Washington State Ferries

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  Jake Logan
4 months ago
Riding the Washington State Ferries is always a highlight for me. It feels like a mini adventure every time I hop on. The views are unbeatable - think mountains, water, and sometimes even whales! The ferries themselves are comfy and run on time, which is super handy. I love grabbing a coffee and just enjoying the scenery on deck. Whether I m commuting or just exploring, it s an awesome way to see the best of Washington. Plus, checking times and getting tickets online is a breeze. Definitely a must-do experience around here!

  MysteriousHeadlines
11 months ago
Took the ferry multiple times on my vacation to see the San Juan islands. Very efficient. If you are taking your car, best to reserve a a slot ahead of time so you have a slot. Plan extra time for this because you have to arrive early and wait in the ferry line, and the same on the way back. If you are walking on, you can get a ticket shortly before it leaves and it takes less time. Beautiful views from the boat but bring a jacket if you want to stand outside because it gets cold

  Joseph Tegerdine
11 months ago
Definitely run by the government. The website operates like a dinosaur from the 1990s and the ferry s are consistently late. My latest trip to Orcas was delayed by almost 2 hours. The Puget Sound always makes up for it with its beauty.

  Michael Lampi
a year ago
Busy system, aging vessels, limited food options even if the galley is open - which is often not the case. Schedules are not guaranteed to be accurate. Waiting areas are also typically devoid of food options, though restroom facilities are available in the San Juan Islands. Staff and crew are pleasant to deal with. No WiFi available on board or in waiting areas. Some islands have limited slots for cars, and infrequent sailings.

  Rick North
3 years ago
I love the reservation system. We didn't have to worry whether we would make it or not even though we were towing a trailer. We showed up 45 minutes ahead of time and the ferry showed up on time and off we went to the San Juan Islands. Gorgeous trip. Great job of packing us in like sardines without any scratches. I hope WSDOT keeps the reservation system.

  Candice Eyre
6 months ago
So easy. I called, and I was walked through the process to reserve a spot. When I got there , I I was helped through everything I needed to do. Same with the way back. The ship was clean. My young boys had a great time.

  Daniel Hunter-Jacobs
6 years ago
Super friendly staff. The process of boarding/unboarding the ferry is very well organized. If the ferry is late, who cares? You have stunning views to take in while waiting. There's also a general store to visit that's quaint and one of a kind.

  Brian Schmitz
2 months ago
IMHO the interisland ferry is biggest tourism bargain in the entire state. Walk on passengers and bicyclists always ride for free. Cars only pay when they are headed west. The scenery through Wasp Pass is great. The pass itself is the narrowest of any route in the entire WSF system.

  P. Sandholm (Sandy)
a year ago
Explore these islands.The Washington State Ferries will get you there, and The Ferry ride is a BIG FUN part of the adventure.

  Todd Baker
5 years ago
Always love a nice ferry right on a beautiful, calm day. Took a trip to the San Juan Islands for lunch from Anacortes.

  Lynda Eckerson
3 years ago
The ferries are always messed up when it comes to the schedule but the staff work HARD and do a great job in a very stressful environment.

  Gary Hypes (hypesgary)
8 months ago
Use twice now and will be back.

  Denise J. FEY
7 months ago
Ferries are the only access to Orca..Lopez and San Juan Islands. Enchanting cruising thru the fog in the early morning.

  Maegan Longyear
a year ago
We booked the ferry to and from Orcas Island (June 2022). It was our first experience. We were surprised how close they park the cars beside you. It was very difficult/borderline impossible to get out of the vehicle to go up to the passenger deck. Keep this in mind and use a restroom before boarding if you think you may get stuck sitting in your vehicle for the duration of transit.

  Schafer Olsen
4 years ago
The ferries are great and fun to ride and all, but the spring schedule can never keep up in traffic. Be prepared to wait a couple hours. Other than that, the boats are tidy and the workers are very friendly and accommodating.

  Bert Doornmalen
9 months ago
Worst service in the world, ferry s in Africa, Asia and Brazil are better organized then this particular ferry organization, it s service doesn t even qualify 3rd world rating, that s how bad WSF is.

  Craig Stevens
2 years ago
Good transportation in a beautiful area. Having the dining areas and top level closed off was no bueno. Created crowded condition in the area that was open. A beer would have been nice. The coffee in the coffee machine was pretty bad.

  Aurora In The Skye
7 years ago
I loved the cute little grocery shop that's attached to the ferry station. It definitely came in handy while we were in the auto queue waiting for our ferry to come in. You can grab a sandwich, something to drink, even some produce or something from the frozen section.... who knew there were vegan scallops or vegan crab cakes!!!

  Mike Bolle
6 years ago
Very helpful staff at the shaw Island ferry terminal. I like to come up here on vacation. I've never been disappointed by the ferry service.... not including waiting times which are just a part of taking the ferry. If I lived closer I would inquire about getting a job working the ferry

  Brian McClerren
4 years ago
Sure, if you're on vacation and only ride once or twice, it's dreamy. But to the thousands of residents and workers who rely on WSF to function, it's a broken dream. $120 million dollars on brand new ferries with a floor more comfortable than their bolt-covered bench seats. Prices that rise every year, break downs, cancelations, length and height charges that depend on who is working on a given day. Oh and when do all the experienced workers and captains take their vacations? Peak summer time, when the entire system is straining at capacity.

  Jonathan bunt
4 years ago
Best and only way to travel around the islands!

  Sam Lynch
7 years ago
These employees are incredible. Super hard job and they get it done well. Now, the prices get raised pretty high and some of the politics of how many spots for each island can be a bit messed up. But I love this place and transport. So support it

  Derek Nelson
7 years ago
Made a reservation, got on the ferry. Would have been nice if WA DOT would have their people answer simply you always pay to go Westbound in a car, Eastbound is free. We went to San Juan island because more than one WA DOT employee told me to pay and go to San Juan and then you don't have to pay to go inter island with your car. NOT TRUE! Wasted time and another $30 bucks or so to go to San Juan again from Orcas. Could have just payed to go to Orcas and then payed the additional once to get to San Juan. Walking and bikes are free inter island. Not cars. It's not clear on their website either.

  William Stamper
7 years ago
Manage to catch a stand-by ride to Orcas Island and even full the crew directed traffic well. Schedule was accurate, ferry was clean and the ride with the scenery was enjoyable.

  Brian Surkan
4 years ago
Functional, but nothing exceptional. Their pricing for cyclists is quite generous for the San Juans. You only pay once.

  Lonny Ward
2 years ago
This is a wonderful and peaceful way to go between the different islands. Very smooth and relaxing. The views are breathtaking.

  Forrest Puckett
8 months ago
Love the ferry system even if it is having some troubles!

  Jeff Sherwood
7 months ago
Jay inslee has really messed up the ferry system. Good luck getting where you need to get to where your going.

  Carolyn Gatherers
7 years ago
Reservations recommended now. Requires to be there an hour before loading. Ferry ride was great

  Beyond Vision Foundation
5 years ago
I enjoyed the Ferry ride, I was very interested in how well they could manipulate the ferry into its landings