Bremerton to Seattle -- Washington State Ferry

Passing another ferry on our way to Seattle.

One thing Washington offers that you won’t find everywhere else is a state ferry system.  There are some states that have ferries across large bodies of water but not too many.  They have to have large bodies of water first.  In Washington it is a major transportation vehicle as many workers commute by ferry.

The Bremerton – Seattle ferry that we were on is a 45 minute ride across the sound.  The ferry leaves from the center of town in Bremerton and arrives at the center of town in Seattle.  Tickets are sold for one individual ride or monthly passes are available.  Many travel as pedestrians while others drive their vehicles, take their bikes and even their RVs.  The fares vary depending on the discount used and the route taken.  Our cost with vehicle on this route was just under $14.00.  Had we decided to take the motorhome across it would have been about $60.

Departing from the Bremerton terminal with the Naval Shipyards in view.

There are many ferry routes across the Puget Sound.  The one from Bremerton is one of the longest rides at 45 minutes and food service is even offered. Other rides range from a short 15 minutes to about 30 minutes depending on where you are going.  The view of the Seattle harbor upon arrival is fantastic.

Closing in on Seattle  -- view from the ferry.

Farther north are the San Juan Islands. Not so many people actually commute for work here as for pleasure.  It’s a little different.  During the right time of year, you can even watch the whales migrate in this water.  The ferries offer service to several different destinations in the islands.  Some folks stay on the ferry without even getting off and use it just for a day trip.

One of the two passenger ferry decks.  The other deck offered comfortable booths to enjoy the scenic view.

The ferry from Port Townsend to Coupeville on Whidbey Island will take you across the northern end where the Straits of Juan de Fuca turn south into the Puget Sound.  The ride is a short one.  The fee for vehicle and passenger is $11.70.  The passenger is only $2.75.  If disabled or over 65, the passenger pays half the rate.  A motorhome under 40’ pays $46.80.  Just to the left of the ferry dock is Ft. Casey State Park and an RV park that sits at the edge of the water --- Gorgeous!

The arriving ferry at the Bremerton ferry terminal.

From this location on the southern end of Whidbey Island you can drive across the island to Anacortes where the ferries leave for the San Juan Islands.  Or, you can take the little bridge across to the mainland which is just south of the Canadian border.

This was our GPS as the ferry was arriving in Seattle.  According to it we were swimming under water in our vehicle.  We were glad that wasn’t true.

Obviously, we love the Washington State Ferry system.  It’s easy, it’s inexpensive and it’s fun.  When we return to this area, I always wonder why we ever leave in the fall to go someplace else.  Then, I remember …. it’s the rains that keep Washington so beautiful.  When we lived here we took the beauty for granted because it had always been there.  It’s amazing how we see things with different eyes at different times in our lives.

 

Next ----  Seattle Public Market Place