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.
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