mag1218

I'll be coming up to Seattle over the Labor Day weekend and would prefer not to rent a car. We're staying in Belltown on First Avenue. Would it be doable to make a roundtrip to Whidbey Island on public transportation, on both sides? Any suggestions? Thanks much for any advice you might have.

Gardyloo

Where on Whidbey? Big place.

suze

Just my opinion, but I don't think that's practical.

I'm sure it is *possible* but you really need a car to get to, and then to get around on Whidbey Island. What is it you want to do specifically? Why Whidbey?

From downtown, you can walk on a ferry and go over to Bainbridge Island for lunch. That's a nice half day activity. Inexpensive and no car needed.

Bobmrg

Maybe I'm looking in the wrong places, but I do not think that there is any direct public transportation between Seattle and any city/town on Whidbey. It may be possible to tie together trips on the Seattle, Snohomish County, and Oak Harbor bus lines but it would be an all-day trip at best.

Gardyloo

You can get to the Mukilteo ferry terminal from downtown Seattle in 90 to 120 min. in the morning, around an hour in the afternoon. On the other side of the ferry run in Clinton, the Whidbey Island bus system will be waiting. But Clinton is a long way from many points on the island - say 30 min. to Langley, probably the better part of 2 hours to Oak Harbor.

Fodorite018

I agree, you will want a car if you head to Whidbey. From the ferry terminal in Clinton up to Oak Harbor, it is about an hour or so, and really pretty along the way. If you do rent a car, I would suggest driving up toward Mt. Vernon, then take HWY 20 over to Whidbey, driving down the island, then take the ferry back at Clinton.

suze

If you have someplace specific on Whidbey you're trying to get to, if you mention that, we might be able to help more specifically.