Seattle is a home port for many Alaska cruises, so travellers often have a spare morning or afternoon in the city. The King County Water Taxi to West Seattle is a short, inexpensive public crossing that adds a waterfront walk and a view back across Elliott Bay. This guide uses King County Metro's own pages.
1. The crossing
| What King County states | |
|---|---|
| Downtown terminal | Pier 50 on the downtown Seattle waterfront, 801 Alaskan Way |
| West Seattle terminal | Seacrest Park, 1660 Harbor Avenue SW |
| Crossing time | Approximately 10 to 15 minutes |
| Schedule | A new sailing schedule runs 10 October 2026 to 9 April 2027; select your travel date on the schedule page for departure times |
| Adult fare | $6.25 cash or paper ticket, $5.25 with ORCA |
| Seniors (65+) and disabled riders | $2.50 with a Regional Reduced Fare Permit |
| Youth (0 to 18) | Free |
| Bikes and pets | No extra charge (bike space limited to 18 to 26 depending on the boat) |
2. On the West Seattle side
King County says Seacrest Park is easy to reach by neighbourhood shuttle and waterfront pathways for walkers, rollers and cyclists, with accessible shuttles to Alki Beach Park: Route 775 serves Admiral Junction, Alki and Seacrest Park, and DART Route 773 serves Alaska Junction and Seacrest Park.
3. Accessibility details
King County notes one interior accessible restroom on the Spirit of Kingston, and that at Pier 50 elevated walkways lead to restrooms in the Washington State Ferries terminal next door.
4. An easy half day
- Check the sailing times for your date on King County's schedule page.
- Cross from Pier 50 to Seacrest Park and walk along the water, or take Route 775 towards Alki.
- Come back on a sailing that leaves a comfortable margin before your next commitment, especially on embarkation day.
If your ship sails the same day, check how far your cruise terminal is from Pier 50 and keep this to a morning with plenty of margin; on embarkation day the cruise line's check-in time is the deadline.
5. More ferries from Seattle
Washington State Ferries to Bainbridge Island and Bremerton leave from Colman Dock next to Pier 50: see our Seattle ferry hub. For local transport versus tours, see waterbus or tourist boat.