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.
That said, some ferries sell out, or require you to reserve a spot in advance (especially if you bring a vehicle). Tickets are often more expensive when purchased at the last minute, so by planning ahead and buying your tickets online you can likely save some money.
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.
Some ferry companies allow you to board by simply showing your booking confirmation email, which includes your personal details and your reservation code. You can either show the email on your device (phone, tablet) or print it out and bring it with you.
A full refund which must be paid within seven days. If your sailing is cancelled or delayed and an overnight stay becomes necessary, the ferry company must provide accommodation free of charge where possible.
Ferries are cancelled only due to weather, mechanical breakdown, or industrial action. These are rare events, and impossible to predict more than a day or two in advance.
Busiest networksStaten Island Ferry in New York City – 23.9 million passengers annually; busiest single-line ferry in the world. Amsterdam GVB Ferries – 22.4 million passengers annually.
B.C. seniors 65 or older, possessing either a BC Gold Carecard or a valid BC Services Card, receive a 100% discount on passenger fares Monday to Thursday, excluding statutory holidays on all routes, except the northern routes.
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.
Find a seat in the middle of the ferry; the lower you are, the better. So stay low (not the upper deck) and sit in the middle. But.. Window seats tend to be better (a tip that might collide with the seat in the middle of the ferry) if you keep your eyes on the horizon.
One of the best ways to save money on ferry tickets is to book early. Many ferry companies offer discounts for advance bookings, so it pays to plan ahead. Booking your tickets several weeks or even months in advance can help you get the best deals.
Not only will you need to spend less time waiting to drive onto the ferry, but you will also be able to explore what is available on board before you are joined by the rest of the passengers.