Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal — Attraction in Bainbridge Island

The Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal is a key transportation hub located in Bainbridge Island, Washington, providing a vital connection between the island and Seattle. It’s part of the Washington State Ferries system, which is the largest ferry system in the United States. Here’s what you need to know about the Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal:

Location: Address: 270 Olympic Dr SE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110. Coordinates: Situated on the eastern side of Bainbridge Island, directly across Puget Sound from Seattle.

Ferry Route: Route: The ferry connects Bainbridge Island with the Seattle Ferry Terminal located at Pier 52 in downtown Seattle. Travel Time: The crossing takes approximately 35 minutes each way. Frequency: Ferries run frequently, with more frequent service during peak hours and slightly less frequent service during late-night hours. It's advisable to check the Washington State Ferries schedule online for the most up-to-date times.

Terminal Amenities: Waiting Areas: The terminal has indoor waiting areas with seating, restrooms, and vending machines. Ticketing: Tickets can be purchased at the terminal or online. It’s recommended to buy tickets in advance, especially during busy times like weekends and holidays. Food & Retail: There are some food options and small shops nearby, both at the terminal and in the surrounding area. Accessibility: The terminal is fully accessible, with elevators, ramps, and designated seating for those with mobility challenges.

Parking: Terminal Parking: There is limited parking available at the terminal itself, primarily for short-term use. Off-Site Parking: For longer stays, several parking lots are available within walking distance. These include both paid and free options, though availability may vary. Bicycle Parking: Bicycle racks are available, and Bainbridge Island is a popular destination for cyclists.

Transportation to and from the Terminal: Public Transit: Kitsap Transit buses serve the ferry terminal, providing connections to various parts of Bainbridge Island and beyond. This is a convenient option if you prefer not to bring a car. Walking & Biking: The terminal is a short walk from downtown Bainbridge Island, making it easy to explore the town on foot or by bike. Car Access: The ferry allows vehicles, and reservations are generally not required for the Bainbridge Island route, but they can be made for specific time slots if needed.

Things to Do Nearby: Downtown Bainbridge Island: A short walk from the terminal, downtown Bainbridge offers shops, restaurants, and attractions like the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art. Scenic Views: The ferry ride itself offers stunning views of Seattle’s skyline, the Olympic Mountains, and Puget Sound, making it a popular choice for both commuters and tourists.

Directions to the Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal: From Seattle: Take the Bainbridge Island ferry from Pier 52 in downtown Seattle. Upon arrival, you’ll be at the Bainbridge Island terminal. From Kitsap Peninsula: Take State Route 305 south to Bainbridge Island. The ferry terminal is at the southern end of the island, just off SR 305.

Summary: The Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal is an essential part of the transportation network for those traveling between Bainbridge Island and Seattle. Whether you’re a commuter, a tourist, or a local resident, the terminal provides convenient access to both the urban environment of Seattle and the natural beauty of Bainbridge Island. With its frequent service, scenic ferry rides, and proximity to downtown Bainbridge Island, it's a well-used and well-loved...

Honestly don't know if this is the Seattle side or the Bainbridge side. Because the picture for this insurance Seattle drive but that's clearly the Seattle to Bainbridge. So I'm just going to write both. The Bainbridge one has recently renovated their walk on bridge. It looks a lot better than it used to, it's more up-to-date now than the old way. They still have a coffee stand outside which is great and for a decent price considering the location. There is definitely tons of parking, make sure to pay for it using the app as the machines do not work. You will probably be hard-pressed to find somebody that works there unless you talk to the "gate keeper". Bathrooms are well maintained low considering the amount of people that come and go. Never have to worry about times being late for this one unlike the Kingston Edmonds. Walk-ins or extra passengers in your vehicle are free to go to Seattle. Also, if you like to read the actual paper, there is usually someone walking up and down the aisles selling papers. Buy one, even if you don't read, help the guy out and also help keep your local newspaper in business. You can always find a use for an old newspaper. My only real complaint is the cost of parking. If you're walking on the ferry to go over and then catching the same fairy to come back, the price you have to pay to park your car for that one hour trip is stupid. There should be short-term parking where you don't have to pay. But, I understand that means that somebody would have to always be on site. The fact that you can't pay using cash anymore really bothers me. I don't like using the stupid app as there's been countless times where I lose signal and an unable to make a payment until I'm in seattle. Hopefully by then I don't have a ticket on my car, it has happened to me twice already

As for the Seattle side coming to bainbridge, that terminal is amazing as well it is huge, still a little short on seats as during game day or anytime there's a concert or event in seattle, you will not find a seat. It will actually get so full that you'll be sitting outside sometimes. The elevators work and are clean, plenty of bathrooms upstairs and downstairs. There are stairs all throughout to get you downstairs. You are in a great location to start your downtown escapades whether it be going to see a game or heading over to the space Needle side. There are plenty of rental scooters and bikes right when you get off the ferry. Which is convenient. The waterfront has been recently renovated and right outside the terminal are nice big swings for you and someone else to sit on together and look at the water, possibly seeing the sunset as you swing back and forth. You have the choice of either getting tickets by the ticket booth obituary speak with a person or you can go to the side and purchase your tickets to a kiosk. You do have to pay leaving Seattle unlike coming into seattle. 18 and under is free! Remember that, cuz I did not know it when I was taking my car many times and was charged when I was just say how many there was in the car I would say too and I would be charged for my daughter even though she was underage. They have gotten better with that though. There is no parking, just be mindful of that cuz you are in the waterfront area and if you want to park your car and catch the ferry over to bainbridge, or bremerton, you're going to be paying an arm and a leg 4th Street or garage parking. But, anywhere in the city handicap placards get to park for free any...

I am writing this review after witnessing an ambulance waiting in line and ultimately turning around to leave the ferry line due to 2 scheduled ferry being cancelled. I really hope that there was no one dying in the ambulance.

I see all these positive reviews....

Visiting a few times a year vs. commuting through ferry system for a decade, you grow different perspective on the WA ferry system.

They were once great and I actually was amazed by it.

Disgusting irony is somehow over the years the ferry system administrators and workers think they are airlines. You are not working for profit here and you know you shouldn't when you are operating with tax players money.

2 ferries cancelled back to back due to "crew shortages". 2 ferries go back and forth. How does crew shortages occur mid day? Did crews quit mid day? Were they not going to show due to their shifts? If so they couldn't predict this from happening and publisize the actual workable schedule so people could have planned ahead?

All in all, failure after failure that could have been prevented or lessen the impact but yet they maximize the impact of their failure. Absolutely disgusting and sickening to see how this system fails with maximum possible negative impact given the situation. Why is this? Is this being purposefully done? If it is not so, please say so, because this is how it looks.

There is only 1 destination from this terminal. It is not a rocket science.

Ferry system and the workers need overhaul. Where does all the profit from charging fares go? When was the last time state audit happen with WA ferry system?

It makes me wonder when I see multiple lines of double length EMPTY buses blocking Seattle traffic and see problem with crew shortages here with ferry system. I see incredible irony and how poorly run these systems are.

The ferry system needs to grow some accoutability and work ethics. It needs serious overhaul in its workforce and leadership.

Why does the ferry move at 1/2 speed when 2 ferries have cancelled? Is this also because of crew shortages?

I would love to hear some...