The Accessible Ferry - A Guide for Disabled Passengers
Welcome aboard Washington State Ferries (WSF). This guide will help you combine vessel and terminal accessibility to ride the ferries conveniently and comfortably. As you make your travel plans, be sure to check with us by phone to confirm vessel service on specific routes. This publication is also available in Braille. Call 1-800-833-6384 to obtain a copy or ask to be connected to 206-515-3460.
ADA Reduced Fares
People with disabilities may qualify for reduced passenger tolls on any route. Those who also require attendant care while traveling must obtain an endorsement to allow their attendant to travel free as a passenger. Vehicle fares are not discounted. Current fare and time schedule information is available at all terminals, on vessels, or by mail. Call (206) 464-6400 to request fare and time schedules. Reduced ferry fares for disabled passengers are available through these programs.
The day of your trip arrive early
Arrive at the terminal at least 20 minutes in advance of the sailing. A ticket seller may not notice your disabled license plate or placard, so please bring it to our attention. Show the necessary permits if you are requesting a discounted fare, and ask about specific accommodation, if necessary. We will do our best to meet your needs, but accommodations for all passengers are made on a first-come, space available basis.
WSF is in the process of upgrading and re-evaluating our service for disabled passengers. Although we are a "work in progress," we are striving to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to conveniently access and use the ferry system.
Each vessel and terminal in the WSF fleet is unique. Some are new; others have recently been refurbished. To maximize access, you need to combine the use of terminal and vessel facilities. This guide will give you enough information to make realistic choices about your use of the ferry system.
Fleet Information
Our fleet is comprised of 28 vessels that vary widely in age and design. Accessibility for disabled passengers is very dependent on the age and renovation status of the vessel.
View an Overview of Vessels.
For more information on our fleet and vessels follow the below links.
Call us before you sail
Planning ahead is the best way to ensure comfortable travel. The combination of vessel and terminals that you use will affect your trip.
First, review the terminal and vessel accessibility charts.
Then, at least 24 hours in advance of your departure, call our customer information staff at (206) 464-6400. Tell us the route and the approximate time you wish to travel. For example, Seattle to Bainbridge Island in the afternoon hours. We can tell you which vessels will be serving the route, and the physical layout of the ferry.
Vessels are assigned to different routes - sometimes on extremely short notice - depending on time of year and vessel maintenance and repair needs. We can give you recommendations for sailing times and identify vessels and terminals that best accommodate your needs.
Regional Reduced Fare Permit
This permit gives disabled passengers discount fares on several Puget Sound transportation systems including the Seattle Waterfront Streetcar, the Seattle Monorail and the Washington State Ferries. This permit is issued by the Customer Service Department of Metro Transit in Seattle and requires that a photo be taken on site in Seattle. Attendants may ride free if proper endorsement is obtained.
Both the Regional Reduced Fare Permit and the WSF Disability Travel Permit may allow attendants to ride free on Washington State Ferries if the permits are so endorsed. However, discount fares or free fares apply only to the passengers. Vehicle fares are not discounted.
ADA Paratransit Identification Card
Ride paratransit (Dial-a-Ride) transportation within the greater Puget Sound region, and nationally. Applications and cards are distributed by local transit agencies and are issued permanently. Riders can travel and transfer among all transit agencies including Washington State Ferries. Out of state paratransit ID Cards are honored by WSF. Attendant endorsement is available with this card.
How do I get a Card?
For more information on the ADA Paratransit ID card or the Regional Reduced Fare Permit, please call one of the following transit agencies.
Community Transit
(Snohomish County): 1-800-562-1375
Everett Transit
(City of Everett, Snohomish County): 425-259-8730
Intercity Transit
(Olympia, Thurston County): 360-786-1881
Jefferson Transit
(Port Townsend, Jefferson County): 360-385-4777
Kitsap Transit
(Bremerton, Kitsap County): 360-373-BUSS (2877)
Metro Transit
(Seattle, King County): 206-553-3000
Pierce Transit
(Tacoma, Pierce County): 253-581-8000
For information on the
WSF Ferry Disability Travel Permit, please call:
Washington State Ferries:
1-206-515-3464
1-888-808-7977
(Washington State only)
Disability Travel Permit
Washington State Ferries encourages its customers to utilize the Regional Reduced Fare Permit, if possible. The WSF permit has been developed for those who can't access regional transit permits. The WSF Disability Travel Permit requires application information and appropriate medical authorization for the permit, or for attendant care endorsement. The WSF permit provides a reduced fare for those who qualify.
ADA Contact Information
206.464.6400 General Information
888.808.7977 WA
511 WA
This schedule may be obtained in alternate forms by calling 206.515.3460, or one of the schedule information numbers above.
Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may access Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing 711 (WA) and asking to be connected to 206.515.3460.
ADA Medical Priority
For information on Medical Priorities please call our Information Agents for details. For local and out of state calls: (206) 464-6400. Toll free, 1-888-808-7977 (WA only).