Ferry to Seattle

Compare all available ferry crossings and secure the best deals for your journey. At Openferry, we make it easy to find and book ferry tickets to and from Seattle in just a few clicks.

Because ferry travel can be seasonal, frequencies and departure times often change throughout the year. We recommend using our live search to see the most accurate schedules and information for your travel dates including:

Popular Connections: The port of Seattle connects to several high-traffic destinations, including Victoria - Seattle.

Top-Tier Operators: Regular services to and from Seattle are provided by leading carriers like FRS Clipper.

Amenities vary depending on the specific vessel and operator, but most ferries serving Seattle feature:

Comfortable Seating: Options ranging from standard lounges to premium airplane-style seats.

Dining & Leisure: Onboard cafés and restaurants serving food and drinks.

Travel Essentials: Restroom facilities and, on longer routes, private cabins for added privacy.

Vehicle Transport: Most sailings accommodate cars, motorbikes, and campervans, allowing you to take your own transport to Seattle.

Seattle is currently served by 2 ferry routes operated by 1 ferry operators including FRS Clipper.

Seattle is easily accessible via multiple transportation options, with Interstate 5 running directly through the city for those arriving by car. Amtrak provides rail service to King Street Station, just a short distance from the ferry terminals. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport welcomes travelers from around the world, with the Link Light Rail offering direct connections from the airport to downtown in approximately 30 minutes. The main ferry terminal at Pier 52 is well-served by public buses, and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout the city. If driving, numerous parking facilities are available near the ferry docks, though arriving early is recommended during peak summer months.

Nestled between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, Seattle blends urban sophistication with stunning natural beauty. This Pacific Northwest gem serves as a vital maritime gateway, connecting travelers to the spectacular islands and coastal communities of Washington State. With its iconic skyline dominated by the Space Needle and a vibrant waterfront scene, Seattle offers visitors a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, cultural richness, and seafaring heritage.

Seattle shines brightest during the summer months of July and August, when days are long, temperatures hover comfortably in the 70s, and rainfall is minimal. September offers a sweet spot of pleasant weather with fewer tourists and full ferry schedules. Spring brings blooming cherry trees and gradually warming temperatures, though prepare for occasional showers. Winter visits from November through March feature lower rates and less crowded ferries, but expect cooler temperatures and more frequent rain. The Seafair Festival in August and various seafood festivals throughout summer add special energy to the waterfront scene.

Seattle serves as the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the magnificent Puget Sound region by water. Bainbridge Island lies just a 35-minute ferry ride away, offering charming villages, wineries, and spectacular Olympic Mountain views. The San Juan Islands, reachable in about 3-4 hours via ferry connections, reward travelers with orca whale watching, kayaking, and quaint harbor towns. Vashon Island, a quick 20-minute sailing from West Seattle, provides a peaceful retreat with organic farms, beaches, and artistic communities. The scenic crossing to Bremerton (60 minutes) offers breathtaking views of the Olympic Peninsula and access to the naval history of Kitsap County.

Seattle's historic Pike Place Market sits just steps from the ferry terminal, where you can watch fish-throwing vendors, browse local crafts, and sample fresh seafood at iconic eateries like the original Starbucks. The Seattle Aquarium and the Olympic Sculpture Park offer waterfront attractions perfect for pre-ferry exploration. Venture to nearby Pioneer Square to experience the city's original neighborhood with its underground tours and art galleries. For authentic Pacific Northwest cuisine, try local salmon, Dungeness crab, or geoduck at waterfront restaurants like Ivar's Acres of Clams or Elliott's Oyster House. The vibrant International District, just a short walk from the ferry area, presents a treasure trove of Asian culinary delights.

Seattle's ferry system is the largest in the United States and the third-largest in the world, carrying over 24 million passengers annually. The city was originally built on tidal flats, and early settlers actually used high tide to flush toilets directly into Elliott Bay. Before the Space Needle defined the skyline, Seattle's Smith Tower was once the tallest building west of the Mississippi River when completed in 1914. Local folklore claims the term 'Skid Row' originated from Seattle's Yesler Way, where logs were literally skidded down the hill to Henry Yesler's sawmill on the waterfront.