Seattle to Anacortes Ferry
No ferry runs from Seattle to Anacortes or to the San Juan Islands. Every Washington State Ferries sailing to the islands leaves from the Anacortes ferry terminal at 2100 Ferry Terminal Road, about 80 miles north of Seattle. Here is how to get there.
Driving From Seattle
- Take I-5 north to exit 230
- Follow SR 20 west to Anacortes
- Follow the ferry signs through town to the terminal
The drive is about 80 miles, or roughly 1.5 to 2 hours from downtown Seattle depending on traffic. From Sea-Tac Airport, allow at least 2.5 hours. The first ferry leaves Anacortes at 4:05 AM and the last at 8:40 PM (9:50 PM, Fridays only).
Airport Shuttle From Sea-Tac
The Bellair Airporter shuttle runs several times a day from Sea-Tac Airport and stops at the Anacortes ferry terminal. The ferry stop needs a prepaid reservation at least 24 hours ahead, and the shuttle isn't timed to the ferries, so leave room between its arrival and your sailing.
Public Transit
From Everett Station, Skagit Transit's Route 90X runs to Skagit Station in Mount Vernon, which also has Amtrak and Greyhound service. Route 40X connects Skagit Station with the March Point Park & Ride, and Route 410 runs to the ferry terminal once an hour, Monday through Saturday.
When to Get to the Terminal
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.
Drivers without a reservation should check Anacortes ferry wait times for how early each sailing fills up. Every sailing is in the Anacortes ferry schedule.
Seattle to Anacortes Ferry FAQs
Is there a ferry from Seattle to Anacortes?
No. No ferry runs between Seattle and Anacortes. Every Washington State Ferries sailing to the San Juan Islands leaves from Anacortes, about 80 miles north of Seattle, so riders drive, take a shuttle or ride transit to the terminal.
How long is the drive from Seattle to the Anacortes ferry?
About 80 miles, or roughly 1.5 to 2 hours from downtown Seattle depending on traffic. From Sea-Tac Airport, allow at least 2.5 hours.
What time do I need to leave Seattle to catch the Anacortes ferry?
The first ferry leaves Anacortes at 4:05 AM and the last at 8:40 PM (9:50 PM, Fridays only). Add the drive to the time you need at the terminal before your sailing, and see Anacortes ferry wait times for how early each sailing fills up.