United States
Lummi Island Ferry
Whatcom County's lifeline to Lummi Island
Est. 1962Bellingham, Washington, USA
Photo: M/V Whatcom Chief crossing to Lummi Island — Gordon Leggett / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)- 2
- Routes
- 2
- Ports
- 5m
- Avg crossing
- M/V Whatcom Chief (1962) + replacement planned
- Vessels
- 1962
- Founded
Lummi Island Ferry is a ferry operator, founded in 1962 and based in Bellingham, Washington, USA. It operates 2 ferry routes serving 2 ports in United States. Across its network, crossings average about 5m.
Live board
Lummi Island Ferry departures today
Filtered to sailings that operate on today's date — open a departure for its full timetable.
Timetables
Which routes does Lummi Island Ferry operate?
2 routes with live schedules.
| Route | Crossing | Sailings | Operators | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gooseberry Point Terminal → Lummi Island Terminal | 5m | 37 / wk | 1 | United States |
| Lummi Island Terminal → Gooseberry Point Terminal | 5m | 37 / wk | 1 | United States |
Gooseberry Point Terminal1 route
Lummi Island Terminal1 route
Network
Where does Lummi Island Ferry sail?
Lummi Island Ferry sails to 2 ports.
Experience
Onboard & services
- Car & passenger ferry
- Year-round lifeline service
- Vehicle deck
- County-operated
- County-run car ferry to Lummi Island, Washington
- The island's only public link — no bridge to the mainland
- Gooseberry Point to Lummi Island across Hale Passage, ~6–8 minutes
- M/V Whatcom Chief in service since 1962
- A ~$35M replacement vessel is planned for the 2020s
About
About Lummi Island Ferry
The Lummi Island Ferry is a small county-run car-and-passenger ferry in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. Operated by Whatcom County Public Works, it is the only public link to Lummi Island, which has no bridge to the mainland.
Gooseberry Point to Lummi Island
The ferry crosses Hale Passage between the mainland terminal at Gooseberry Point — on Lummi Nation land west of Bellingham — and Lummi Island, a short crossing of roughly six to eight minutes. It runs as the island community's everyday lifeline, occasionally disrupted by weather.
Vessel and future
The veteran M/V Whatcom Chief has worked the route since 1962, carrying 20 vehicles and around 100 passengers; the county is planning a roughly $35 million replacement vessel and dock upgrade for the 2020s. Lummi Island itself is famous for its indigenous reef-net salmon fishery. Fares are in US dollars, set by Whatcom County.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When was Lummi Island Ferry founded?
Lummi Island Ferry was founded in 1962, and is headquartered in Bellingham, Washington, USA.
Where does Lummi Island Ferry sail?
Lummi Island Ferry operates 2 ferry routes and serves 2 ports in United States, including Gooseberry Point Terminal, Lummi Island Terminal.
Can I take a car on Lummi Island Ferry ferries?
Yes — Lummi Island Ferry operates vehicle-carrying ferries on some routes. Book vehicle space in advance, especially in peak season, and check the specific crossing for size limits.
What facilities are available on Lummi Island Ferry ferries?
Lummi Island Ferry ferries typically offer Car & passenger ferry, Year-round lifeline service, Vehicle deck, County-operated. Facilities vary by vessel and route — check the specific sailing for details.
How early should I arrive for a Lummi Island Ferry ferry?
Arrive at the terminal at least 30–60 minutes before a Lummi Island Ferry departure as a foot passenger, and allow longer with a vehicle. Boarding and check-in times vary by port and route — confirm with Lummi Island Ferry.
How do I find Lummi Island Ferry ferry times?
Browse the live timetables for every Lummi Island Ferry route on this page. Schedules are updated as the operator publishes them — always confirm with Lummi Island Ferry before travelling, as sailings change seasonally.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated July 26, 2026.
Contact & booking
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