There are so many exciting, romantic and simple ways to get to San Juan Island. The one you choose will largely depend on where you are coming from and how much time and money you want to spend. |
The most common way to get here is via the Washington State Ferry system from Anacortes, Washington to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island.
- Anacortes, Washington is a roughly 90-minute drive either north from Seattle, WA or south from Vancouver, B.C. From Interstate 5, take exit 230 following signs to Highway 20 West through Anacortes to the San Juan Island ferries.
- Ferries travel between Friday Harbor and Anacortes, Washington multiple times per day all year.
- The round-trip prices are quite reasonable considering the service provided.
- The ride is gorgeous. Vacation starts once you're on board.
- In peak season, be sure to follow ferry system recommendations for how early to arrive, as reservations are not taken.
This usually means getting to the dock 90 minutes before your summer departure.
- Friday's Historic Inn and The Friday Harbor Inn are both within easy walking distance of the San Juan Island ferry landing.
- The Friday Harbor Inn offers a courtesy van by prior arrangement.
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Ferries are a romantic and nostalgic part of any island visit, but the San Juan Islands really lend themselves to air travel. It saves a lot of time, and it's more affordable than you might think. Seattle to Friday Harbor is a beautiful 30 minute flight, easily accessible from anywhere in Seattle, including Sea-Tac airport. If you are flying into Seattle, it's definitely easier than renting a car and driving to the ferries.
- San Juan Airlines offers several daily scheduled, non-stop flights between Friday Harbor and Seattle in their all-weather, turbo-prop, Cessna Caravan.
- Kenmore Air flies sea planes off the waters of Lake Union and north Lake Washington in Seattle to Friday Harbor. San Juan Airlines and Kenmore both offer van shuttles from Sea-Tac Airport to their nearby departure areas.
- West Isle Air provides a cost-effective and efficient way to arrive on San Juan Island from Anacortes and Bellingham, Washington and Victoria B.C.
- If you arrive on San Juan Island by plane, stay at The Friday Harbor Inn and request a courtesy shuttle from the Friday Harbor airport, ferry or sea plane dock, available by prior arrangement.
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Cars are handy to have around if you're going to be on the island for more than a couple of days. On the other hand, parking can be difficult, unless you're staying at The Friday Harbor Inn. If you're staying in town you won't really need wheels.
Driving Directions: From Seattle, Washington take I-5 North, or from Vancouver, B.C. take I-5 South, to Exit 230 for Highway 20W to Anacortes, Washington and the San Juan Island ferries. Follow Highway 20 approximately 20 miles west, into Anacortes. Follow signs to the ferries, turning left at the stop light in front of the Safeway grocery. Proceed another 3 miles to the terminal. View Maps
- If you want to leave your car behind without sacrificing convenience, rental cars are available in Friday Harbor at
M&W Auto Rentals.
- Long-term parking at the Anacortes ferry terminal is inexpensive, safe and plentiful.
- The Airporter Shuttle runs a bus from Sea-Tac Airport and other Seattle and Puget Sound locations to the Anacortes ferry terminal.
- You can rent a car at Seattle's Sea-Tac Airport and drive roughly 90 minutes north to the San Juan Island ferries in Anacortes.
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For decades small and medium-sized passenger-only ferries have provided an essential link between local island communities. If you want to extend the reach of your vacation without a car, one of the island commuter sailings might be just the connection you're looking for.
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Many San Juan Island visitors want to include a trip to nearby Victoria B.C. The only way to make it a day trip is to fly with West Isle Air, as the boats make only one trip per day.
- West Isle Air provides a reasonably well-priced and convenient way to get to Victoria B.C. from San Juan Island.
- The Washington State Ferry departs once daily between Friday Harbor and Sidney B.C. (30 minutes from Victoria). Reservations are recommended westbound, and eastbound reservations are not offered. Call 800-84-FERRY for recorded schedule information.
- The Victoria Express offers direct passenger ferry service once daily in season between Friday Harbor and Victoria BC, Canada.
- The Grayline Bus provides inexpensive van transportation between downtown Victoria, the Victoria airport and the Sydney ferry terminal. Call 800-426-7532.
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