Everything You Need to Know About Taking the Bainbridge Ferry
The Bainbridge Island Ferry is a vital transportation link for commuters, families, and visitors alike, connecting Bainbridge Island to downtown Seattle via Eagle Harbor to Colman Dock. Whether you're commuting daily, attending events, or traveling to the airport, here's what you need to know about using the ferry efficiently.
Full-Time Commuting
For those commuting to Seattle for work, the Bainbridge Ferry is a reliable and comfortable option. The Washington State Ferry operates regularly throughout the day, with departures approximately every hour. The trip takes about 35 minutes each way (dock to dock) providing a scenic and stress-free alternative to driving through city traffic.
Tips for Commuters:
Check the schedule using the WSDOT website or the WSDOT Ferry App. Ferries generally run more regularly on time during the commuting week when there are less tourists. Ferries in the AM often will fill with cars, so watch to make sure that you are planned accordingly.
Peak hours (early morning and late evening) can be busy, so plan ahead and arrive early to secure a spot if you need a car space.
Connecting transit options – Kitsap Transit buses connect the ferry terminal to various parts of Bainbridge Island and operate on the same schedule as the ferry. The buses run on the ferry schedule, so if your boat is late, your bus will still be waiting.
Biking on the ferry – Cyclists get priority boarding and can bypass long car lines. Secure bike racks are available on board. This is a faster option for those who are looking to streamline their commute.
Parking and Walk On- There is almost always adequate parking at the lot near the ferry terminal. You can order coffee ahead of time from Commuter Comforts and be on your way.
Getting to Work Post Ferry
Once you are off the boat, there are a variety of options for getting to work. Most downtown employees walk to their locations– but here are a few specific tips.
Bellevue:
Take the ferry to Seattle, then transfer to Sound Transit Bus 550 at 2nd Ave & Columbia St for a direct route to Bellevue.
Another option is taking the Link Light Rail to Mercer Island, then transferring to a local King County Metro bus.
Drive your own vehicle and park locally
Amazon & Downtown Tech Companies:
Many Amazon employees take the ferry and either bike or walk to work.
Amazon Ride offers employee shuttles from Colman Dock to its South Lake Union campus, with stops at 1st Ave & Spring St and 2nd Ave & Seneca St.
Alternatively, take the Seattle Streetcar or Metro buses for an easy commute.
Microsoft Campus in Redmond:
After arriving in Seattle, take Sound Transit Bus 545 from 4th Ave & Pike St directly to Microsoft.
Microsoft also operates private shuttles for employees from downtown Seattle.
—-
Company Shuttles:
Major employers such as Amazon, Facebook, and Google offer dedicated commuter shuttles from downtown Seattle.
King County Metro's Shared Shuttle Program also connects Colman Dock to various employment hubs.
Check with your employer for shuttle availability and schedules.
Traveling for Health Appointments, Weekend Sports and Friends.
The ferry provides a scenic and convenient way to get into the city for either a night out, a Saturday soccer game or a dr. visit. Depending on the timing (mid week or weekend) the biggest consideration will be whether to take your car on.
For appointments downtown, sporting events or a night at the theater, I’d recommend walking on the Seattle side or using transit. However, that’s not always an option– if you need your car, just know that the car slots can get backed up- this is especially true on Friday evenings as you come to Bainbridge or the end of a holiday weekend going back to Seattle. You may find yourself having to wait a sailing or two to get on with your vehicle.
Getting to and From the Airport
Driving? – After taking the ferry, SEA Airport is just a 20-30 minute drive away, depending on traffic. You can park at the airport or a satellite lot.
Transit options:
Take Sound Transit’s Link Light Rail from downtown Seattle to the airport. The University Street Station (a short walk from Colman Dock) connects directly to SEA.
Use the King County Metro Route 1 from the ferry terminal to catch the Light Rail at the International District Station.
Rideshare services like Uber, Lyft, and taxis operate directly from Colman Dock.
Luggage tip: There are elevators and escalators at both the ferry and Link stations to help travelers with heavy bags.
Summer vs. Winter Sailings
Summer: Expect larger crowds, especially with tourists visiting the island. Arrive early to secure a spot if you need a car,, especially during weekends and holidays. During peak summer months, ferry lines for vehicles can be significantly longer, so it’s advisable to consider walking onto the ferry and using public transit or rideshare services in Seattle. The weather is generally favorable, making the upper decks ideal for enjoying views of the Puget Sound.
Winter: Fewer travelers make for a quieter, more relaxed experience. Be aware of infrequent but potential weather-related delays due to storms or rough waters. Some sailings may experience slight schedule adjustments, and it’s always a good idea to check ahead for any service alerts. However, winter also brings cozy ferry rides with fewer tourists, making it a great time for peaceful commutes and travel.
Working Around Tourists
Peak tourist season is late spring through early fall. Plan for longer wait times and busier decks, particularly on weekends and during holidays. Arriving at the terminal early is essential to securing a spot if you need to bring a vehicle
Local tips – Bainbridge residents often plan their trips around tourist peaks, opting to travel early or late in the day to avoid the biggest crowds. If you have flexibility in your schedule, consider taking advantage of these quieter periods.
Ferry timing- when there are a lot of tourists, the boats often start to fall behind. It’s essential to watch the schedule on the WSDOT app or on the website.
The Social Element of the Ferry
Riding the Bainbridge Ferry is more than just transportation—it’s a community. Many commuters form daily routines and connections, making it a unique social experience. Frequent riders often chat, network, or even make friends on board, making the ferry ride a special part of life in the region. I have celebrated many milestone birthdays in the galley and it’s not uncommon to catch up with a friend over coffee on the way in, or a glass of wine on the way home.
Ferry Cost:
As of spring 2025, here are the fees.
Vehicle and Driver:
Vehicles under 14 feet in length: $13.55 to $16.40 (depending on the source and season).
Vehicles 14’ to under 22’ in length: $17.20 to $20.90.
Passengers:
Passengers only pay the trip to Bainbridge Island. It’s free to go to the city.
Adult (19-64 years): $9.25 to $9.45.
Senior (65+ years): $4.60.
Under 18: Free
Motorcycle and Driver: $7.45 to $9.00.
Bicycle and Adult Rider: $10.25 to $10.45.
FAQ
Is the Ferry 35 minutes each way?
Yes, however, that does not include about 10 minutes on either side while you board and unboard– this is true for cars and passengers. Bikes are first off the ferry which is an additional value prop for taking your bike.
How much does the ferry cost?
Visit the official fare page for up-to-date pricing. Pedestrians pay to come to Bainbridge, but there is no fee to travel to Seattle. Vehicle fees apply to travel in both directions but include the driver in the expense. Kids do not pay for the ferry and there are reduced fares for seniors.
Can I bring my bike on the ferry?
Yes! Cyclists get priority boarding, and there are bike racks available.
Are reservations required?
No, the Bainbridge Ferry operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
How do I check for delays?
Use the WSDOT Ferry App or website to check real-time ferry status.
What time does the Bainbridge ferry run?
The Bainbridge ferry runs from 4:45AM to 1:35 AM on weekdays and 5:20AM to 2:10AM on weekends.
Can I bring my dog? Yes! Leashed pets can transit through interior areas to access exterior passenger spaces, such as shelter decks, promenade decks, and sun decks.
-
Enjoy the journey!
