Seattle to Bremerton Ferry

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• Purchase ferry passes
• Boat Timetable

See Also

• Locations for lodging in Seattle
• Highly-rated Hotels in Seattle
• Best Family Accommodations in Seattle
• Best Accommodations Near Pike Place Market

There are two types of transportation that go from Seattle to Bremerton: The Washington State Department of Transportation provides Car/Passenger ferries and Kitsap Transit operates Passenger-only Fast Ferries. The Fast ferry runs every day except Sunday, with a crossing time of around 30 minutes; the Car/Passenger ferry runs daily, and takes approximately one hour to cross.

Location of the Seattle Ferry Terminal

Both ferries utilize Pier 52 in Seattle (also called Colman Dock), situated at 801 Alaskan Way on the northwest corner of Pioneer Square at the south end of the Waterfront. From the terminal, a brief 10 minute stroll north will arrive you to the Seattle Great Wheel and Wings Over Washington; another swift 5 minutes will arrive you to the Seattle Aquarium. The Smith Tower is directly eastward of the ferry, merely 5 minutes on foot via Yesler Way. To the southeast of the terminal, just 10 minutes` stroll, you’ll come across the historic Pioneer Square neighborhood, with trendy dining establishments, bars, and attractions like the Klondike Gold Rush Museum and the Underground Tour. Merely 5 more minutes walking in a similar direction results in the Chinatown/International District, with many unique stores and museums, great eats, and the historic Panama Hotel.

Getting to the Seattle Ferry Terminal

The ferry dock is just a brief 5-minute walk from Pioneer Square and a 15-minute walk from Pike Place Market and Downtown. To arrive by public transport, take the 101, 150, 255, or Link Light Rail from Westlake Station tunnel and disembark at Pioneer Square Station. From there, walk westward on Yesler Way for approximately 8 minutes to reach the ferry terminal at Pier 52/Colman Dock. Alternatively, take a surface bus route 3, 7, 14, 40, 62, or 70 from the intersection of 3rd Avenue and Pine Street. Exit at Marion Street and stroll southwest for around 6 minutes, using the elevated walkway to get to the ferry terminal. Any of these buses will cost $2.50.

Parking at the Seattle Ferry Terminal

The spot closest to the ferry terminal for parking is the Commuter Centre lot (811 Western Ave) with hourly rates of $5. The Commuter Centre lot is a good choice for half day trips. Another excellent option is just two blocks away at the ABM First and Columbia Garage (721 1st Ave). This location offers parking at a more affordable rate of only $3 per hour, but is limited to four hours. After four hours, vehicles are charged $25 whether parked for 4 hours or 24 hours. A third alternative at Waterfront Place (1101 Western Ave) provides good rates for longer trips, with $18 for 6 hours, $21 for 10 hours, or $24 for 24 hours. However, their hourly rates are high at $6 for the initial one hour period. Only park at Waterfront Place for full day visits to Bremerton.

For those unbothered by a walk, there are several garages providing lower rates in the Pioneer Square and Waterfront neighborhoods. Try the Courtyard Seattle Downtown/Pioneer Square at 612 2nd Ave or the LAZ-Butler Garage at 160 James Street, both offering full day rates for $20.00. Reservations can be made ahead online for these two lots, like the aforementioned ABM First and Columbia Garage.

Parking one`s vehicle on the street near the ferry terminal for Bremerton is possible but limited to a two-hour period, even on Sundays when such street parking is free of charge. The strict time constraint continues to apply then. Seattle`s parking enforcement officials actively dispense tickets to cars left in excess of the allotted time. As such, relying on street parking is not advisable for those taking the ferry to Bremerton.

