Bainbridge Island Bus and Ferry Terminal — Attraction in Bainbridge Island

I grew up and currently live on the Olympic Peninsula, and have also lived in Seattle, so I have taken this ferry route MANY times over the last 50 years.

The views as you near Seattle have changed dramatically over the years! Always lovely though ...

What you should know about this terminal (from a LONG-TIMER) ... During the summer, weekends, etc. there can be a fair waiting time (1 or 2 boats, sometimes more). The WSDOT app is great for checking real-time space availability, and also if you are traveling from the Olympic Peninsula, there is typically a lighted sign that alerts drivers of wait times as you approach the Hood Canal Bridge (Traveling east, you can decide whether to turn left after you cross the bridge to go to the Kingston Edmonds terminal, or right to go to the Bainbridge or Bremerton terminal).

The terminal itself has a fairly large staging area, BUT if you do not make it through the ticket booth, then cars are queued in a single-file line WAYYYY up the road/hill until the next ferry is loaded and you move forward. There are no services farther up the road, and you really can't leave your car to walk to services (especially if you are alone, unless you're a fast walker and fairly close to the terminal), because you'll be moving within 30 minutes or so. SO! Just be aware as you approach, that if there is a long wait ahead, stop at the McDonalds or Chevron Station, because once you pass that intersection, if you do have to wait in line right away, you'll be there for awhile :). (And sometimes, you're even lined up close to that intersection, so watch for cars lining up on the right that are not turning right).

An alternative, is to drive farther to Bremerton. Same Seattle terminal destination. The drive is longer to get there, and the ferry ride is longer (60 vs. about 35 minutes), but if you're not from the Pacific Northwest, this has been called a "cheap cruise" - you'll see even more of the Hood Canal and Puget Sound, which is gorgeous. There is typically less of a wait...

Definitely gotten better over the years, especially with new construction. The worst part about this terminal, is that people rly on it for commuting to work, while others are using it for tourism/ sight seeing. I would suggest two exit lines, so that those trying to get to work or a bus can make it, while those who are riding for leisure can walk slower on the side. Getting stuck behind the herd of cattle can be a real pain for us commuters! Staff are amazing, both crew and galley personal. If you have any complaints or concerns they are always willing to...

There are so many ways to get on a ferry; walk, bike, ride a car, etc. This causes people to have drastically different experiences. Walking on the ferry is my least favorite option. The tunnel is either hot and humid or cold and wet depending on the weather outside. If you haven't guessed by now, it is indoor/outdoors. The Bainbridge has done a nice job of hanging trivia of the island and there is a nice coffee stand with a limited menu on the way to the terminal. Driving is much easier, and on a nice day gives a wonderful view...