United States
Friday Harbor to Shaw Island Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Friday Harbor
Washington
Arrives
Shaw Island
Washington
Washington State FerriesAt a glance
The Friday Harbor to Shaw 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 Shaw Island ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05:50 | 07:05 | 1h 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 06:05 | 07:20 | 1h 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 08:35 | 09:50 | 1h 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 08:45 | 10:00 | 1h 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 11:20 | 12:15 | 55m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 11:30 | 13:05 | 1h 35m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 14:20 | 15:35 | 1h 15m | Washington State Ferries | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat |
| 14:30 | 15:45 | 1h 15m | Washington State Ferries | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat |
| 17:40 | 19:15 | 1h 35m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 17:50 | 19:15 | 1h 25m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 21:50 | 22:55 | 1h 5m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Friday Harbor – Shaw Island crossing
A 55-minute crossing is the fastest scheduled travel time between Friday Harbor and Shaw Island, a distance of approximately 5 nautical miles. Washington State Ferries operates this route with journey times extending up to 1 hour and 25 minutes depending on the specific sailing. This domestic service is part of the ferry network connecting the San Juan Islands within San Juan County, Washington.
Timetable and Operators
Washington State Ferries schedules six sailings every day on this route. The first departure from the Friday Harbor terminal is at 05:50, with the final sailing of the day scheduled for 21:50. This inter-island service connects two of the four ferry-served islands in the archipelago, with both ports also offering direct sailings to Anacortes on the mainland.
The crossing traverses the waters of San Juan Channel. Both Friday Harbor and Shaw Island are central hubs in the Washington State Ferries' San Juan Islands network. From either port, direct connections are also available to Lopez Island and Orcas Island, completing the inter-island links.
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 time is the first sailing?
First departure is 05:50, last is 21:50.
How long is the ferry ride?
Around 55m, depending on sea conditions.
How often does the ferry run?
11 sailings a day on this route.
Who runs this ferry crossing?
Washington State Ferries.
How do I get back from Shaw Island?
Check the Shaw Island to Friday Harbor ferry for return times.
Do I need a passport for this ferry?
No, it's a domestic crossing within United States.
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 Shaw Island
Plan a multi-leg trip — these ferries depart Shaw 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 Shaw Island
Nearby links that share a quay with this one.
Timetable valid Aug 29, 2026 – Oct 18, 2026.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated August 30, 2026.
Operated by
Ports on this route
Friday Harbor on the map
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