Bainbridge Island sits about 8 miles (13 km) west of downtown Seattle across Puget Sound in Kitsap County, Washington, and the easiest way to reach it is the 35-minute Washington State Ferries crossing from Colman Dock (Pier 52, 801 Alaskan Way). Walk-on passengers pay roughly $11.35 westbound, the return sailing is free for walk-ons, and the boat itself doubles as a scenic outing with views of the Seattle skyline, Mount Rainier on clear days and the Olympic Mountains. Sailings run about every 50 to 90 minutes, so a morning departure around 9 or 10 am leaves a comfortable window on the island. From the ferry terminal on Olympic Drive SE, the island's main village, Winslow, is a short walk uphill, and no car is needed for a satisfying day. Winslow's Winslow Way and Madison Avenue hold independent bookshops, galleries, tasting rooms and cafes; the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, just off the waterfront, offers free admission and a strong regional collection. A typical day starts with coffee and a pastry in Winslow, then a stroll through the shops and the waterfront Eagle Harbor boardwalk. Visitors who want more can add the Bloedel Reserve, a landscaped garden and forest on the north end that requires advance timed tickets and a drive, taxi or bus ride, or rent a bicycle for the quiet island roads. Lunch options in Winslow range from casual sandwich shops to seafood and Pacific Northwest restaurants, and several island wineries and distilleries offer afternoon tastings within a short ride. The best season is May to September, when the weather is driest and the days are long, though the island is pleasant year-round and the ferry ride is atmospheric even in rain. Mid-afternoon is a good time to wander the harbor and parks, with the return sailing from the terminal leaving visitors back at Colman Dock in time for an evening in Seattle. Arriving early avoids the weekend crowds that fill the vehicle lanes, and checking the ferry schedule at wsdot.com/ferries before leaving prevents a long wait for the last boat.
| Distance | About 8 miles (13 km) west of downtown Seattle across Puget Sound |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 35 minutes by ferry |
| Getting there | Walk on the Washington State Ferries Seattle-Bainbridge sailing from Colman Dock (Pier 52, 801 Alaskan Way); adult walk-on fare is about $11.35 westbound and the return sailing is free for walk-on passengers. |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal, 270 Olympic Dr SE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 |
How to get there
- Mode
- Washington State Ferries (walk-on)
- Cost
- About $11.35 adult westbound; return walk-on free; youth 18 and under free
- Frequency
- About every 50-90 minutes through the day
- Operator
- Washington State Ferries (wsdot.com/ferries)
- Departure point
- Colman Dock, 801 Alaskan Way, Seattle
- Mode
- Washington State Ferries (with vehicle)
- Cost
- Roughly $20-26 vehicle and driver depending on season; confirm current fare
- Frequency
- About every 50-90 minutes
- Operator
- Washington State Ferries
- Departure point
- Colman Dock, Seattle
Location
Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal, 270 Olympic Dr SE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
47.6226, -122.5207 View on map
Highlights
- Ride the 35-minute Washington State Ferries crossing with skyline and Olympic Mountains views
- Browse Winslow's galleries, bookshops and cafes on foot from the ferry terminal
- Visit the free Bainbridge Island Museum of Art near Eagle Harbor
- Sample island wineries and distilleries by bicycle or short ride
- Tour the Bloedel Reserve gardens with a pre-booked timed ticket
Tips for visiting
- Go as a walk-on passenger; the return sailing from Bainbridge to Seattle is free and avoids vehicle-lane queues.
- Check sailing times at wsdot.com/ferries and note the last boat back before settling in for the evening.
- Book Bloedel Reserve timed tickets ahead; it is not within walking distance of the terminal.
- Rent a bicycle in Winslow if exploring beyond the village, since bus service is limited.
- Sit on the upper deck on the way out for the best skyline views, and bring a layer for the wind.
When to visit
May to September gives the driest weather and the best ferry views. Take a mid-morning sailing on a weekday to avoid weekend crowds.
Accessibility
The ferry has accessible boarding and restrooms, and the Winslow village area is mostly flat, though the walk from the terminal to town includes a gradual incline.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long is the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island?
The crossing from Colman Dock takes about 35 minutes. Sailings run roughly every 50 to 90 minutes through the day.
Is a car needed for a day trip to Bainbridge Island?
No. Winslow, the main village, is a short walk from the ferry terminal, and most highlights can be reached on foot. A car or bicycle helps for Bloedel Reserve and wineries.
How much does the ferry cost for walk-on passengers?
The adult walk-on fare is about $11.35 westbound, the return walk-on sailing is free, and youth 18 and under ride free. Confirm current fares with Washington State Ferries.
What is the best time of year to visit?
May to September offers the driest weather and longest days. The island is still enjoyable year-round, with fewer visitors in winter.