Getting to Orcas Island

Fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac):
Most guests will fly into SeaTac. From there, you have two options to reach Orcas Island:

• Option 1: Take a Small Plane to Orcas Island
  For a quicker journey, you can book a flight with Kenmore Air, which offers flights directly from Seattle to Eastsound, the main town on Orcas Island.

• Option 2: Drive to Anacortes and Take the Washington State Ferry
  If you'd prefer to drive, you can rent a car at SeaTac and drive about two hours north to Anacortes, WA. From Anacortes, board a ferry to Orcas Island. This option gives you a chance to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Pacific Northwest.

Ferry Information

If you're taking the ferry, here’s everything you need to know:

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE FERRY

The ferry ride from Anacortes to Orcas Island offers a scenic journey through the San Juan Islands and typically takes about 60-75 minutes. You’ll have the option to drive your car onto the ferry, which allows you to bring your vehicle along to explore Orcas Island. After parking on the ferry’s vehicle deck, you can relax in the passenger areas, where you’ll find seating, restrooms, and, on some ferries, small snack bars.

Once the ferry docks, you can simply drive off and continue on to your destination. For those who choose to walk on, the ferry has accessible passenger areas and space for luggage.

FERRY TICKETS

Ferry tickets are released at three intervals: two months, two weeks, and two days before your desired travel date at 7:00 AM. We strongly encourage you to purchase your roundtrip tickets in advance to ensure availability, as ferries can fill up quickly, especially during the summer and holiday weekends. If you prefer, you also have the option to walk on the ferry without a vehicle. Parking is available near the Anacortes ferry terminal for those who wish to leave their car behind. You can buy ferry tickets here.

FERRY SCHEDULE
The ferry schedule varies, so be sure to check the times on the Washington State Ferry schedule page for the Anacortes-San Juan Islands route. Please arrive at the ferry dock at least 1 hour before your sailing time to ensure you get on your scheduled ferry, as late arrivals may be moved to the next available sailing.

• For additional tips and guidance, check out this guide for first-time ferry riders.

Car Rentals

You have a couple of options for renting a car, depending on whether you want to pick up a vehicle on Orcas Island or in Seattle.

1. Car Rental on Orcas Island
   For those flying directly to the island, OI Rental Car offers a convenient option for renting a vehicle once you arrive. This service is perfect if you’re taking a small plane to Orcas Island and prefer not to bring a car on the ferry. Their vehicles are available right on the island, and you can reserve online in advance to ensure you have transportation ready for your stay. Learn more and make reservations here.

2. Car Rental at SeaTac Airport
   For guests flying into SeaTac who want a car for the drive up to Anacortes and the ferry, there are multiple rental options directly at the airport, including Expedia, Hertz, Alamo, and more. You can view the full list and make reservations here.

Whether you choose to rent on the island or bring a car from Seattle, planning ahead is key, as rental cars can be in high demand, especially during peak seasons.

Shuttle Service

For guests looking for a convenient, car-free way to reach the ferry terminal, the Airporter Shuttle offers service from various locations in the Seattle area to Anacortes. Although we haven’t personally used this service, we’ve heard it’s a reliable option for travelers heading to the San Juan Islands. This shuttle can drop you off directly at the Anacortes ferry terminal, making it easy to walk onto the ferry without needing to park a car.

For more details on the Airporter Shuttle, including schedules and fares, visit the Airporter Shuttle website. You can also explore additional shuttle options from SeaTac Airport here.