Taking a ride aboard the Washington State Ferries is one of the most popular things to do on a trip to the Northwest! Even if you’re not staying overnight on our charming little island, grabbing Bainbridge ferry tickets in Seattle is always recommended. The 35-minute boat ride across Puget Sound offers some of the most scenic views of the city skyline, Mount Rainier, and the Cascade Mountain range, as well as the sparkling deep emerald waters and sweeping swaths of Evergreen forests.
A lesser-known perk is that Bainbridge ferry tickets are round trip for walk-on passengers. Driving on is slightly different as you must pay for the car and driver both ways. But when you leave the island on foot, purchasing another pass is unnecessary, and you can just make your way down the gangplank. Once aboard, be sure to pop up to the upper deck to see the pretty sights.
While riding the ferry to the island is a nice day trip, there’s something even more special when you join us in our sleepy island community for a few days. Our Bainbridge Hotel is one of the only lodging accommodations within walking distance of the ferry and all of the best things to do here. If you’re driving, we have free on-site parking, and there’s plenty to do within one mile of the inn. Start planning your next getaway to the Northwest, and book your lodging today!
Your Guide to Bainbridge Ferry Tickets
Riding the Washington State Ferries can seem daunting at first, as with all public transportation, but it’s an easy way and one of the most scenic ways to get around in the Northwest. Whether you’re hopping the boat on foot or driving your vehicle, you’ll need to get Bainbridge ferry tickets on the Seattle side of the water.
Here’s our insider’s guide to riding the Seattle-Bainbridge ferry and your Bainbridge ferry tickets:
- For the latest sailing times, consult the Washington State Ferries website. Downloading the WSDOT app provides access to “Vessel Watch,” which allows you to track ferries in real-time and receive notifications about delays or schedule changes.
- Walk-on passengers can purchase Seattle/Bainbridge ferry tickets on the day of travel, either online or at the terminal. Fares are collected only when departing Seattle; the return trip from Bainbridge Island is free. Adult fares are approximately $10, with variations depending on the season. Passengers under 18 ride free.
- Drivers pay fares in both directions. It’s advisable to inquire about discounts for seniors and vehicles under 14 feet in length.
- You can access the ferry via the downtown Seattle terminal on Alaskan Way. Given the terminal’s size and potential crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons, arriving at least 30 minutes before departure is recommended.
- The ferry offers comfortable seating with expansive windows for optimal viewing. The galley serves local beers, wines, and snacks, enhancing your 35-minute voyage across Puget Sound.
- Visit the upper deck for panoramic vistas of the Seattle skyline, Mount Rainier, and the Olympic Mountains. Look for marine wildlife, including occasional orca sightings.
- If leaving your vehicle during the trip, deactivate the car alarm to prevent it from being triggered by the ferry’s movements, as the vibrations can set off sensitive alarms.
If you’re looking for more transportation options on the island, we have a great list for our guests to reference here.
How to Get to our Bainbridge Island Hotel
Be sure to stand out at the front of the ferry as you approach the dock on Bainbridge. You’ll see some of the prettiest views as you pull up to the island, including incredible waterfront houses, sweeping forests, and rocky coastlines. If you’ve driven on the boat, you’ll want to return to your car and take the less than five-minute drive to our Bainbridge Island hotel. For those who are on foot, here are the directions to get to our Inn. Remember, your Bainbridge ferry tickets for passengers are round trip!
There are multiple ways to get to Winslow Way from the ferry terminal. If you’re walking, follow the flow of foot traffic, and you’ll be on the main downtown drag. The first main intersection is home to the Bainbridge Island Art Museum, a modern and beautiful space free for all to visit. Add this to your list to pop into later on your trip. Head West on Winslow Way for about half a mile, past our charming boutiques and cafes, and take a left on Madison Ave.
Our Inn is just two blocks down on the right-hand side, and you’ll be here! Head into the front door, and you’ll find the lobby and our inner garden terrace space, surrounded by our guest rooms and townhouses. Get settled into your Northwest-inspired guest room and freshen up. Depending on what you want to explore, you can head out on foot and find the best things to do in downtown Winslow. Start planning your next island getaway, and book your room today!
