How to Get Here

Getting to San Juan Island

The journey here is part of the magic.

Getting to San Juan Island is not only easy—it’s breathtakingly beautiful. Whether you opt for a 1–1.5 hour ferry crossing from Anacortes, Washington, or a 45-minute scenic flight from Seattle, the views are unforgettable—and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of an orca or humpback whale along the way.

Bird Rock Hotel is located right in downtown Friday Harbor, just two blocks from the ferry terminal and one mile from the airport. You can’t miss us—we’re the big white three-story building that looks like it time-traveled from the 19th century. Come on in and get comfy.

By Car Ferry

The Washington State Ferry runs multiple trips daily from Anacortes, Washington, about 90 minutes north of Seattle.

The ferry ride to Friday Harbor takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the route
Vehicle reservations are strongly recommended if you’re bringing a car
Walk-on passengers do not need a reservation
Many visitors choose to leave their car in Anacortes and walk on—it’s an easy, scenic crossing, and Bird Rock Hotel is just two blocks from the ferry dock

Check ferry schedules and make reservations →

By Air

Flying to Friday Harbor is fast, scenic, and more accessible than many guests expect. Most flights take just 40–45 minutes and depart from Sea-Tac, Boeing Field, Lake Union, or nearby regional airports.

Here are a few trusted carriers we recommend:

Kenmore Air – Seaplanes and wheel planes from Seattle and Victoria to the marina or the airport.
San Juan Airlines – Affordable flights from Anacortes, Bellingham, and Victoria, B.C.
Island Air – On-demand private charters based in Friday Harbor

Bonus: The views from the air—tiny islands, blue water, snow-capped peaks—are worth the trip all by themselves.

Passenger Ferries and Shuttles

Don’t have a car? No problem. Several seasonal, passenger-only ferries travel directly to Friday Harbor from around the region—plus there’s a shuttle from Seattle to the ferry terminal in Anacortes.

Airporter Shuttle – Bus service from Seattle (including Sea-Tac Airport) to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal, with multiple daily departures
Puget Sound Express – Passenger ferry from Edmonds and Port Townsend to Friday Harbor

Tip: Passenger ferries and shuttles are a scenic, car-free way to get to the island—just grab a seat and enjoy the view.

San Juan Island & Friday Harbor without a Car

Leaving your car in Anacortes and walking onto the ferry to Friday Harbor has so many advantages: You won’t need to make a reservation or show up an hour or two beforehand. Walking-on costs a fraction of driving-on. Once in Friday Harbor, you won’t have to deal with finding parking. Here's how to get around on San Juan Island without a car.

10 Most Frequently Asked Questions about San Juan Island

We San Juan Islanders love our island and we love to share this special place with our visitors. And we especially love you to be well informed and totally excited about coming here and knowing what to expect when you get here. We have compiled answers to our lovely guest’s most frequently asked questions

10 Family Fun Things to do on San Juan Island in the Summer

The best Summer Getaway is providing something fun to do for everybody in your family, with just the right mixture of outdoor adventure and relaxation, where you learn something new, get inspired and spend quality time together, making memories of a lifetime.