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Friday Harbor to Orcas Island

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Friday Harbor to Orcas Island Ferry

Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026

(c) Photo: SCOTT CAMERON, CC BY 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)

Departs

Friday Harbor

Washington

from 55m
4.7 nm

Arrives

Orcas Island

Washington

6 sailings listed4.7 nm

At a glance

The Friday Harbor to Orcas Island ferry takes about 55m–1h 35m, with 6 listed sailings between 05:50 and 21:50. It is operated by Washington State Ferries.

First sailing
05:50
Last sailing
21:50
Sailings listed
6
Crossing
from 55m

Friday Harbor to Orcas Island ferry timetable

DepartsDurationOperatorRuns
05:501h 35mWashington State FerriesDaily
08:351h 35mWashington State FerriesDaily
11:201h 15mWashington State FerriesDaily
14:201h 25mWashington State FerriesMon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
17:501h 10mWashington State FerriesDaily
21:5055mWashington State FerriesDaily

Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.

About the Friday HarborOrcas Island crossing

Six sailings a day connect Friday Harbor with Orcas Island, with the first departure scheduled for 05:50 and the last at 21:50. Washington State Ferries is the sole operator for this domestic route across the San Juan Channel. The crossing covers a distance of approximately 5 nautical miles. All services run every day of the week.

Vessel Timings and Connections

Crossing times show significant variation depending on the specific vessel's multi-stop schedule. The fastest direct sailings take 55 minutes to reach Orcas Island. Other departures can take up to 1 hour and 35 minutes, reflecting routes that may call at other islands first. The schedule is integrated with sailings to and from the mainland at Anacortes.

Both Friday Harbor and Orcas Island are key hubs within the Washington State Ferries San Juan Islands network. From either port, direct connections are available to Lopez Island and Shaw Island. Travelers planning to transport a vehicle are advised to check reservation requirements and specific loading times with the operator, as space is managed across the interconnected island routes.

Getting to & from the ports

Frequently asked questions

How often does the ferry run?

11 sailings a day on this route.

Is this a domestic or international route?

Domestic — the whole crossing stays within United States.

What's the duration of this crossing?

Roughly 55m.

Is a return sailing available?

Yes — see the return route for its schedule.

What time is the first sailing?

First departure is 05:50, last is 21:50.

Which company runs this ferry?

Operated by Washington State Ferries.

How much does a ticket cost?

Ticket prices vary by operator, season and whether you bring a vehicle. Check the operator (Washington State Ferries) for current fares.

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 05:50, last 21:50), 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 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.

What's the luggage allowance?

Foot passengers can normally bring their own luggage aboard at no extra charge, with racks or a luggage area near the entrance, and there is usually no airline-style weight limit. Oversized or excess items may carry a fee, so check with the operator if you are travelling with bulky baggage.

Continue your journey

Onward sailings from Orcas Island

Plan a multi-leg trip — these ferries depart Orcas Island.

Same departure port

More ferries from Friday Harbor

Other crossings departing Friday Harbor.

Sharing a stop

Crossings calling at Friday Harbor or Orcas Island

Other ferries that stop at the same quays — handy for connections and nearby travel.

Timetable valid Jul 25, 2026Sep 13, 2026.

Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated July 26, 2026.

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