The Ferry
The easiest way to get to San Juan Island is via the Washington State Ferry System. The Anacortes Ferry Terminal is a 2H drive from SEA and about 1.5H from city center (without traffic).
We highly recommend that you find a group of people to rent a car with and carpool. This is the easiest way to get to the ferry, and the easiest way to explore the island. For DRIVE-ONS, Vehicle RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED (**SEE BELOW**). Walk-ons do not need a reservation but please make sure to show up at least 30 mins before sailing time.
The venue itself is only about 1.5 miles (5m drive) from the Friday Harbor ferry terminal so, if you do decide to walk on the ferry, it will only be a short cab ride to get there. That being said, UBER AND LYFT DONT EXIST on the island, so we highly recommend renting a car. The roundtrip ferry cost for a car + driver is ~$60. Each additional passenger is ~$15 roundtrip. Walk-on passengers are also $15 roundtrip.
To make this as easy as possible for guests, **please fill out the soft-RSVP form you received via email at your earliest convenience to share your expected travel plans.**
"Getting a reservation is like getting concert tickets"
–a wise friend
It's true. You must log on right at opening, refresh, and wait in a virtual queue to get a reservation. It's serious business (and we’ll be sending emails to remind you!). Don’t panic if you don’t get a reservation in the first batch, more will open two weeks before sailing date and two days before. We are here to help and have enlisted our seattle friends as well.
The first batch of vehicle reservations for the spring schedule will be available around January 22nd. Expect an email from us. If you are unable to make a reservation successfully, there are two more chances to make reservations: 2 weeks before your desired sailing at 7am PT, and 2 days before at 7am PT. We recommend booking a ferry that departs at least 4h (at the earliest) after your flight, to give time to drive up and get in the ferry line.
Taking the ferry
"Oh shit, the ferry leaves in 10 minutes"
–Julie, always
Don't be like me. You must check-in at a tollbooth AT MIN 30 minutes before reserved sailing in both directions. If you don't check-in on time, you will lose your reserved space and must travel standby. We’ve had many many...many close run-ins where we’ve had to beg the toll booth folks! If it happens to you, say "PLEASE It's my birthday!" – which has always worked (although it has always been my birthday). WSF recommends arriving 45-60min ahead of your scheduled sailing.
There are a few paid parking lots at the Anacortes Ferry Terminal that will have space. Daily parking runs around $8-$13. If you're in a rush, we recommend parking and running on to the ferry.
Alternative Travel
"What about a seaplane??"
A beautiful, fun, and ~very Seattle~ 45m flight to the island. However, sometimes the fog prevents morning flights from taking off, so we only recommend this option if you’re getting in at least a day before the wedding to avoid any troubles. Seaplane flights take off either from lake union (ideal) or in kenmore (farther) and operate via Kenmore Air or San Juan Airlines. flights are ~$150–$200 each way. **please note: baggage weight minimums for seaplanes are 25lb.** However, there is a small landplane that takes off from boeing airport (10m from Seatac) with a standard 50lb limit.
Tickets can be bought via Kenmore Air or San Juan Airlines. More info can be found here
"Is there a bus??"
The Bellair Airporter is a service which can take you directly from SeaTac to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal in a few hours for ~$60. It is a great option for out-of-towners who don't want to rent a car. That being said, there is not uber/lyft on the island, so we HIGHLY recommend renting a car or finding a carpool (we can help match you with someone!). The bus schedule can be found here. To book the bus, pick the date and the SeaTac to San Juan Island Ferry Terminal (under Anacortes) option and select a time.
