City of Des Moines, WA

The Des Moines to Seattle Ferry Pilot Project ended on Oct 9th 2022. Stay tuned for updates!

For Questions Contact Us
Des Moines Marina Office
(206) 899-1317
email

SCHEDULE
Wednesday through Sunday (5 days per week)
4 round trips per day

FEES
Prices are each way.

FAQ's

What is the ferry schedule?
Wednesday through Sunday  (5 days per week), four round trips per day.
August 10‐October 9

How much does it cost?
$10 each way. Seniors (65+) and Military $5 each way.
Children 13 and under ride free

Do I need to make a reservation?
Seating on the boat is limited, so reservations are encouraged, but not required.  Tickets can also be purchased at time of boarding with a debit or credit card. No checks accepted.

How do I get a refund if needed?
For refund information email [email protected]

Cancellations
Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 72 hours notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Email [email protected] to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.

Is the ferry wheelchair accessible?
We can accommodate wheel chairs with crew assistance over the thresholds. Ramps to and from the dock to the boat at both terminals are wheelchair accessible.

Are bicycles permitted?
Yes, there is a bike addition option.  $2 per bike.  Boat capacity is 4 bikes.

Are pets allowed onboard?
No. Only registered services animals are allowed aboard the vessel.

Is there food service on the boat?
Yes. Food and beverages are available for purchase onboard.

How long does the one-way trip take?
Approximately 40 minutes

Parking?
At Des Moines Marina: Currently parking within the Des Moines Marina is free during this trial period. Normal parking rates will apply at the end of the trial period. Please refer to www.desmoinesmarina.com/paidparking for additional information. No overnight parking allowed. For additional parking questions related to Des Moines please e-mail [email protected].

Parking is limited due to construction, please refer to this map for parking locations.

At Bell Harbor: Normal Seattle parking restrictions in place.

Where does the boat board in Des Moines?

Where does the boat board in Seattle?
At the Bell Harbor Marina charter dock.

Des Moines to Seattle Ferry Project

The City of Des Moines has announced the introduction of a two month pilot project to test the viability of a passenger only fast ferry between the Des Moines Marina and Downtown Seattle’s Bell Harbor Marina.

Service is scheduled to start Wednesday August 10th, and run through Sunday, October 9th aboard the Chilkat Express, chartered from and run by Puget Sound Express. Initially the boat will make four trips a day, Wednesday through Sunday. Transit time is 40 minutes each way.
The vessel will depart Des Moines Marina at 10am, noon, 2pm and 4pm. Southbound trips will depart Seattle at 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm. The boat will overnight in Des Moines.

Availability of crew currently limits service to 10 hours a day, but if demand warrants and additional crew can be hired, an additional round trip may be added leaving Des Moines at 8am and leaving Seattle at 9am.

The City of Des Moines is partnering with the Highline School District to provide deckhands to work alongside trained crew. The paid internships give students exposure to the maritime industry, and they will gain sea time credit which they can use to further their training.

Built in 2001 as a passenger ferry for the Alaska market, the Chilkat Express is an efficient, quiet and smooth-running hydrofoil powered by twin waterjets. She has a cruising speed of 40 knots.

The Chilkat Express is owned and operated by Puget Sound Express, which has been operating passenger ferries and tour boats on the Puget Sound since 1985. Puget Sound Express is a third-generation family-run business founded in 1985. They currently operate whale watching tours out of 3 locations, totaling 7 departures per day.

For ferry information please contact the Des Moines Marina Office at (206) 899-1317 or email [email protected]

For refund information email [email protected]