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Water Taxi

Have fun, avoid traffic and enjoy beautiful views from your seat on the King County Water Taxi. Our fast boats can connect you from downtown Seattle to both Vashon Island and West Seattle. Ride the Water Taxi for a memorable and affordable transit trip today!

The routes

Between downtown Seattle and Vashon Island

Are you craving city or island life? Both can be yours with a Water Taxi ride between Seattle and Vashon in around 22 minutes.

Weekday sailing schedule

Between downtown Seattle and West Seattle

Explore two very different parts of the same city. Water Taxi sails between downtown and West Seattle last an average of 10-15 minutes each way. Easily connect to the waterfront pathway and accessible shuttles to Alki Beach Park.

Daily sailing schedule

Rider information

Accessibility

The Water Taxi’s docks, passenger waiting areas and boats are accessible for passengers with disabilities and/or mobility devices. If you need assistance boarding the boat, please tell a crew member or press the ADA assistance call button located in the Pier 50 waiting area.

Lost and found

If you lose an item, please check with the crew within 24 hours. If more than 24 hours have passed, please fill out the Metro Lost and Found form. Items will be held for 30 days. If you find an item, please tell a crew member.

Open the Lost and Found form

Bicycles and pets

Bikes are welcome at no additional charge. Please walk your bike between the pier entrance and the Water Taxi. Bicycles are limited to 73" long and 15" wide. Bags and trailers may need to be disconnected prior to being placed in the bike rack to allow more space. Bicycle capacity is limited to 18-26 bikes depending on your boat.

Well behaved dogs on leashes and cats in crates are allowed on the Water Taxi for free.

Strollers and luggage

Strollers and luggage are allowed aboard at no charge and must be properly stored. Please ask crew for help.

Paying your fare

Passengers must pay one-way fares in one of the following ways as they board.

  • Cash: Pay your cash fare (exact amount only) when entering the Water Taxi.
  • ORCA card: Tap your ORCA card on the card reader being held by a crew member. Cards can be purchased online, at participating stores or at Pier 50 in downtown Seattle. They must be loaded with E-purse (electronic funds) or a pass (i.e., a PugetPass, U-PASS or funds provided by employers). For more ORCA information or to purchase, reload or check your existing card balance, please visit www.myorca.com
  • Transit GO Ticket mobile app: Download the Transit GO Ticket app on your mobile device, add credit card information in “settings” and purchase Water Taxi electronic tickets. Activate tickets within 2 hours of departure and show to a crew member prior to boarding.
  • Paper ticket: Buy an Adult-fare ticket from a vending machine at the terminal using a credit or debit card. Put the ticket in the fare box when boarding.
  • Checks and bus transfers are not accepted. ORCA card transfers are valid for two hours.

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