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A few weeks ago, we traveled to Washington State and spent 5 days in Seattle before heading further south for a family reunion near Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. Seattle in the summer is incredible, and I was able to show Abby and Jake all of my favorite places as a kid. Some of my fondest memories are of taking the ferry with my family. So, I was excited to plan a day trip, taking the Seattle to Bainbridge Island ferry!
It had been 15 years since I last rode this ferry; you can see the proof above. I was actually pregnant with Abby on that trip! These photos show Abby now and then.
Since it had been a while, I had a lot of questions and found myself searching for various answers while on the go. I am writing this guide to answer your frequently asked questions. Because this is a very easy and fun day trip. I would recommend it to anyone! And knowledge is power, especially when it comes to travel planning.
Seattle to Bainbridge Island Ferry Information
First things first, where do you board the ferry, and how do you get tickets? The good news is that the terminal is right there in downtown Seattle and an easy walk from most places, including Pike Place Market, Lumen Field, Pioneer Square, and others.
Did you know that over 6.4 million people ride the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island each year?
It’s a very popular route for both commuters and tourists, lasting a short 35 minutes. Most locals refer to this ferry as “the boat.” But multiple 400-foot-long Bainbridge Island ferries run this route, transporting almost 2 million vehicles yearly.
This is by far the shortest and easiest ferry experience if you are staying in the downtown area. This is why Bainbridge Island makes such a great day trip from Seattle.
Seattle and Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal Locations
The Seattle Ferry Terminal, also known as Colman Dock or Pier 52, is located at 801 Alaskan Way between Marion and Columbia Streets, along the Seattle Waterfront. This terminal serves the Washington State Ferries to and from Bainbridge Island and Bremerton.
Seattle Ferry Terminal Address: 801 Alaskan Way, Seattle, Washington, 98104
Booking.comCan I take the Seattle Ferries To Bainbridge Without A Car?
Yes! The Washington State Ferry to Bainbridge Island accommodates vehicles and pedestrians alike.
Once you arrive at the Seattle Ferry Terminal, you can follow the signs to the vehicle loading area if traveling by vehicle. On our recent day trip to Bainbridge Island, we traveled on foot, and many commuters do it this way!
Where Do I Catch The Bainbridge Island Ferry On Foot?
A lot of construction is happening along the Seattle waterfront, and significant improvements are in store. However, for this reason, give yourself a little extra time to ensure you are in the right place. I recommend arriving 15-20 minutes before scheduled departure.
The path up to the tickets and passenger waiting areas is adjacent to the area where the cars line up. So, look for that and take the walkway up. We got our tickets at a self-service electronic ticket kiosk on the second level. I was initially worried about where to get the tickets, but it was right on the way.
Ferry Tickets to Bainbridge Island From Seattle
Each ferry can carry up to 200 cars and 2,500 passengers, so you shouldn’t have a problem being able to walk on the ferry like we did. The prices below are for one-way tickets. The return ferry trip from Bainbridge back to Seattle is free of charge. And make sure to note that kids under 18 are free. That was a wonderful surprise!
Seattle to Bainbridge Island Ferry Pedestrian Ticket Prices
- Adults (ages 19-64): $9.45
- Seniors (ages 65+): $4.70
- Youth (ages 0-18): FREE
Everyone needs a ticket to board, so you will still have to get a free kid’s ferry ticket before boarding. We quickly did this at the kiosk when purchasing our 2 adult tickets.
IMPORTANT: I want to point out one crucial thing about the FREE kid’s tickets. They are only good for 2 hours. So, you want to wait to purchase them.
You can also buy commuter cards and monthly passes. There is a bicycle surcharge of $1. Full details here.
Seattle to Bainbridge Island Ferry Vehicle Ticket Prices:
The prices for vehicles start at $16. Prices vary quite a bit based on the type of vehicle and the length. Click here for a complete list of prices.
How Do You Purchase Bainbridge Island Ferry Tickets?
Tickets may be purchased at the terminal on the day of travel using cash or a card. We found the self-serve kiosks very easy to use. All passengers are loaded on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Seattle to Bainbridge Island Ferry Schedule
The ferry schedules vary seasonally, so it is always best to check the Washington State Ferry Seattle to Bainbridge Island official schedule before making any plans.
