Bainbridge Island ↔ Seattle

Walk-ons should reach Colman Dock about 15 minutes early. Drivers need a much bigger cushion because waterfront traffic can add 30 minutes before the terminal, and car space is first come, first served. Budget for the queue, not just the lovely 35 minutes on the water.

Walk-on passengers pay in Seattle, and that fare covers the return from Bainbridge. A driver pays the vehicle-and-driver fare in both directions. Check today's fare table before leaving, because that difference can change the cost of a family trip quite a bit.

Bainbridge has three large paid lots within two blocks of the dock, including the WSF lot by the main entrance. On the Seattle side, transit or a walk is usually less trouble than bringing another car into the waterfront scrum. Parking works, but it is not the clever part of this commute.

Yes. Bikes get priority access and have marked holding lanes. Adults pay the passenger fare and current bike surcharge in Seattle, with no second charge on the return. Follow the Bainbridge signs rather than the cyclist ahead of you, who may be heading to Bremerton.

The boat takes about 35 minutes. Your trip does not. Add time for the terminal walk, boarding, unloading, and any Seattle traffic before telling somebody you can be there in 35.

No. Cars board first come, first served on Bainbridge. WSF only reserves vehicle space on Port Townsend–Coupeville and the Anacortes–San Juan routes. An advance ticket pays your fare, but it does not save a spot on the boat.

A walk-on is unlikely to be left behind outside a major event. Colman Dock says these boats carry roughly 1,500 to 2,500 passengers, while car-deck space is the usual bottleneck. If arrival time matters more than the car, leave the car behind.

Check the destination signs before joining a lane. Bainbridge and Bremerton share Colman Dock but stage cars and bikes separately. Ask staff while you still have room to move; untangling the mistake in waterfront traffic is no fun.