United States
Tahlequah to Point Defiance Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Tahlequah
Washington
Arrives
Point Defiance
Washington
Washington State FerriesAt a glance
The Tahlequah to Point Defiance ferry takes about 15m, with 20 listed sailings between 05:30 and 22:55. It is operated by Washington State Ferries.
- First sailing
- 05:30
- Last sailing
- 22:55
- Sailings listed
- 20
- Crossing
- 15m
Tahlequah to Point Defiance ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05:30 | 05:45 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Mon–Fri |
| 06:20 | 06:35 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 07:10 | 07:25 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 08:00 | 08:15 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 08:50 | 09:05 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 09:40 | 09:55 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 10:30 | 10:45 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 11:20 | 11:35 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 12:10 | 12:25 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 13:00 | 13:15 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun |
| 14:10 | 14:25 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 15:10 | 15:25 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 16:05 | 16:20 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 17:00 | 17:15 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 18:00 | 18:15 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 19:00 | 19:15 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 20:00 | 20:15 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 21:00 | 21:15 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 22:00 | 22:15 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 22:55 | 23:10 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Tahlequah – Point Defiance crossing
Twenty departures from 05:30 to 22:55, and eighteen of them carry a full seven-day calendar. Two exceptions sit on narrower flags.
Half an hour ahead of the return
The Point Defiance side opens at 05:05 and closes at 22:30 — twenty-five minutes earlier at each end. Fifteen minutes of crossing and ten of turnaround, all day.
Fifteen minutes over 1.7 nautical miles
Seven knots from the southern tip of Vashon Island across to Tacoma. This is the quiet end of Vashon; the Fauntleroy crossing at the north end carries three times the traffic.
8 August to 19 September 2026
A six-week edition. Our data carries a fare against the Point Defiance direction and none against this one, which matches Washington State Ferries’ practice of collecting in one direction only.
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
Which company runs this ferry?
Operated by Washington State Ferries.
When's the first ferry of the day?
The first sailing leaves at 05:30.
Can I book the return crossing too?
Yes, check the return route for its own times and fares.
How often does the ferry run?
20 sailings a day on this route.
Is this a domestic or international route?
Domestic — the whole crossing stays within United States.
How long does the crossing take?
About 15m.
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.
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 05:30, last 22:55), 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 Aug 29, 2026 – Sep 19, 2026.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated August 30, 2026.
Operated by
Ports on this route
Tahlequah on the map
Travelled the Tahlequah → Point Defiance ferry?
Rate this crossing to help fellow travellers.
Help us keep schedules accurate — we read every report.