United States
Anacortes to Orcas Island Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Anacortes
Washington
Arrives
Orcas Island
Washington
Washington State FerriesAt a glance
The Anacortes to Orcas Island ferry takes about 55m–1h 30m, with 14 sailings a day between 05:30 and 21:25. It is operated by Washington State Ferries. Fares start from $18.
- First sailing
- 05:30
- Last sailing
- 21:25
- Sailings / day
- 14
- Crossing
- from 55m
Anacortes to Orcas Island ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05:30 | 06:25 | 55m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 05:45 | 06:40 | 55m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 07:25 | 08:20 | 55m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 07:30 | 08:30 | 1h | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 10:05 | 11:20 | 1h 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 10:30 | 11:40 | 1h 10m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 11:55 | 13:05 | 1h 10m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 12:30 | 13:45 | 1h 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 15:20 | 16:15 | 55m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 15:45 | 16:55 | 1h 10m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 18:05 | 19:15 | 1h 10m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 19:50 | 21:00 | 1h 10m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 20:40 | 21:45 | 1h 5m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 21:25 | 22:55 | 1h 30m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Anacortes – Orcas Island crossing
The Washington ports of Anacortes and Orcas Island stand about 12 nautical miles apart across the San Juan Channel. Washington State Ferries is the sole operator for this domestic United States route, which forms a core component of the San Juan Islands inter-island network. From its mainland terminal in Anacortes, the service also links to Friday Harbor, Lopez Island, and Shaw Island.
Schedules and Timings
Service runs every day, with a published timetable showing seven sailings. The earliest departure from Anacortes is scheduled for 05:45, and the final sailing of the day is at 21:25. The crossing duration varies depending on the specific sailing's route through the islands.
The fastest direct sailings are timetabled at 55 minutes. Other journeys make intermediate stops at other islands such as Shaw Island or Lopez Island, extending the total travel time. These multi-stop trips can take from 1 hour 10 minutes up to 1 hour 30 minutes to reach Orcas Island from the mainland.
Vehicles, pets & onboard
- Vehicle reservations on selected routes
- Real-time vessel map
- Terminal traffic cameras showing holding lanes
- First-time rider's guide
- Published guidance for riders with disabilities
Vehicle space is available on this route — book early, especially in peak season. Onboard facilities and vehicle, pet and luggage policies vary by operator and vessel; confirm details with the operator before booking.
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
What's the duration of this crossing?
Roughly 55m.
Do I need a passport for this ferry?
No, it's a domestic crossing within United States.
Is a return sailing available?
Yes — see the return route for its schedule.
How often does the ferry run?
14 sailings a day on this route.
Who operates the service?
Washington State Ferries runs this crossing.
What time is the last sailing?
Sailings run from 05:30 to 21:25.
How much does a ticket cost?
Fares start from around $18. Prices vary by operator, season, cabin and whether you take a vehicle.
What's the fastest crossing option?
The quickest option takes about 55m. Crossing time depends on the operator and vessel — compare sailings from Washington State Ferries above.
Can I do this as a day trip?
A day trip is often possible: with a crossing of about 55m and several sailings a day (first 05:30, last 21:25), you can return the same day. Always check the return timetable before you go.
Does the ferry run all year?
Sailings run daily, and frequency can change between the summer and winter seasons. The timetable above shows the latest published departures — confirm with the operator for off-season dates.
Can I take a car on this ferry?
Yes — Washington State Ferries carries vehicles on this route. Book your car space in advance, especially in peak season, and check the specific sailing for size limits.
Can I take a pet on this ferry?
Most ferry operators allow pets on this route, usually in a carrier, on deck or in designated pet areas or cabins, and registered assistance dogs travel free. Rules and any fees vary by operator and vessel — check with Washington State Ferries, so declare your pet when booking.
Continue your journey
Onward sailings from Orcas Island
Plan a multi-leg trip — these ferries depart Orcas Island.
Same departure port
More ferries from Anacortes
Everything else that sails from the same quay.
Sharing a stop
Crossings calling at Anacortes or Orcas Island
Nearby links that share a quay with this one.
Timetable valid Sep 5, 2026 – Oct 25, 2026.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated September 6, 2026.
Operated by
Fares from
$18
Lowest published one-way fare. Final price varies by operator, date and vehicle.
Ports on this route
Anacortes on the map
Travelled the Anacortes → Orcas Island ferry?
Rate this crossing to help fellow travellers.
Help us keep schedules accurate — we read every report.