Guest Writer: Lita Talisman of @litaofthepack_
My husband and I recently moved to Seattle, so we've been doing a lot of exploring. One of our favorite ways to discover new places is by bike, so we recently took our Lectric bikes onto a Washington State Ferry and it was such a fun experience.
Honestly, biking onto the ferry may be our new favorite way to take day trips from Seattle. If you've never done it before, here's exactly what to expect.
Getting on the Ferry
Getting to the ferry terminal by bike was surprisingly easy. The Elliott Bay Trail runs along Seattle's waterfront and leads directly to the ferry terminal at Pier 52.
Once you arrive, you'll find plenty of signs directing cyclists where to go. During the week, bikes use a different entrance than they do on weekends, but either way, the process is straightforward and well-marked.
After entering the bike lane, you'll pay your fare. Our round-trip ticket to Bainbridge Island cost $10.25 per person with a bicycle. From there, you'll continue into the designated bicycle staging area and wait for boarding.
One of the biggest perks of bringing a bike is that cyclists board first. We rode right onto the ferry and parked our Lectric bikes below deck before heading upstairs to enjoy the ride.
During the voyage, you can take in the views from the outdoor deck, grab a snack from the café, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
Why Bring a Bike Instead of a Car?
One of the things we loved most about this trip was how easy it was to explore Bainbridge Island by bike. While you can certainly drive onto the ferry, bringing a bike comes with a few advantages.
First, it's more affordable. Bicycle fares are much cheaper than vehicle fares, and you don't have to worry about finding parking once you arrive. Cyclists also get to board and disembark first, which makes the entire process quick and efficient.
Having our Lectric bikes also gave us the freedom to cover much more ground than we could have on foot. We were able to explore downtown, ride through quiet neighborhoods, and venture farther from the ferry terminal without ever needing a car.
For us, it was the perfect balance of convenience, exercise, and adventure.
Exploring Bainbridge Island
When the ferry arrived on Bainbridge Island, cyclists were once again the first passengers to disembark. Within minutes, we were riding into town and starting our adventure.
One of the best parts about bringing a bike is the flexibility it gives you. We were able to explore areas beyond downtown without worrying about parking or transportation. Whenever we wanted to stop, we simply locked our bikes to one of the many bike racks around town and continued exploring on foot.
The day ended up being the perfect combination of exercise, nature, and small-town charm. We wandered through downtown Bainbridge, visited the farmers market, and even picked up a few goodies to stash in our bike baskets before heading back.
Our favorite spots around Bainbridge included Eagle Harbor Books Co, Hi Life Poke, and Pea the Peacekeeper. We are already excited to plan a return trip back to try more of the great spots around town!
Heading Back to Seattle
When we were ready to return to Seattle, getting back on the ferry was just as easy. One nice bonus is that bicycles don't pay an additional fare on the return trip, making the entire experience both affordable and convenient.
Tips for Taking Your Bike on the Seattle Ferry
If you're planning your own ferry adventure, here are a few tips that can make the experience even smoother:
- Arrive about 15 to 20 minutes before departure so you have plenty of time to find the bicycle loading area.
- Bring a bike lock if you plan to spend time exploring on foot.
- Check the ferry schedule before heading out, especially during busy summer weekends.
- Charge your e-bike before your trip so you can spend the day exploring without worrying about battery life.
- Consider bringing a small basket for snacks, farmers market finds, or extra layers.
Taking a day trip to Bainbridge Island by bike has been one of our favorite adventures since moving to Seattle. It's an easy, scenic way to experience both the city and the surrounding islands, and bringing a bike gives you the freedom to explore so much more once you arrive.
If you're looking for a unique Seattle day trip, I highly recommend bringing your bike along for the ride.