Ferries to Whidbey Island: Route Map
Ferry routes to Whidbey Island cross the Puget Sound via the Mukilteo-Clinton line or the Port Townsend-Coupeville route. Washington State Ferries stands as the largest operator here, processing a massive four million riders annually on the Mukilteo crossing alone. Look at the regional ferry map to see how these heavy roll-on/roll-off vessels connect the island to the mainland highway system. You should definitely drive your car aboard to explore the island’s expansive state parks and historic coastal forts.
From WA to Whidbey Island
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The Puget Sound Hop: Ferries to Whidbey Island
Whidbey Island is a very long island sitting just north of Seattle in Puget Sound. The largest ferry operator in the region is Washington State Ferries. Because it is so close to the mainland, the southern ferry route handles over 4 million riders every year, making it one of the busiest in the country.
Here are 3 tips for getting to Whidbey Island by ferry:
- 1. Two different ferry routes: You can take a quick 20 minute boat from Mukilteo to Clinton in the south. Or, you can take a 35 minute boat from Port Townsend to Coupeville in the middle of the island.
- 2. Reservations depend on the route: The Mukilteo boat does not take reservations at all. It is first come, first served. The Coupeville boat requires a strict reservation if you have a car.
- 3. You can also drive: Whidbey is an island, but the north end is connected to the mainland by the Deception Pass Bridge. If the ferry lines are too long, you can always just drive around to the top.
The Port Townsend to Coupeville route crosses very shallow water. During extreme low tides in the summer, the ferry cannot dock safely. Washington State Ferries will cancel sailings for a few hours. Always check the tide warnings on their app before you drive to the port.
“The Mukilteo ferry line gets incredibly long on Friday afternoons in the summer. Locals know to pack snacks and use the restroom before getting in the car line, because you might be waiting on the side of the road for two hours to get on a 20 minute boat.”
