Get Ready to Shell Out More: Washington State Ferries Hike Fare Prices!

If you’re a ferry lover in Washington, hold onto your life jackets because the fare prices are about to float up—again! Starting October 1, fares will jump by 3%, followed by another increase in 2026. And just when you thought it couldn’t get worse, a whopping 35% summer surcharge is swaying in for all routes next year. With a projected revenue of over $412 million, we might just need to rethink our picnic plans on deck!

The fare increases will vary depending on the size of your vehicle and your chosen route. For example, if you’re taking the Mukilteo-Clinton ferry, expect to pay 70 cents more starting in October. The Seattle-Bremerton route isn’t any better, with an estimated increase of 80 cents. If these prices keep rising, they might as well include a complimentary life vest with every ticket purchased—because that wallet is going to need it!

With about 20 million passengers expected this year—as opposed to 24.7 million in 2018—let’s hope those fewer riders don’t mean longer wait times! Have you ever pondered whether paying a bit more for those stunning ferry views is worth it? Or have prices reached their breaking point? Feel free to let me know your thoughts below!

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