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Traveling to Orcas Island

The voyage to the San Juan Islands is as much part of your vacation as your stay here. By ferry, plane, and car, embrace and enjoy the trip. Let it last the entire day and be prepared for the unexpected. Be sure to relax and enjoy the ferry ride, one of the most scenic journeys in the country and designated as a national scenic byway.

Ferry Reservations

Washington State Ferries take reservations for all San Juan Island routes. Please visit the Washington State FERRY RESERVATIONS website for more information and to book your ferry travel. We STRONGLY recommend making a reservation for all travel times, but especially during peak times to ensure boarding on the ferry of your choice.

Every ferry leaves some capacity for standby travel for last minute travel or when reservations are full. Sometimes there is extra space when driver's don't show or cancel their reservations. Reservations are your best bet for smooth sailing.

Check In/Out

Arrive: 4 PM
Depart: 11 AM

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Ferry

The Washington State Ferry departs from Anacortes, located approximately 2 hours northwest of Seattle. The ferry ride itself lasts close to 1.5 hours, usually with a stop or two at another island along the way.

If you are walking on the ferry, it is recommended you still arrive at least 30 minutes prior to sailing. There is paid overnight and weekly parking available at the Anacortes ferry terminal. Once on the islands without a car, there are shuttle operations during the summer months and limited rental cars available.

Flying

Kenmore Air offers direct flights from Seattle's Boeing Field to Eastsound and Friday Harbor. Kenmore's floatplane service departs from Lake Union to West Sound, Deer Harbor, and Rosario. San Juan Airlines provides direct flights from Anacortes and Bellingham to Eastsound and Friday Harbor airports.

Airporter Shuttle

Shuttle service to/from Seattle and Evertt airports and Anacortes ferry terminal is available from Bellair Charters. There are multiple shuttles daily. Reservations are recommended.

Train

Amtrak provides daily train service from Seattle's King Street Station to Mt. Vernon. A shuttle or public bus can be arranged to transfer to the ferry terminal.

Victoria Clipper

The Victoria Clipper sails from Seattle's Pier 69 seasonally to Friday Harbor only.
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