The Transportation Commission is responsible for setting ferry fares and policies for Washington State Ferries.
Created in 1951, the Washington State Ferry system is the largest ferry system in the United States and the third largest system in the world. There are 20 terminals located on nine routes throughout the Puget Sound, from the San Juan Islands in the North Sound to Pt. Defiance in Tacoma, Washington.
Current Ferry Fares
Fares vary based on the route, the length, width, and height of your vehicle, as well as the length of time you will be traveling on board the ferry. Discounted fares are provided for and, riders with disabilities and youth passenger riders 18 years old and under ride for free. General Fare information is available on the WSF website.
- Current Fare Information
- Passenger Ferry Fares
- Vehicles Under 22’, Motorcycle and Stowage Ferry Fares
- Oversize Vehicle Ferry Fares
- Charter rates for vessels
Fare changes were approved by the Commission at their hearing on August 6, 2025. A summary of the changes are outlined below.
| General Ferry Fare Adjustment | Multi-Ride Pass Adjustments | Summer “Peak” Season Surcharge Adjustments |
|---|---|---|
| Increase both vehicle and passenger fares by an average of 3% in October 2025 and again in May 2026. | Pilot an extended expiration date on the multi-ride passes, from the current 90 days to 120 days, beginning May 2026. | Increase the summer “peak” season surcharge to 35% for all routes, consistent with what is currently charged for San Juan routes. |
In addition to the fare changes adopted by the Commission, the 2025 Legislature:
- directed WSF to implement a fee to recoup credit card and other financial transaction costs no later than March 1, 2026.
Capital/Vessel Replacement Surcharges
In 2011, the Legislature directed the Commission to impose a 25-cent Vessel Replacement Surcharge on every one-way and round-trip ferry fare sold. Including multiride and monthly pass fares.
In 2019, the Legislature directed the Commission to impose an additional 25-cent Vessel Replacement Surcharge beginning May 1, 2020. And in 2025, the Legislature directed an additional 50-cent Vessel Replacement Surcharge beginning October 1, 2025, bringing the total surcharge to $1.00.
State law requires the proceeds from the surcharge be used only for the construction or purchase of ferry vessels and to pay the principal and interest on bonds authorized for the construction or purchase of new ferry vessels (RCW 47.60.315.)
As of September 2024, Washington State Ferries reports they have collected nearly $50 million in Capital and Vessel Surcharge revenue and has expended nearly $17 million of this funding on activities related to the construction of a new hybrid electric vessel. This revenue must be appropriated by the Legislature, in order for WSF to access and utilize it.
Ferry Related Studies
The Commission has completed several ferry-related studies and surveys over the years. For access to the various reports, please refer to our studies and surveys page.