Ferry Commute to Seattle from the Gig Harbor Area
Ferry Commute to Seattle
Table of Contents:
The Ferry Experience
Southworth-Vashon-Fauntleroy
Drive onto the Ferry
Fast (Foot) Ferry- Southworth to Downtown Seattle
Walking on the Southworth to Fauntleroy Ferry
Water Taxi to Pier 50
Parking to Walk Aboard
Vanpool
Things to consider
Are you looking for a commute to and from Seattle that doesn’t involve sitting in traffic or adding mileage to your vehicle? The Washington State Ferry system has been an essential source of transportation to many commuters, especially in the Gig Harbor area. A great deal of Washington residents rely on the ferry for a more relaxing commute to work each day, while others enjoy a peaceful, scenic day trip to explore Seattle. Read on for the ins and outs of your Seattle ferry commute from the Gig Harbor area, including transit to and from the ferry terminal.
New to taking the ferry? You might appreciate this incredibly helpful First Time Riders Guide before boarding the boat.
The Ferry Experience
Whether you choose to enter the ferry by foot or by car, you might enjoy the views along the way within the ferry boat. The ferries are equipped with restrooms, vending machines and food service (depending on time). It is not uncommon to see regular commuters walking laps inside the boat to get their daily steps in. This is also a great time for those hoping to get some extra work done or respond to emails before arriving to and from work. There are comfortable tables with booth seating as well as viewing chairs to fit your needs.
If you’ll be making this commute regularly, you might want to consider downloading their mobile app and/or sign up for rider alerts for delays and cancellation notifications. This app helps keep you informed on changes in schedules and allows you to quickly plan your trip. While you’re at it, you should check out the multi-use or monthly pass to help save on the cost of daily fares. If you’re hoping to connect with other ferry commuters there is a Facebook group called Southworth Ferry Commuters.
The first step to planning your trip or mapping out your commute schedule is to check out the ferry schedule with Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). This provides you all the information you need to know: schedule by date and schedule by route, holiday and weekend schedule, fares and rates, ticket information and camera access to monitor traffic around ferry terminals.
Southworth-Vashon-Fauntleroy
The Southworth Ferry Terminal is in Port Orchard, WA. This ferry operates with both direct routes to Fauntleroy in West Seattle and indirect routes to Vashon Island. The direct route to Fauntleroy gets you there in roughly 30 minutes. If your ferry stops at Vashon Island, it takes closer to 40 minutes to land in Fauntleroy.
Drive onto the Ferry
If you need your vehicle, you have the option to drive your car onto the ferry. You can either enjoy some peace and quiet in your car or walk up to enjoy the view and ferry seating. It’s important to note that the size of your vehicle may have different rules and rates.
Check here for the information you need about commercial and oversized vehicles. You can calculate your fare based on your vehicle size and passengers. The cost for a standard sized vehicle is $14.50 each way, including the driver. When commuting back from Fauntleroy, you will still have to pay for additional passengers, depending on their age.
Ferries are very motorcycle friendly as they are usually the first motorized vehicles on and off the boat. The standard cost for a motorcycle and driver is $6.30.
Fast (Foot) Ferry- Southworth to Downtown Seattle
This is one of the best kept secrets to Gig Harbor residents commuting to Seattle, Monday-Friday (Saturdays seasonally). To avoid staring at I-5 while being stuck in traffic, you can leave your car behind and walk onto the fast ferry. This commute is approximately 26 minutes long and takes you straight to Downtown Seattle Pier 50 (801 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98104), with connections to routed transportation including King County Metro, Sound Transit, and Link Light Rail.
Many commuters enjoy their walk to their destination. You’re also welcome to bring your bicycle or electric bike (under 100 pounds). This permission is on a first-come first- served basis, and they must fit safely in a bike rack to be allowed on the vessel. The only problem with this fast ferry, is that it only makes four round trips in the morning and three in the afternoon/evening. It’s idle between about 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., then shuts down for the night before 8 p.m. But, if you can make your commute with this schedule you would be saving yourself on the cost of fares and an incredible amount of time! If this schedule doesn’t fit your needs, it’s still an option to walk onto the more frequent ferry and land in Fauntleroy (West Seattle).
Walking on the Southworth to Fauntleroy Ferry
The Southworth to Fauntleroy schedule will land you in West Seattle. Fauntleroy is a little under 8 miles from Seattle, so for many, there is still quite a commute to reach their final Seattle destination. While some ride their bike on the boat and petal to their Seattle destination, others walk, scooter, Uber or take the bus. Check out the King County Metro site to learn about fares, ways to pay, find a schedule and plan your trip.
Water Taxi to Pier 50
If you’re trying to get downtown by foot but can’t make a fast ferry time, you can always hop off at Vashon Island and water taxi to Pier 50 in Downtown Seattle. There is also a water taxi from Alki Beach to Pier 50. Unfortunately, it’s still about 4 miles from the Fauntleroy Terminal to the West Seattle Water Taxi (30-minute bike ride).
Parking to Walk Aboard
Parking is available at Southworth for $5.00 per day or $101.01 for a monthly pass. Or, if you would like to park for free, park and rides are an option, with several park and ride lots to choose from! You will just have to pay a $2 bus fare with Kitsap Transit. The Purdy Park & Ride is an excellent option for those commuting from the Gig Harbor area.
Vanpool
A vanpool has so many perks, especially for those commuting by ferry. For one, you get to skip the line at the ferry terminal and use the fast lane for the ferry (As long as you get there at least 10 minutes prior to boarding). Not to mention, you can take full advantage of the HOV lanes and relax the whole way to your ferry. Kitsap Transit vanpoolers guarantee you will get a ride home if an emergency arises at work.
Some employers will even cover the cost of vanpool as a transportation benefit. If you work for the Department of Navy, employees may qualify for the Transportation Incentive Program (TIP).
There are also King County vanpools that start their commute on the Southworth ferry and the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal and then proceed to various destinations like the University of WA, Boeing, etc. You can search here for vanpools wanting riders.
Things to consider
While there are many perks to taking the ferry to and from Seattle, it’s important to note that they do not always operate exactly on schedule. Mother nature often plays a role in delaying the ferry schedule. That’s where rider alerts come in handy! If you are considering this as a daily form of transportations to work, it is highly recommended that you try the exact commute by trial before committing to it. Some may argue that taking the ferry takes longer than driving around. While others would rather not risk being stuck in unforeseen additional daily traffic. Either way, it’s good to know your options and maybe test out a few. Whatever you decide, I wish you a peaceful ride!
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