How to Get to Whidbey Island

Here are the best ways to get to Whidbey Island.

Looking for Camano Island? Click here!

Whidbey Island is an easy trip from the Seattle-Tacoma area or Vancouver, British Columbia. The island can be entered by bridge from the north or by ferry from the central or southern regions.

To Whidbey Island via the Clinton ferry

Click here for The Clinton Ferry schedule and alerts.

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

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. A second vessel will operate on the Port Townsend/Coupeville run every Friday through Monday from July 4 through the end of the route’s shoulder season on Oct. 13.   Expect delays.  Reservations are recommended, and it is also suggested that you make those reservations at least a day before you travel. 

Click for Reservations!

Check the the Coupeville Ferry schedule and alerts here.

You can always leave your car behind and skip the ferry lines all together… Click here to see how

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.

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