Seattle Travel Guide › Bremerton Ferry
Updated: October 3, 2021
By Santorini Dave
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The Seattle to Bremerton ferry leaves from downtown Seattle and offers great views of the waterfront.
There are two types of ferries that go from Seattle to Bremerton: Washington State Department of Transportation Car/Passenger ferries and Kitsap Transit Passenger-only Fast Ferries. The Fast ferry runs every day except Sunday, and has a 30-minute crossing time; the Car/Passenger ferry runs daily, with a crossing time of about an hour.
Location of the Seattle Ferry Terminal
Both ferries use Pier 52 in Seattle (also called Colman Dock), located at 801 Alaskan Way on the northwest corner of Pioneer Square at the south end of the Waterfront. From the terminal, a 10 minute walk north will get you to the Seattle Great Wheel and Wings Over Washington; another 5 minutes will get you to the Seattle Aquarium. The Smith Tower is directly east of the ferry, just 5 minutes on foot via Yesler Way. To the southeast of the terminal, just 10 minutes’ walk, you’ll find the historic Pioneer Square neighborhood, with trendy restaurants, bars, and attractions like the Klondike Gold Rush Museum and the Underground Tour. Just 5 more minutes walking in the same direction leads to Chinatown/International District, with several unique shops and museums, great food, and the historic Panama Hotel.
Getting to the Seattle Ferry Terminal
The ferry terminal is just a 5-minute walk from Pioneer Square and a 15-minute walk from Pike Place Market and Downtown. To get there by bus, take the 101, 150, 255, or the Link Light Rail from Westlake Station tunnel and get off at Pioneer Square Station. From there, walk west on Yesler Way for 8 minutes to arrive at the ferry terminal at Pier 52/Colman Dock. Another option is to take a surface bus via route 3, 7, 14, 40, 62, or 70 from 3rd Avenue & Pine Street. Get off at Marion Street and walk 6 minutes southwest, taking the elevated pedestrian bridge to the ferry terminal. Any of these buses will cost $2.50.
Parking at the Seattle Ferry Terminal
The closest parking to the ferry terminal is the Commuter Centre lot (811 Western Ave) with rates of $5.00 per hour. This is a good option for half day trips. A great option is just two blocks away at the ABM First and Columbia Garage (721 1st Ave). This spot offers parking at a better rate, only $3.00 per hour, but they have a four-hour limit. After four hours, cars are charged $25.00, whether parked for 4 or 24 hours. A third option at Waterfront Place (1101 Western Ave) offers great rates for longer trips, at $18.00 for 6 hours, $21.00 for 10 hours, or $24.00 for 24 hours. For short trips, their rates are high at $6.00 for one hour. Only park here for full day trips to Bremerton.
If you don’t mind a walk, there are several garages offering lower rates in the Pioneer Square and Waterfront neighborhoods. Try the Courtyard Seattle Downtown/Pioneer Square (612 2nd Ave) or the LAZ-Butler Garage (160 James Street), both offering full day rates for $20.00. These two lots, as well as the aforementioned ABM First and Columbia Garage, take reservations; book ahead online.
Street parking is available near the terminal, but there is a time limit of 2 hours. Though parking is free on Sundays, the time limit is still enforced. Seattle Parking Enforcement does not mess around and will ticket cars parked over the time limit. Street parking is not recommended when taking the Bremerton ferry.
Seattle-Bremerton Car/Passenger Ferries
Taking a ferry from Seattle to Bremerton makes for a short, fun, and easy day trip.
Seattle to Bremerton Car/Passenger Ferry Schedule – Weekday Schedule
The Seattle to Bremerton route runs regularly on a varying 60-90 minute cadence from Monday through Friday. The first ferry departs the terminal at Coleman Dock/Pier 52 at 6:00 a.m., and the last ferry leaves at 12:50 a.m., technically the next day. There is a 2 hour, 20 minute break between the last ferry and the one before, which leaves at 10:30 p.m. Crossing time is 60 minutes.
