State commission approves rate hike for ferry trips
Published 12:30 pm Wednesday, August 6, 2025
EVERETT — A state commission approved an increase in ferry ticket prices Wednesday, set to raise rates about 6% over the next two years.
The rate hikes were recommended by Washington State Ferries and a citizen advisory committee, a Washington State Department of Transportation release read Wednesday. The Washington State Transportation Commission approved the increase in ticket costs at a commission meeting Wednesday.
The first increase — about a 3% jump in prices, on average — is set to go into effect on Oct. 1. Another 3% increase will take effect in May 2026. The commission also approved raising the summer season surcharge — which currently varies from route to route — to 35% to all routes, the current rate for the San Juan Island ferries. Those surcharges only apply to vehicle fares, not walk-on passengers.
The fare changes were made in an attempt to hit a revenue target of over $400 million for the 2025-27 biennium, the release read. The increases are expected to help generate $412 million for ferry operations through that time period, a transportation commission presentation said.
Passenger fares on the Edmonds-Kingston ferry will jump from $10.25 to $11.05 in October. For standard-sized vehicles, they will increase from $18.65 to $19.70.
On the Mukilteo-Clinton ferry, passenger rates will increase from $6.25 to $6.95. For standard-sized vehicles, they will jump from $11.20 to $12.05.
Seniors and people with disabilities pay lower fares. A full list of the fare changes is available online: tinyurl.com/56rf73zp.
Will Geschke: 425-339-3443; william.geschke@heraldnet.com; X: @willgeschke.
