Washington State Ferry to Bainbridge Island (Colman Dock)

The Washington State Ferry to Bainbridge Island departs from Colman Dock at Pier 52, 801 Alaskan Way, on the Seattle waterfront in Washington. Operated by Washington State Ferries, part of the state transportation department, it is the largest ferry system in the United States and one of the most scenic commuter routes anywhere. The Seattle-Bainbridge crossing takes about 35 minutes each way across Elliott Bay and Puget Sound, and sailings run roughly every 50 to 60 minutes from early morning until after midnight. Walk-on passengers pay a fare of about $9 to $10 (USD) round trip, collected on the Seattle side only, and board through the passenger terminal. On deck or in the heated cabins, visitors see the Seattle skyline recede, with the Space Needle, Mount Rainier on clear days and the Olympic Mountains to the west. Seagulls, sea lions and occasional orcas are sometimes seen. On Bainbridge Island, the Winslow waterfront is a short walk from the terminal and has shops, cafes, a small museum, the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art and the Waterfront Park, so many visitors make a half-day trip. The ferry also serves cyclists. Sunset sailings give the best views of the skyline, and photographers favour the open upper decks. Crowds are heaviest on summer weekends and during commuter rush hours, when queues form on the dock. Weekday midday sailings are quieter. Colman Dock is a short walk from Pioneer Square and Link light rail stations. Cabins have seating, vending and a galley with snacks and coffee. Dogs are allowed on the car deck or on a leash in some passenger areas.