Whidbey Island Ferry Schedules

Routes

Two routes service Whidbey Island:

• Mukilteo (mainland) to Clinton (Whidbey Island)
• Port Townsend (mainland) to Coupeville (Whidbey Island)

Mukilteo-Clinton Route

Service generally begins shortly after 5 am and runs until 1 am. Typically, two boats serve the route, except very early in the day or very late. Boats can accommodate everything up to large semi-trucks. Depending upon the boat, it can carry between 120 and 140 vehicles. If you are a first time rider, you follow S.R. 525 into Mukilteo and to the entrance to the ferry terminal. There is a lane on the right-hand side that is used when the ferry holding area is filled. If you see cars in the line, get in behind them. Fridays, especially going in to three-day weekends, are particularly prone to backing up. When you get to the ticket booth, you can pay via cash or credit card. There is a charge for the car/drive and any additional passengers.

The ferry ride, itself is around 15 minutes. Cars unload in first-on, first-off order, unless the crew decides differently. Pay attention and be ready.

In addition to cars, people can walk on the ferry. Buy your tickets in the terminal. There is a charge to travel to Whidbey Island, but the return price for walk-on passengers is free.

Pro Tip
Don’t set your car alarm and go up to the gallery or to check the view. The rocking of the boat will set your alarm off and the crew will ask you to return to your car.

Port Townsend – Coupeville Route

If you’ve never been to this terminal, check your map. It is not in Coupeville, it is about 3 miles away next to Fort Casey State Park. Typically, only a single boat sails this route, so departures are every 90 minutes or so. Additionally some sailings are cancelled do to tide conditions. These cancellations are known well in advance and are sent out as advisories.

Pro Tip
Make a reservation for this route a couple of days in advance. This sailing does sell out. While there are some first-come, first-served spaces for cars, you don’t want to have to find another route because it’s sold out.