Bainbridge Island
8.0Friend Score / 10#3 of 9 Attractions in Seattle
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Known forbainbridge islandferryday trip from seattlewinslow
A 35-minute ferry ride across Puget Sound to a walkable small town with galleries, wineries, and forest parks. The ferry itself is the star: sunset skyline views for the price of a coffee. Go as a walk-on; you don't need a car for Winslow's downtown.
Key facts
| Hours | Hours not verified |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Washington State Ferries from Colman Dock (Pier 52), downtown Seattle |
| Time needed | Half day (4-6 hours) |
| Best time to go | Late afternoon for a sunset return sailing |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.0/10- Value8.5
- iconic6.5
- Freshness9.2
- Crowd level6.5
- Authenticity8.0
- Accessibility7.5
Frequently asked questions
- When does the last ferry back to Seattle leave?
- Service runs late, with the final Bainbridge-to-Seattle sailings typically after midnight, but schedules shift by season. Check the current WSDOT timetable before you go so you're not stranded.
- Is it good in the rain?
- The ferry and the museum are fine rain or shine, and Winslow's indoor shops and tasting rooms keep you dry. Bainbridge's outdoor parks and reserves are the parts that suffer in a downpour.
- Do I need a ferry reservation as a walk-on?
- No, and you can't reserve as a walk-on anyway. It's first-come, first-served, and the boats are huge, so foot passengers almost never get bumped. Just show up and board.
- Do I need a car on Bainbridge Island?
- Not for the main downtown. Winslow's shops, tasting rooms, and waterfront are a short flat walk from the terminal. You'd only want a car for spread-out spots like Bloedel Reserve or the island's northern beaches.
- How much is the ferry to Bainbridge Island?
- As of mid-2026, adult walk-on fare is about $11.35, and you only pay westbound (Seattle to Bainbridge). The return trip is free for walk-ons, and riders 18 and under go free. Cars cost more and are charged separately.
- What is there to do on Bainbridge Island?
- Wander Winslow's galleries and boutiques, taste at the walkable wineries and distilleries, grab lunch on the water, and visit the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (free). It's a mellow, browse-and-graze kind of day.
- Is Bainbridge Island worth it if I only have a day in Seattle?
- Honestly, only if you value the water crossing and small-town calm over more Seattle. If your time is tight, the ferry ride itself as a round trip gives you 90% of the magic for the least commitment.
- How long is the ferry ride?
- About 35 minutes each way across Puget Sound. Ferries run roughly every 50-80 minutes throughout the day, so factor in some waiting on either end.
Nearby in Ask Seattle
- Discovery ParkPark8.79 km · 110 min walk
- West SeattleNeighborhood8.95 km · 112 min walk
- Alki BeachBeach9.1 km · 114 min walk
- Ballard Locks (Hiram M. Chittenden Locks)Attraction9.75 km · 122 min walk
- Nordic MuseumMuseum10.21 km · 128 min walk
Where to stay near Bainbridge Island
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