San Juan County Ferry Information
San Juan County is a community of islands connected by a marine highway system operated and maintained by Washington State Ferries (WSF). The largest ferry system in the United States, WSF is the lifeblood of San Juan County, providing transportation of people, goods and services to and between each of the major islands 365 days a year.
Because of the complexities involved in this service, San Juan County has developed this informational page to help assist residents and visitors by consolidating timely information, links to useful sites, FAQs, and opportunities for feedback into a single, user-friendly location.
We encourage you to bookmark this page on your digital device of choice so that you can readily access these resources when you need them.
San Juan County is a community of islands connected by a marine highway system operated and maintained by Washington State Ferries (WSF). The largest ferry system in the United States, WSF is the lifeblood of San Juan County, providing transportation of people, goods and services to and between each of the major islands 365 days a year.
Because of the complexities involved in this service, San Juan County has developed this informational page to help assist residents and visitors by consolidating timely information, links to useful sites, FAQs, and opportunities for feedback into a single, user-friendly location.
We encourage you to bookmark this page on your digital device of choice so that you can readily access these resources when you need them.
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Making Things Happen for Ferries: Governor Ferguson announces plan to restore Washington State Ferries to full service by this summer
Share Making Things Happen for Ferries: Governor Ferguson announces plan to restore Washington State Ferries to full service by this summer on Facebook Share Making Things Happen for Ferries: Governor Ferguson announces plan to restore Washington State Ferries to full service by this summer on Twitter Share Making Things Happen for Ferries: Governor Ferguson announces plan to restore Washington State Ferries to full service by this summer on Linkedin Email Making Things Happen for Ferries: Governor Ferguson announces plan to restore Washington State Ferries to full service by this summer link09 Mar 2025Governor Ferguson made a major announcement regarding ferries on March 6th, which will affect San Juan service: WSF will "delay hybrid-electric conversion for two of the state’s largest ferries, putting Washington on the path to restoring full domestic ferry service by this summer. As a result of this plan, Washington State Ferries will have 18 operating vessels in the water for the first time since 2019….The Governor also plans to continue meeting directly with communities affected by reduced ferry service levels. Ferguson is planning to meet with residents in the San Juan Islands on July 15….Ferguson also announced that he is exploring innovative options for procuring new electric vessels after the state receives the next set of up to five vessels. After the new electric vessels are procured, Washington State Ferries will need to replace an additional 11 vessels before 2040 to keep the fleet modern and operating at full capacity.”
Is should be noted that Sidney service (Anacortes–Friday Harbor–Sidney) adds to San Juan service, though this announcement, which also includes recognition of ferry staffing issues, should help reduce disruptions to our currently scheduled service.
Full announcement: https://governor.wa.gov/news/2025/making-things-happen-ferries-governor-ferguson-announces-plan-restore-washington-state-ferries-full(External link)
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San Juans Delegation Heads to Olympia to Lobby for Ferries
Share San Juans Delegation Heads to Olympia to Lobby for Ferries on Facebook Share San Juans Delegation Heads to Olympia to Lobby for Ferries on Twitter Share San Juans Delegation Heads to Olympia to Lobby for Ferries on Linkedin Email San Juans Delegation Heads to Olympia to Lobby for Ferries link05 Mar 2025Jumping right into this year’s state legislative session, eight members of the County government, business, and resident community made the trek to Olympia, joining with a larger ferry lobbying effort, to meet with legislators and advocate for funding our ferries—both WSF and locally initiated passenger-only service. With the help of the County’s lobbyist, the delegation was able to meet with about a dozen lawmakers (including our supportive LD40 contingent: Senator Lovelett and Representatives Lekanoff and Ramel), sometimes in hallways, and sometimes in offices for “full” 15-minute meetings. The reception was mixed, with some legislators pointing to the transportation budget’s estimated billion-dollar shortfall, while others voiced their strong support for the funding levels recommended by both past governor Inslee and current governor Ferguson, especially by our representatives. Some even suggested additional funding to fill in critical gaps. This effort was also very ably assisted by the Fix our Ferry’s consultant and Vashon resident, Amy Drayer. The San Juans had the largest contingent of advocates with: Ken Burtness, FAC Member & former WSF Captain; Victoria Compton, Executive Director, SJC Economic Development Council; Becki Day, Executive Director, SJI Chamber of Commerce; Jane Fuller, SJC Councilmember (Lopez) & former FAC Liaison; Donald Kane, San Juan Island resident; Justin Paulsen, SJC Councilmember & FAC Council Liaison; David Robison, owner of Electric Lexicon LLC; Tom Starr, former owner of Star Surveying & former SJC Councilmember.
