Port of Seattle Guide

The Port of Seattle is a major ferry and maritime transport hub on Puget Sound in Washington State, USA, providing access to a variety of waterborne services, including passenger ferries and high-speed connections. The main ferry terminal at Colman Dock (also known as Seattle Ferry Terminal) is located on the city’s central waterfront and is one of the region’s primary departure points for ferry travel across Puget Sound.

While direct ferry service from Seattle to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island has historically operated seasonally (such as by Clipper Vacations), service can vary with operator schedules and demand. Many visitors heading to Friday Harbor will instead travel via Anacortes on Washington State Ferries and then continue to Friday Harbor by ferry.

Address: Seattle Ferry Terminal (Colman Dock), 801 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98104, USA

Facilities at the port

• Central ferry terminal with ticketing and check-in areas for Washington State Ferries routes.
• Covered waiting areas and passenger seating along the waterfront.
• Cafés, restaurants and shops along the Seattle waterfront near the terminal.
• Taxi ranks, rideshare pick-up points and local bus stops outside the terminal.
• Wheelchair accessibility and assistance services available at designated boarding points.

How many terminals are there at the Port of Seattle?

The primary ferry terminal in Seattle is Colman Dock, which handles multiple Washington State Ferries routes across Puget Sound. Passenger-only ferry services operate from adjacent facilities depending on the operator and destination.

How to get to Seattle Ferry Port

• By public transport: King County Metro buses serve the waterfront near Colman Dock.
• By taxi or rideshare: Easily accessible from downtown Seattle and surrounding neighbourhoods.
• By car: Follow Alaskan Way / State Route 99; parking options are available nearby though often limited near Pike Place Market.
• On foot: The ferry terminal is within walking distance of many downtown hotels and attractions.

Port of Friday Harbor Guide

The Port of Friday Harbor is the main ferry terminal on San Juan Island, Washington, and the primary arrival point for ferries serving the San Juan Islands. It functions as the commercial centre of the archipelago and provides seasonal and year-round ferry connections to mainland Washington, including Washington State Ferries routes from Anacortes.

Friday Harbor Ferry Port caters to both foot passengers and vehicles on Washington State Ferries services, with summer seasonal passenger-only routes from cities like Seattle, Bellingham and Port Townsend also available through private operators. The port is known for its scenic location, with easy access to the town’s restaurants, shops and attractions.

Address: Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal, Front Street, Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, WA 98250, USA

Facilities at the port

• Main ferry terminal with Washington State Ferries ticketing and check-in counters.
• Indoor waiting room and seating for passengers.
• Café or food service options nearby.
• Public toilets and passenger information displays.
• Limited short-term on-street parking near the ferry landing.
• Taxi services and local transit options close to the terminal.

How many terminals are there at the Port of Friday Harbor?

The Port of Friday Harbor operates from a single main ferry terminal along Front Street. Boarding areas are assigned by ferry operator and sailing route, so passengers should check their ticket details and on-site signage.

How to get to Friday Harbor Ferry Port

• On foot: The ferry terminal is centrally located in Friday Harbor and within easy walking distance of shops, accommodation and attractions.
• By taxi: Local taxis serve the ferry terminal and surrounding areas.
• By car: Roads on San Juan Island connect the ferry terminal with other island destinations; limited parking is available near the terminal.

Guide to Seattle and Friday Harbor

Seattle Travel Guide

Seattle, Washington’s largest city, offers a dynamic mix of urban attractions, scenic waterfronts and easy access to nature. While there isn’t a direct regular ferry from downtown Seattle to Friday Harbor at the moment, the city remains the main gateway for travellers heading to the San Juan Islands via the Washington State Ferry system from Anacortes or by seasonal passenger services.

What to see and do in Seattle: Top attractions and experiences

• Space Needle & Seattle Center: Iconic landmarks offering panoramic city views and museum campuses.
• Pike Place Market: Historic market with fresh seafood, produce and local crafts.
• Waterfront & Great Wheel: Stroll the Elliott Bay waterfront and enjoy views of Puget Sound.
• Museum of Pop Culture: A lively museum celebrating music, film and pop culture.
• Chihuly Garden and Glass: Stunning glass art installations beside the Seattle Center.
• Ferry & Boat Tours: Take local harbour cruises or plan your San Juan Islands journey via ferry.
• Cascade & Olympic Views: On clear days, enjoy distant views of nearby mountain ranges from parks and ferries.

Friday Harbor Travel Guide

Friday Harbor is the main town on San Juan Island, a charming community accessible by ferry from Anacortes (near Seattle). It serves as a gateway to the scenic San Juan Islands, known for their wildlife, laid-back pace and Pacific Northwest beauty.

What to see and do in Friday Harbor: Must-see sights and activities

• Friday Harbor Waterfront & Marina: Stroll the picturesque harbour with cafés, shops and boats docked in the marina.
• The Whale Museum: Learn about the local marine ecosystem and orca populations of the Salish Sea.
• Shopping & Galleries: Explore independent boutiques, art galleries and speciality stores in town.
• Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy kayaking, whale watching, cycling and scenic walks around San Juan Island.
• Lime Kiln Point State Park: A short drive from town, known for excellent whale-watching and nature trails.
• Island Trolley & Rentals: Get around easily on foot, by bike, scooter or seasonal trolleys.
• Local Dining: Sample fresh Pacific Northwest seafood and local wines at downtown restaurants and cafes.