Seattle to Bainbridge Island Ferry Guide: Schedule, Fares, and Tips (2026)
The Seattle to Bainbridge Island ferry is operated by Washington State Ferries and runs from Colman Dock (Pier 52) in downtown Seattle to the Bainbridge Island terminal in Winslow. The crossing takes approximately 35 minutes each way, with more than 20 sailings per day in both directions running from around 5 AM to after midnight. As of June 2026, adult walk-on fares are $11.35 each way, youth 18 and under ride free, and senior and disability fares are $5.65. The route is the busiest in the Washington State Ferries network and serves both daily commuters and day-trippers from Seattle.
Ferry schedule: Seattle to Bainbridge Island
Washington State Ferries operates the Seattle to Bainbridge route year-round, with sailings departing Colman Dock in Seattle approximately every 50 to 80 minutes throughout the day. The first sailing from Seattle typically departs around 6:10 AM on weekdays, with service continuing until approximately 12:30 AM the following night. Weekend schedules have slightly different departure times. The ferry schedule changes with the season (summer, fall, winter, and spring schedules each differ), and WSDOT updates the schedule online at wsdot.wa.gov/ferries.
A representative weekday Seattle departure schedule for summer 2026 includes sailings at approximately 6:10 AM, 7:55 AM, 8:55 AM, 10:15 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:15 PM, 2:10 PM, 3:10 PM, 4:05 PM, 5:05 PM, 5:35 PM, 6:25 PM, 7:20 PM, 8:20 PM, 9:30 PM, 10:55 PM, and 12:30 AM. Bainbridge Island to Seattle runs on a corresponding schedule, with the first boat from Bainbridge departing around 5:20 AM. Always verify the current schedule directly at wsdot.wa.gov/ferries or via the WSDOT ferries app before your trip, as times are subject to adjustment.
Ferry terminal information
The Seattle ferry terminal is Colman Dock at Pier 52 on the downtown Seattle waterfront, located at 801 Alaskan Way. It is accessible on foot from Pike Place Market (approximately 10 minutes), from the Pioneer Square neighborhood (10 to 15 minutes), and from the light rail International District/Chinatown station (15 minutes). King County Metro bus routes stop on Alaskan Way adjacent to the terminal. Paid parking is available in the terminal’s surface lot and in nearby garages, though parking fills quickly during peak commute hours and summer weekends. Walk-on passengers do not need to queue with vehicles and use a separate pedestrian boarding lane.
The Bainbridge Island terminal is in downtown Winslow, adjacent to the ferry dock on Olympic Drive SE. From the Bainbridge terminal, downtown Winslow is a 5-minute walk along the waterfront path. The terminal has a staffed ticket booth, self-serve kiosks, a covered waiting area, restrooms, and a small cafe. Bike storage is available and bikes travel at no additional charge on the Seattle-Bainbridge route as of 2026.
Fares: 2026 prices
Walk-on fares are charged westbound only (Seattle to Bainbridge Island). The eastbound return sailing from Bainbridge to Seattle is free for all walk-on passengers. This means a one-way fare from Seattle to Bainbridge covers the full round trip. As of June 2026, per the Washington State Department of Transportation’s official fare table:
| Passenger type | One-way fare (Seattle to Bainbridge) | Return fare (Bainbridge to Seattle) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (age 19-64) | $11.35 | Free |
| Senior (age 65+) / Disability | $5.65 | Free |
| Youth (age 18 and under) | Free | Free |
| Vehicle with standard driver (up to 14 ft) | Approximately $21-33 (vehicle + driver fare) | Vehicle fee charged; driver free |
| Bicycle | No additional charge | No additional charge |
The youth fare change (18 and under now ride free) was implemented in recent years and represents a significant savings for families. A family with two adults and two children under 18 pays only $22.70 total for walk-on passage both directions. For vehicle passengers, the ferry charges the vehicle rate westbound (Seattle to Bainbridge) and driver fare eastbound. Exact vehicle rates by length are available at wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/fares. Online ticket purchase is available via the WSDOT website or the WSF mobile app; no advance booking is required for walk-on passengers.
