Whatcom County Ferry

Fares and punchcards Link
Dry Dock Link
Schedule Link
COVID19 Ferry Procedures Link
  1. News Flash

  1. Final COVID-19 Passenger Only Ferry Use Policy Available Online

    Whatcom County Public Works appreciates everyone who took the time to make public comment on our policy while it was in draft form. We have made some modifications and published a final policy document on our website. Read on...

  2. Public Comments and Responses to Ferry's COVID-19 Policy Now Available

    Whatcom County Public Works created a draft COVID-19 policy for the Lummi Island passenger-only ferry and shuttle van service while the Whatcom Chief is in dry dock. Anonymized comments and agency responses are now available online. Read on...

  3. Ferry Dry Dock Update: Additional Vehicle Parking Map Added

    The Lummi Island Ferry dry dock webpage has been updated with a new map showing additional parking locations on the mainland for vehicles to use during dry dock. 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 Low Tide Restrictions Notice 


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)