How to Get to Lopez Island by Ferry
Everything you need to know about reaching the friendliest island in the San Juan Islands — by ferry, floatplane, or small aircraft.
Transportation Options to Lopez Island
Lopez Island is one of the most accessible islands in the San Juan archipelago. Whether you prefer the scenic ferry ride from Anacortes, a floatplane flight over the Puget Sound, or a quick hop on a small commuter plane, there are multiple ways to reach your Lopez Island vacation rental.
Washington State Ferries
The most popular way to reach Lopez Island. Ferries depart from Anacortes, WA and arrive at the Lopez Island ferry landing in approximately 45 minutes. Lopez is the first stop on the San Juan Islands route, with multiple daily sailings year-round. Vehicle reservations are strongly recommended during the summer months, especially for weekend travel.
Kenmore Air Floatplane
Fly directly from Seattle's Lake Union to Lopez Island aboard a Kenmore Air seaplane. The roughly 45-minute flight offers breathtaking aerial views of the Puget Sound, the San Juan archipelago, and the Cascade Range. Ideal for travelers who want to skip the drive to Anacortes and enjoy a truly unforgettable arrival experience.
San Juan Airlines
Scheduled flights from Anacortes Airport and Bellingham International Airport to Lopez Island's small airstrip. Flight times are short — typically under 30 minutes — making this a fast and convenient alternative to the ferry, especially during peak summer weekends when ferry lines can be long.
Washington State Ferries to Lopez Island
The Washington State Ferries system is the primary transportation link between the mainland and the San Juan Islands. For Lopez Island visitors, the journey begins at the Anacortes Ferry Terminal, located at 2100 Ferry Terminal Road in Anacortes, Washington — approximately 80 miles north of Seattle and about 90 minutes by car from Sea-Tac Airport.
Ferry Schedule and Frequency
Ferries to the San Juan Islands run multiple times daily throughout the year, though schedules vary by season. During summer (late June through early September), there are typically 8 to 10 sailings per day. Winter schedules are reduced but still provide reliable daily service. The crossing from Anacortes to the Lopez Island ferry landing takes approximately 45 minutes, and Lopez is always the first island stop on the route — meaning you never have to wait through additional stops on the way out.
Check the current schedule at the Washington State Ferries website (wsdot.wa.gov/ferries) before planning your trip. Schedules can change seasonally and may be affected by tides, weather, or vessel maintenance.
Vehicle Reservations
Vehicle reservations are available for travel to the San Juan Islands and are strongly recommended during summer months, weekends, and holidays. Reservations open approximately two months in advance and popular sailing times fill up quickly — especially Friday afternoon departures and Sunday return trips. You can make reservations online at the WSDOT website or by phone.
If you miss the reservation window, a limited number of standby vehicle spaces are available on each sailing. Standby travelers should arrive at the terminal at least two hours before their desired departure, as spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. During peak summer weekends, standby waits of one or two sailings are common.
Walk-On Passengers
Walk-on passengers do not need reservations and can simply purchase tickets at the terminal before boarding. This makes walking on a stress-free option, especially during busy summer weekends when vehicle space is tight. Walk-on fares are significantly less expensive than vehicle fares, and you can bring bicycles on board for a small additional fee. Once on Lopez Island, bike rentals and local transportation make it entirely feasible to enjoy a car-free vacation.
Ferry Fares
Fares vary depending on vehicle size, number of passengers, and season. As a general guideline, expect to pay a standard vehicle fare plus per-passenger fees for the Anacortes-to-Lopez route. An important cost-saving detail: fares are collected only on the westbound trip (Anacortes to the islands). The return trip from Lopez Island back to Anacortes is free. Children under 6 ride free, and discounts are available for seniors and passengers with disabilities. Current fares are listed on the Washington State Ferries website.
Tips for a Smooth Ferry Experience
Arrive at the Anacortes terminal at least 30 to 45 minutes before your reserved departure time. Vehicles that arrive after the loading cutoff may lose their reservation. Bring snacks and entertainment for the wait, especially if traveling standby. The ferry itself has indoor and outdoor seating, a small cafeteria, and restrooms. Keep an eye out for wildlife during the crossing — bald eagles, harbor seals, porpoises, and even orcas are regularly spotted from the ferry deck.
Flying to Lopez Island
For travelers who want to skip the drive to Anacortes and the ferry wait, flying to Lopez Island is a fast and scenic alternative. Two carriers serve the island with regular scheduled flights.
Kenmore Air Floatplanes
Kenmore Air operates seaplane service from their base on Lake Union in downtown Seattle directly to Lopez Island. The flight takes approximately 45 minutes and offers stunning views of the Seattle skyline, the Cascades, Whidbey Island, and the San Juan archipelago from above. Floatplanes land directly on the water near Fisherman Bay, putting you within easy reach of Lopez Village and many vacation rental properties.
