I know there used to be a direct ferry between these two cities, but it was cut back due to the poor economy.

What is the most efficient way to make a day trip between Port Townsend and Seattle? or do I give up and go with easier (more direct, just as fun) alternatives?

You may find the answer here: http://www.ptguide.com/transportatio...ac-without-car

I'd use Option 1, without the SeaTac-Seattle taxi ride.

HTTY

Yes, I've seen that (non-detailed) page. As best I can tell, getting there would involve:

* Washington State ferry from Seattle's Colman Dock (Pier 52) to Bainbridge Island (Winslow)
6:10 am - 6:45 am (9:35 am - 10:10 am), $6.90 ea

* Kitsap Transit bus #90 from Bainbridge Island to Poulsbo Transfer Center
6:57 am - 7:20 am (10:15 am - 10:40 am), $2.00 ea

* Jefferson Transit bus #7 from Poulsbo Transfer Center to Port Townsend (Water & Adams Sts)
7:35 am - 8:43 am (10:45 am - 11:53 am), $1.50 ea

Total: ~2.5 hrs and $10.40 per person one-way.

I've yet to figure the connections on the way back to Seattle, but unless Kitsap Transit has a direct run between Winslow and Port Townsend that is less than obvious on their web site, getting up for the very early ferry is the only way to make the connection and have the day to spend in PT.

You're on the right track. Here's the return schedule on Jefferson #7: http://www.jeffersontransit.com/schedules/7.html

There is no charge for passengers on the return ferry: Bainbridge to Seattle!

HTTY

Okay, I think I have the return options figured out:

* Jefferson Transit bus #7 from Port Townsend (Water & Quincy Sts) to Poulsbo Transfer Center
3:23 pm - 4:33 pm (5:13 pm - 6:23 pm), $1.50 ea

* Kitsap Transit bus #90 from Poulsbo Transfer Center to Bainbridge Island (Winslow)
4:37 pm - 4:57 pm (6:30 pm - 6:50 pm), $2.00 ea

* Washington State ferry from Bainbridge Island to Seattle's Colman Dock (Pier 52)
5:30 pm - 6:05 pm (7:20 pm - 7:55 pm), FREE

Total: ~2.75 hrs and $3.50 per person one-way.

Still not convinced it's worth the trip time unless someone can argue that Port Townsend is that much more fun than other options. (One day, we're taking the water taxi to Alki Beach for biking, seafood, and bumming.)

Guess I've missed something, but why Port Townsend? How much time are you in the Seattle area and what else are you planning on doing?

I was wondering the same thing, but I decided not to pry.

HTTY

just to clarify, there was a temporary direct passenger only ferry between seattle and port townsend a couple years ago when the car ferry from port townsend to keystone broke down. once a replacement ferry was put on that route, the temporary service was stopped. it was not a regular thing and it wasn't cut due to the economy in other words.

Have you thought about LaConner? Might be easier to get to by public transit, and it's a town that's similar in "vibe" to PT (at least I think so, and I live near PT.) No ferries involved, anyway.

It was at the suggestion of a friend. Here we are on our second day in Seattle and have scuttled the PT plan. May have included it if the temp. ferry was still running. Replacing that idea with the water taxi to Alki beach tomorrow, renting bikes. Having a blast!

Super! Lucky you! Great weather. You'll love bicycling at Alki. Ask about the routes all the way to Lincoln Park. See if you can get a map. You can continue after Alki on the roads near the water. You go near a Coast Guard station and continue on. When the road goes up a hill on the left, you go straight on the little lane ahead, with houses on the water side and a park on the left. This short lane leads to the path at Lincoln Park (not paved). This area is like the islands. You can ride on this path to the Coleman pool in Lincoln park (salt water Olympic size public pool) and beyond on a paved path to the beach, with lots of driftwood and on to the Fauntleroy Ferry. It's a great ride and mostly flat.

Another interesting detour before you get to Alki is a small park off to the water side that overlooks the port. It's right there but a bit hard to find. It's close to where you will rent the bikes. It has great views. You can ride (or walk) your bikes to the viewpoints.

Oh, here's another great idea if you have more days - rent kayaks at Aqua Verde near the UW campus and visit the houseboats by kayak (Sleepless in Seattle, and all that). It's a wonderful way to enjoy Seattle. The Aqua Verde cafe has great food, so you can eat there when you return.

Much better idea!! Port Townsend without a car is just nothing I'd ever think to recommend. Glad you're having fun. This is the best (hottest) weather we've had all summer!