 6-18 are just $4.25 for the Seattle to Bainbridge trip; returning is free of charge. Kids 5 years and under ride at no cost both ways.
There is no formal minimum age for children to travel without parents; however, there is no staff member to accompany minors on board. With that in mind, a day trip to Bainbridge can be a fun and safe outing for teens to explore on their own or with their younger siblings tagging along.
Taking a Bike On Board the Seattle-Bainbridge Ferry
Cycling is one of the best means to explore Bainbridge Island. It’s simple to bike throughout all of downtown to peruse the local shops. Coastal trails, an estuary, and rolling hills offer a variety of options for beginning and expert cyclists. Travelers can rent a bike on the island or simply bring one over on the ferry. Bringing a bike costs only $1 for one-way or $2 for a return trip.
People who travel by bicycle will board and depart first. Plan to arrive twenty minutes early to get on the ferry before vehicles; those on bikes who arrive late will need to wait until all cars have loaded. Cyclists enter through the designated bike entrance on the far right tollbooth, then ride to the assigned waiting spot ahead of automobiles. After riding aboard, park bikes at the front of the vehicle deck and secure them with a lock. An announcement over speakers will signal arrival, then cyclists head back down to retrieve their bikes and pedal into downtown Winslow.
Food On Board Ferry (or at the ferry terminal)
There are various dining establishments including restaurants and cafes within the Seattle ferry terminal, ranging from quick eat-and-go snack vendors to a relaxing wine bar and a casual coffee house. Fast food options comprise Subway, Taco del Mar, Wasabi Express, and the Waterfront Creamery. Puget Sound Provisions offers beer, wine, sodas, and snacks to take away, plus things travelers may have neglected to bring like sunscreen or sunglasses.
Once aboard, travelers will find a compact cafeteria-style eatery, offering Ivar’s soups and chowders alongside bakery sweets and ice cream, pre-made salads and small bites. Beer, wine, and hard cider are also served however must be consumed prior to disembarking. There is additionally a petite espresso bar supplying freshly brewed coffee and tea. Several vending machines here provide snacks, soda, and coffee. All of the food selections are situated midship in the primary passenger lounge area.
Location of Terminal/Getting to Terminal
The ferry dock lies a short stroll of 5 minutes from Pioneer Square or 15 minutes walk from bustling Pike Place Market and downtown. To arrive by public transport, take the 101, 150, 255, or Link Light Rail from Westlake Station tunnel, disembarking at Pioneer Square Station. Then hike westward on Yesler Way for 8 minutes to attain the ferry terminal at Pier 52/Colman Dock. Alternately, board surface routes 3, 7, 14, 40, 62, or 70 from 3rd Avenue & Pine Street. Alight at Marion Street and trek southwest 6 minutes over the elevated walking bridge accessing the ferry station. Any of these buses arrive in 13-18 minutes costing $2.50.
Location of Bainbridge Ferry Terminal
The Seattle-Bainbridge ferry stop (also known as Colman Dock, or Pier 52) is situated at 801 Alaskan Way on the northwest corner of Pioneer Square at the southern end of the Waterfront. A 10-minute walk north from the terminal will take you to the Seattle Great Wheel and Wings Over Washington; another 5 minutes will arrive at the Seattle Aquarium. The Smith Tower lies directly east of the ferry, merely 5 minutes on foot via Yesler Way. To the southeast of the terminal, just 10 minutes` walk away, you’ll discover the historic Pioneer Square neighborhood, with trendy eateries, bars, and attractions such as the Klondike Gold Rush Museum and the Underground Tour. A further 5 minutes walking in a similar direction leads to Chinatown/International District, with various unique shops and museums, great culinary options, and the historic Panama Hotel.
Parking at Seattle Ferry Terminal
The closest parking area to the ferry terminal is the Commuter Centre lot (811 Western Ave) with rates of $5.00 per hour. This is a good choice for half day trips. A great alternative is just two blocks away at the ABM First and Columbia Garage (721 1st Ave). This spot offers parking at a more affordable rate, only $3.00 per hour, but they enforce a four hour limitation. After four hours, cars are charged $25.00, whether parked for 4 or 24 hours. A third option at Waterfront Place (1101 Western Ave) offers really good rates for longer trips, at $18.00 for 6 hours, $21.00 for 10 hours, or $24.00 for 24 hours. For brief trips, their rates are high at $6.00 for one hour. Only park here for full day trips to Bainbridge.
If you don`t mind walking a bit farther, there are several garages providing lower rates in the Pioneer Square and Waterfront neighborhoods. Try the Courtyard Seattle Downtown/Pioneer Square located at 612 2nd Ave or the LAZ- Butler Garage at 160 James Street, both offering full day rates for $20. These two lots as well as the previously mentioned ABM First and Columbia Garage accept reservations; book ahead online.
Street parking is accessible near the terminal, but there is a time boundary of 2 hours. Though parking is free on Sundays, the time boundary is still enforced. Seattle Parking Enforcement does not play games and will ticket vehicles parked over the time boundary! Street parking is not advised when taking the Bainbridge ferry.
Taking the Ferry to Bainbridge Island
