Kingston Ferry Schedule: Times, Fares, and Everything You Need to Know
I take the Kingston ferry 3 to 4 times a year. The first time was in the fall of 2019 — I drove to the Edmonds Ferry Terminal on a Friday afternoon, rolled onto the M/V Spokane, and 21 minutes later I was standing on the Kingston Ferry Dock watching the sun drop behind the Olympic Mountains across Puget Sound. The crossing is short, the views are wide, and the whole experience reminds you that Seattle sits at the center of a waterway system that connects islands, peninsulas, and small towns most visitors never see.
The Kingston ferry is operated by Washington State Ferries (WSF) on the Kingston-Edmonds route, with year-round service between Kingston on the Kitsap Peninsula and Edmonds, WA (15 miles north of Seattle). The ferry crossing takes approximately 21 minutes. As of 2026, round-trip passenger fares are $11.05 for adults (19 to 64), $5.50 for seniors (65+), and free for youth (18 and under). Vehicle and driver fares start at $15.60 each way. Ferries depart approximately every 30 to 60 minutes depending on the time of day and season. No reservations are required — loading is first-come, first-served.
There’s also a second Kingston ferry service: the Kingston Fast Ferry operated by Kitsap Transit, a passenger-only fast ferry running between Kingston and downtown Seattle (Pier 50). This guide covers both.
Kingston Edmonds Ferry Schedule (WSF)
Washington State Ferries operates the Kingston-Edmonds route with departures approximately every 30 to 60 minutes, year-round.
The schedule varies by season. WSF publishes 3 seasonal schedules annually: Spring (mid-March to mid-June), Summer (mid-June to mid-September), and Fall/Winter (mid-September to mid-March). The current Spring 2026 schedule runs through June 12, 2026. The Summer 2026 schedule begins June 13 and runs through September 18.
Typical Weekday Kingston Ferry Departure Times
Ferries depart Kingston for Edmonds roughly every 30 to 50 minutes during peak hours and every 60 minutes during off-peak. Here is an approximate weekday schedule (Spring 2026 — always verify at wsdot.com/ferries for exact times):
| Direction | First Departure | Last Departure | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kingston → Edmonds | ~5:30 a.m. | ~11:30 p.m. | Every 30–60 min |
| Edmonds → Kingston | ~6:00 a.m. | ~12:30 a.m. | Every 30–60 min |
Weekend and Holiday Schedule
Weekend ferry service runs on a modified schedule with slightly fewer sailings, especially in early morning and late evening. Holiday schedules apply on Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. WSF typically adds extra sailings on major holiday weekends when demand spikes.
- Busiest departure times from Edmonds: Fridays and Saturdays — the 1:35 p.m., 2:25 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 3:55 p.m., and 4:45 p.m. sailings fill regularly with vehicles.
- Busiest departure times from Kingston: Saturdays and Sundays — the 9:35 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. sailings are the most crowded.
- Best time to avoid waits: Mid-morning (9 to 11 a.m.) and early afternoon (1 to 2 p.m.) on weekdays. Avoid Friday afternoon Edmonds departures — that’s commuter traffic plus weekend cabin-goers heading to the Kitsap Peninsula.
How to check the real-time Kingston ferry schedule:
- WSDOT website: wsdot.com/ferries/schedule — select the Edmonds/Kingston route
- WSDOT Ferries app: Real-time vessel tracking, departure times, and terminal wait time estimates
- FerryFriend app: Community-sourced wait times and schedule alerts
My honest take: The Kingston ferry schedule is consistent and reliable. I’ve only been bumped from one sailing in 9 crossings (a Friday at 4 p.m. in July — fully my fault for arriving 10 minutes before departure with a car). Walk-on passengers board every sailing. Vehicle drivers should arrive 20 to 30 minutes before departure on weekdays and 45 to 60 minutes early on summer weekends.
Kingston Fast Ferry Schedule (Kitsap Transit)
The Kingston Fast Ferry is a passenger-only fast ferry operated by Kitsap Transit between Kingston and downtown Seattle (Pier 50), with a crossing time of about 35 to 40 minutes.
This is a different service from the WSF car ferry. The Kingston Fast Ferry is foot passengers only — no vehicles. It runs weekdays and Saturdays (limited Saturday service), primarily for commuters heading to and from Seattle. The route connects the Kingston Ferry Dock to Pier 50 in downtown Seattle, near Pioneer Square.
| Detail | Kingston Fast Ferry |
|---|---|
| Operator | Kitsap Transit |
| Route | Kingston ↔ Seattle (Pier 50) |
| Crossing time | ~35–40 minutes |
| Schedule | Weekdays + limited Saturdays |
| Vehicles | Passengers only — no cars |
| Last weekday departure from Seattle | 6:45 p.m. |
The Kingston Fast Ferry connects to Kitsap Transit bus routes in Kingston, including the Kingston Ride Fast Ferry Commuter bus service. Route 302–Kingston/Suquamish Fast Ferry, Route 307–Kingston/North Viking Fast Ferry, and Route 391–Kingston/Bainbridge connect ferry passengers to communities across the Kitsap Peninsula, including Hansville, Driftwood Keys, Gamblewood, Little Boston, Eglon, Jefferson Point, President Point, Suquamish, and Poulsbo.
