Pierce County Ferry

Getting Here

Ferry-only access. Vehicles and walk-ons. No reservations.

No Gas on the Island

The General Store and its gas station are indefinitely closed. Fill your tank before boarding the ferry.

Gas cans (full or empty) are prohibited on the ferry under Pierce County hazmat rules. DOT-approved diesel containers up to two 5-gallon are allowed.

Official Resources

Ferry Schedule & Info

The Pierce County ferry runs year-round between Steilacoom and Anderson Island. The crossing takes approximately 20 minutes. There are no reservations - service is first come, first served, and walk-on passengers board before vehicles.

Vehicles, drivers, and passengers must be in position with tickets 20 minutes before departure. On summer weekends and holidays, vehicle capacity fills quickly. Walk-ons almost always get on.

Official Schedule → Rider Alerts → Buy Tickets → Ferry Webcam →

Key Facts

  • Runs 7 days a week, year-round
  • Carries vehicles, bicycles, and walk-on passengers
  • No reservations - first come, first served
  • Crossing time approximately 20 minutes
  • Be in position with tickets 20 minutes before departure
  • Schedule changes for peak season (May 22 - Sept 7) and holidays
  • Stops at Ketron Island on select runs (marked on the official schedule)
  • Service may be reduced or cancelled in severe weather or low tides
  • Monday fuel-service runs may cancel certain departures
Know the Last Ferry

Missing the last ferry means spending the night on the island. The last departure is earlier in winter than in summer, so check before you go - especially if you're driving down from Seattle after work.

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