Kenmore Air flights are especially popular with weekend visitors from Seattle who want to maximize their time on the island. Baggage allowances are limited compared to commercial airlines, so pack light. Reservations are essential, particularly during summer months, and can be made online or by phone. It is one of the most memorable ways to arrive at any destination in the Pacific Northwest.
San Juan Airlines
San Juan Airlines provides wheeled-aircraft flights from Anacortes Airport and Bellingham International Airport to the Lopez Island Airport, a small airstrip on the island's south end. Flights are short — typically 20 to 30 minutes — and the small aircraft fly at low altitudes, offering excellent views of the islands and surrounding waters.
This service is particularly useful for travelers coming from northern Washington or British Columbia who want a quick connection without driving all the way to the Anacortes ferry terminal. The Lopez Island Airport is a short drive from Lopez Village, and some vacation rental hosts will arrange a pickup for guests arriving by air. Charter flights are also available for flexible scheduling.
Getting Around Lopez Island
Once you arrive on Lopez Island, getting around is part of the experience. The island has a relaxed, rural pace of life with quiet roads, minimal traffic, and no stoplights. Here is what you need to know about transportation on the island.
Bringing Your Car
Having your own vehicle provides the most flexibility for exploring Lopez Island, especially if you plan to visit beaches and parks spread across the island's 30 square miles. A car makes it easy to reach Shark Reef Sanctuary, Spencer Spit State Park, Agate Beach, and the many farm stands along the Lopez Island Farm Trail. If you are staying at a more remote vacation rental property away from Lopez Village, a car is practically a necessity.
Keep in mind that bringing a vehicle on the ferry requires a reservation during summer and adds significantly to your travel cost. Gas is available on the island but tends to be more expensive than on the mainland, so fill up in Anacortes before boarding the ferry.
Cycling on Lopez Island
Lopez Island is widely regarded as the best cycling island in the San Juan Islands — and arguably in all of Washington State. The island's terrain is the flattest of the major San Juan Islands, with gently rolling hills rather than the steep climbs found on Orcas Island. Quiet country roads wind past farms, forests, and scenic viewpoints, and the local tradition of waving to every passing car (and cyclist) makes for a uniquely friendly riding experience.
Lopez Bicycle Works, located near the ferry landing, rents road bikes, hybrid bikes, e-bikes, and tandems by the hour, day, or multi-day period. They also provide maps of popular cycling routes and can recommend rides suited to your fitness level, from easy spins around Fisherman Bay to full-island loops of 30 miles or more. Helmets are included with every rental.
If you walk on the ferry and rent a bike on arrival, you can enjoy a truly car-free Lopez Island vacation. Many of the island's key attractions — Lopez Village, Shark Reef, Spencer Spit, and several beaches — are reachable by bike within a pleasant day's riding.
No Rideshare Services
Lopez Island does not have Uber, Lyft, or taxi services. This is a small, rural island with about 2,500 year-round residents, and on-demand transportation simply is not available. Plan your ground transportation in advance. Some vacation rental hosts will pick up guests at the ferry landing or airport, and there are occasional shuttle services during peak season. If you are walking on the ferry without a car or bike reservation, confirm transportation arrangements with your rental host before arriving.
Driving Directions to Anacortes Ferry Terminal
All vehicle and walk-on ferry passengers to Lopez Island depart from the Anacortes Ferry Terminal, located at 2100 Ferry Terminal Road, Anacortes, WA 98221. Here are driving directions from major departure points.
From Seattle (approximately 90 minutes)
Head north on Interstate 5 from Seattle for about 60 miles. Take Exit 230 toward Burlington/Anacortes and follow WA-20 West (the North Cascades Highway) for approximately 18 miles through Burlington and into Anacortes. Follow signs for the San Juan Islands Ferry Terminal. The terminal is located at the end of Ferry Terminal Road on the west side of Fidalgo Island. Allow extra time during Friday afternoon rush hour, when northbound I-5 traffic can be heavy.
From Bellingham (approximately 50 minutes)
Head south on Interstate 5 from Bellingham for about 25 miles. Take Exit 230 toward Burlington/Anacortes and follow WA-20 West for approximately 18 miles to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal. This is a straightforward drive with generally lighter traffic than the Seattle route. Bellingham travelers may also consider flying directly to Lopez Island via San Juan Airlines from Bellingham International Airport.
From Vancouver, BC (approximately 2.5 to 3 hours)
From Vancouver, take the Trans-Canada Highway (BC-99) south to the US border crossing at Peace Arch or Pacific Highway. After crossing the border, continue south on I-5 to Exit 230 and follow WA-20 West to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal. Allow extra time for the border crossing, which can take anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the day and time. Early morning and midweek crossings are typically faster. Make sure all passengers have valid passports or NEXUS cards.
Parking at Anacortes
If you are walking on the ferry and leaving your car behind, long-term parking is available near the Anacortes Ferry Terminal. Several lots offer daily and weekly rates within walking distance of the terminal. During peak summer months, parking fills up early, so plan to arrive with plenty of time to find a space and make your sailing.