Seattle-Bremerton Car/Passenger Ferries

Seattle to Bremerton Car/Passenger Ferry Schedule – Weekday Schedule

Travel between Seattle and Bremerton via ferry occurs on a relatively consistent 60-90 minute basis from Monday through Friday. The first boat departs the dock at Coleman Dock/Pier 52 at 6:00 a.m., and the last ferry departs at 12:50 a.m. on the following day technically. There exists a interval of 2 hours and 20 minutes between the last ferry and the one preceding it, which leaves at 10:30 p.m. Crossing time requires around 60 minutes.

Bremerton to Seattle Car/Passenger Ferry Schedule – Weekday Schedule

Ferries departing from Bremerton commence earlier than those on the Seattle side to accommodate inhabitants of the peninsula who work in the city. The initial ferries leave at 4:50, 6:20, and 7:20 a.m. From the 7:20 a.m. ferry onwards, they run routinely on a fluctuating 60-90 minute cadence throughout the rest of the day. The final two ferries at night are spaced further apart, at 9:05 p.m. and 11:40 p.m. Crossing time is 60 minutes.

Seattle to Bremerton Car/Passenger Ferry Schedule – Weekend/Holiday Schedule

On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, the ferry runs on the same schedules as on weekdays, with the first trip to Bremerton leaving at 6:00 a.m. and the final trip departing at 12:50 a.m. the following day. As is the case during the work week, ferries run routinely every 60-90 minutes, with a crossing time of 60 minutes.

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Bremerton to Seattle Car/Passenger Ferry Schedule – Weekend/Holiday Schedule

On Saturdays, the ferry adheres to the weekly schedule, with departures starting at 4:50 a.m. and ending with the 11:40 p.m. trip. However, on Sundays and holidays, there is no 4:50 a.m. departure, meaning the primary departure is not until 6:20 a.m. Travel time is 60 minutes.

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Seattle-Bremerton Car/Passenger Ferry Prices

The ferry from Seattle to Bremerton 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 ride complimentary.

Rates are for one-way tickets. The return trip from Bremerton back to Seattle incurs no additional charge.

Tickets for travel on the ferry can be bought on the day at the terminal with cash or a card. Special tickets for seniors, disabled passengers, and children must be purchased at the window as they are unavailable from the self-service machines. It is not possible to book in advance, but rarely will all the spaces for people without vehicles be taken. Busy days may see all the car positions filled, so plan to arrive at least twenty minutes early if traveling by vehicle. Walk-on travelers must board before the scheduled departure time, which is five minutes prior to leaving the dock.

While reservations can`t be made ahead of time, single or multi-ride passes for grown-ups might be purchased on the web ahead of time with a charge or check card and gotten by means of email. They are substantial for 90 days after buy. Tickets for more seasoned grown-ups and kids aren`t accessible on the web.

Adult: $8.50
Child (6-18): $4.25
Child (0-5): Free
Seniors (65+): $4.25

Buying Seattle-Bremerton Car/Passenger Ferry Tickets in Advance

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.

Car/Passenger Ferry Wait Times & Delays

Ferries are seldom at maximum capacity for pedestrians, including those transporting bicycles. However, for individuals driving onto the ferry, there may occasionally be some buildup – particularly during the summer months. The busiest times for motorists heading from Seattle to Bremerton are Mondays through Fridays on the 3:00 p.m./4:20 p.m./5:35 p.m. departures, with Friday typically seeing extra congestion on the 1:30 p.m. and 7:55 p.m. trips. Mid-afternoon Sunday regularly involves some backlogs as well. Sporting activities in the area surrounding the Stadium district, a brief walking distance from the ferry terminal, may additionally cause buildup near the walk-on passenger loading area.

From Bremerton to Seattle, the busiest times are most Sundays all day, from 9:45 a.m. to 11:40 p.m. Leaving early in the morning can help avoid heavy vehicle traffic. Saturdays may be crowded in the afternoons, and weekday mornings from 4:50 a.m. -8:45 a.m. also tend to be more active than the average.

Despite periods of higher activity, delays rarely cause major issues. The ferry connecting Seattle and Bremerton typically departs on or shortly after the posted schedule. It is very uncommon for the ferry to leave over ten minutes behind schedule.

