Islanders in the San Juan Islands have something to look forward to as the fall state ferry schedule is now extending its services into the winter and spring seasons. In a move to bolster connection and convenience, the new schedule takes effect starting Sunday, Sept. 21, continuing through Saturday, June 13, 2026. This change, according to Washington State Ferries (WSF), is in direct response to community feedback and is supported by the state Legislature's decision to appropriate funds to provide increased service throughout the colder months.
The extension of the schedule means more than just additional sailings; it represents a promise of consistency for local residents and WSF employees alike. "After a robust public engagement process and seeing our updated spring schedule work over a full sailing season, we feel confident that this schedule will work well from mid-September until early June," WSF Planning Manager Jason Rogers was quoted in the WSF release. Riders can anticipate the convenience of more frequent trips and the ability to plan ahead with online access to the new nine-month off-peak schedule.
Last year, the San Juan Island routes operated with 130 weekly sailings during the winter, thanks to emergency funding. The new schedule expands this offering to 144 sailings a week, including five daily interisland trips on weekends and a greater number of weekday afternoon and evening departures from Anacortes. This represents an increase not only from last winter but also from the 116 trips per week that were standard before additional funding. As the largest ferry system in the U.S., WSF continues to carry millions annually, now with a service schedule that better meets the needs of its customers.
The change also ensures WSF employees have more predictability when it comes to their shifts. With all vessel deck crew shifts now permanent, workers have the opportunity to possibly live on the islands year-round, a stability that was previously unavailable. "A more consistent schedule will also help WSF employees plan for regular work on the Anacortes/San Juan Islands route," notes the WSF release, demonstrating a commitment to improving the work-life balance of its workforce.
For those looking to travel between the islands, vehicle reservations can still be made in three-month intervals to accommodate varying customer needs. This new two-season schedule is the fruit of a two-year community engagement process, indicative of WSF's dedication to rewriting outdated schedules and refining the overall experience based on real-world performance and passenger input. Updates on service and the ability to track each ferry in real time can be found on the WSF website, ensuring travelers stay informed on the journeys ahead.
