WA Ferry Tracker › How to get a ferry reservation when it's sold out
🔔 Get a WhatsApp alert when space opensWashington State Ferries takes vehicle reservations on two routes: Anacortes/San Juan Islands (Lopez, Shaw, Orcas, Friday Harbor) and Port Townsend/Coupeville. When your sailing shows as full, here's what you can do, in order.
1. Check back at the tier releases
On the San Juans route WSF doesn't release all space at once. About 30% of standard vehicle space opens two months before the season (10 a.m.), another 30% two weeks before each sailing (7 a.m.), and the last 30% two days before (7 a.m.). Set reminders for exactly 7 a.m. on those days, logged in with your card details saved, because popular sailings go fast.
2. Keep checking for cancellations
Reservations are free to make but carry a no-show fee (25–100% of the one-way vehicle/driver fare, or of half the Anacortes fare on the San Juan routes, per the WSF terms), so people cancel trips they won't take. Cancelled spaces go back into the system. Check often in the last few days, especially the evening before and early on travel day.
3. Let an alert do the checking
Refreshing all day is tiring. WA Ferry Tracker watches the sailings you pick and sends a WhatsApp message when space opens, so you can book it on the official WSF site right away.
4. Try a nearby sailing or terminal
Shift by one sailing earlier or later, or travel midweek. On the San Juans route, check whether a different island stop works for your plans. WSF's Best times to travel charts show which sailings are usually less busy.
5. Go stand-by
WSF keeps about 10% of space for stand-by and emergency vehicles, and more opens up when people don't show. Stand-by loads first-come, first-served, so arrive early and expect you might wait for a later boat. Note that there are no reservations eastbound from Shaw or Lopez to Anacortes: those vehicles always load first-come, first-served.
6. Leave the car behind
Walk-on passengers and bicycles never need a reservation. Many visitors walk on and use island shuttles, taxis, rentals or bikes.
FAQ
Can I get on a WSF ferry without a reservation?
Yes. Some space on every sailing is kept for stand-by vehicles, loaded first-come, first-served, and walk-on passengers and cyclists never need a reservation.
What time do WSF ferry reservations open?
On the San Juans route, the two-week and two-day releases open at 7 a.m. Pacific. The first seasonal release opens at 10 a.m.
Do people cancel ferry reservations?
Yes. Reservations are free but have a no-show fee, so travelers cancel ones they won't use. Those spaces go back on sale.
Is there a fee for a WSF reservation?
No, making one is free. If you don't show up or cancel, WSF charges a no-show fee, and card payments of that fee carry a 3% charge.
Which WSF routes take reservations?
Anacortes/San Juan Islands and Port Townsend/Coupeville. Other routes are first-come, first-served.
Sources
- WSF Vehicle Reservations (release tiers, arrival times, no-show fee)
- WSF vehicle reservation terms and conditions (PDF)
- 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.