Bremerton to Seattle Car/Passenger Ferry Schedule – Weekday Schedule
Ferries departing from Bremerton begin earlier than those on the Seattle side to accommodate people who live on the peninsula and work in the city. The first ferries leave at 4:50, 6:20, and 7:20 a.m. From the 7:20 a.m. ferry onward, they run regularly on a varying 60-90 minute cadence throughout the rest of the day. The last two ferries at night are spread further apart, at 9:05 p.m. and 11:40 p.m. Crossing time is 60 minutes.
Seattle to Bremerton Car/Passenger Ferry Schedule – Weekend/Holiday Schedule
On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, the ferry runs on the same times as on weekdays, with the first trip to Bremerton leaving at 6:00 a.m. and the final trip departing at 12:50 a.m. the following day. As is the case during the week, ferries run regularly every 60-90 minutes, with a crossing time of 60 minutes.
• Always double check the official website for holiday schedules, as they are subject to change.
Bremerton to Seattle Car/Passenger Ferry Schedule – Weekend/Holiday Schedule
On Saturdays, the ferry follows the weekday schedule, with departures beginning at 4:50 a.m. and ending with the 11:40 p.m. trip. On Sundays and holidays, however, there is no 4:50 a.m. departure, which means the first departure is not until 6:20 a.m. Crossing time is 60 minutes.
• Always double check the official website for holiday schedules, as they are subject to change.
Seattle-Bremerton Car/Passenger Ferry Prices
The ferry from Seattle to Bremerton costs $8.50 for adults. Fares for seniors (over 65) and children (6-18 years) are half price, only $4.25. Children 5 and under ride free.
Rates are for one-way tickets. The return trip from Bremerton back to Seattle is free of charge.
Tickets may be purchased at the terminal on the day of travel using cash or card. Senior, disabled, and child tickets are not available at the self-serve kiosk; they must be purchased at the ticket window. Reservations cannot be made in advance, but it is rare that a ferry will fill up for walk-on passengers. On busy days it may fill up with cars, though, so plan on arriving at least 20 minutes early if traveling with a vehicle. Boarding for walk-on passengers ends 5 minutes before the ferry’s scheduled departure time.
Though reservations cannot be made ahead of time, single or multi-ride tickets for adults may be purchased online in advance with a credit or debit card and received via email. They are valid for 90 days after purchase. Tickets for seniors and children are not available online.Adult: $8.50
Child (6-18): $4.25
Child (0-5): Free
Seniors (65+): $4.25
Buying Seattle-Bremerton Car/Passenger Ferry Tickets in Advance
Tickets may be purchased online in advance of travel. This is not necessary, but it does save time by avoiding the ticketing line at the terminal, which can be long; especially on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday afternoons in July and August. Though tickets may be bought in advance, reservations may not be made. The ferry operates on a first come, first served basis.
Car/Passenger Ferry Wait Times & Delays
Ferries are almost never sold out for walk-on passengers, including those bringing bicycles. But for those driving onto the ferry, there is occasionally some congestion – especially during the summer months. The busiest times for drivers headed from Seattle to Bremerton are Mondays through Fridays on the 3:00 p.m./4:20 p.m./5:35 p.m. departures, with Friday typically seeing additional congestion on the 1:30 p.m. and 7:55 p.m. trips. Midday Sunday often involves some backups as well. Sporting events in the area around the Stadium district, a short walk from the ferry terminal, may also cause congestion near the walk-on passenger loading area.
From Bremerton to Seattle, the most congested times are on Sundays pretty much all day, from 9:45 a.m. to 11:40 p.m. Leave early in the morning to avoid heavy car traffic. Saturdays can be congested in the afternoons, and weekday mornings from 4:50 a.m. -8:45 a.m. are also busier than average.
Despite these busier times, significant delays are rare. The Seattle-Bremerton route typically leaves on time or within two minutes past scheduled departure. It is very rare for the ferry to leave more than ten minutes late.
