Washington State Ferries from Anacortes, Seattle-area airports, Bellingham, floatplanes, and Friday Harbor Airport
Getting to Friday Harbor
Most visitors reach Friday Harbor aboard a Washington State Ferry from Anacortes. The vessel threads between forested islands before landing at the foot of Spring Street, directly beside downtown and the marina.
Anacortes ferry, Seattle-area airports, Bellingham, and San Juan Island
Washington State Ferries cross from Anacortes to downtown Friday Harbor, while small aircraft land at Friday Harbor Airport and mainland travelers approach through Seattle, Everett, or Bellingham.
The map connects the Anacortes terminal, Seattle-Tacoma Airport, Paine Field, Bellingham, Friday Harbor Airport, Roche Harbor, Lime Kiln Point, and American Camp. Route lines show geographic relationships rather than turn-by-turn directions. Check current ferry service, reservations, roads, and weather before departure.
- Tap a marker for the ferry terminal, mainland airports, Friday Harbor, and major San Juan Island destinations.
- Downtown is walkable from the ferry. Roche Harbor, Lime Kiln Point, and American Camp require transportation beyond town.
Anacortes ferry
Washington State Ferries carries vehicles, bicycles, and foot passengers from Anacortes to Friday Harbor through the San Juan Islands.
Seattle-Tacoma Airport
SEA has the broadest flight network. Reaching the Anacortes terminal requires a mainland drive north through the Seattle region and Skagit County.
Paine Field or Bellingham
PAE is closer to Anacortes than SEA, while BLI approaches from the north. Flight schedules and rental-car availability differ substantially.
Friday Harbor Airport
The island airport serves small commercial, charter, and private aircraft. Ground transportation is limited compared with a mainland airport.
Car or foot passenger
Downtown is walkable; the rest of San Juan Island is not
Foot passengers step off the ferry beside Friday Harbor's hotels, restaurants, marina, shops, and The Whale Museum. A town stay centered on whale-watch departures can work without a car.
Lime Kiln Point, Roche Harbor, English Camp, American Camp, and Cattle Point are spread across the island. Reaching them requires a vehicle, bicycle, shuttle, taxi, or organized tour. Bringing a vehicle on the ferry may require a reservation, while foot passengers do not reserve vehicle space.
From Seattle
Drive north to Anacortes or use an available shuttle connection. Traffic through the Seattle and Everett corridor can add substantial time.
At the Anacortes terminal
Vehicle travelers check in before sailing and follow current WSF instructions. Foot passengers park, buy a ticket, and board through the terminal.
Arriving in Friday Harbor
The ferry lands downtown. Spring Street, the marina, The Whale Museum, and many hotels and restaurants begin within a few blocks.
Explore Friday Harbor and San Juan Island
Find the harbor, wildlife, parks, historic sites, hotels, restaurants, and transportation details for a San Juan Island visit.
Whale watching
Friday Harbor tour departures, Lime Kiln Point, The Whale Museum, wildlife seasons, and responsible viewing.
San Juan Island drive
Roche Harbor, English Camp, Lime Kiln Point, American Camp, Cattle Point, farms, beaches, and coves.
Anacortes ferry guide
Vehicle reservations, the Anacortes terminal, car and foot-passenger travel, and the crossing to Friday Harbor.
Things to do
Harbor walks, whale watching, kayaking, island history, shoreline parks, galleries, and museums.
Where to stay
Downtown hotels near the ferry, garden inns, small motels, and quiet resorts elsewhere on San Juan Island.
Restaurants
Waterfront seafood, downtown cafés, bakeries, taverns, and island dining rooms beyond the harbor.
Getting here
The Anacortes ferry, Seattle-area airports, Bellingham, Friday Harbor Airport, and island transportation.
