Extra ferry service and special schedules planned for Independence Day travel

Photo courtesy WSDOT

The Fourth of July is one of the biggest travel holidays for the state ferry system. About 430,000 ferry passengers traveled across the Puget Sound during last year’s holiday weekend, and similar numbers are expected this year. 

To help holiday travelers get between the two destinations Washington State Ferries will add extra service as needed late night Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4.

Mukilteo - Clinton

Along with increased ridership, passengers sailing between Mukilteo and Clinton will also be using a smaller vessel.

The 144-car Tokitae will be replaced during this upcoming weekend with a smaller 124-car ferry due to a federally required inspection. Ferry travelers will need to plan ahead as the reduction in vehicle space could contribute to longer wait times.

Extra sailings
There will be additional sailings on the Mukilteo/Clinton route to accommodate for the heavy traffic and smaller ferry size. Extra sailings will also be used during the holiday weekend between Vashon Island and Fauntleroy, along with the Anacortes and San Juan Island routes. Several routes will also be on different schedules.

Tuesday, July 4

• Edmonds/Kingston route will be on weekday holiday schedule.
• Seattle/Bainbridge route will be on holiday Saturday sailing schedule.
• Other changes are planned

Travel tips
Regardless of the route, all ferry passengers should prepare for longer than usual wait times and plan ahead.

• Check terminal conditions before leaving.
• Find out about changes to Colman Dock due to waterfront construction. 
• Sign up for ferry travel alerts.
• Follow WSF’s Twitter account for automatic updates on travel conditions.
• Review the summer sailing schedule for best times to travel.
• Make a vehicle reservation to the San Juan Islands, Sidney, BC or Port Townsend/Coupeville. 

Drivers can also plan ahead for increased congestion on highways as they make their way to the ferry terminals with real-time traffic information on the WSDOT traffic app for their mobile device.