King County Water Taxi West Seattle
A scenic and affordable ferry ride connecting downtown Seattle to West Seattle, offering stunning skyline views and a break from traffic.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy sunset views
King County Water Taxi West Seattle
Best Time
Enjoy sunset views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic and affordable ferry ride connecting downtown Seattle to West Seattle, offering stunning skyline views and a break from traffic.
"The views are more than worth the relatively minor fare for taking a very beautiful ride across the water."
Skip Driving Downtown
Avoid downtown parking hassles and traffic by taking the water taxi from West Seattle. :car: :ferry:
ORCA Card Savings
Save a bit by using your ORCA card for a cheaper fare. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Downtown Seattle Skyline Views
Onboard the Water Taxi
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the Seattle skyline as you glide across Puget Sound.
West Seattle's Waterfront
Seacrest Dock, West Seattle
Arrive directly at the vibrant West Seattle waterfront, close to dining and attractions.
Scenic Commute
Between Pier 50 and Seacrest Dock
A unique and enjoyable way to travel, turning a commute into a mini-cruise with stunning scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Skip the Traffic, Ride the Waves
Ticketing and Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Skip Driving Downtown
Avoid downtown parking hassles and traffic by taking the water taxi from West Seattle. :car: :ferry:
ORCA Card Savings
Save a bit by using your ORCA card for a cheaper fare. :moneybag:
App Ticket Trick
Transit Go app tickets are valid for 1 hour, perfect for a round trip. :iphone:
Pet-Friendly Travel
Bring your furry friends along for the ride! :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
Skip Driving Downtown
Avoid downtown parking hassles and traffic by taking the water taxi from West Seattle. :car: :ferry:
ORCA Card Savings
Save a bit by using your ORCA card for a cheaper fare. :moneybag:
App Ticket Trick
Transit Go app tickets are valid for 1 hour, perfect for a round trip. :iphone:
Pet-Friendly Travel
Bring your furry friends along for the ride! :dog:
Sunset Ride Magic
Take the water taxi during sunset for unforgettable skyline views. :city_sunset:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the King County Water Taxi for its scenic views, affordability, and convenience as an alternative to driving in Seattle. It's frequently highlighted as a fun, family-friendly activity that offers great value and a unique perspective of the city skyline.
"We were Visiting Seattle from the UK and debating whether to drive into the city, or drive west and use public transport.
I highly recommend driving to west Seattle and getting the water taxi to downtown Seattle. The view of the city is great, Parking on the street was free and the ferry is a reasonable price. You can pay by exact cash or use an app to purchase tickets. Great service"
Lucy
"This is a nice place to see the skyline of Seattle. The Water Taxi provides free shuttles in West Seattle. The driver of Route 775 was very friendly, dropping us at Alki Beach, advising us to see the Birthplace of Seattle Monument and picked us back to the pier in 30 min. What a wonderful journey!"
Rodger Lu
"We spontaneously decided to take the West Seattle Water Taxi during a trip to Alki Beach with our 2-year-old toddler—and it was such a fun little adventure for the whole family! The schedule is clearly posted at the pier, which made planning easy.
Payment options are pretty flexible: you can pay exact cash ($5.75 for one adult), use an ORCA card ($5 per adult), or download the Transit Go app to pay with a credit card. A quick tip if you use the Transit Go app—after downloading it, make sure to add your payment method in the settings before buying your ticket. Otherwise, the app only shows “pay at store,” which took me about five minutes to figure out since it’s not super intuitive.
Once you purchase your ticket on the app, you show it to the ticketing staff to “activate” it. From that moment, you have one hour to use the ticket, which means you can technically use the same ticket for a round trip—exactly what we did!
The ride itself took about 15 minutes, which was just perfect. We didn’t explore the pier downtown because it was pretty hot and our toddler was way more excited about riding the boat again. This simple, low-cost trip turned out to be a highlight for our family.
Highly recommend the West Seattle Water Taxi for a fun, easy, and affordable outing—especially if you’re traveling with little ones!"
Mei Huang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The King County Water Taxi operates from Seacrest Dock in West Seattle. If you're driving, street parking is often free. For those coming from further away, consider using the free shuttles available in West Seattle or biking to the dock to avoid parking challenges.
In downtown Seattle, the water taxi departs from Pier 50.
