Best times to travel on ferries

Find the best time to travel by selecting your route.

Vehicle reservations are available and recommended on the Anacortes/San Juan Islands and Port Townsend/Coupeville routes.

Winter 2026 (Dec. 28 to March 21)

Note: These guides are for vehicle traffic only. In almost all cases there is room for walk-on passengers and bicyclists. Vehicle traffic levels represent sailings from the busier portion of the season and may vary during slower times or for special events and holidays.

Source: Washington State Ferries' best times to travel guides are a generalized forecast of expected vehicular travel patterns. They are based on vehicle ridership (ticket sales) from a past year, which is adjusted to reflect the capacity of planned vessel assignments.

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Drive safe in winter weather

Slow down on ice and snow.

It's easier to skid or lose control traveling at higher speeds. Give yourself more time to stop.

Carry chains, practice installing them.

Winter conditions could mean chains are required on your route. Practice putting them on your vehicle ahead of time.

Pack your winter car kit.

Carry extra supplies like warm clothing, ice scraper and brush, jumper cables and other emergency items.