Tips for the crossing
Walk-on passengers should arrive at Colman Dock at least 15 to 20 minutes before the scheduled departure, particularly during summer weekends and the peak commute hours of 7 AM to 9 AM and 4 PM to 6:30 PM. During these periods, ferries can be full and passengers may be asked to wait for the next sailing. Vehicle passengers should allow an additional 20 to 30 minutes buffer during peak periods, as vehicle queuing can extend the wait significantly.
The outer deck on the upper level of the ferry provides the best views of the Seattle skyline on departure and the Bainbridge Island shore on approach. The Olympic Mountains are visible to the west on clear days. Inside, the ferry has heated passenger lounges, a snack bar, and seating on multiple levels. The crossing is 35 minutes, and most passengers who board walk-on find it comfortable to stand on the outer deck for the full crossing in mild weather. Bainbridge Island has a marine climate, meaning the weather can be significantly cooler than downtown Seattle, so a layer is useful year-round.
Scenic highlights on the ferry route
The Seattle to Bainbridge Island route crosses Elliott Bay and a portion of the central Puget Sound, providing views that are among the most photographed in the Pacific Northwest. Departing Colman Dock, the Seattle skyline recedes to the east with the Space Needle visible north of the downtown core. As the ferry moves west across Elliott Bay, the Olympic Mountains appear ahead across the water on clear days, with their snow-capped peaks visible from October through July in most years. The return crossing from Bainbridge provides the same skyline approach from the water, which is the view most associated with Seattle in aerial and maritime photography.
Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed but are common on this route. Harbor seals haul out on the navigation buoys between Seattle and Bainbridge, and are regularly visible from the outer deck. Bald eagles are frequently sighted in the trees above the Bainbridge Island terminal. Orca whale sightings from this ferry route are rare but do occur, typically in July and August when chinook salmon runs bring them into Puget Sound. The Puget Sound is also home to harbor porpoise, which can sometimes be seen from the ferry bow.
Exploring Bainbridge Island
From the Bainbridge Island ferry terminal, downtown Winslow is a 5-minute walk along the waterfront path. The main commercial street, Winslow Way, has independent restaurants, coffee shops, wine bars, bookstores, and the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art at 550 Winslow Way E, which offers free admission and exhibits rotating Pacific Northwest and local art. Blackbird Bakery at 210 Winslow Way E is one of the most frequently cited breakfast stops for day-trippers, known for pastries and coffee in a compact, no-frills setting. Hitchcock Restaurant at 133 Winslow Way E focuses on Pacific Northwest cuisine and is one of the more well-regarded dinner options in the Winslow area.
Bloedel Reserve, a 150-acre Japanese and naturalistic garden estate about 3 miles north of the ferry terminal, is the island’s single most-visited attraction for day-trippers from Seattle. Admission is $21 for adults and $10 for children as of 2026, and tickets should be purchased online in advance as timed entry is required. Gazzam Lake Nature Preserve, about 5 miles from the terminal, has an extensive network of hiking trails through second-growth forest with views of Eagle Harbor. The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial at Pritchard Park commemorates the forced removal of the island’s Japanese American community in 1942, with interpretive panels along a short waterfront trail.
| Attraction | Distance from terminal | Entry fee (2026) | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Winslow | 0.5 miles / 5 min walk | Free | Restaurants, shops, coffee |
| Bainbridge Island Museum of Art | 0.5 miles / 5 min walk | Free | Pacific Northwest art, rotating exhibits |
| Bloedel Reserve | 3 miles / 10 min by car or bike | $21 adult / $10 child | 150-acre Japanese and naturalistic garden |
| Fay Bainbridge Park | 6 miles | Free (parking fee) | Beach, campground, Sound views, Mt. Rainier view |
| Gazzam Lake Nature Preserve | 5 miles | Free | Forested hiking trails, lake views |
| Japanese American Exclusion Memorial | Adjacent to terminal | Free | WWII history, interpretive trail |
Where to stay on Bainbridge Island
Eagle Harbor Inn, located in downtown Winslow about one block from the ferry terminal, is the best-known boutique accommodation on Bainbridge Island. As of 2026, rooms run approximately $175 to $280 per night for standard rooms and suites. The inn’s waterfront-adjacent location makes it the most practical base for visitors who arrive by ferry and want to explore on foot, and the property includes water views and a courtyard. It is a common starting point for Bainbridge Island travel guides and has developed a strong reputation among Seattle weekend-trippers.
