Anacortes Ferry Reservations
Reservations are not required, but they are recommended if you are traveling with a vehicle. Vehicle reservations are available on this route, and standby space on each sailing is limited. Walk-on passengers and bicyclists do not need a reservation.
When Anacortes Ferry Reservations Open
Vehicle space on each sailing to and from the San Juan Islands opens in three releases:
- Two months before the season starts, at 10 AM: 30% of standard vehicle space, plus most of the space for tall vehicles such as RVs and trucks.
- Two weeks before the sailing date, at 7 AM: another 30% of standard vehicle space.
- Two days before the sailing date, at 7 AM: the last 30% of standard vehicle space.
The last 10% of each sailing is never reserved. It is kept for stand-by vehicles, along with any space freed up by cancellations and no-shows. If the first release is sold out, set a reminder for 7 AM two weeks out, and again two days out.
Which Sailings Fill Up Without a Reservation
These sailings ran out of drive-up space most often in the last four weeks. They are the ones where a reservation matters most.
| Sailing | From | Days drive-up space ran out | On average, full |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4:20 PM | Anacortes | 18 of 23 | 1 hour 12 minutes before departure |
| 1:35 PM | Anacortes | 12 of 22 | 1 hour 27 minutes before departure |
| 3:20 PM | Anacortes | 12 of 23 | 1 hour 7 minutes before departure |
| 5:35 PM | Anacortes | 6 of 23 | 1 hour 19 minutes before departure |
| 2:30 PM | Friday Harbor | 1 of 4 | 11 hours 25 minutes before departure |
| 10:05 AM | Anacortes | 4 of 21 | 1 hour 12 minutes before departure |
| 8:15 PM | Anacortes | 4 of 23 | 2 hours 12 minutes before departure |
| 6:05 PM | Anacortes | 4 of 23 | 59 minutes before departure |
| 6:15 AM | Anacortes | 2 of 22 | 30 minutes before departure |
| 11:55 AM | Anacortes | 1 of 22 | 1 hour 11 minutes before departure |
See today's counts on Anacortes ferry wait times.
Checking In With a Reservation
Vehicle reservations to the San Juan Islands are available online or by speaking to an information agent, and must be made at least 2 hours prior to sailing time. A 45 to 60 minute advance arrival is advised for reservation holders. Reservation holders who check in later than 30 minutes prior to sailing time will travel stand by. Walk on passengers should arrive at least 15 minutes prior to departure.
Changing or Canceling a Reservation
Reservations are free to make. Change or cancel yours before 5 PM the day before you travel, or you will be charged a no-show fee. If you booked a round trip, cancel both directions. Fares are paid at the tollbooth as usual; see Anacortes ferry tickets and fares.
Walk-on passengers and bicyclists never need a reservation. See walking on the Anacortes ferry, or go back to the Anacortes ferry schedule.
Anacortes Ferry Reservation FAQs
Do you need a reservation for the Anacortes ferry?
Reservations are not required, but they are recommended if you are traveling with a vehicle. Vehicle reservations are available on this route, and standby space on each sailing is limited. Walk-on passengers and bicyclists do not need a reservation.
When do Anacortes ferry reservations open?
In three releases. 30% of each sailing's standard vehicle space opens two months before the season starts, at 10 AM. Another 30% opens two weeks before the sailing date at 7 AM, and the last 30% opens two days before at 7 AM. The remaining 10% is kept for stand-by traffic.
Does it cost anything to reserve the Anacortes ferry?
No. Making a reservation is free, and you pay the normal fare at the tollbooth. If you don't show up, you're charged a no-show fee. Change or cancel before 5 PM the day before you travel to avoid it.
How early should you arrive with an Anacortes ferry reservation?
A 45 to 60 minute advance arrival is advised for reservation holders. Reservation holders who check in later than 30 minutes prior to sailing time will travel stand by.