Grab a Gig, a Gig Card, & get on a Ferry, Seattle! 🚢
"If there is one required activity of Seattle tourists, it is a trip across the open waters of Puget Sound." - Bainbridgeisland.com
According to Bainbridgeisland.com, the Washington State Ferries are the most popular tourist attraction in the state.
The Washington State Ferry system is made up of 10 routes around Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. Check out a PDF of the ferry route map here. There are 23 vessels in all - the largest can carry 200 cars, while the smallest carries 34 cars.
Grab a Gig Card before you go!
IMPORTANT: Gig is an app-enabled service that uses Bluetooth and cell service to give Members access to our cars. If you wander far from cell service, or if your phone dies, this can be problematic. Fortunately, we have a great tool that can help – our RFID-enabled Gig Cards. With a Gig Card you've got another back-up to assist locking and unlocking your car when your phone, Bluetooth or cell service aren't available. If you need one right away, pick one up at the Seattle AAA Cruise and Travel office at 1523 15th Ave. W, Seattle, 98119.
All aboard!
On the following routes, because they are so busy, the Washington State Department of Transportation recommends making vehicle reservations.
⚓ Anacortes/ Juan Islands (Friday Harbor, Orcas Island, Shaw Island, Lopez Island)
⚓ Friday Harbor/Sidney, British Columbia
⚓ Port Townsend/Coupeville
Did you know that you can access real-time views of the ferry terminals with their live cameras? You can! Very cool!
Please note: If you are allowed outside of your car (follow guidance provided by the ferry), please make sure you lock the car if you want to go explore the ferry. Not locking your Gig can cause it to time out, and you may not be able to start the car again. We recommend heading back to the car before getting to the dock to ensure everything goes smoothly. If you are staying in your car, you will need to lock it, as if you are parking the car.
Take a day trip - Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island is a 35-minute ferry ride from Seattle. Ferries run to the island every 50 to 60 minutes.
There is no way to make a reservation to board the Bainbridge Island ferry (on foot or with your car); it’s first-come, first-served. There is a fee, however, for walk-on and for cars. See the schedule, live camera shots, and learn more here.
While you are there, make sure to check out Bloedel Reserve (book your tickets in advance), with its wonderful plants and flowers. Azaleas, Empress Trees, Dogwoods, Tree Peonies, and Candelabra Primrose, oh MY! 😍 It is locate on the north end of Bainbridge Island; about 6 miles north of the Winslow Ferry Terminal.
Tips from WSDOT
The Washington State Department of Transportation offers these tips for first-time riders and passengers with vehicles:
- Once you get on the boat you may leave the vehicle.
- Turn off your car alarm
- Put on your emergency brake
- Follow directions from the loudspeakers
- Return to your car when asked