United States
Point Defiance to Tahlequah Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Point Defiance
Washington
Arrives
Tahlequah
Washington
Washington State FerriesAt a glance
The Point Defiance to Tahlequah ferry takes about 15m, with 20 listed sailings between 05:05 and 22:30. It is operated by Washington State Ferries. Fares start from $7.60.
- First sailing
- 05:05
- Last sailing
- 22:30
- Sailings listed
- 20
- Crossing
- 15m
Point Defiance to Tahlequah ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05:05 | 05:20 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Mon–Fri |
| 05:55 | 06:10 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 06:45 | 07:00 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 07:35 | 07:50 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 08:25 | 08:40 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 09:15 | 09:30 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 10:05 | 10:20 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 10:55 | 11:10 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 11:45 | 12:00 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 12:35 | 12:50 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun |
| 13:40 | 13:55 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 14:40 | 14:55 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 15:40 | 15:55 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 16:35 | 16:50 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 17:30 | 17:45 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 18:30 | 18:45 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 19:25 | 19:40 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 20:25 | 20:40 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 21:30 | 21:45 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 22:30 | 22:45 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Point Defiance – Tahlequah crossing
Twenty departures from 05:05 to 22:30, eighteen of them on a full seven-day calendar. The passenger fare is $7.60; vehicles are charged separately.
Two exceptions, and one is odd
The 05:05 is weekday-only. The 12:35 runs Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday — a combination that skips the middle of the week and no one else on this route uses.
Fifteen minutes over 1.7 nautical miles
Seven knots from Point Defiance in Tacoma across to Tahlequah at the southern tip of Vashon Island. This is the short end of Vashon; the Fauntleroy crossing serves the north.
8 August to 19 September 2026
A six-week edition. Washington State Ferries revises its schedules several times a year, so these times should not be carried past the date on the plan.
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
Is there a ferry back from Tahlequah?
Yes — see the Tahlequah to Point Defiance ferry for the return schedule.
Does this ferry cross an international border?
No, it's entirely within United States.
How long, roughly, is the crossing?
About 15m under normal conditions.
How often does the ferry run?
20 sailings a day on this route.
Who runs this ferry crossing?
Washington State Ferries.
What time is the first sailing?
First departure is 05:05, last is 22:30.
How much does a ticket cost?
Fares start from around $7.60. Prices vary by operator, season, cabin and whether you take a vehicle.
Can I do this as a day trip?
A day trip is often possible: with a crossing of about 15m and several sailings a day (first 05:05, last 22:30), 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.
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.
Timetable valid Sep 5, 2026 – Sep 19, 2026.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated September 6, 2026.
Operated by
Fares from
$7.60
Lowest published one-way fare. Final price varies by operator, date and vehicle.
Ports on this route
Point Defiance on the map
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