More info on San Juans Today: "MIXED REACTIONS’ IN OLYMPIA THURSDAY: San Juans citizens lobbied for improved WSF inter-island service”(External link)
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WSF to host Community Meetings 2/12/25 and 2/13/25
Share WSF to host Community Meetings 2/12/25 and 2/13/25 on Facebook Share WSF to host Community Meetings 2/12/25 and 2/13/25 on Twitter Share WSF to host Community Meetings 2/12/25 and 2/13/25 on Linkedin Email WSF to host Community Meetings 2/12/25 and 2/13/25 link03 Feb 2025WSF states: "Community participation is at the core of decision making at Washington State Ferries. Riders and members of the public may attend virtual community meetings." Each year they host three rounds of public meetings. The next round will be February 12th at 12PM and February 13th at 6PM. You must register in order to attend a meeting. You can register at: Community participation | WSDOT(External link).
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Vehicle reservations for spring season available Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 10AM
Share Vehicle reservations for spring season available Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 10AM on Facebook Share Vehicle reservations for spring season available Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 10AM on Twitter Share Vehicle reservations for spring season available Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 10AM on Linkedin Email Vehicle reservations for spring season available Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 10AM link24 Jan 2025The opening of spring season (March 23 to June 14) vehicle reservations for our Anacortes/San Juan Islands routes is set for Wednesday, January 29th at 10 AM. Like summer and fall, WSF will be using a virtual waiting room to avoid website overload and ensure fair access during this busy time. For these routes, WSF will open 30% of vehicle reservations space on Jan 29. Another 30% will be available two weeks before each specific sailing and another 30% two days before. The two-week and two-day release times are at 7 AM.
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Anacortes/San Juan Islands Schedule Update
Share Anacortes/San Juan Islands Schedule Update on Facebook Share Anacortes/San Juan Islands Schedule Update on Twitter Share Anacortes/San Juan Islands Schedule Update on Linkedin Email Anacortes/San Juan Islands Schedule Update link24 Oct 2024After nearly two years of work by Washington State Ferries staff and SJI communities the winter season sailing schedule for the Anacortes/San Juan Islands route has been updated. The new schedule begins Dec. 29 with vehicle reservations available on Oct. 29. Please visit the project website(External link) to learn more about this Schedule Update Process.
Follow Project
Helpful Links
- Current Ferry Schedule (External link)
- Ferry Reservations (External link)
- Vessel Watch (External link)
- Ferry Alerts Page (External link)
- Ferry Alerts Subscription Signup (External link)
- Medical Priority Access Info (External link)
- Medical Priority Access Rules & Regulations (External link)
- WSF Reservations Policies (External link)
- SJC Ferry Advisory Committee (External link)
- WSF On-time Performance Reports (External link)
FAQs & Other Info
- Info for First Time Riders
- Why Do Some Routes/Terminals Have Reservations and Others Do Not?
- When Will Ferry Service Get More Reliable?
- How Can I provide Feedback on Ferry Service?
- What Do the Route/Boat Numbers Mean?
- FAC, FROG, WSF...Acronyms Explained
- Why Can't Islanders Get Priority Access?
- What can I expect if I am an inter island passenger who gets routed through Anacortes during a service disruption?
Documents & Letters
Who's Listening
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Citizen Advisory Group
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Councilmembers
Phone 360-378-2898 Email council@sanjuancountywa.gov (External link)