For summer 2026, Kitsap Transit is running extended late-night fast ferry service on FIFA World Cup match days at Lumen Field (6 games between June 15 and July 7). The last Kingston Fast Ferry departure from Seattle on game days will be extended to accommodate fans returning to the Kitsap Peninsula.
Kingston Ferry Fares and Ticket Prices (2026)
Round-trip passenger fares on the Kingston-Edmonds WSF ferry are $11.05 for adults, $5.50 for seniors, and free for youth 18 and under (as of January 1, 2026).
| Fare Type | Round-Trip Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (19–64) | $11.05 | Passenger fare, collected Edmonds-bound only |
| Senior (65+) | $5.50 | Passenger fare |
| Youth (18 and under) | Free | Free on all Washington State Ferries |
| Vehicle + Driver (standard auto) | ~$15.60 each way | Collected both directions |
| Motorcycle + Rider | ~$9.55 each way | Collected both directions |
Important fare notes:
- Passenger tickets are collected departing from Edmonds only. Walking on at Kingston is free for the return trip.
- Vehicle and driver fares are collected at both terminals.
- Summer season (May 1 through September 30) adds a peak surcharge to vehicle fares.
- The Edmonds Ferry Terminal and Kingston Ferry Dock are cashless. Pay with credit/debit card, ORCA card, or buy tickets online via WSDOT’s Wave2Go website.
- The Kingston Fast Ferry (Kitsap Transit) has separate fares — check kitsaptransit.com for current pricing.
Edmonds Ferry Terminal and Kingston Ferry Dock
The Edmonds Ferry Terminal is at 199 Sunset Ave S, Edmonds, WA 98020. The Kingston Ferry Dock is at the foot of Washington Boulevard in downtown Kingston.
Edmonds Terminal
The Edmonds terminal sits on the waterfront in downtown Edmonds, about 15 miles north of Seattle via I-5 (exit 177). The terminal has a covered waiting area, restrooms, a small café, and a vehicle staging area. The M/V Spokane (188 vehicle capacity) and M/V Walla Walla or M/V Puyallup (202 vehicle capacity) serve this route.
- Parking: The U-Park lot near the terminal charges $10 for 0 to 4 hours and $15 for 4 to 24 hours. Street parking in Edmonds is limited during commuter hours.
- From SeaTac Airport: About 1 hour north on I-5 to exit 177.
- From downtown Seattle: About 25 to 35 minutes north on I-5 to exit 177, depending on traffic.
Kingston Terminal
The Kingston Ferry Dock sits in the small town of Kingston on the northeast tip of the Kitsap Peninsula. Kingston has a handful of restaurants, shops, and a farmers market within walking distance of the terminal. The town serves as the gateway to the communities of North Kitsap, including Hansville, Suquamish, and the Port Gamble S’Klallam Reservation near The Point Casino and Gamble Bay.
- Parking: Diamond Parking Commuter Parking Lot near the terminal — $8 for 0 to 12 hours, $12 for 12 to 24 hours.
- Connections from Kingston: Kitsap Transit buses (Routes 302, 307, 391) connect to Poulsbo, Bainbridge Island, Suquamish, and communities across the Kitsap Peninsula. Jefferson Transit Route 14 Kingston Express connects to Port Townsend on the Olympic Peninsula.
How the Kingston Ferry Fits Into a Seattle Day Trip
The Kingston ferry is the fastest car-ferry connection between the Seattle metro area and the Kitsap Peninsula, and it connects to destinations across the Olympic Peninsula and beyond.
I use the Kingston-Edmonds crossing when I’m heading to the Kitsap Peninsula, the San Juan Islands via the Anacortes ferry, or Port Townsend on the Olympic Peninsula. The crossing saves time compared to driving south through Tacoma and around Puget Sound.
Here’s how it connects:
| Destination | Route from Kingston | Additional Time |
|---|---|---|
| Poulsbo | SR-305 South | 20 min drive |
| Port Gamble (historic mill town) | SR-104 West | 10 min drive |
| Port Townsend | SR-104 W → SR-19 → SR-20 | 45 min drive |
| Sequim / Olympic Peninsula | SR-104 W → US-101 | 1.5 hours |
| Bainbridge Island (via Agate Point) | SR-305 South | 30 min drive |
| Suquamish (Chief Seattle’s grave) | SR-305 South → Suquamish Way | 15 min drive |
My honest take: The Kingston ferry is one of the most useful crossings in the Washington State Ferry system. It’s shorter than the Seattle-Bainbridge crossing (21 minutes vs. 35 minutes), less crowded than the Bainbridge Island ferry on weekends, and it drops you on the Kitsap Peninsula with easy access to Port Townsend, the Olympic Peninsula, and the small towns of North Kitsap that most Seattle tourists never see. If you’re planning a road trip from Seattle to the Olympic Peninsula, the Kingston ferry saves 45 minutes compared to driving through Tacoma.