Seattle-Bremerton Car/Passenger Ferry with Vehicle
The Seattle-Bremerton ferry does not take reservations for drivers. Anyone planning on ferrying over with their vehicle should arrive at least 20 minutes before the ferry’s scheduled departure time – an hour or more in advance during commonly congested times in the summer. Usually cars are loaded in the order of arrival, though sometimes vehicles may be shuffled to accommodate oversized trucks. Vehicle boarding ends two minutes before the ferry’s scheduled departure time.
The rate for compact cars (up to 14 feet) is $12.05, inclusive of the driver’s fare. For standard sized cars, SUVs, and mid-sized trucks (up to 22 feet), the rate is $15.35. Disabled and senior driver rates for the same vehicles as above are $9.90 and $13.20, respectively.
Motorcycle and scooter rates, inclusive of driver, are $6.60 for adults and $4.45 for senior and disabled drivers.During peak season, from May 1 to September 30, there is a slight increase in vehicle fares, usually of a couple dollars. Check the WA State Ferry website for updated fares if traveling during this time.
If traveling with bikes racked on the car, there is no extra charge, as long as the total length does not exceed the 14 foot or 22-foot size limits.
Seattle-Bremerton Car/Passenger Ferry with Kids
The ferry is always an exciting ride for kids, and the hour-long Bremerton route offers plenty of time to explore the ship and enjoy the scenery. The area around the Bremerton ferry dock has seen significant upgrading over the last several years, with an elevated boardwalk right off the ferry and various dining options. Rates for children ages 6-18 are only $4.15 from Seattle to Bremerton; the return trip is free of charge. Kids 5 years and under ride free both ways.
There is no official minimum age for kids to travel without parents; however, there is no staff member to accompany minors on board. With that in mind, a day trip to Bremerton, while a bit grittier than the idyllic island environment offered by the Bainbridge Island route, can still be a fun and safe trip for teens and younger siblings looking for a weekend activity out of the city.
Taking a Bike On Board the Seattle-Bremerton Car/Passenger Ferry
Biking is a good way to explore Bremerton, which is mostly flat, and the peninsula in general offers extended opportunities for longer rides. There are currently no bike rental shops near the ferry dock, so you will want to bring one over on the ferry. Bringing a bike costs only $1 for one-way or $2 for a round trip.
Cyclists board first and disembark first. Arrive twenty minutes early to board the ferry ahead of cars; late bike arrivals will have to wait to board until after all other vehicles have been loaded. Cyclists will enter through the marked bicycle entrance through the tollbooth on the far right, then ride to the designated waiting area ahead of the cars. After riding onboard, you’ll park at the bow end of the car deck and lock up. Arrival will be announced by loudspeaker, and cyclists will head back down to retrieve their bikes and ride off into downtown Bremerton.
Food On Board the Car/Passenger Ferry (or at the ferry terminal)
There is a variety of restaurants and cafes inside the Seattle ferry terminal, from quick grab-and-go snack shacks to a chill wine bar and a casual coffee shop. Fast food options include Subway, Taco del Mar, Wasabi Express, and the Waterfront Creamery. Puget Sound Provisions offers beer, wine, soda, and snacks to go, plus things you might’ve forgotten to pack, like sunscreen or sunglasses.
Once on board, travelers will find a small cafeteria-style restaurant, serving Ivar’s chowders and soups, bakery sweets and ice cream, pre-made salads and snacks. Beer, wine, and cider area also served but must be consumed before disembarking. There is also a small espresso bar serving hot, fresh coffee and tea. Several vending machines here offer snacks, soda, and coffee. All of the food options are located midship in the main passenger lounge area.
Seattle-Bremerton Passenger-Only Fast Ferries
The fast ferry from Seattle to Bremerton.
Seattle to Bremerton Fast Ferry Summer Schedule – Weekday
Weekday Fast Ferries run during commuter hours. These ferries depart Pier 52 at 6:07, 7:24, and 8:35 in the morning; 2:40, 3:55, 5:10, 6:25, and 7:45 in the afternoon and early evening. Crossing time is 30 minutes. (It’s always a good idea to check the online schedule before you travel, in case of schedule changes or anticipated delays.)
