Whatcom County Ferry

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  1. News Flash

  1. March 10 Repair Outage Planned for Lummi Island Ferry

    The Whatcom Chief will be out of service from 10:10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 10, for repairs of the Lummi Island docking facilities. The work will include fabrication, welding, and other specialized repairs. Read on...

  2. Next Monthly Ferry Punch Card Sale March 10

    The next Whatcom County Ferry Division monthly punch card sale is from 5:20 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. on Wednesday, March 10, at the ferry office, located at the island-side ferry terminal. All types of ferry punch cards will be sold. Read on...

  3. February 24 Service Outage Planned for Lummi Island Ferry

    The Whatcom Chief will be out of service from 10:10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Wednesday, February 24, for inspection and maintenance of the ferry terminal facilities at both Lummi Island and Gooseberry Point. Read on...
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Traveling with Long Overhang past Rear Axles Notice

If you are transporting a trailer or driving a vehicle with a long overhang past the rear axles, we strongly suggest you travel aboard the Whatcom County ferry at a tide no lower than 4 feet.

Tides lower than 4 feet produce an approach angle too steep to be corrected by ramp adjustment and damage to your trailer or vehicle and/or our equipment may occur.

Be advised, tide restrictions for weight also apply. We ask that you take both weight and length past rear axles into account before traveling aboard the Whatcom County ferry.

Weight-Related Rules and Restrictions  


Vehicles over 40,000 GVW are prohibited on the ferry during any tide under zero. This prevents damage to ferry loading ramps.


Signup to Receive Email or Text Messages


On the Notify Me webpage, type in your email address and phone number, then scroll down to News Flash, finally, select the envelope and/or phone icon for Public Works - Lummi Island and Ferry. 

The envelope icon will send you emails, and the phone icon will send you text messages. 

This feature allows you to receive an email, text message, or both.

WE DO NOT ACCEPT RESERVATIONS!  This is a First-Come, First-Served Ferry.  (Schedule)

Lummi Island Sunset - Ferry
Lummi Island Welcome Sign

Seasonal Variations


Ridership shows strong seasonal variations. July and August remain our busiest months with over 10% of all vehicle and pedestrian trips in each of these months. The permanent resident population is over 900, and during the summer the island's population swells to over 2,000.

Helpful Documents

  1. Ferry Brochure - 2015
  2. Ordinance 2015-034 - Ferry Rates
  3. Ordinance 2013-042 Needs Based Ticket Program (PDF)
  4. Ferry Fare Change Eff 10-04-15
  5. Escort for Elementary Schoolchildren
  6. Personal Care Attendant
  7. Agreement to Provide Communication Equipment
  1. Ferry Operations Report 2013 (PDF)
  2. Ferry Operations Report 2014 (PDF)
  3. Ferry Operations Report 2015 (PDF)
  4. Ferry Operations Report 2016
  5. Ferry Operations Report 2017
  6. Ferry Ops Report 2018 - Final
  7. Comprehensive Ferry Lease Documents (PDF)