FAQs
Question
How do we RSVP?
Answer
Please RSVP through Barbie (253-797-1117) or Jake (253-569-4803).
Question
Do we need a Ferry?
Answer
How to book a ferry from Anacortes to Friday Harbor Overview: Decide if you need a reservation (vehicles only). Check when reservations open for your date. Do this 2 months or 2 weeks before. Make your reservation online. Book round trip Buy ferry tickets online or at the terminal. Arrive early and board on time. Detailed explanation: 1. Do You Need a Reservation? Yes for vehicles: If you are bringing a car or other vehicle, you should make a reservation — especially during spring, summer, weekends, holidays, and peak travel times. Vehicle reservations ensure you have a spot on the sailing you want. (WSDOT) No for walk-on passengers or bicyclists: If you’re traveling without a vehicle, you do not need a reservation. You simply buy your ticket at the terminal or online and board on a first-come, first-served basis. (anacortes.org). You will need to park your car in an upper parking lot and pay a fee via an app. Reservations are free, but you may be charged a fee ($19) if you don’t show up. (sanjuanislandsuites.com) 🚗 2. When You Can Make a Reservation Washington State Ferries releases reservation spots in waves ahead of the sailing date. According to current practice: 📅 Standard Reservation Release Times Around two months before the sail date Then about two weeks before Then more slots about two days before This means if your date is popular, reservations may sell out quickly and more spots open up later — so check back regularly. Summer is usually busier. 🕐 Timing Tips Reservations for spring and summer often open on a scheduled date (e.g., for spring season). (Engage San Juan County) Because these can go fast, set an alert or check early in the morning when new slots are released.
Question
How do you make a reservation?
Answer
🖥 Online (Quickest & Most Common) Go to the official WSF reservation page: 👉 https://wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/reservations/vehicle (This is where you select your route, date, and vehicle details.) Create an Account (optional but recommended) You can reserve as a guest, but creating an account lets you save vehicle info and payment details for faster booking. (anacortes.org) Enter Your Trip Details Choose your origin (Anacortes) and destination (e.g., Friday Harbor / Orcas / Lopez). Select your date and time. Enter vehicle info (make/model, length) and your contact/payment info. Confirm & Finish You will see a confirmation screen with your reservation details and barcode. Save or print the confirmation — you may be asked to show it at the terminal. 5. Book round trip You may be able to book a round trip if there are slots on the date you come home. For example, if the date you come home is 2 days after your arrival date you may need to wait 2 days before reserving a return ferry. 📱 Tips for Booking If your first choice sells out, check the site again; more reservations can be released closer to the sailing date. If a slot opens close to departure (e.g., ~2 hours before), you may still reserve it if there are cancellations. 🎟 4. Buying Ferry Tickets Reservations only reserve a spot for your vehicle — they do not include the ferry ticket fare. You need to purchase your tickets separately: Where to Buy Tickets Online before you go: https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/washington-state-ferries/tickets At the terminal: Ticket booth Self-serve kiosk in the Anacortes terminal waiting room Vehicle toll booth when you arrive (WSDOT) 📌 Walk-on passengers pay their fare at the booth or kiosk (WSDOT) 🕒 5. Arrival & Boarding Arrive early! Without a reservation: at least 45+ minutes before departure during peak times. With a reservation: at least 30–60 minutes before your scheduled sailing. (WSDOT) Check-in: Show your reservation confirmation at the toll booth.
Question
Where can I find more ferry information?
Answer
Official Reservations Page: https://wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/reservations/vehicle (Reddit) Official Ferry Schedules: https://wsdot.com/ferries/schedule/ (WSDOT) Ferry Ticket Info & Purchase: https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/washington-state-ferries/tickets (WSDOT) General Washington State Ferries Homepage: https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/washington-state-ferries (WSDOT) Here is a link to a google doc I made with live links: https://docs.google.com/document/d/174opm1UmkdxO7rX2cdwg2sY6eSNJFZPCz2nyt4P_cTk/edit?usp=sharing