Bremerton to Seattle Fast Ferry Summer Schedule – Weekday
On Monday-Friday, Fast Ferries depart the Bremerton Ferry Terminal at 5:25, 6:45, and 8:00 in the morning; 2:05, 3:15, 4:30, 5:45, and 7:10 in the afternoon and early evening hours. Crossing time is 30 minutes. (It’s always a good idea to check the online schedule before you travel, in case of schedule changes or anticipated delays.)
Seattle to Bremerton Fast Ferry Summer Schedule – Weekend/Holiday
On Saturdays, the Fast Ferry leaves Pier 52 in Seattle at 10:05am, 11:35am, 1:05pm, 2:35pm, 4:00pm, 6:05pm, 7:30 pm, 8:50pm, 10:10pm, and 11:30pm. Crossing time is 30 minutes. (It’s always a good idea to check the online schedule before you travel, in case of schedule changes or anticipated delays.)
The Fast Ferry does not run on Sundays.
There is no Fast Ferry service on January 1, July 4, Thanksgiving, and December 25th. On all other holidays, the Fast Ferry runs on regular schedule.
Bremerton to Seattle Fast Ferry Summer Schedule – Weekend/Holiday
On Saturdays, The Fast Ferry leaves the Bremerton Ferry Terminal at 9:20am, 10:50am, 12:20pm, 1:50pm, 3:20pm, 5:20pm, 6:50pm, 8:10pm, 9:30pm, and 10:50pm. Crossing time is 30 minutes. (It’s always a good idea to check the online schedule before you travel, in case of schedule changes or anticipated delays.)
The Fast Ferry does not run on Sundays.
There is no Fast Ferry service on January 1, July 4, Thanksgiving, and December 25th. On all other holidays, the Fast Ferry runs on regular schedule.
Seattle-Bremerton Fast Ferry Prices
Rates are for one-way tickets.
The Fast Ferry from Seattle to Bremerton costs $10.00 for adults. Fares for seniors (over 65) and children (6-18 years) are half-price at $5.00, but only if they present a valid Medicare Card, Regional Reduced Fare Permit (RRFP), pay via Low income or youth reduced-fare ORCA card, or have been pre-qualified at a customer service center.
The return trip from Bremerton back to Seattle costs $2.00 for adults; half-price for seniors, youth, and low-income passengers meeting the above qualifications.
Pay for your ride as you board the vessel: tap your pre-loaded ORCA card on the sensor, place exact cash fare in the farebox, or show a ticket purchased from a ferry dock vending machine. The vending machine accepts debit and credit cards.
Buying Seattle-Bremerton Fast Ferry Tickets in Advance
Reservations are available for peak-commute period Fast Ferry trips Monday-Friday. No reservations are taken for Saturday trips.
To get started, you will first need a valid ORCA card number, which you can register for online. After this step is complete, you may register an account at Kitsap Transit’s reservations page.
Reservation windows open for any given month on the first business day of the preceding month. For example, the reservation window for March opens on February 1.
Customers with reservations must be in the reservation line at least 10 minutes before scheduled sailing time, or their reserved seats will be released to passengers in the walk-up line.
Reservations can be canceled up to two hours before the scheduled sailing time.
Fast Ferry Wait Times & Delays
The Seattle-Bremerton Fast Ferry is not very big, but it is popular. There are only 118 seats; 88 are open for reservations, and 30 are reserved for walk-up passengers. During peak travel times in the spring, summer, and fall, passengers without reservations should arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled sailing time.
Seattle-Bremerton Car/Passenger Ferry with Kids
Tickets must be purchased for anyone who will be using a seat – babes in arms are free. Because this is a high-speed ferry, kids will need to stay in their seats for the entirety of the ride (30 minutes). Strollers can be accommodated on board.
Taking a Bike On Board the Seattle-Bremerton Fast Ferry
The Seattle-Bremerton Fast Ferry has exterior racks for up to 12 bicycles, which are permitted on a first-come-first-served basis. Bicycles are not permitted in the cabin, and electric bikes are not permitted aboard.
