How to Get to Whidbey Island
Looking for Camano Island? Click below!
Here are the best ways to get to Whidbey Island.
Whidbey and Camano Islands are in the heart of Puget Sound and an easy trip from the Seattle-Tacoma area or Vancouver, British Columbia. View us on a Google map and download our comprehensive map and events list.
To Whidbey Island via the Clinton ferry
From Seattle-Tacoma, Everett and Points South
Drive north on Interstate 5 and take exit 182. Bear left on the exit and merge onto state highway-525N (Mukilteo Speedway). Follow Whidbey Island Ferry signs and catch the ferry to Whidbey Island. The ferries at the Mukilteo terminal only go to the community of Clinton on Whidbey Island. There are no other scheduled routes.
The new ferry terminal has opened about one-quarter mile north of the old terminal. Use the same route you’ve always used and signs will get you to the correct location.
From Bellingham, Vancouver and Points North
Take Interstate 5 south and just south of downtown Everett, exit west onto SR 526. Locals call it the Boeing Freeway. You’ll know you’re on the right track because this freeway takes you right by the very large Boing manufacturing facility. Drive approximately 9 miles and turn right at the light onto 84th St. SW. Drive down a steep hill about .4 miles to Mukilteo Speedway. Mukilteo Speedway goes directly into the ferry line. The only scheduled ferry destination is Whidbey Island. You’ll disembark in the seaside community of Clinton. There’s lots to do there before you set off to explore the rest of the island.
Also, starting just south of Everett, you’ll also see signs referring to the “Cascade Loop.” Whidbey Island is part of the Cascade Loop, so those signs will also help you find your way to Whidbey Island.
From Redmond, Bellevue and points east
Take Interstate 405 north. As it crosses over I-5, it becomes state highway 525N, the Mukilteo Speedway and goes directly to the ferry line. As noted above, the only scheduled departure from Mukilteo is to Clinton on Whidbey Island. At that point SR 525N continues on the island. Please note the above 2021 updates.
To Whidbey Island via Deception Pass Bridge
From Seattle – Tacoma and Points South
Drive north from Seattle on Interstate 5 and take exit 226. Turn left onto state highway-536W until you reach state highway 20, a two-lane roundabout (stay in the left lane). Turn left and travel about 4 miles until you cross over the Deception Pass Bridge onto Whidbey Island.
From Bellingham – Vancouver B.C and Points North
Drive south from Bellingham, Vancouver, and points north on Interstate 5 and take exit 226. Turn right onto state highway-536W until you reach state highway 20, a two-lane roundabout (stay in the left lane). Turn left and travel about 4 miles until you cross over the Deception Pass Bridge onto Whidbey Island.
Whidbey Island via the Coupeville Ferry
Only 1 ferry serving this route at this time!
Drive southeast on US-101 E. Turn left onto state highway-19N/20E. Follow Whidbey Island Ferry signs and catch the Port Townsend – Coupeville ferry.
Service Note:
At present, due to staff and vessel issues, there is only one boat serving this route. During the summer, there are typically two boats on this route. Expect delays. Reservations are recommended, and it is also suggested that you make those reservations at least a day before you travel. One boat service will continue until 2025.
Check the Washington State Ferry “alert” page for the latest updates here…
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Other Ways to
Get to Whidbey Island
Do you want to sail to Whidbey Island? How about fly your plane? Can you take mass transit to Whidbey Island? Here are some other ways to get to Whidbey Island.
From Paine Field (Everett)
Shuttle Service from the Sea-Tac shuttle can stop at Paine Field.
From Cruise Ship Terminals
Cruising to Seattle? Here’s why to add Whidbey and Camano Islands to your itinerary.
By Boat
Boat owners, get in on some island-hopping and make us your port of call with well-equipped service on Whidbey Island.
By Bus or Shuttle
Did you know you can reach Whidbey and Camano Islands by bus or shuttle? There is also a free weekday bus service on our two islands.
By Air
Two airfields on Whidbey Island and one on Camano are here to serve private pilots. Commercial airports are at Sea-Tac and Bellingham.
By Train
Amtrak and Sounder rail service can drop you at our doorstep, with bus and ferry connections to complete your trip.