Ferries
Washington State Ferries from Tacoma
Terminal bulletins, sailing space and vessel information for the sailings that matter on a Tacoma trip, starting with Point Defiance–Tahlequah to Vashon Island.
Ferry conditions
Bulletins, space and vessels published by Washington State Ferries.
The Tacoma ferry trip
Point Defiance sits at the northern tip of Tacoma beside Point Defiance Park and Owen Beach, so a ferry ride pairs naturally with a park visit. Fares, schedules and reservation rules are set by Washington State Ferries; always confirm the sailing schedule on the official WSF site before planning around a departure.
Traffic, camera, travel time, mountain pass, road weather, toll and ferry information is supplied by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Tacoma Trekker is an independent Tacoma visitor guide and is not WSDOT, the Washington State Patrol or any official transportation agency. Conditions change quickly; check the official WSDOT page before you drive.
Ferry questions
- Is there a ferry from Tacoma?
- Yes. Washington State Ferries operates the Point Defiance–Tahlequah route between Tacoma's Point Defiance area and the south end of Vashon Island. It is a short crossing and the closest ferry sailing to central Tacoma.
- Can I walk on, or do I need a vehicle?
- Washington State Ferries carries both vehicles and walk-on passengers. Walk-on travel avoids vehicle queues entirely, which matters most on busy summer weekends.
- Do I need a reservation?
- Reservations apply to some Washington State Ferries routes and not others, and the rules are set by WSF rather than Tacoma Trekker. Check the official Washington State Ferries site for reservation availability, fares and the current schedule before you travel.
- What does sailing space mean?
- For routes where WSF publishes it, sailing space shows how much room is left on upcoming departures for drive-up vehicles. When WSF does not publish space for a route, nothing is shown rather than an estimate.
More traveler information
- Traveler Info hubEverything transportation, in one place
- Tacoma traffic & road alertsI-5, SR 16, I-705 conditions and highway alerts
- Tacoma traffic camerasWSDOT camera snapshots by route
- Travel timesCurrent WSDOT drive times on supported routes
- Mountain passesStatewide pass conditions and restrictions
- Road weatherRoadside station readings near Tacoma
- TollsHow Washington tolling works, with current rates
- Advanced & commercial travel infoBorder waits, clearances, truck restrictions
Things to do once you arrive
- Things to do in TacomaMuseums, waterfront, parks and attractions
- Where to eat & drinkRestaurants, coffee, breweries and teriyaki
- What's happeningToday and this week in Tacoma
- DistrictsDowntown, Ruston Way, Point Ruston, Tacoma Mall and more
- Build My TrekTurn the day into a route you can follow
- Mount Rainier guidePlan the drive from Tacoma to the park