City: Seattle, WA

Category: Getting Here, Getting Around

Telephone: (206) 464-6400, (888) 808-7977

Address: 2901 Third Ave., Suite 500

Description: The Washington State Department of Transportation runs the largest ferry system in the world. State ferries depart from the Colman Dock (Pier 52) and from Pier 50 just to the south, to destinations such as Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, and Vashon Island, with connections to other destinations all around Puget Sound. There are street connections to taxis and buses just outside the Colman Dock ferry terminal. The Washington State Ferries to Bainbridge Island and Bremerton take both auto and walk-on passengers, and the Vashon Island ferry is for walk-on passengers only. It is suggested that you make a reservation online for a vehicle, especially during the peak summer travel season. Fares are based on the ferry route, the size of your vehicle if you are boarding with one, as well as the length of time you will be on board. Fares are also calculated based on the age or disability of each passenger and are collected either for round-trip or one-way travel, depending on the departure terminal. Seniors, persons with disabilities, and passengers with proof of Medicare eligibility can travel at half the regular passenger fare. You can buy ferry tickets online, at terminal kiosks, or vehicle tollbooths. ORCA cards are also accepted on the Washington State Ferries. Other ferry and boat services along the waterfront include Argosy Cruises, offering many different leisure cruises from Piers 55 and 56 on the waterfront, and the Victoria Clipper, with popular runs to the San Juan Islands and Victoria, British Columbia, from Pier 69 on the waterfront. And be sure to remember that if you take a ferry or boat across international lines into Canada, you will be required to present a valid passport and photo identification.