Colman Dock Pier 52
Seattle's vibrant ferry terminal, connecting the city to scenic islands with stunning skyline views. :ferry: :cityscape:
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, smoother boarding.
Colman Dock Pier 52
Best Time
Fewer crowds, smoother boarding.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Seattle's vibrant ferry terminal, connecting the city to scenic islands with stunning skyline views. :ferry: :cityscape:
"Great views of the cities skyline. Watching the volume of cars and trucks get onto the ferry was something to behold."
Check Ferry Status
Always check the WSDOT ferry app or website for real-time schedules and delays. :iphone:
Walk-On Convenience
If not taking a car, walking on is quick and easy. Enjoy the views! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Seattle Skyline Views
Breathtaking panoramic views of the Seattle skyline as you depart or arrive. A photographer's dream! :camera:
Bainbridge Island Escape
Winslow, Bainbridge Island
A charming island town with shops and restaurants, perfect for a peaceful day trip. :island:
Ferry Ride Experience
Experience the iconic Washington State Ferries, a vital and scenic mode of transport. :ferry:
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ferry Schedules & Delays
Safety & Awareness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Ferry Status
Always check the WSDOT ferry app or website for real-time schedules and delays. :iphone:
Walk-On Convenience
If not taking a car, walking on is quick and easy. Enjoy the views! :athletic_shoe:
Colman dock / Seattle Ferry terminal
Visiting Seattle, where to take a ferry to?
Situational Awareness
Stay aware of your surroundings, even with police presence. :shield:
Bainbridge Day Trip
Winslow on Bainbridge offers great food and a peaceful escape. :forkandknife:
Ferry Terminal Pick-Up & Parking
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Ferry Status
Always check the WSDOT ferry app or website for real-time schedules and delays. :iphone:
Walk-On Convenience
If not taking a car, walking on is quick and easy. Enjoy the views! :athletic_shoe:
Situational Awareness
Stay aware of your surroundings, even with police presence. :shield:
Bainbridge Day Trip
Winslow on Bainbridge offers great food and a peaceful escape. :forkandknife:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Colman Dock is praised for its efficient ticketing and clean facilities, serving as a great gateway to Bainbridge Island with beautiful skyline views. While the ferry experience is generally positive, some users note potential delays during peak seasons and advise maintaining personal safety awareness. Overall, it's a well-maintained and essential transit point for exploring the Puget Sound.
"Colman Dock is a fantastic place to wait for the ferry. I only walk on the ferries and I utilize it as more of a break from everyone/thing. Still, the crew members are respectable, WSP is present on vessels and at docks, and it is overall a good experience. The only downside is the fact that vessels can tend to be rather late during peak seasons (such as May-September). Good people, good equipment, great service. The ferries themselves tend to have workers who are respectable and take pride in their jobs. Five stars from me. :>"
Matti Alexander
"A wonderful experience in Seattle. Took the ferry across the sound. Great views of the cities skyline. Watching the volume of cars and trucks get onto the ferry was something to behold."
Kay Gee
"The elevated platform of the ferry terminal. It is nice as it keeps people who are loitering and not using the facilities as intended off premises.
A deliberate elevated plan and one I support because I was punched in the face out of the blue whilst standing outside the main terminal waiting for the ferry one morning.
I took for granted being at the ferry terminal, I let my guard down but always maintain situational awareness at all times.
Other than that, it is very safe, and they have state police on site and on vessels.
The updated Coleman Dock is nice addition to the renewed waterfront walkway.
Since pandemic era, Seattle-Bremerton route is still on approx three and approx three-and-a-half-hour scheduled sailings.
I called WSDOT customer service and the representative actually admitted they have more than enough qualified employees, it's they just they won't work presumably for better benefits as they're unionized and/or state workers."
