Lummi Island Ferry

Schedule Link
Ferry Current Rates
Ferry web buttons
Ferry Dry Dock Outage

Save the Dates:  The Whatcom Chief’s annual dry dock outage is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, April 29 – Saturday, May 20, 2023.

  1. News Flash

  1. Monthly Ferry Punch Card Sale Dates Set for 2nd Quarter 2023

    The second quarter Whatcom County Ferry Division monthly punch card sale dates for 2023 are April 5, April 26, and June 7. Read on...

  2. Save the Dates: Whatcom Chief 2023 Dry Dock Outage April 29 – May 20

    The Whatcom Chief’s annual dry dock outage is tentatively scheduled for April 29 – May 20, 2023. These dates are subject to change. Read on...

  3. Whatcom Chief Returns to Full Schedule Jan. 26

    The Whatcom Chief will now run a full schedule on January 26 and 27. The emergency repairs at the Lummi Island Terminal are nearly complete, and the remaining work no longer requires canceling evening runs on Thursday & Friday. Read on...
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The Whatcom Chief is a first-come, first-served ferry. We do not accept reservations for ferry runs. Please see our schedule to plan your trip accordingly.

Click the graphic to view full screen:

How to get on the ferry infographic

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.

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 Rules and Restrictions  

Vehicles over 40,000 GVW are prohibited on the ferry during any tide under zero. This prevents damage to ferry loading ramps.

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. Escort for Elementary Schoolchildren
  2. Personal Care Attendant
  1. Comprehensive Ferry Lease Documents (PDF)

Annual Ferry Financial Reports