Pleasant Beach Village is a small resort community on the south end of Bainbridge Island, approximately 5 miles from the ferry terminal. The property offers cottage-style accommodations with private beach access and views across Puget Sound toward Seattle. Rates run approximately $300 to $500 per night as of 2026. It is better suited to visitors with a car or a rental bike than walk-on ferry passengers, but the south island location provides the best sunset views of the Olympic Mountains.
For visitors who prefer to stay in Seattle and take the ferry as a day trip, the downtown Seattle waterfront hotels are the most convenient options, with ferry boarding at Colman Dock walkable from properties on the waterfront and in Pioneer Square.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to buy Bainbridge ferry tickets in advance?
Walk-on passengers do not need to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets can be bought at the self-serve kiosks at Colman Dock or at the staffed ticket booth. Online purchase through the WSDOT website or WSF app is available if preferred but is not required. Vehicle passengers also do not need advance reservations on the Seattle-Bainbridge route, though vehicle queuing during peak summer weekends can result in waits of one to two sailings, so arriving early is recommended for vehicles.
What is the ferry schedule from Seattle to Bainbridge Island?
Washington State Ferries operates more than 20 sailings per day in each direction, running from approximately 6:10 AM to 12:30 AM from Seattle (with some routes starting earlier from Bainbridge around 5:20 AM). Sailings depart roughly every 50 to 80 minutes throughout the day, with more frequent service during weekday commute hours. The exact schedule changes seasonally. Always verify the current timetable at wsdot.wa.gov/ferries or via the WSF app before your trip.
How much does it cost to take a ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island?
As of June 2026, adult walk-on fares are $11.35 each way from Seattle to Bainbridge Island. The return trip from Bainbridge to Seattle is free for all walk-on passengers. Youth 18 and under travel free in both directions. Senior and disability fares are $5.65 one way. A family of two adults and two children under 18 pays $22.70 total for walk-on passage covering both directions of travel.
How long is the ferry ride from Seattle to Bainbridge Island?
The ferry crossing takes approximately 35 minutes from Colman Dock in Seattle to the Winslow ferry terminal on Bainbridge Island. Door-to-door travel time from downtown Seattle to downtown Winslow is approximately 45 to 60 minutes including boarding, crossing, and the short walk from the Bainbridge terminal to Winslow Way.
Can I bring a bike on the Seattle to Bainbridge ferry?
Yes. Bicycles are allowed on the Seattle-Bainbridge Island ferry at no additional charge as of 2026. Bikes board through a separate lane and are stored on the vehicle deck. The Winslow ferry terminal is connected to the Winslow bike loop and the island’s network of roads, making the ferry a popular option for cyclists doing day trips from Seattle. Bainbridge Island’s terrain includes hills, so an e-bike or road bike is better suited for longer island rides than a heavy commuter bike.
Is it worth taking the Bainbridge Island ferry as a tourist?
Yes, particularly for visitors staying in Seattle for multiple days. The ferry itself offers views of the Seattle skyline, Elliott Bay, and the Olympic Mountains that are not accessible from land. The 35-minute crossing is the most affordable scenic boat ride in the Seattle area (adult fare $11.35 one-way, which covers the return trip). Bainbridge Island’s Bloedel Reserve, Winslow waterfront, and Museum of Art provide a full day’s activity. The total cost for a walk-on day trip from Seattle to Bainbridge and back is $11.35 per adult, with children under 18 traveling free.
What time is the last ferry from Bainbridge to Seattle?
The last sailing from Bainbridge Island to Seattle on most days departs around 1:20 AM, with an earlier final sailing around 12:45 AM on some schedule variants. The last sailing from Seattle to Bainbridge is typically around 12:30 AM. Check the current WSDOT schedule at wsdot.wa.gov/ferries before an evening trip to Bainbridge to confirm the final return departure time for the specific day of your visit, as late-night schedules can vary by season and day of week.
