Ferry Line Up Question for San Juan Islands
 

We plan on taking the Ferry to San Juan Islands on a Friday July 25th. I have ridden it as a "walk on" one time before. This time was thinking of taking the car as catching a taxi to do a couple of things over there proved to be somewhat of a hassle on our previous trip.

My concern is what is the latest I can "line up" at Anacortes if I plan on catching the 9:00AM ferry to Friday Harbor.

Then on the return, if I am in line by 5:00pm for the 6:30pm Ferry, is that enough time? It wouldn't be a total killer to have to catch a later ferry because I wasn't in time for this one, but not something I would want to to.

I may do the walk on again, but had rather have my car.

Thanks

This TR might have the information you want:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...cas-island.cfm

The WA State Ferry website can give you some good general idea on timing. However, if it is a nice weekend, all bets are off since many locals decide spur of the moment to take off, so lines can get really backed up. A couple weeks ago we had a several boat wait. Your best bet is to just get there when you can and relax and figure that you will get on a boat as soon as there is room.

You don't mention what day you are thinking for the return trip, but if it is a Sunday then no, 90 minutes will most likely not be enough.

I know this does not give you concrete answers, but the ferries are just that way. My DH used to commute on them, and did that for several years, and we still use them frequently, so we know not to make any hard and fast plans with them.

Returning Same Day

We always go as walk on passengers and use the excellent bus service available on the island: http://sanjuantransit.com

We buy picnic fixings in town and have supper on the trip back to Anacortes.

HTtY

HTTY,
Might try the bus. Schedule doesn't look it will work, but I may try to rearrance a couple of things.

*rearrange

I'd go at least an hour before your ferry departs.