WA Ferry Tracker › Anacortes ferry terminal: parking and wait times
⛴️ Check live reservation space + get WhatsApp alertsThe Anacortes terminal (2100 Ferry Terminal Road, Anacortes, WA 98221) is the mainland departure point for the Washington State Ferries Anacortes/San Juan Islands route to Lopez, Shaw, Orcas and Friday Harbor. From I-5, WSDOT's directions are to take exit 230 and follow SR 20 west into Anacortes, then follow signs to the ferry. From Sea-Tac Airport, WSDOT says to allow at least 2½ hours of driving time.
Parking at the Anacortes ferry terminal
WSF's lots at the terminal are paid parking run by Diamond Parking. WSDOT lists these off-peak car rates, valid October 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027:
| Stay | Car |
|---|---|
| Up to 15 minutes | No charge |
| 1 day | $8 |
| 2 days | $13 |
| 3 days | $15 |
| 4 days | $19 |
| 7 days | $24 |
| 14 days | $46 |
| 21 days | $67 |
RV rates are higher (from $13 for one day). Peak-season rates (May through September) are higher than the off-peak table above, so check WSDOT's terminal page before a summer trip.
How to pay
Pay with the PayByPhone app, or call 1-888-680-7275 and enter Station 1644, your stall number and the number of days. You can extend a session the same way from the island. For monthly, seasonal or RV/boat storage permits, WSDOT points you to Diamond Parking at (206) 729-0590.
Disabled parking
Parking is free in this WSF lot with a valid disabled placard or plate. If all signed ADA spaces are full, placard holders may park free in any open space except carpool and ferry-employee spaces.
Pick-up and drop-off
If you're dropping off a walk-on passenger, WSDOT says to follow Ferry Terminal Road to the left of the auto tollbooths to the lot near the terminal, where there's space by the bus turnaround for a quick stop.
Wait times: how early to arrive
- With a vehicle reservation: WSF asks San Juan Islands drivers to arrive 45 to 60 minutes before the sailing. Arrive too late and you can lose your reserved space and go stand-by.
- Without a reservation (stand-by): stand-by space is very limited and loads first-come, first-served. On busy days you may wait for one or more later sailings.
- Walk-on passengers and bikes don't need reservations. WSF asks walk-ons to be aboard at least 5 minutes before departure. The Anacortes passenger booth is open about 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. (later on Fridays), and the overhead walkway runs roughly 5:35 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
How to check live wait times before you leave
WSF publishes live terminal conditions, rider alerts and terminal cameras on wsdot.wa.gov and in the free WSDOT app. Check them before you drive up, because the Anacortes holding lanes can't be seen from SR 20. WSF's Best times to travel chart for the Anacortes/San Juan Islands route shows which sailings usually fill with vehicles.
If your sailing is full, WA Ferry Tracker can watch reservation space and send you a WhatsApp alert when a spot opens.
FAQ
How much is parking at the Anacortes ferry terminal?
Off-peak (October 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027) car parking is $8 for one day, $13 for two days, $15 for three days and $24 for seven days, per WSDOT. The first 15 minutes are free. Summer rates are higher.
How do I pay for Anacortes ferry parking?
Use the PayByPhone app or call 1-888-680-7275, enter Station 1644, your stall number and the number of days.
How early should I arrive at the Anacortes ferry?
With a vehicle reservation, WSF asks you to arrive 45 to 60 minutes before departure. Walk-on passengers should be aboard at least 5 minutes before the sailing.
Is there free parking at the Anacortes ferry?
Only for vehicles with a valid disabled placard or plate in the WSF lot, and for stays of 15 minutes or less.
How do I check the wait at the Anacortes ferry?
Check WSF terminal conditions, alerts and terminal cameras on wsdot.wa.gov or in the WSDOT app before you leave home.
Sources
- WSDOT: Anacortes terminal (parking, directions, booth hours, cameras)
- WSF Vehicle Reservations (release tiers, arrival times, no-show fee)
- WSDOT: Best times to travel on ferries
- WSDOT: First-time riders
Independent guide, not affiliated with Washington State Ferries or WSDOT. Rates, schedules and rules change by season, so confirm on wsdot.wa.gov before you travel. Last updated November 3, 2026.