Seattle-Bremerton Car/Passenger Ferry with Vehicle

The Seattle-Bremerton ferry does not accept reservations for vehicle drivers. Those wanting to take their vehicle on the ferry should arrive at least 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time—an hour or more in advance during busy summer months. Usually cars are loaded in the order of arrival, though vehicles may occasionally be rearranged to accommodate larger trucks. Vehicle boarding ends two minutes before the ferry’s scheduled departure time.

The rate for compact automobiles (up to 14 feet) is $12.05, which includes the driver`s fare. For standard sized vehicles, SUVs, and mid-sized trucks (up to 22 feet), the rate is $15.35. Disabled and senior driver rates for similar vehicles mentioned above are $9.90 and $13.20 respectively.
Motorcycle and scooter rates, including the driver, are $6.60 for adults and $4.45 for senior and disabled operators.

During peak months, from May 1 to September 30, there tends to be a slight bump up in vehicle costs, typically just a couple dollars. Check the WA State Ferry site for updated prices if traveling during this period.

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-Bremerton Car/Passenger Ferry with Kids

The ferry ride is always exciting for kids, and the hour-long Bremerton route allows ample time to explore the ship and appreciate the scenery. The area around the Bremerton ferry dock has undergone significant upgrades in recent years, with an elevated boardwalk directly off the ferry and various dining selections. Rates for children ages 6-18 are only $4.15 from Seattle to Bremerton; the return trip carries no charge. Kids 5 years and under ride free both ways.

There is no formal minimum age for young ones to travel without parents; however, there is no staff member accompanying minors onboard. With that in mind, a day visit to Bremerton, while a bit rougher than the idyllic island setting offered by the Bainbridge Island route, can still be an enjoyable and safe trip for teenagers and younger siblings seeking a weekend activity away from the city.

Taking a Bike On Board the Seattle-Bremerton Car/Passenger Ferry

Traversing Bremerton by bicycle provides a good means of exploring the fairly level landscape, while the surrounding peninsula offers more extensive opportunities for longer cycling excursions. No bike rental shops are immediately close to the ferry dock, so travelers will need to bring their own bicycle on board the ferry. Doing so costs just one dollar each way or two dollars for a return trip.

Cyclists board initially and disembark first. Arrive 20 minutes early to board the ferry ahead of motor vehicles; cyclists arriving late will need to wait until after all other modes of transit have loaded. Cyclists will enter through the designated bicycle entrance at the far right tollbooth, then ride to the marked waiting area in front of the automobiles. After entering onboard, cyclists will park at the front end of the vehicle deck and secure their bicycles. When arrival is announced via loudspeaker, cyclists will head back down to retrieve their bikes and ride into downtown Bremerton.

Food On Board the Car/Passenger 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.

Seattle-Bremerton Passenger-Only Fast Ferries

Seattle to Bremerton Fast Ferry Summer Schedule – Weekday

Weekday Express Ferries run during commuting hours. These ferries depart Pier 52 at 6:07, 7:24, and 8:35 in the morning; 2:40, 3:55, 5:10, 6:25, and 7:45 in the afternoon and early evening. The crossing takes 30 minutes. (It’s always a wise decision to check the online schedule before traveling, in case of any schedule alterations or anticipated delays.)

Bremerton to Seattle Fast Ferry Summer Schedule – Weekday

Between Monday and Friday, Fast Ferries depart the Bremerton Ferry Terminal at 5:25 AM, 6:45 AM, and 8:00 AM in the morning; 2:05 PM, 3:15 PM, 4:30 PM, 5:45 PM, and 7:10 PM in the afternoon and early evening hours. The crossing time is 30 minutes. (It’s always a good idea to verify the online schedule before you travel, in case of schedule changes or anticipated delays.)