In general, this ferry route runs every 45 minutes to an hour. Two ferries were operating when we did this Bainbridge Island day trip at the end of July.
The Bainbridge Island ferries typically run over 20 times each day. Boats run from around 5:00 a.m. until after midnight, giving you plenty of opportunities to get to and from where you need to go without feeling rushed. I believe that popular commuter times can have longer Bainbridge Island ferry wait times, so consider going outside of those windows.
What’s It Like Visiting Bainbridge Island By Ferry?
As you depart the waterfront aboard this Washington State Ferry, you will be treated to some of the best views of Seattle. So, have your camera ready!
This reminded me of taking the Staten Island Ferry round trip in New York City simply because it offers some of the city’s best views and the Statue of Liberty. And that was free, too!
On board, you can stay inside, enjoying tables and chairs, or outside on either the boat’s top deck or end. There is even a snack area that offers a great selection of food and beverages – including beer and wine! But don’t get too comfortable because this is only a 35-minute crossing.
When you arrive at Eagle Harbor on Bainbridge Island, the nearest town is Winslow. That is where we choose to spend our afternoon there! Once leaving the boat, make a mental note of where you are. You’ll need to return here to catch the Bainbridge to Seattle ferry for your return trip.
Booking.comWinslow, Bainbridge Island
Once you disembark, you’ll find yourself in a small Bainbridge Island ferry terminal. But then, where do you go from there?
If you don’t have a car, my recommendation would be to explore the community of Winslow. It’s an easy .25-mile walk to the main street, where all the shops and restaurants are. This small 10-block community is very charming, like something out of a Hallmark movie! The main thing to do is visit the shops (there is a great bookstore) and eat/drink. Two of our favorite things!
We walked down the main street before heading to the Winslow Wharf Marina. I loved strolling the boardwalk and gazing at all of the boats. It was the perfect summer day and about as picturesque as it gets!
We sat outside at Docs Marina Grill for a late lunch before returning to the Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal. As you can see in my photos, the day started out a little foggy, but by midday, it was sunny and warm!
About Bainbridge Island
Nestled within the Puget Sound, Bainbridge Island is a lovely destination that perfectly blends nature’s wonders with vibrant community life.
Commutable by a short ferry ride from Seattle, this Island has deep historical roots, with its past intertwined with the Suquamish Native American tribe. A distinctive historical facet of Bainbridge Island was its significant role during World War II when it became a site for the internment of Japanese Americans. In 1942, 227 Japanese Americans living on Bainbridge Island were brought to the Eagledale Ferry Dock and forcibly removed from the Island. The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial is a poignant reminder of this history.
Beyond its historical narrative, Bainbridge Island boasts an array of recreational delights, from meandering forest trails to breathtaking waterfront vistas. On our day trip, we didn’t explore the many areas of Bainbridge Island popular among outdoor enthusiasts. However, we enjoyed a wooded stroll through Waypoint Park on our short walk from the ferry dock to Winslow.
Winslow is often considered the Island’s heart and soul. Winslow stands out for its quaint boutiques, art galleries, and upscale dining venues. Celebrating artistic expression, Winslow hosts events like the Bainbridge in Bloom garden tour and is home to the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, a haven for local and global artistic talents.
Bainbridge Island’s historical significance is elevated because pickleball, a popular paddle sport, was invented on Bainbridge Island. I posted about this on my @ourlittlelifestyleblog Instagram stories while we were on the Island and received many messages from readers who love playing pickleball. It’s become quite popular again in recent years. I noticed a lot of cute pickleball-themed merchandise in many of the small shops in Winslow.
Bainbridge Island Things To Do
Our most recent trip was short and sweet, but there are many other things to do on Bainbridge Island. I have done some of these on past visits!
Explore Bloedel Reserve: Wander through lush gardens, tranquil ponds, and serene woodlands in this botanical paradise.
Go Sailing: While strolling around on the boardwalk, we saw many signs for Sail Bainbridge and others. If we had more time, I would have loved to have booked a sailing outing on Bainbridge Island.
Fay Bainbridge Park: Have a beach day with stunning views, picnic spots, and tidepool exploration.
Visit Winslow: As I said above, this is a great place to browse charming boutiques and art galleries and do some top-notch eating and drinking, all while soaking in the Island’s artsy atmosphere.
Manitou Beach and Pool: Relax by the waterfront and enjoy panoramic views of Seattle’s skyline.
