A car-free day on Vashon Island

Leaving the car behind is one of the easiest ways to enjoy Vashon. You skip the vehicle line at the dock, you see more of the shoreline from the ferry deck, and you move around the island at a slower pace that suits it. The catch is that everything has to line up: the boat over, the bus or bike once you land, and the boat home.

Crossing as a foot passenger

Washington State Ferries carries walk-on passengers on all its Vashon routes. From the Seattle side, boats leave Fauntleroy in West Seattle for the north end of the island. From the Kitsap Peninsula, the same route serves Southworth. From Tacoma, a separate route runs from Point Defiance to Tahlequah at the south end. Foot passengers buy a ticket at the terminal or use a regional transit card where it is accepted.

If you start downtown, the King County Water Taxi is a passenger-only option to the north end of Vashon. It does not run every day of the year, so check its current schedule before counting on it.

Schedules on all these boats change with the season, weekends and holidays. Look them up on the day you travel, and get to the terminal with enough time to buy a ticket and walk aboard without rushing.

Getting around once you land

By bus

King County Metro runs bus routes on Vashon that link the north landing with the town of Vashon and continue toward Tahlequah in the south, with stops near both ferry landings. Pay with ORCA, a mobile ticket or exact cash, depending on what Metro currently accepts. Because island service is limited, especially on weekends, use the Metro trip planner to match each bus with the boat you are catching.

By bike

A bike widens your range a lot. It lets you leave the bus corridor for quiet back roads, farm stands and shoreline parks. Both the state ferries and the water taxi carry bikes, so bringing one is straightforward. Pack a lock if you plan to leave it outside a cafe or at a trailhead.

On foot

Walking works for exploring one area at a time, not for crossing the island. The town center has sidewalks and crosswalks and enough shops and places to eat for a relaxed afternoon. A common plan is to ride the bus from the ferry into town, walk around for a few hours, then take the bus back.

Distances, hills and roads

Visitors often underestimate the size of Vashon. The island is long from north to south, Maury Island extends off its east side through a narrow land connection, and the town sits a fair way up the road from either ferry. Treat the bus as part of your walking plan, not a backup.

The land rises steeply from the water to a rolling upland. Both ferry landings sit at the bottom of a hill, so cyclists face a climb as soon as they roll off the boat. A low gear or an electric bike takes the sting out of it.

The main highway carries most island traffic, including buses and delivery trucks. Its shoulders vary from usable to almost nothing. Side roads are quieter, but many have no paved shoulder and no street lights. Plan your route around your own fitness, and do not be shy about using the bus to skip a long climb.

What to pack

Without a car to stash things in, you carry everything you need. Weather on Puget Sound turns quickly, and wind and rain can arrive even in summer.

Wear layers you can add or remove, with a waterproof shell on top for the open ferry deck and any showers. Comfortable shoes with decent grip handle pavement, gravel and park trails.

Bring water and some food. The town has grocery stores and places to eat, but rural roads and shoreline parks have little or nothing. A charged phone and a small battery pack keep maps and the trip planner working all day.

Cyclists need a few more items: a spare tube, tire levers, a small pump and a multi-tool, plus a helmet and front and rear lights for shaded roads. Sunglasses and sunscreen are worth having on clear days, especially on the water.

A small backpack with padded straps holds all of this without wearing you out by midafternoon.

Getting home on time

The day usually goes wrong at the end, not the start. Drivers can wait in a holding lane, but foot passengers and cyclists depend on a bus schedule and a fixed sailing.

Bus service drops off in the late afternoon and evening, and weekend and holiday service is lighter than on weekdays. Before you set out, note the last bus from town or from wherever you are going back to the ferry landing. Missing it can mean a long walk on roads without sidewalks or an unplanned call for a ride.

Give yourself extra time if you are riding or walking back to the dock. Climbs, a flat tire or simply being tired can slow you down. Aim to reach the landing well before the boat you want.

Finally, check Washington State Ferries and King County Water Taxi alerts during the day. Weather and vessel problems can delay sailings, and a quick look at your phone in the afternoon lets you adjust while you still have options.

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring a bike on the ferry to Vashon?

Yes. Washington State Ferries carries bikes on its Vashon routes, and the King County Water Taxi has bike racks on board. Crew direct cyclists when to board. Check each operator for current rules and any bike charge.

Do island buses connect with the ferries?

King County Metro runs bus routes on Vashon with stops near the ferry landings. Some buses are timed to meet boats, but service is lighter on weekends and holidays, so check the Metro trip planner for your day.

Is Vashon easy to walk or cycle?

Partly. The roads climb steeply from both ferry landings before leveling out higher up, and the island is bigger than many visitors expect. Walking works best around town, and a bus or an electric bike helps cover the longer gaps.