Projected 700,000 sailing through a winter waterland aboard state ferries during final 13 days of the year
(SEATTLE)– It’s better than a one-horse open sleigh, so there will be a lot of people using Washington State Ferries to get to their destinations this holiday season.
Around 700,000 passengers are expected from Friday, Dec. 19, through Wednesday, Dec. 31, according to a news release from the Washington State Department of Transportation. Those boarding in a vehicle should be ready for long waits.
The expected surge, combined with the restoration of full domestic service earlier this year, is projected to push 2025 ridership above 20 million. That would mark the system’s first return to that level since 2019.
People boarding a vessel in a vehicle should use the WSDOT mobile app or visit the WSF website before heading to the terminal. Both feature sailing schedules, live terminal conditions, rider alerts, a real-time map and vehicle reservations.
With Christmas falling on a Thursday, it’s difficult to predict when people will be traveling. However, the busiest sailings will likely be centered around the weekends before and after the holiday. Historically, fewer people catch a ferry during New Year’s week. To reduce or eliminate waiting, riders should consider taking an early-morning or late-night sailing or using transit to walk or bike onto the ferry if possible.
With Christmas falling on a Thursday, it’s difficult to predict when people will be traveling. However, the busiest sailings will likely be centered around the weekends before and after the holiday. Historically, fewer people catch a ferry during New Year’s week. To reduce or eliminate waiting, riders should consider taking an early-morning or late-night sailing or using transit to walk or bike onto the ferry if possible.
WSF’s winter sailing season begins Sunday, Dec. 28.
People using state highways to get to the ferry terminal should plan for potential holiday travel backups and delays by checking real-time traffic information on the WSDOT mobile app or online using the WSDOT travel map feature.