Higher fares on the horizon for Washington State Ferries

Travel on a Washington state ferry will cost more this fall and even more next spring.

How much became a little clearer Tuesday when a state transportation panel settled on a course to increase fares by 3% on Oct. 1 and another 3% on May 1, 2026.

The Washington State Transportation Commission also recommended hiking the summer season surcharge to 35% on all routes and, on a trial basis, extending the life of multi-ride passes to 120 days starting next May. They now expire after 90 days.

Public comment on the approach will be accepted online through Aug. 5. A virtual public hearing will be held Aug. 6, with the commission then voting on a final fare hike proposal.

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/06/18/higher-fares-on-the-horizon-for-washington-state-ferries/