Parking on Harbor Avenue can be scarce. Some travelers suggest parking further away on the free shuttle route and using the shuttle to reach the dock.
Yes, free shuttles operate in West Seattle, connecting to the water taxi dock.
The ride between downtown Seattle and West Seattle typically takes about 10-15 minutes. 
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A one-way fare is $5.75 for adults. If you use an ORCA card, the fare is $5.00. Children under a certain age may ride for free.
You can pay with exact cash, use an ORCA card, or purchase tickets via the Transit Go app.
Yes, you can download the Transit Go app to purchase tickets with a credit card. Ensure you add your payment method in settings before buying.
Tickets purchased via the Transit Go app are valid for one hour after activation, making them suitable for a round trip.
Tickets can be purchased at the pier or through the Transit Go app. Advance purchase is not strictly necessary, but using the app can streamline the process.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
West Seattle offers attractions like Alki Beach, tide pooling spots, and dining options such as Marination Ma Kai. The water taxi also provides free shuttles to various points of interest.
Yes, the water taxi is pet-friendly, making it a great option for families with furry companions.
The water taxi offers fantastic views of the Seattle skyline, Puget Sound, and surrounding islands, especially during sunset.
Absolutely! It's a fun, affordable, and short adventure that toddlers and young children often enjoy.
The water taxi operates daily, but schedules vary by season. It's best to check the official King County Water Taxi website for the most current sailing schedule, especially for summer evening service.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset offers the most dramatic lighting for capturing the Seattle skyline. Early mornings can also provide beautiful, soft light with fewer crowds.
Focus on the Seattle skyline, the ferry passing by, and the general scenic beauty of Puget Sound. The West Seattle waterfront also offers great vantage points.
Yes, the piers at both departure points offer excellent opportunities for capturing the skyline and the water taxi itself.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of other passengers and avoid obstructing walkways.
You can capture the water taxi from the dock as it arrives or departs, or from other boats if you're on the water simultaneously.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Key tips for families: Consider using the Transit Go app for easy ticket purchase, which can be used for a round trip. The water taxi is pet-friendly, so your furry family members can join the fun too! Once in West Seattle, the free shuttles can take you to places like Alki Beach, offering more activities for kids.
💰 Budget Travelers
+1Pro-tip: Utilize the Transit Go app to purchase your ticket, as it can be used for a round trip within an hour, effectively halving your travel cost if you plan to return the same way. This makes it an ideal option for exploring West Seattle without breaking the bank.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't forget to also photograph the water taxi itself, the ferry's interaction with the water, and the surrounding Puget Sound scenery. The piers at both ends provide excellent framing opportunities. Consider the golden hour for the most dramatic and beautiful shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the King County Water Taxi
+1Payment for the water taxi is straightforward. Fares are $5.75 for a one-way trip, but this can be reduced to $5.00 if you use an ORCA card. For those who prefer digital payments, the Transit Go app is a convenient option, allowing you to purchase tickets with a credit card. A useful tip for app users is that tickets are valid for one hour after activation, which means a single app purchase can cover a round trip.
Accessibility is also a consideration. The water taxi is generally accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, making it a viable option for families and individuals with mobility needs. Pets are also welcome aboard, adding to its appeal as a family-friendly mode of transport.
Exploring West Seattle via Water Taxi
For those interested in dining, Marination Ma Kai is a highly recommended spot located near the Seacrest Dock, offering delicious Hawaiian-Korean fusion cuisine with waterfront seating.
Beyond dining and beach activities, West Seattle offers opportunities for tide pooling and exploring local parks. The Birthplace of Seattle Monument is another point of interest recommended by locals. The experience of arriving in West Seattle by water taxi is often described as a highlight, even for locals. It transforms a simple trip into a mini-adventure, offering a unique perspective of the city and a relaxed way to access West Seattle's attractions.
Photography Opportunities
Beyond the skyline, the water taxi itself provides interesting photographic subjects. You can capture shots of the vessel in motion, the ferry passing by, or the interaction of the boat with the water. The piers at both ends also offer great vantage points for capturing the scale of the operation and the surrounding maritime environment.
Travelers often recommend lingering on the pier before or after your ride to fully appreciate the panoramic views. The relatively low fare makes it an accessible way to get unique perspectives of Seattle that are hard to replicate from land.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit