What do I need to know before going on a ferry?

Getting prepared for your car ferry trip
  1. Check that your travel documents are still valid for the period you intend to travel. ...
  2. Buy your ferry ticket in advance. ...
  3. Prepare a small bag of travel essentials – this is particularly important for longer or overnight car ferry crossings.




People Also Ask

Do you check in your luggage on ferries? No, there is no check-in procedure for luggage items.

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Anyone who refuses a screening or inspection will not be allowed on board a ferry.

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How many bags can I bring on the ferry? Walk-on passengers are allowed up to 100 pounds of hand-carried baggage. Passengers are responsible for the handling and safety of their own bags. Baggage carts are driven from terminals and parked on the vessel car deck to offer assistance.

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Please note the following: Travelers 14 and older, when traveling unaccompanied, will need to provide photo ID. Examples of photo ID can include but are not limited to: school ID cards, passports, state ID cards, and drivers licenses.

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Ferry carries people who want to go from one bank to another bank of a river. It can also carry pets, vehicles and heavy luggage.

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Each passenger is authorized to carry flammable hygiene products up to 2 kg or the equivalent of 2 litres (aerosols, perfume, lacquer, cologne, etc.)

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Passengers are not allowed to bring alcoholic beverages on or off a vessel except for beverages that they are transporting as personal baggage in unopened containers, which may not be opened while the vessel is underway.

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On a ferry ride in cold weather, you will need more layers than in similar weather condition on the mainland. While on the water, temperatures tend to drop lower due to higher humidity, conduction and ocean currents. This particularly applies if you intend to spend any time on the outside deck.

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All the Washington State ferries allow you to stay in your car. Being in a front car in bad weather can be interesting. All the car decks are open end to end, and the boats are double ended.

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Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages can be brought and consumed on board the ferry. Due to state law, alcoholic beverages that are not purchased on board the ferry cannot be consumed on the ferry. Please see our current COVID-19 rules related to masking.

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There are toilets on every ferry regardless of size.

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The majority of our ships are self-sufficient in fresh water. They are equipped with onboard facilities that produce fresh water from heated and desalinated seawater.

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Here is an essential list of items you should pack for any ferry crossing:
  • Wind / waterproof jacket.
  • Non-slippery shoes.
  • Hat – winter or summer one.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Sunblock.


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Cabins are sold per trip, not per day or per person. Cabins are equipped with single or double bunk bed style berths. Most cabins include private bathroom facilities. For those that do not, public restroom and shower facilities are available.

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Each passenger is allowed 2 pieces of luggage, no larger than 23”x23”x37” and weighing no more than 50 lbs each, to be stowed in the luggage compartment. In addition, each passenger may bring one carry-on that fits at the seat or in the overhead bin.

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If you are running late and are likely to miss your ferry, we suggest proceeding to the port to see if the ferry company will allow you to change the ticket to a different day or departure time. Keep in mind that if you do miss your ferry, the tickets are non-refundable.

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Usually, the ticket that you purchase is only valid for the crossing you have booked. Some ferry companies allow you to change your departure time at the port, but this usually only happens if multiple ferry sailings are available per day.

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