Kingston Ferry Schedule: Tips From a Regular Rider
- Arrive 20 to 30 minutes early on weekdays. Vehicle loading is first-come, first-served. The staging lanes fill on afternoon sailings. Walk-on passengers can arrive 5 to 10 minutes before departure.
- Arrive 45 to 60 minutes early on summer weekends. Friday afternoon departures from Edmonds and Sunday afternoon departures from Kingston are the worst. I’ve seen the vehicle queue stretch a full sailing behind during July 4th weekend.
- Check the WSDOT Ferries app before driving to the terminal. The app shows real-time vessel locations, departure times, and estimated wait times at each terminal. A 2-boat wait on a Friday means you’re sitting in the staging lane for 60+ minutes.
- Walk on when possible. Walk-on passengers board every sailing regardless of vehicle capacity. If you’re doing a Kingston day trip without a car, walk on at the Edmonds terminal and explore Kingston’s waterfront, shops, and restaurants on foot.
- Use the crossing. The 21-minute ride across Puget Sound has views of the Cascade Range to the east and the Olympic Mountains to the west. In winter, the M/V Spokane and M/V Walla Walla have heated indoor cabins. In summer, stand on the upper car deck for the best open-air views. I’ve seen orcas from the Kingston-Edmonds crossing once (September 2022, heading north through Admiralty Inlet — rare but possible).
- Connect to Port Townsend. Kingston is the gateway to Port Townsend via SR-104 and SR-19/SR-20 (about 45 minutes). Port Townsend is one of the best small towns in Washington State — Victorian architecture, Fort Worden State Park, and a waterfront that feels more like Maine than the Pacific Northwest. Jefferson Transit Route 14 Kingston Express also runs bus service between Kingston and Port Townsend.
Kingston Ferry Schedule: Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Kingston to Edmonds ferry ride?
Approximately 21 minutes. The total time from driving onto the ferry at Kingston to driving off at Edmonds is about 30 minutes including loading and unloading.
How much does the Kingston ferry cost?
$11.05 round trip for adult walk-on passengers, $5.50 for seniors, and free for youth 18 and under (2026 fares). Vehicle and driver fares start at $15.60 each way for a standard automobile.
Do I need a reservation for the Kingston ferry?
No. The Kingston-Edmonds WSF route does not accept reservations. Vehicle loading is first-come, first-served. Walk-on passengers board every sailing.
What are the Kingston ferry hours?
The first ferry departs Kingston around 5:30 a.m. and the last sailing is around 11:30 p.m. The first ferry from Edmonds departs around 6:00 a.m. with the last around 12:30 a.m. Exact times vary by season — check the current schedule at wsdot.com/ferries.
Where is the Edmonds Ferry Terminal?
199 Sunset Ave S, Edmonds, WA 98020. The terminal is about 15 miles north of downtown Seattle via I-5 (exit 177), a 25 to 35 minute drive depending on traffic.
Is there a fast ferry from Kingston to Seattle?
Yes. Kitsap Transit operates the Kingston Fast Ferry — a passenger-only service between Kingston and Pier 50 in downtown Seattle. The crossing takes about 35 to 40 minutes. The fast ferry runs weekdays and limited Saturdays and is designed for commuters. The last weekday departure from Seattle is 6:45 p.m.
What boats serve the Kingston-Edmonds route?
The M/V Spokane (188 vehicle capacity) and the M/V Walla Walla or M/V Puyallup (202 vehicle capacity) are the primary vessels. During maintenance periods, a smaller vessel may substitute, reducing vehicle capacity.
Can I take the Kingston ferry to Port Townsend?
Not directly, but Kingston connects to Port Townsend by road. Drive SR-104 West from Kingston to SR-19 South, then SR-20 North into Port Townsend — about 45 minutes. Jefferson Transit also runs the Route 14 Kingston Express bus between Kingston and Port Townsend.
How do I check the Kingston ferry schedule in real time?
Use the WSDOT Ferries app or visit wsdot.com/ferries. The app provides real-time vessel tracking, departure schedules, terminal cameras, and estimated wait times. FerryFriend is a community-sourced alternative with crowd reports.
Is the Kingston ferry pet-friendly?
Yes. Pets are allowed on Washington State Ferries. Dogs must be on a leash (8 feet maximum) and are permitted on the car deck and exterior passenger decks. Pets are not allowed inside the passenger cabins.
Final Thoughts
I’ve taken the Kingston-Edmonds ferry 9 times since 2019 — once for a Port Townsend weekend, twice for drives through the Kitsap Peninsula, and the rest just because the 21-minute crossing is one of the easiest, cheapest ways to get on the water in the Seattle area.
The Kingston ferry schedule runs year-round, the crossing takes 21 minutes, and the views of the Cascade Range and Olympic Mountains from the car deck are the kind of Pacific Northwest moment that costs $11.05 round trip and delivers more than most $50 tourist experiences in the city.
Check the schedule at wsdot.com/ferries before you drive to the Edmonds terminal. Arrive 30 minutes early with a car, or walk on and explore Kingston on foot. And if you’re heading to Port Townsend, the Olympic Peninsula, or anywhere on the Kitsap Peninsula — the Kingston ferry is how you start the trip.