Larry D
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Colman Dock is located on the Seattle waterfront. You can reach it by public transit, ride-sharing services, or by walking if you're downtown. It's a central hub for Washington State Ferries. :bus: :taxi:
The most popular and scenic way is by taking a Washington State Ferry from Colman Dock. The ride is about 35 minutes and offers stunning views of the Seattle skyline. :ferry:
Parking in the immediate vicinity of Colman Dock can be limited and expensive. It's often recommended to use public transportation or ride-sharing to get to the terminal. :car:
Yes, Colman Dock serves as a terminal for vehicle and passenger ferries. You can drive your car onto the ferry, but be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak hours. :truck:
Several King County Metro bus routes stop near the waterfront, and the Seattle Streetcar also has stops within walking distance. :subway:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase ferry tickets at the ticket booths located within the Colman Dock terminal. For walk-on passengers, payment is typically made upon boarding or at the booth. Vehicle fares are paid before boarding. :credit_card:
Colman Dock is a ferry terminal and is generally accessible during ferry operating hours. Specific ferry schedules vary by route, so it's best to check the WSDOT ferry website for the most up-to-date information. :calendar:
For walk-on passengers, advance booking is usually not necessary. For vehicle passengers, it's recommended to arrive early, especially during busy travel times, as space can be limited. :clipboard:
There are no entry fees to access the Colman Dock terminal itself. You only pay for the ferry ride if you are traveling as a passenger or with a vehicle. :moneybag:
Major credit cards, debit cards, and cash are typically accepted for ferry ticket purchases at Colman Dock. :moneywithwings:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The updated Colman Dock offers a comfortable waiting area with seating. You can enjoy views of the water and the city, or explore the nearby waterfront walkway. :walking:
Yes, restrooms are available within the Colman Dock terminal for passengers. :toilet:
Yes, Colman Dock is designed to be accessible, with elevators and ramps to assist passengers with mobility challenges. :wheelchair:
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks onto the ferry. There are also typically concessions available for purchase on board. :apple: :water_bottle:
From the ferry, you'll get spectacular views of the Seattle skyline, Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and surrounding islands. It's a truly picturesque journey. :mountain_snow: :cityscape:
📸 📸 Photography
The elevated platform of the terminal offers great vantage points for capturing the city skyline and the ferries. The waterfront walkway also provides excellent photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be bright, but still offers clear views of the cityscape. :sunrise: :sunset:
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, it's always wise to be mindful of other passengers and avoid intrusive photography. :iphone:
You can capture stunning wide-angle shots of the Seattle skyline, close-ups of other ferries, and scenic views of the Puget Sound. :ocean:
Yes, from the dock or from other vantage points along the waterfront, you can get excellent shots of the Washington State Ferries. :ship:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ensure you check ferry schedules for any potential delays, as long waits can be challenging with children. The walk-on experience is generally straightforward. The open decks provide space for kids to move around a bit, making the journey more pleasant for everyone.
🚶 Budget Travelers
This makes it an excellent option for travelers looking to maximize their experience without breaking the bank. It's a scenic journey that feels like a mini-cruise without the hefty price tag.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Capture the ferries themselves, the bustling port activity, and the vast expanse of Puget Sound. On Bainbridge Island, Winslow provides charming street scenes and waterfront vistas. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for expansive cityscapes and a telephoto lens for capturing details on distant islands or the ferries. The changing light throughout the day offers diverse photographic possibilities, from bright midday shots to dramatic sunset hues. Remember to be respectful of other passengers while capturing your shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Washington State Ferries
For those planning to take their vehicle, arriving early is crucial, as ferry capacity is limited. Walk-on passengers generally have a smoother boarding process. The terminal itself has been updated and offers a comfortable waiting area. While the experience is generally safe, with a visible presence of state police, visitors are advised to maintain situational awareness at all times.
Beyond Bainbridge, other routes from Colman Dock include Bremerton and Vashon Island, offering different perspectives of the Puget Sound region. Each ferry ride provides a unique opportunity to experience the maritime culture of the Pacific Northwest and enjoy breathtaking natural scenery. The ferry system is an integral part of life in the region, connecting communities and offering an affordable way to explore.
The Charm of Bainbridge Island
Visitors often highlight the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity for a relaxed day trip. You can stroll along the waterfront, visit the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, or simply enjoy a leisurely lunch. The island provides a stark contrast to the urban energy of Seattle, making it a perfect destination for a half-day excursion.
For those looking to explore further, renting a bike or taking a local bus can lead you to more secluded beaches and scenic viewpoints. However, for a simple and enjoyable experience, spending a few hours exploring Winslow is highly recommended. It's a refreshing change of pace and a chance to experience a different side of the Puget Sound region.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit