Travel

Getting to IslandWood

Carpooling:

We’d love for you to carpool if you can! If you have extra room in your car and don’t mind sharing the ride, we’d be happy to pair you up with other guests.


From Seattle:

Take the Bainbridge Island Ferry from the Seattle Ferry Terminal (Colman Dock). Ferries run regularly, and you can ride as a walk-on passenger or bring a car (though we highly recommend walking on—more on that below).

Once you arrive on Bainbridge, IslandWood is just a 10-minute drive from the ferry terminal.

Shuttle Schedule (Ferry → IslandWood):
wsdot.com/ferries/schedule/scheduledetailbyroute.aspx?route=sea-bi

Transportation around the island is limited, and ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft are unreliable but worth a try. If you're arriving outside the shuttle times, taxis are available—but be sure to book ahead!

Viking Cab Company: (360) 244-4420

There is ample free parking at IslandWood for those who choose to drive.


From Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA):

You have two options:

1. Public Transit + Ferry:

  • Take an Uber/Lyft/Taxi (20 min) or the Link Light Rail (40 min) to the Seattle Ferry Terminal

  • Walk onto the Bainbridge Island Ferry (35 min)

  • Hop on our shuttle to IslandWood

2. Driving (Rental Car Route Options):

  • Option A: Drive 25 minutes into Seattle, then take the car ferry Keep in mind, there are no reservations, so please make sure you arrive in the ferry line 40-50 min before the ferry is scheduled to depart.

  • Option B: Drive 2 hours directly to IslandWood via Tacoma (avoiding the ferry—not as fun of route).

Pro Tip: Car ferry waits on Fridays can be long —so if you can, walk on instead!


Getting on the Ferry (Walk-Ons & Cars):

Seattle Ferry Terminal (Colman Dock) is easy to find on Google Maps.

Walk-Ons:

  • Follow signs for the Bainbridge Island Ferry (not Bremerton).

  • Buy a ticket at the kiosk or counter.

  • Take the stairs or elevator to the boarding area.

Bringing a Car?

  • Drive into the ferry terminal and pay at the booth (covers vehicle + passengers).

  • Ferry staff will direct you where to wait.

Parking at IslandWood

  • Good news! IslandWood has plenty of free parking.

Coming from the North? (We’re looking at you, Canadians!):

You can take the ferry from the Seattle Ferry Dock (see above for details) OR the Edmonds/Kingston Ferry. 

Once you arrive in Kingston, drive south. A short bridge connects Suquamish to Bainbridge Island. The drive from the Kingston Ferry Dock to IslandWood is about 35 minutes.

You can check the Edmonds/Kingston Ferry schedule here: wsdot.com/ferries/schedule/scheduledetailbyroute.aspx?route=ed-king

When Should You Travel?

Flying in? Take a ferry that leaves at least 3 to 3.5 hours before/after your flight.

  • Driving? Plan ahead—ferry lines can be long on summer weekends.

  • Walking onto the ferry? No worries! Walk-ons rarely have trouble getting on.