Food On Board the Fast Ferry (or at the ferry terminal)
There is no food service on the Fast Ferry. No eating is allowed onboard, and beverages must be in closed containers. There are many restaurants and cafes inside the Seattle ferry terminal; fast food options include Subway, Taco del Mar, Wasabi Express, and the Waterfront Creamery. Puget Sound Provisions offers beer, wine, soda, and snacks to go, plus things like sunscreen or sunglasses.
Taking the Car/Passenger Ferry from Seattle to Bremerton
View of the Seattle Waterfront from the Pier 52 Ferry Terminal, facing north. The ferry terminal is within walking distance of the Great Wheel, waterfront restaurants, and the Seattle Aquarium.
The entrance to the Seattle-Bremerton ferry terminal at Pier 52.
Passengers without vehicles go up the stairs to enter the building.
The boarding area for Bremerton (left) and Bainbridge (right) ferries.
A shop for snacks in the Seattle ferry terminal.
Buying tickets for the Seattle Bremerton passenger ferry. All ticket types can be bought at the ticket windows.
The Ferry Information desk is in the middle of the food court area. If you have any questions, ask here. But this is not the spot for buying tickets.
Self-serve ticket kiosks offer many (but not all) ticket options.
Youth, disabled, and senior citizen tickets can only be purchased at the ticket windows, because they need to verify that the buyer fits the criteria for special rates.
Seattle to Bremerton ferry ticket.
Walk on passengers slide their tickets through a scanner on the top right-hand side of the turnstiles to gain entry.
Vehicles at the tollbooth. Bicycle entry is at the far right booth where the bike is painted on the lane.
Drivers are directed to the loading dock pictured here, to queue for the next ferry. There are overflow areas for when ferry traffic backs up. The large ferries that serve the Seattle-Bremerton routs can hold over 200 vehicles.
Vehicles boarding the Seattle-Bremerton ferry.
Indoor seating on Seattle-Bremerton ferry.
There are snacks, sandwiches, and some pretty good soup on board the ferry.
Lots of outdoor space too.
Local beer and wine onboard the Seattle to Bremerton ferry.
There is always plenty of space on the Seattle Bremerton passenger ferry. These ferries almost never sell out for foot passengers.
Jigsaw puzzles are spread around the seating area of the Seattle Bremerton ferry.
The ferry deck offers terrific views of the Seattle skyline.
Passengers on the ferry have free reign on most of the ship, including outside. The views are often incredible, but be aware that it can get very windy and cold, so be sure to carry extra layers even on sunny days.
The view from the deck of the Seattle-Bremerton ferry.
The view of the Bremerton ferry terminal. The large car passenger ferry docks on the left. The fast ferry is visible to the right.
The Bremerton ferry terminal. The fast ferry on the left. The large car ferry to the right.
Taking the Fast Ferry from Seattle to Bremerton
View of the Seattle Waterfront from the Pier 52 Ferry Terminal, facing north. The ferry terminal is within walking distance of the Great Wheel, waterfront restaurants, and the Seattle Aquarium.
The fast ferry departs from an area just north of Pier 52. Ticketing and line-up are both outdoors.
The ticket kiosks for the Seattle Bremerton fast ferry.
The waiting area for the Seattle Bremerton fast ferry.
The boarding area for the Seattle to Bremerton fast ferry.
Seating on the Seattle-Bremerton fast ferry.
The view of the Bremerton ferry terminal. The large car passenger ferry docks on the left. The fast ferry is visible to the right.
The Bremerton ferry terminal. The fast ferry on the left. The large car ferry to the right.
I'm Santorini Dave. I started this site in 2011 with a short article on tips for visiting Santorini with kids. We're now a small team of writers and researchers dedicated to providing the best travel content on the internet. We focus on 
Is the fast ferry to Bremerton busy on Saturdays?
It’s often near capacity but usually not sold out. It’s first come, first served, so I would recommend getting there 20 or 30 minutes in advance which should ensure you get a seat.