The Washington State Ferry between Bremerton and downtown Seattle is one of the most relaxing commutes in the Pacific Northwest, and one of the best reasons to base your trip on the Kitsap Peninsula. Here is everything you need to know to ride it like a local.
How long is the Bremerton to Seattle ferry?
The direct sailing takes about 60 minutes across Sinclair Inlet and Puget Sound, dropping you at Colman Dock in the heart of downtown Seattle. Walk-on passengers can be exploring Pike Place Market within minutes of arriving.
Walk-on vs. driving your car
For a day in the city, walking on is the easy choice: it is cheaper, you skip the vehicle line, and you avoid Seattle parking. Bring your car only if you plan to drive elsewhere on the far side. Walk-on tickets are purchased at the terminal or in the WSDOT app.
Best times to travel
Mid-morning and early-afternoon sailings are the quietest. Avoid weekday commuter rushes if you want a quiet deck. Always check the live Washington State Ferries schedule before you go, as times shift seasonally.
What you will see on the crossing
Keep your camera ready for the Seattle skyline and Space Needle, the Olympic Mountains to the west, Mount Rainier on clear days, and frequent sightings of seals, sea birds, and the occasional pod of orcas.
🏡 Book Direct with QTStay — Save Up to 25% + Free Welcome Gift
10-min walk to the ferry. Water views, fenced yard, sleeps 6. View the Bremerton Waterfront Cottage →
Reserve Direct — No OTA Fees ↗2026 Ferry Schedule and Frequency
Washington State Ferries runs the Bremerton route year-round with sailings roughly every 60 to 90 minutes throughout the day. The first departure from Bremerton is typically around 4:45 a.m. and the last return from Seattle is usually around 10:00 p.m. Summer weekends see extra sailings added to handle peak demand. Always confirm exact times on the Washington State Ferries schedule page before heading out, as times change seasonally and around holidays.
For day-trippers, catching the 9:00 or 10:00 a.m. departure from Bremerton gives you a full day in Seattle with comfortable time for a return sailing at sunset.
Ticket Prices
Washington State Ferries uses a one-directional fare model on this route. Walk-on passengers pay to cross from Bremerton to Seattle, and the return sailing from Seattle back to Bremerton is currently free for foot passengers. Vehicle fares apply in both directions.
- Walk-on adult (18 to 64): approximately $9 to $10
- Walk-on youth (6 to 17): approximately $4 to $5
- Children under 5: free
- Senior or disabled: approximately $4 to $5
- Vehicle plus driver: approximately $20 to $27 each way depending on vehicle length
Fares are updated periodically. Check the WSDOT fares page for current 2026 rates. Pay by cash, card, or ORCA card at the Bremerton terminal, or buy walk-on tickets ahead of time in the WSF mobile app.
Getting to the Bremerton Ferry Terminal
The Bremerton Ferry Terminal sits on Washington Avenue in downtown Bremerton, steps from the waterfront boardwalk, restaurants, and the Bremerton Boardwalk. If you are staying at our Bremerton Waterfront Cottage, you can walk to the terminal in about 10 minutes without touching your car. Kitsap Transit also runs local bus routes with stops near the terminal for those arriving from elsewhere on the peninsula.
Parking at the Terminal
Washington State Ferries operates a surface lot and a multi-level parking garage adjacent to the terminal. Day-tripper rates typically run $5 to $15 depending on duration and lot. If you plan to leave your vehicle in Bremerton for multiple days and commute to Seattle by ferry, staying within walking distance of the terminal is the smarter and cheaper option. Our Bremerton Waterfront Cottage is about a 10-minute walk, so you can leave the car parked and walk to the ferry each morning.
A Perfect Day Trip Itinerary from Bremerton
One of the great advantages of basing yourself in Bremerton is using the ferry as a daily shuttle to Seattle. Here is a day-trip plan that works well for first-timers and repeat visitors:
- 9:00 a.m. Coffee at a local Bremerton cafe, then walk to the terminal
- 10:00 a.m. Ferry departs Bremerton
- 11:00 a.m. Arrive at Colman Dock in downtown Seattle — Pike Place Market is five minutes on foot
- 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Explore Pike Place: the fish throw, fresh produce, Rachel the Pig, the original Starbucks
- 1:00 p.m. Lunch at the Market or along the waterfront
- 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Space Needle, Seattle Art Museum, the waterfront piers, Capitol Hill, or Pioneer Square
- 5:30 p.m. Walk to Colman Dock for the evening sailing
- 7:00 p.m. Back in Bremerton for dinner at the Yacht Club Broiler or the Boat Shed
The whole day costs two walk-on fares plus whatever you spend in Seattle — a fraction of a Seattle hotel night, and you get to sleep by the water in Bremerton.
Traveling with Kids on the Ferry
The Bremerton ferry is genuinely fun for children. The 60-minute crossing is long enough to feel like a real adventure without overstaying its welcome. Kids love the open observation deck, the onboard cafe, and spotting marine wildlife. A few tips for families:
- Pack snacks — kids are always hungrier than expected and the onboard galley is limited.
- Claim a window seat on the upper deck early for the best views and photos.
- On clear days, point out Mount Rainier to the southeast and the Olympic Mountains to the west.
- Children under 5 ride free; ages 6 to 17 pay youth fare.
- Strollers are welcome and there is an elevator to access all deck levels.
Riding with Pets
Pets are permitted on Washington State Ferries with some restrictions. Dogs must stay on a leash and remain either in a vehicle or in the designated pet area on the car deck during the crossing — they are not allowed inside the passenger cabin. Walk-on passengers traveling with dogs are directed to the exterior car deck for the trip. It is perfectly manageable in good weather but worth knowing in advance. Bring water for your dog and a jacket for yourself — it can be windy on the open deck. Service animals have full access throughout the vessel.
Food and Drink Onboard
The ferry has a small galley serving drip coffee, espresso, pre-packaged sandwiches, and snacks. It is convenient but not memorable. For a better experience, grab a real breakfast at one of Bremerton’s local cafes before boarding, and save your appetite for Pike Place Market when you arrive in Seattle. The ferry is the meal between the two real ones.
Insider tips
- Arrive 20 to 30 minutes early in summer and on weekends.
- Grab a window seat on the upper deck for the best views.
- Local Bremerton cafes are better for breakfast than the onboard galley.
- Sunset sailings back to Bremerton are spectacular — try to catch one at least once.
- Download the WSF app before your trip to check live departure times and buy tickets.
Stay steps from the ferry
Make the ferry your daily gateway to Seattle by staying nearby. Our Bremerton Waterfront Cottage puts you minutes from the terminal with waterfront views and a fenced yard. Book direct with QTStay to skip platform fees and enjoy a free welcome gift. Looking for more to do on the peninsula? See our guide to the 15 best things to do in Bremerton and the Kitsap Peninsula.