How to get to Bainbridge Island
There are two ways onto the island. The most common is the Washington State Ferries boat from Colman Dock, Pier 52, 801 Alaskan Way, in Seattle. The crossing takes about 35 minutes. The other is by road across the Agate Pass Bridge, which connects the island with the Kitsap Peninsula along State Route 305.
The airport, Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA), is not linked directly to the ferry. You change at least once in Seattle. If you have more time, a guided day trip from Seattle to Bainbridge Island removes the planning, and the tour list below shows the current options.
Our pick: a tour with pick-up and the ferry
A day tour with pick-up in Seattle that includes the ferry both ways.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Getting to Bainbridge Island: tours and transfers
Guided day trips from Seattle and excursions to Bainbridge Island, with live prices and availability.
From Sea-Tac by Link light rail and ferry
Link Line 1 connects SeaTac/Airport with downtown Seattle in about 38 minutes, with trains mostly every 8 to 10 minutes. An adult one-way fare is $3, a day pass is $6, and young people up to 18 ride free. Reduced fares exist, but eligibility has to be checked.
That time is not the whole trip. Walking through the airport and downtown, waiting and boarding are extra. No Link station sits at the ferry terminal, so plan a walk or a short connection to Colman Dock. Then take the ferry, which costs an adult $11.35 on foot in autumn 2026. The ferry page has the fares and the schedule.
Taxi and transfer from Seattle-Tacoma Airport (SEA)
Metered taxis wait on Level 3 of the airport parking garage. The minimum fare is $20, and an on-demand surcharge of $1 is allowed. Those numbers are not a full fare to Colman Dock or to Bainbridge, because the meter runs with distance and time. A taxi or a pre-booked transfer can make sense if you carry heavy luggage, travel as a group or arrive late.
If you take a transfer to Colman Dock, remember the ferry still has to be paid for and boarded separately. A car can wait in the vehicle line, while a pedestrian can walk on. Vehicle fares for an under 22 foot car with driver are $20.25 each way in autumn 2026.
Car rental and parking
The rental price does not include the ferry fare or parking. Fares for a standard car are charged by length, with $16.05 for a vehicle under 14 feet and $20.25 for a standard vehicle under 22 feet, in each direction, with the driver included. Taller or longer vehicles pay more, so check the dimensions before you book.
At the Bainbridge terminal, parking costs $11 for 0 to 10 hours, $15 for 24 hours and $7 in the evening from 7 p.m. Follow the signs at the lot. For a day in Winslow alone, leaving the car in Seattle and walking on is usually simpler. A car pays off for the Bloedel Reserve, the parks and Suquamish.
Agate Pass Bridge and driving to the island
The Agate Pass Bridge links Bainbridge Island with the Kitsap Peninsula on State Route 305. The bridge lies south of Poulsbo. If you come from Tacoma, the route runs along SR 16 to Bremerton and SR 3 to the north, then joins SR 305 to the island. There is no unbroken freeway all the way to Winslow, so allow extra time and check traffic.
The same road is the start of the route to the Olympic Peninsula. Read the Olympic National Park page for the route and the fees.
Buses on and to the island
Schedules and fares as listed for 2026. Check before you travel.
| Service | What it does | Fare and hours |
|---|---|---|
| Route 390 Poulsbo/Bainbridge | Runs daily between the ferry terminal and the North Viking Transit Center in Poulsbo, through Clearwater Park and Ride | Timetable valid from 13 September 2026 |
| BI Ride (on demand) | Covers much of the island, rides must start and end on the island | $2 for adults, $1 reduced, under 18 free. Weekdays 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. until March 2027, then 6 p.m. |
| Sunday service | On-demand service on the island, with booking up to 7 days ahead | 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
The buses connect to the ferry, but the boat does not wait for a late bus. BI Ride does not reach every road and does not promise a pickup at any time. To the Bloedel Reserve, set trips run Tuesday to Saturday in addition to the on-demand service, so match your return trip to your garden time slot. For most visitors without a car, Route 390 and BI Ride cover the main needs.
Getting to Bainbridge Island: frequently asked questions
How do I get from Sea-Tac to the Bainbridge ferry?
Take Link Line 1 from the airport to downtown Seattle, about 38 minutes, then walk or connect to Colman Dock at Pier 52. A taxi is the other option. The ferry crossing adds about 35 minutes.
Is there a train to the ferry terminal?
No Link station sits directly at the ferry terminal. Link takes you downtown, and you cover the rest on foot or with a short connection.
How much is a taxi from the airport?
Metered taxis at Sea-Tac have a minimum fare of $20 plus an allowed $1 on-demand surcharge. The final fare to Colman Dock depends on the meter.
Can I drive to Bainbridge Island without the ferry?
Yes. Cross the Agate Pass Bridge on State Route 305 from the Kitsap Peninsula.
Is there a bus on Sundays?
Yes. An on-demand service runs on the island from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays, and you can book up to 7 days ahead.
What does the ferry cost for a car?
In autumn 2026 a standard vehicle under 22 feet with driver pays $20.25 each way, and a vehicle under 14 feet pays $16.05. Vehicle fares are collected on both sides.