Thanksgiving travel boom: WSDOT prepares for 300,000 ferry passengers this holiday

WASHINGTON STATE — The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is expecting nearly 300,000 people to ride a state ferry during the Thanksgiving holiday.

WSDOT warns that the Thanksgiving travel rush is likely to bring long lines and wait times for travelers. They encourage all customers to download WSDOT’s mobile app or visit the Washington State Ferry website before heading to the terminal.

For those traveling westbound, or onto an island, Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 27-28, will likely be the busiest sailings for vehicles. For those traveling eastbound, or off-island, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 29-30, will likely be the busiest.

WSDOT said riders should consider taking an early-morning or late-night sailing or using transit to walk or bike onto the ferry, if possible, to reduce or eliminate waiting.

There will also be a few changes to the daily schedules on the Edmonds/Kingston and Point Defiance/Tahlequah routes on Thanksgiving Day. The Seattle/Bainbridge Island and Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth runs will operate on weekend timetables.

Holiday changes are marked on the schedules for each route, WSDOT said.