Whatcom County Ferry

Ferry Cashless Web Button (1)

Coronavirus Update as of 6/16/2020:

  • Ticket Sale Update:
    • Online ferry passes take about 2-3 business days to process, plus time for shipping. We estimate and suggest that folks plan for the process to take 2 weeks to receive their punch cards from the time of purchase. 
    • Cashless sales will remain in effect until all COVID restrictions are lifted.
    • Ticket sales at the Civic Building are suspended until Phase 3 of the Governor’s Return to Work guidance. 
    • Read more of our tips for ferry travelers during COVID-19 restrictions. 
  • Cabin #1 (Island Side) shall be reserved for crew use only.
  • Cabin #2 (Mainland Side) is being cleaned regularly, following recommended guidelines with recommended products.
  • As always, please observe posted restricted areas. Do not enter the purser or wheelhouse areas.
  • Social distancing can be difficult to achieve aboard the Whatcom Chief. We encourage all who work or travel on the ferry to please follow the guidelines listed by the Whatcom County Health Department.

Visit the Whatcom County Health Department COVID-19 Website for the latest information about the virus in our area.

We will update this page if/ when conditions change. Stay safe out there!

  1. News Flash

  1. July Weight Restrictions on the Lummi Island Ferry

    Read on...

  2. Lummi Island Chip Seal Road Work Notification

    Whatcom County has scheduled chip sealing on Lummi Island beginning Tuesday, July 7 and continuing through Thursday, July 9 between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Read more

  3. Lummi Island Road Maintenance Starts in July

    Every paved county road on Lummi Island is planned for chip seal road maintenance starting in July. Find out how this will affect ferry service and other details. Read more
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Traveling with Long Overhang past Rear Axles Notice

If you are transporting a trailer or driving a vehicle with a long overhang past the rear axles, we strongly suggest you travel aboard the Whatcom County ferry at a tide no lower than 4 feet.

Tides lower than 4 feet produce an approach angle too steep to be corrected by ramp adjustment and damage to your trailer or vehicle and/or our equipment may occur.

Be advised, tide restrictions for weight also apply. We ask that you take both weight and length past rear axles into account before traveling aboard the Whatcom County ferry.

 

WE DO NOT ACCEPT RESERVATIONS!  This is a First-Come, First-Served ferry. (Schedule)

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Lummi Island Sunset - Ferry
Lummi Island Welcome Sign
 
     

Seasonal Variations


Ridership shows strong seasonal variations. July and August remain the busiest months with over 10% of all vehicle and pedestrian trips occurring in each of these months. The permanent resident population is over 900 and during the summer swells to over 2,000.

Related Documents

  1. Ferry Brochure - 2015
  2. Ordinance 2015-034 - Ferry Rates
  3. Ordinance 2013-042 Needs Based Ticket Program (PDF)
  4. Ferry Fare Change Eff 10-04-15
  5. Escort for Elementary Schoolchildren
  6. Personal Care Attendant
  7. Agreement to Provide Communication Equipment
  1. Ferry Operations Report 2013 (PDF)
  2. Ferry Operations Report 2014 (PDF)
  3. Ferry Operations Report 2015 (PDF)
  4. Ferry Operations Report 2016
  5. Ferry Operations Report 2017
  6. Ferry Ops Report 2018 - Final
  7. Comprehensive Ferry Lease Documents (PDF)