United States
Friday Harbor to Orcas Island Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Friday Harbor
Washington
Arrives
Orcas Island
Washington
Washington State FerriesAt a glance
The Friday Harbor to Orcas Island ferry takes about 55m–1h 35m, with 11 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
- 11
- Crossing
- from 55m
Friday Harbor to Orcas Island ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05:50 | 07:25 | 1h 35m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 06:05 | 07:40 | 1h 35m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 08:35 | 10:10 | 1h 35m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 08:45 | 09:45 | 1h | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 11:20 | 12:35 | 1h 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 11:30 | 12:50 | 1h 20m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 14:20 | 15:45 | 1h 25m | Washington State Ferries | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat |
| 14:30 | 15:55 | 1h 25m | Washington State Ferries | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat |
| 17:40 | 19:00 | 1h 20m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 17:50 | 19:00 | 1h 10m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 21:50 | 22:45 | 55m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Friday Harbor – Orcas 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.
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
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 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 Friday Harbor
Everything else that sails from the same quay.
Sharing a stop
Crossings calling at Friday Harbor 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
Ports on this route
Friday Harbor on the map
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