Seattle to Bremerton Fast Ferry Summer Schedule – Weekend/Holiday

• Restaurant & Bar: At night, Bushfire Flame Grill offers a sumptuous Brazilian-style churrasco where servers bring giant skewers to each table and slice off chunks of kangaroo, beef, lamb, and seafood. An experience and more than just a meal. The attached bar offers lighter meals and very Happy Hours.

The Fast Ferry does not run on Sundays.

There is no Fast Ferry service on January 1st, July 4th, Thanksgiving, and December 25th. On all other holidays, the Fast Ferry operates on its regular schedule.

Bremerton to Seattle Fast Ferry Summer Schedule – Weekend/Holiday

On Saturdays, The Speedy Ferry departs from the Bremerton Ferry Terminal at 9:20 am, 10:50 am, 12:20 pm, 1:50 pm, 3:20 pm, 5:20 pm, 6:50 pm, 8:10 pm, 9:30 pm, and 10:50 pm. The crossing time is 30 minutes. (It’s always advisable to check the online schedule before traveling, in case of any scheduling changes or expected delays.)

The Fast Ferry does not run on Sundays.

There is no Fast Ferry service on January 1st, July 4th, Thanksgiving, and December 25th. On all other holidays, the Fast Ferry operates on its regular schedule.

Seattle-Bremerton Fast Ferry Prices

Rates are for one-way tickets.

The Fast Ferry from Seattle to Bremerton costs $10.00 for adults. Costs for seniors (over 65) and children (6-18 years) are half-price at $5.00, but only if they present a valid Medicare Card, Regional Reduced Fare Permit (RRFP), pay via Low income or youth reduced-fare ORCA card, or have been pre-qualified at a customer service center.

The return trip from Bremerton back to Seattle costs adults $2.00; seniors, youths, and low-income passengers meeting specific qualifications pay half that amount.

Two hotel options are listed as Hotel 43 and Modern Hotel

Buying Seattle-Bremerton Fast Ferry Tickets in Advance

Reservations can be made for peak commute period Fast Ferry trips running Monday-Friday. No reservations are accepted for Saturday sailings.

To get started, one will first need a valid ORCA card number, which can be registered for online. After completing this step, a user may register an account at Kitsap Transit’s reservations page.

Reservation windows open for any given month on the primary business day of the previous month. As an example, the reservation window for March opens on February 1.

Customers with reservations must check in at the reservation line at least 10 minutes before the scheduled sailing time, or their reserved seats will be released to passengers in the walk-up line.

Reservations can be cancelled up to two hours before the scheduled sailing time.

Fast Ferry Wait Times & Delays

The Seattle-Bremerton Fast Ferry carries a small number of passengers, though it remains quite popular. It has only 118 seats total, with 88 bookable in advance and 30 set aside for walk-up travelers. Those without reservations should plan to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure during peak travel seasons in spring, summer and fall.

Seattle-Bremerton Car/Passenger Ferry with Kids

Tickets must be purchased for anyone using a seat – infants in arms are free. As this is a high-speed ferry, children will need to remain in their seats for the entire ride (30 minutes). Strollers can be accommodated onboard.

Taking a Bike On Board the Seattle-Bremerton Fast Ferry

The Seattle-Bremerton Fast Ferry has exterior racks that can hold up to 12 bicycles, available on a first-come basis. Bicycles are not permitted inside the cabins, and electric bikes may not be brought aboard.

Food On Board the Fast Ferry (or at the ferry terminal)

No meals are being offered on the Quick Ferry. No eating is allowed onboard, and beverages necessity be in sealed containers. There are a lot of dining establishments and cafes within the Seattle ferry terminal; quick meals selections contain Subway, Taco del Mar, Wasabi Express, and the Waterfront Creamery. Puget Sound Provisions offers beer, wine, soda, and snacks to go, plus things like sunscreen or eyeglasses.

Taking the Car/Passenger Ferry from Seattle to Bremerton

Taking the Fast Ferry from Seattle to Bremerton