Visit A Winery: Bainbridge Island is home to several wineries spread throughout the Island. If you are a wine enthusiast, add it to your list!
Hiking Trails: Embark on scenic hikes like the Grand Forest for a refreshing dose of nature and wildlife spotting.
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art: Immerse yourself in local and global artworks that inspire creativity and cultural appreciation.
Pickleball Fun: Play or watch the sport invented on the Island at local courts and join the lively community.
Japanese American Exclusion Memorial: Pay respects to history at this poignant memorial honoring Japanese Americans who were interned during World War II.
Walk The Hawley Cove Trail: Hawley Cove Trail begins near Waterfront Park and offers two routes. The 1.5-mile Eastern route takes you along the beach and into a wooded area. The 2-mile Western route hits more historical sites and parks and is nearer to restaurants.
Enjoy The Farmer Market: Experience island life at its best with local produce, artisan crafts, and live music at the bustling market. The market, located near the town hall in Winslow, is open from 10:00 a.m. -to 2:00 p.m. every Saturday from April through November.
Eagle Harbor Book Co.: I mentioned this one earlier, too! Browse this charming indie bookstore with a well-curated selection and friendly staff.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Glide along the shoreline, discovering hidden coves and enjoying the calm waters of Puget Sound.
Bainbridge Distillers: Located north of Winslow, near Bainbridge Brewing and Fletcher Bay Winery, this is a great place to savor handcrafted spirits in a cozy setting while learning about the Island’s distillation process.
Mora Iced Creamery: Indulge in heavenly scoops of locally made ice cream in inventive flavors that tantalize your taste buds. Take our word for it; it was delicious!
As you can tell, Bainbridge Island offers a delightful blend of history, nature, and cultural experiences, making it a perfect destination for explorers. So, whether you have a day or want to extend your trip and stay longer, you will have no shortage of things to do!
Getting Around on Bainbridge Island Without A Car
I mentioned that we did not have a car, so we explored nearby areas on foot. If you want to venture out further, there are a few options.
First, there are bike rentals available near the Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal. That looks like a lot of fun!
Second, B I Ride, offered by Kitsap Transit, provides residents and visitors an inexpensive way to get around, with all fares under $2. Riders can board the bus at a scheduled stop. Once on, you can tell the driver where you want to go, and they will take you there.
This bus does have regularly scheduled stops at the Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal, Bloedel Reserve, and Lynwood Center. If you want to schedule a ride from somewhere else, you can call 1-844-4BI-RIDE to schedule a ride. They ask that you do this 2 hours in advance, so plan ahead.
Lastly, traditional taxis and rideshares are available. However, availability can really vary, so plan accordingly if you are planning to get back on the Bainbridge Island Ferry.
Other Fun Things To Do In Seattle
I could go on and on about things to do in Seattle, but I will let our friends at Get Your Guide do the work. We use Get Your Guide very often when traveling. It’s a great way to find things to do nearby, check real-time availability, and book while on the go.
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Wow such a thorough post! I live in LA but have never ventured out to the Pacific Northwest, this post definitely peaked my interest and the hikes!
Hi Sarah! Is there parking available at the Seattle ferry terminal? How early should I arrive before the ferry departure? Thanks in advance!
There are a variety of public lots nearby, but most people take their car with them onto the ferry as it’s more economical that way. Plus, then you will have it to explore the Island. Most people riding the ferry on foot are walking there from accommodations in the downtown Seattle area or using public transportation.
You should be good about 15-20 minutes prior to departure if on foot. If traveling with a car, the same, except during any peak travel periods / commuting windows. Then I would give yourself 30-45 minutes to be safe.
I wanted to go to Bainbridge Island when I was in Seattle but we didn’t have enough time in our Jan-packed itinerary, and plus we went to Portland instead. Thanks for sharing, I still want to go there one day!
Wow, I’ve never ever heard of Bainbridge Island before and I can’t believe how much there is to do there. I would especially like to check out the cute towns, wineries, and hiking trails. Sounds like a fun place to visit for the day.
We don’t have kids but would love to take this fairy- Bainbridge Island looks adorable.
I can’t believe I didn’t know about Bainbridge Island! Then again, we were only in Seattle for 1 night. I love the Puget sound, so taking a day trip over would be fabulous. Very interesting to learn more about the history.