Washington State Ferries Roll Out Winter Schedule Amid Construction

The Washington State Ferries (WSF) system has implemented its winter sailing schedule, a shift that coincides with multiple construction projects expected to alter service on several key routes across Puget Sound.

The winter schedule, which runs from Dec. 28 through March 21, transitions ferry operations to a more consistent off-peak timetable. Officials say the schedule is designed to better serve local residents outside the heavy demand of the summer travel season.

Under the winter plan, the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route moves to its standard two-boat weekend configuration, a change that typically occurs each winter.

Seattle–Bremerton Construction Impacts

Construction work at the Bremerton ferry terminal began Sunday, Dec. 28, as crews started replacing two in-water terminal structures. During the project, the terminal will be unable to accommodate two vessels overnight, prompting operational adjustments.

As a result, the route’s No. 1 vessel will tie up in Seattle instead of Bremerton while construction is underway.

Several schedule changes are in effect on the Seattle–Bremerton route to account for the construction:

• The 4:50 a.m. departure from Bremerton has been eliminated. Early commuters are advised to use the Kitsap Fast Ferry’s 4:40 a.m. sailing instead.
• The 3 p.m. Bremerton departure now leaves at 2:40 p.m.
• A new 10:15 p.m. sailing from Bremerton to Seattle has been added.
• On Sundays, the 8:35 a.m. Seattle departure and 9:50 a.m. Bremerton departure are canceled to allow for refueling, which is normally handled overnight in Bremerton.

WSF officials say all changes are reflected on the route’s published online schedule.

Bainbridge Island Schedule Adjustments

Construction at Bremerton is also affecting weekend overnight vessel storage at Colman Dock, resulting in temporary schedule changes on the Seattle–Bainbridge Island route.

From Sunday, Dec. 28, through Sunday, Jan. 11, several late-night and early-morning sailings on the No. 1 vessel will depart later than usual:

Bainbridge to Seattle

• Midnight sailing departs at 12:15 a.m.
• 1:25 a.m. sailing departs at 1:45 a.m.

Seattle to Bainbridge

• 12:45 a.m. sailing departs at 1:05 a.m.
• 2:10 a.m. sailing departs at 2:25 a.m.

Kingston Terminal Seismic Retrofit

Construction continues at the Kingston Ferry Terminal, where WSF began a seismic retrofit project in June 2025. The work is expected to last through July 2026.

While ferry service remains largely unchanged, riders can expect 20- to 30-minute delays on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for the 9:40 p.m. Kingston-to-Edmonds sailing. Officials warn that later sailings may also be affected.

Mukilteo–Clinton Service Suspensions

Additional construction is scheduled at the Mukilteo terminal beginning in early January, when repairs to a guiding wall for ferry pilots will temporarily suspend service midday on select dates.

On those days, the final morning sailings will depart at 8:30 a.m. from Clinton and 9 a.m. from Mukilteo, with service resuming at 1 p.m. from Clinton and 1:30 p.m. from Mukilteo.

The affected dates include Jan. 6, Jan. 8, Jan. 9, Jan. 13, Jan. 16, Feb. 3, Feb. 4, Feb. 6 and Feb. 9.

In addition, on select weeknights between Jan. 19 and Feb. 20, the final round-trip sailings on the Mukilteo–Clinton route will be canceled due to night construction work.

Looking Ahead

WSF officials encourage riders to check route-specific schedules before traveling and allow extra time during the winter construction period. The combination of seasonal service reductions and infrastructure upgrades is expected to bring ongoing adjustments through early 2026, particularly on routes serving Bremerton, Bainbridge, Kingston and Mukilteo.

Originally reported by Nate Connors, KIRO News Radio, Traffic Reporter in My North West.