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The Ultimate 2025 Guide To The West Seattle Water Taxi: Schedules, Fares, And Insider Tips

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Planning your commute or a scenic day trip across Elliott Bay? As of late December 2025, the King County Water Taxi remains one of the most reliable and enjoyable ways to travel between Downtown Seattle and West Seattle, especially with ongoing traffic changes. This comprehensive guide provides the most current and essential information—from the latest fall/winter operating schedule and updated fares to crucial details about connecting shuttles and bike policies—ensuring your journey is smooth, fast, and stress-free. The 10–15 minute crossing offers a spectacular view of the Seattle skyline that no bridge or tunnel can match.

The West Seattle Water Taxi, a vital part of the King County Metro system, connects two key locations: Pier 50 (downtown) and Seacrest Park (West Seattle). It operates seven days a week, offering consistent service for both daily commuters and weekend explorers.

West Seattle Water Taxi Key Facts & 2025 Profile

The West Seattle route is officially known as the "West Seattle / Downtown Seattle" route and is a critical link for thousands of daily riders, particularly since the closure and reopening efforts of the West Seattle Bridge.

  • Operator: King County Metro (King County Department of Transportation)
  • Route Name: West Seattle / Downtown Seattle
  • Downtown Terminal: Pier 50 (Seattle Waterfront)
  • West Seattle Terminal: Seacrest Park Dock (1660 Harbor Ave SW)
  • Crossing Time: Approximately 10–15 minutes one-way.
  • Vessels: The fleet includes boats like the M/V Sally Fox and M/V Doc Maynard.
  • Connecting Transit: Free Water Taxi Shuttle Buses (Routes 773 and 775).
  • Key Update: Adult fares are changing effective September 1, 2025.
  • Topical Entities: ORCA Card, Transit Go App, Vashon Island Water Taxi, Alki Trail, West Seattle Junction.

Current West Seattle Water Taxi Schedule (Fall/Winter 2025)

The King County Water Taxi operates on a seasonal schedule. The current fall/winter schedule, which runs through the end of the year and into early spring, maintains a high frequency, especially during peak commute times. The service runs seven days a week, a major benefit for weekend visitors.

Weekday Schedule (Monday - Friday)

Weekday service is designed for commuters, running with a high frequency throughout the day. The service begins early and continues through the evening commute.

  • Operating Hours: Approximately 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • Frequency: Sailings leave the dock approximately every 35 minutes throughout the day.
  • Peak Commute: The morning and afternoon rush hours see the most frequent service to accommodate the high volume of riders traveling to and from downtown.

Weekend Schedule (Saturday - Sunday)

Weekend service caters to tourists and residents enjoying the waterfronts of both West Seattle and Downtown. While the frequency is slightly lower than weekdays, the service is consistent.

  • Operating Hours: Approximately 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • Frequency: Midday sailings continue through the winter months, offering a reliable option for weekend outings.
  • Pro Tip: Always check the King County Water Taxi official website for holiday schedules (e.g., Christmas Day, New Year's) as service is often reduced or suspended.

Fares, Payment, and Connecting Transit Essentials

Understanding how to pay and how to connect to local transit is key to a seamless trip. The Water Taxi is integrated into the King County Metro system, making payment simple for regular riders.

Current 2025 Fares (West Seattle Route)

The King County Water Taxi fares are structured to incentivize the use of the regional transit card.

  • Adult One-Way Fare: $5.75
  • Adult One-Way with ORCA Card: $5.00
  • Youth Fare (Ages 6-18): Free with a valid ORCA Youth Card.
  • Seniors/Disabled: Reduced rates apply with a Regional Reduced Fare Permit (RRFP).

Note on Fare Change: A system-wide adult fare change is scheduled for September 1, 2025, so riders should verify the exact rate closer to that date.

Payment Methods

You have several options to pay your fare:

  • ORCA Card: The easiest and cheapest option. Simply tap your card on the reader when boarding.
  • Transit Go App: Purchase a digital ticket on your smartphone. Be aware that app tickets are valid for one hour after activation.
  • Cash: Exact change is required and accepted at the Pier 50 terminal.

Free Water Taxi Shuttle Connections

The West Seattle terminal at Seacrest Park is served by free King County Metro shuttle buses that connect riders to major hubs in West Seattle. These shuttles are timed to meet every Water Taxi arrival and departure.

  • Route 773: Provides service between the Seacrest Dock and the busy West Seattle Junction (Alaska Junction). This route is essential for connecting to the heart of West Seattle's business district and other bus lines.
  • Route 775: Serves other areas, often connecting to the Alki Trail and surrounding neighborhoods.

Bikes, Parking, and Accessibility: Commuter Logistics

The Water Taxi is an excellent option for multi-modal commuters, especially cyclists, but there are important rules and logistical details to keep in mind.

Bicycle Policy and Capacity

The Water Taxi is highly bike-friendly, but capacity is limited, which is a critical consideration during peak hours.

  • Capacity: Capacity ranges from 18 to 26 bikes per sailing, depending on the vessel.
  • New Racks: The vessels have been updated with new bike racks that can accommodate "fat tire" bicycles with widths up to 4.6 inches.
  • Rules: Cyclists must walk their bikes between the pier entrance and the Water Taxi. Additionally, bikes are limited to 73 inches long and 15 inches wide, and large bags or trailers may need to be disconnected.

Parking at Seacrest Park

Parking near the Seacrest Dock can be challenging, particularly on sunny days or weekends.

  • Street Parking: Free street parking is available along Harbor Ave SW. However, this area can fill up quickly, especially when the weather is nice or during major events.
  • Rider Recommendation: It is strongly recommended to use the free shuttle bus connections (Routes 773/775) or bike/walk to the dock to avoid parking headaches.

Accessibility

Both the Pier 50 and Seacrest Dock terminals are fully accessible. The Water Taxi vessels are designed to accommodate wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility devices, ensuring that the scenic commute is available to everyone.

Why Choose the Water Taxi Over Driving?

Even with the West Seattle Bridge fully operational, the Water Taxi offers significant advantages:

  • Traffic Avoidance: It completely bypasses the unpredictable congestion of the West Seattle Bridge and the downtown viaduct area.
  • Speed: A guaranteed 10–15 minute crossing is often faster than driving during peak hours.
  • Scenery: The ride provides unparalleled, postcard-worthy views of the Seattle skyline, Mount Rainier, and Elliott Bay—a fantastic way to start or end your day.
  • Cost-Effective: For commuters, the ORCA fare is a competitive price compared to the cost of gas and downtown parking.
The Ultimate 2025 Guide to the West Seattle Water Taxi: Schedules, Fares, and Insider Tips
west seattle water taxi schedule
west seattle water taxi schedule

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