Traveling To Orcas Island

Option 1: The Classic Ferry Route (Highly Recommended)

  • Fly into Seattle (SEA-TAC)

  • Optional: spend a night in Seattle

  • Rent a car at the airport

  • Drive approximately 2 hours to:
    Anacortes Ferry Terminal
    2100 Ferry Terminal Rd, Anacortes, WA

Ferry Reservations

Reservations are required for vehicles and fill quickly.

Book here:
https://wsdot.com/ferries/reservations/

When Reservations Open

  • First release: ~2 months in advance

  • Additional spots: ~2 weeks before

  • Final release: ~2 days before travel

We highly recommend booking as soon as your dates become available.

Day of Travel

Arrive at least 1 hour early to confirm your spot.
Ferries may run slightly behind, so flexibility is helpful.

Option 2: The Most Relaxing

  • Fly into Seattle (SEA-TAC)

  • Take a short shuttle or rideshare to:
    Seattle/Boeing Field (BFI)

Finding the Shuttle

  • Head to baggage claim

  • Exit near carousel 2

  • Look for the “Airporter” shuttle just past the smoking area

  • It is a large white van labeled “Kenmore Air”

Next Step

From there, board a Kenmore Air seaplane to Eastsound, Orcas Island.

Book here:
https://kenmoreair.com

Rental cars can be arranged upon arrival.

CAR RENTALS ON ORCAS ISLAND

If you prefer not to bring a car on the ferry, rentals are available on the island.

OrcasCars.com

Reservations are limited, so we recommend booking in advance.

FERRY INFORMATION

Washington State Ferry

Ferry Reservations

  • The first reservation release begins about 3 months in advance

  • Additional reservation “tiers” open as your travel date approaches

  • Most guests are able to secure a spot with planning

If you have trouble securing a reservation, please feel free to reach out to Abby abby.berman@fora.travel for guidance.

Reservation Release Schedule

  • First release: Approximately 2 months before travel
    (This is when the majority of reservations become available)

  • Second release: Approximately 2 weeks before travel
    (Additional spots are released as schedules adjust)

  • Final release: Approximately 2 days before travel
    (Last remaining spots are made available)

We recommend checking the website at each release window if your preferred time is not initially available.

Helpful Tips

  • Try to book as soon as the 2-month window opens for the best selection

  • Consider being flexible with your ferry times if needed

  • Set a reminder for the 2-week and 2-day releases if you didn’t get a reservation right away

  • Even without a reservation, you can still travel as a standby (walk-on) passenger

How to Book Online

  • Create an account on the ferry website

  • Select “Make a Reservation”

  • Choose your travel date and preferred ferry time

  • Add your selection to your cart

  • Be sure to select the round-trip option

  • Pay the small reservation fee online

The remaining balance is paid at the ferry terminal upon arrival.

Once confirmed, you’ll receive an email with important details and instructions.

Plan Your Ferry

You can view schedules, reserve your vehicle, and purchase tickets here:

https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/washington-state-ferries

NEED HELP?

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to:

Abby Berman
abby.berman@fora.travel

Questions?

Please reach out to Abby for any travel related questions.

Abby Berman
abby.berman@fora.travel

Any other injuries text Zoë at 541-720-9109