United States
Orcas Island to Lopez Island Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Orcas Island
Washington
Arrives
Lopez Island
Washington
Washington State FerriesAt a glance
The Orcas Island to Lopez Island ferry takes about 20m–45m, with 11 listed sailings between 06:50 and 22:45. It is operated by Washington State Ferries.
- First sailing
- 06:50
- Last sailing
- 22:45
- Sailings listed
- 11
- Crossing
- from 20m
Orcas Island to Lopez Island ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06:50 | 07:35 | 45m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 07:05 | 07:50 | 45m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 09:45 | 10:20 | 35m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 11:50 | 12:20 | 30m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 12:35 | 12:55 | 20m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 12:50 | 13:25 | 35m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 13:30 | 14:00 | 30m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 16:00 | 16:35 | 35m | Washington State Ferries | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat |
| 16:05 | 16:40 | 35m | Washington State Ferries | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat |
| 19:00 | 19:35 | 35m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 22:45 | 23:20 | 35m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Orcas Island – Lopez Island crossing
Washington State Ferries schedules five daily sailings in each direction, providing an important link within the San Juan Islands archipelago. The first vessel departs Orcas Island at 07:05, and the last service of the day leaves at 22:45. This route is part of a wider network connecting four islands and the mainland. From Orcas Island, direct services also operate to Anacortes, Friday Harbor, and Shaw Island.
Crossing Time and Operators
The crossing between Orcas Island and Lopez Island covers a distance of approximately 3 nautical miles. Washington State Ferries is the sole operator for this domestic U.S. route. Journey times vary depending on the specific sailing, with the fastest crossings scheduled for 20 minutes and the longest taking up to 45 minutes.
Upon arrival at Lopez Island, travellers can connect to other inter-island ferries. Scheduled onward sailings from Lopez Island include routes to Anacortes on the mainland, Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, and Shaw Island. The service runs every day of the week, linking the two most populous islands in the San Juan group after San Juan Island itself.
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 long, roughly, is the crossing?
About 20m under normal conditions.
When's the last ferry of the day?
The last sailing leaves at 22:45.
What's the sailing frequency per day?
11 sailings a day on this route.
Can I book the return crossing too?
Yes, check the return route for its own times and fares.
Who operates the service?
Washington State Ferries runs this crossing.
Is this a domestic or international route?
Domestic — the whole crossing stays 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 20m. 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 20m and several sailings a day (first 06:50, last 22:45), 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 Lopez Island
Plan a multi-leg trip — these ferries depart Lopez Island.
Same departure port
More ferries from Orcas Island
Everything else that sails from the same quay.
Sharing a stop
Crossings calling at Orcas Island or Lopez 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
Orcas Island on the map
Travelled the Orcas Island → Lopez Island ferry?
Rate this crossing to help fellow travellers.
Help us keep schedules accurate — we read every report.