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. Nearly 23 million people ride the ferries each year. 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.
2023 – 2025 Fares Set
The Commission took action on August 10, 2023 to adjust ferry fares and policies for the next two years.
Current Ferry Fares
Fares are based on the route’s geographical location, the length, width, and height of your vehicle, as well as the length of time you will be traveling on board our ferry. Fares are also calculated based on the age or disability of each passenger and are collected either for round trip travel or one-way travel, depending on the departure terminal. Note that seniors, persons with disabilities and passengers with a Medicare card, or other eligibility verification, are eligible for travel at half the regular passenger fare rate. 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
- WSF-Reservation No Show Fees (pdf 22 kb)
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, bringing the total surcharge to 50 cents. 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.
General Information About Washington State Ferries
To get detailed information on ferry schedules, route maps, ticket information, reservations, wait times and other operational information, please visit Washington State Ferries.
Note: The no-show reservation fee (pdf 22kb) was re-instated in October, 2020.
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.