Whatcom County Ferry

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  1. News Flash

  1. Get to Know the Next Lummi Island Ferry Vessel at Aug. 7 Informational Booth

    Lummi Island residents are invited to learn about the design and features of a new ferry vessel with Whatcom County Public Works. The county will have an informational booth at the Aug. 7 Lummi Island Saturday Market. Read on...

  2. The Whatcom Chief is Back in Service

    The ferry is back in service after repairs were made to the island-side dock hydraulics. Thanks everyone for your patience during this outage!

  3. July 21 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, July 21, for repairs to the Lummi Island dock and apron. Read on...
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How to get on the ferry infographic

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)
  1. Escort for Elementary Schoolchildren
  2. Personal Care Attendant
  3. Comprehensive Ferry Lease Documents (PDF)

Annual Ferry Financial Reports