How to get to Vashon Island

There are three points of entry to Vashon Island:

West Seattle

Board the ferry at Fauntleroy Dock in West Seattle for a swift 15-minute ride directly to Vashon Island.

Tacoma

Depart from Point Defiance for a brief 20-minute ferry journey that brings you to the southern shores of Vashon.

Olympic Penninsula

Connect via the Southworth Ferry Terminal for a scenic crossing that links you to Vashon Island, integrating seamlessly with routes from Southworth.

Where do you catch the ferry to Vashon?

West Seattle Ferry

From I-5 or Alaska Way (99) get to the West Seattle Freeway heading West towards Fauntleroy. Follow the signs to the West Seattle Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal.
The West Seattle Freeway (or West Seattle Bridge) will turn into Fauntleroy Way SW. Follow Fauntleroy Way SW heading West still towards the West Seattle Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal. Once you get to the Lincoln Park you’ll notice a lane on the right next to the curb with marked signs. This is the ferry holding lane.
If you arrive before 4pm you will see many cars parked with large spaces. During the busy season you will need to wait in line and drive around the parked cars. After 4pm the cars will most likely be moved.
Let the toll operator know that you’re heading to Vashon. You can pay with cash or credit and will receive a receipt. The dock crew will then direct you to the lane number that you should head into. Usually “1” or “2” and in some cases in the exit lane (but only if the boat is currently loading for Vashon when you arrive).
Drive slow, pay attention, and it’s always good to have your window down as the crew directs you onto the boat to where you should park. The boat is just 15 minutes. Enough time to enjoy a walk upstairs, grab a quick cup of coffee, a beer, wine, and a snack then back to your car as the crew directs you off the boat.

Penninsula / Southworth

Heading east on WA-160 E towards Bodle Rd SE, continue straight, turning right to stay on WA-160 E as you head towards the Southworth Ferry Terminal. At the end of WA-160, you’ll encounter the toll booth. Typically, the lines on the Southworth side are relatively light compared to the Fauntleroy side, so you won’t have to wait too long. Inform the booth operator that you’re headed to Vashon, not Seattle, to ensure you’re directed to the correct ferry. The crew will then guide you onto the ferry. It’s important to drive with caution and remain attentive, keeping your window down or your stereo volume low is advisable so you can hear any instructions the crew might need to communicate.
The ferry crossing takes approximately 20 minutes, offering just enough time to stretch your legs. You can head upstairs to use the restroom, grab a cup of coffee, or enjoy a quick snack. It’s also a perfect opportunity to take in the scenic views of Puget Sound from the deck. Once you arrive at Vashon, the crew will assist in directing you off the boat, and from there, you can continue on your journey across the island. This smooth transition from the bustling mainland to the serene island landscape makes the start of your Vashon adventure both easy and pleasant.

Tacoma / Pt Defiance

Heading Northwest of WA-16 take exit 3 for 6th Ave toward WA-163 N/Ruston. Continue onto Bantz and then turn right onto Pearl St heading North. 
While on N Pearl St you’ll drive past the signs towards the Zoo and through the Point Defiance Park. Turn right onto Ferry Crossing Landing Rd then a slight right onto Vashon Ferry Lanes. 
You’ll make your way to the toll booth. Let the operator know how many adults and children you have in addition to yourself (the driver). You’ll be asked to pull forward and wait for the next ferry.
The ferries on the South end of Vashon are smaller and don’t run as often as the Seattle and Southworth side, so you may find you’ll be sitting for a wait. Get to know when the next ferry arrives so you can get out and walk around, but be back at your car when the ferry arrives.
The crew will direct you onto the boat. Be sure to have your stereo turned down and pay close attention to their direction. The crossing runs about 15 minutes, so you’ll have just enough time to walk around the boat. If you’ve seen the movie “The Ring” you’ll have some deja vu as the MV Quinalt from this crossing was used in the scene where the horse ran around the boat and jumped.

How to get to Vashon by Bicycle

Turn this into one paragraph and a bullet list of directions: Vashon Island is a popular biking destination. With plenty of long, windy roads with minimal traffic and trails throughout the island that challenge even the savviest of mountain bikers, you will find that no matter what the weather brings, bikers are all over the island.

Getting to the island by Bicycle is easier than by car. Bikes don’t have to wait in line, and the additional downtown Seattle to Vashon’s North end passenger ferry allows for bikes with racks on the Stern end.

Bikes that come across the larger car ferries will need to walk on with passengers and leave their bikes on the deck. You should chain your bicycle to the rail while you head upstairs for a rest during crossing. Cleats are not allowed on the upper deck, so be prepared with a change of shoes or cleatless cycling shoes.

Once you get to the Island, both the North and South end invite you with a long climb up roughly 400 ft before leveling out. The Vashon Highway runs from the North end ferry terminal to the South end ferry terminal (Seattle to Tacoma), about 13.6 miles total. You can take many routes around the island, and all will challenge your endurance with hill climbs and windy roads with a few flat, straight stretches (depending on where you go).

How to Get to Vashon by Bus

While most visitors to Vashon arrive by car or tend to tour the island by Bicycle, there is a simple and convenient way to get around the Island by public transportation. Yes, the King County Metro makes its way to Vashon via the 118 and 119 routes, bringing busloads of visitors and commuters alike every day.
The buses run from the North end ferry terminal down the Vashon Highway through Vashon’s Downtown and towards the South end. The 118 route heads to the Tahlequah ferry terminal, and the 119 route takes passengers through Maury Island.
Adults (19-64) pay just $2.50-$2.75 for the one-zone fare, with youth under 18 paying just $1.50. Orca card holders pay just $1.50, and our valued seniors pay $1.50. You can view the full route map by clicking here.

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