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Washington State Ferries expects about 400,000 passengers to travel between Thursday, July 2, and Monday, July 6, during the Independence Day holiday weekend as the ferry system celebrates its 75th anniversary and the nation marks its 250th anniversary.
The holiday travel period also coincides with men’s soccer world championship matches in Seattle, adding to what the ferry system says is shaping up to be its busiest year since 2019. Through June 28, Washington State Ferries had carried more than 9.4 million riders, about 425,000 more than during the same period in 2025.
“We’re pleased to see more people choosing to ride our ferries, but this growth isn’t a surprise,” Washington State Ferries Assistant Secretary Steve Nevey said in a news release. “For the past several years, we’ve focused on hiring, training and supporting our workforce.”
Officials expect the busiest vehicle sailings to be westbound, or toward the islands, on Thursday and Friday, and eastbound on Sunday and Monday. Travelers are encouraged to check sailing schedules, terminal conditions and rider alerts before leaving for the ferry terminal.
All ferry routes will operate on their normal Saturday schedules on the Fourth of July. Washington State Ferries also reminded passengers that transporting or setting off illegal fireworks aboard ferries is prohibited by law.
People boarding a vessel in a vehicle should use the Washington State Department of Transportation mobile app or visit the WSF website before heading to the terminal. Both feature sailing schedules, live terminal conditions, rider alerts, a real-time map and vehicle reservations.
People using state highways to get to the ferry terminal should plan for potential holiday travel backups and delays by checking real-time traffic information on the WSDOT mobile app or online using the WSDOT travel map feature.
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