Flying Here
Whidbey Island is a beautiful destination that you can easily reach from different locations. There are various transportation options that you can use to get to the island, depending on where you are coming from. The main factor that affects your choice of transportation is whether you are flying to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEATAC), Paine Field (PAE, or Bellingham (BLI) or Vancouver, BC, and the time of day. Various major airlines service the major airports and can easily be ticketed online.
If you are flying to SEATAC, you have two main options to get to Whidbey Island. One option is to take the Whidbey Seatac Shuttle, which is a direct service that will take you from the airport to the island without any stops. You will board the shuttle at the airport and get off at the Clinton Ferry terminal, where you can take the ferry to cross to the island. The other option is to take the Seatac Shuttle Express, which is a shared service that will make several stops along the way before reaching the Mukilteo Ferry terminal. From there, you can also take the ferry to the island. The Whidbey Seatac Shuttle is faster and more convenient than the Seatac Shuttle Express, but it may also be more expensive.
Once you reach Whidbey Seatac Shuttle has vans that will bring you directly to the major airport so the island is on a certain time frame and you’ll need reservations. You can also rent a car or pick up a shuttle express to Mukilteo.
If you are driving to Whidbey Island from Vancouver, BC dont forget that you’ll need a passport to cross the Blaine crossing into the US. That trip to the island from the border is about 2 hours South and you’ll need driving directions.
Taking The Ferry
Taking the Washington State Ferry to Whidbey Island can be fun but also challenging in the summertime as the lines to board the ferry can get rather lengthy. The ferry schedule allows the ferries to leave every 30 minutes and they will begin boarding within a five minute window prior to the boarding taking place. The large ferry’s can carry up to 200 cars and 2500 passengers and smaller ones about 35 cars and 200 passengers. The Mukilteo ferry is very popular and docks in Clinton on the south side of Whidbey Island. The ticket price varies during the year depending on the season and the size of the vehicle. They charge by the foot and will accommodate larger trucks and motorhomes, as well as a truck and trailer. Make sure once you are in the ferry line to not cross into the oncoming traffic. And whatever you do, don't get in front of a vehicle already in the ferry line. You can be reported for this.
There are places to take your family to eat on the Mukilteo side while you are waiting for the ferry. Ivars has a great seafood restaurant at the ferry crossing and there are also other restaurants within walking distance up the hill from the ferry. Just be sure to keep an eye on the time, they will leave without you. It is always a good idea to check the ferry cams before your trip to give you an idea of time it will take to catch the next ferry.
Taking The Train
If you are not flying to SEATAC, you have other options to get to Whidbey Island. One option is to take the Seattle Sounder train from the Westlake Center in downtown Seattle, which will take you to the Mukilteo Ferry terminal in about 30 minutes. However, this option is only available if you have someone who can pick you up on the other side of the ferry, as there is no public transportation from the Clinton Ferry terminal to the island. Another option is to take a bus from Seattle or other nearby cities to the Mukilteo Ferry terminal, and then take the ferry to the island. You can check the schedules and fares of different bus companies online or at their stations.
Taking the Bus
Once you are on Whidbey Island, you can use the free bus service provided by Island Transit to get around. The buses run from Monday to Saturday, from 6 AM to 8 PM, and cover most of the island's attractions and destinations. You can find the bus routes and timetables on their website or at their stops.Island Transit manages the bus transportation on the island. You can pick up a bus at the Clinton Ferry Terminal that will run the entire length of the island.
The weekday schedules are below:
Northbound Bus from Clinton to Oak Harbor
Northbound Bus from Coupeville Ferry to Oak Harbor
Southbound Bus from Oak Harbor to the Clinton Ferry
Southbound Bus from Oak Harbor to the Coupeville Ferry
Naval Air Station Whidbey on Demand
Boating to Whidbey Island
Embarking on a boat journey to Whidbey Island is a highly sought-after means of relishing the breathtaking vistas of Puget Sound and the enchanting mountains that encircle it. As the largest island in Washington State, Whidbey Island boasts an array of captivating attractions for visitors, ranging from historic towns and state parks to picturesque beaches, farms, and wineries.
Multiple options are available to reach Whidbey Island by boat, offering flexibility based on your departure point, budget, and schedule. You can opt for a ferry ride departing from either Mukilteo or Port Townsend, both of which operate at frequent intervals and provide services for vehicles and passengers alike. Alternatively, you can choose to embark on a private vessel or charter a tour boat from various locations, including Seattle, Everett, or Anacortes. Whichever option you select, embarking on a boat journey to Whidbey Island is guaranteed to create lasting memories, showcasing the island's natural splendor and diverse cultural heritage. Upon arrival, you can find ample mooring opportunities at marinas situated in Langley, Coupeville, and two in Oak Harbor – the Oak Harbor Marina and Bowman Bay Marina. You may want to view our article about boating while you are on island
