Robert H.
Yelp
This ferry is a great way to bypass I5 traveling into Seattle from the South or exiting Seattle to the South. If you are traveling from South to North on I5, it is easy to exit to 101 at Olympia or Route 16 at Tacoma towards Gig Harbor.
I love the ferry for the novelty, the experience traveling that way in any weather, the choice of decks, and people watching.
One time, traveling from Bainbridge to Seattle, I struck up a conversation stretching outside the car waiting in the boarding lineup in fair weather. The woman commented about a recent visit to Portland with her partner for a lecture. Because I was at the lecture, it was clear she was partnered with famous glass artist, Chihuly*. But she didn't name drop in that Seattle Scandinavian, Northwest anti-celebrity, and just plain not showing off way we do.
They have 2 ferry vessels assigned to Seattle-Bainbridge. I traveled by the Tacoma launched 1996. I can't believe how quiet it was, and it is not a new boat.
The Tacoma has 2 vehicle decks, an enclosed main passenger deck, with outdoor decks fore and aft. Above is the viewing deck with enclosed weather-shielded, semi-shielded, and open decks galore. Then above that are the fore and aft pilot houses. In the Sound, if you want wind and weather on your face and in your hair, you can have it. Great photo ops too! I think of the ferry as romantic.
They have a little cafe run by a concessionaire. They even have beer and wine, but not for my early route. You can bring on great food, much better, like the trains in Japan, from restaurants and delis on shore at either end.
The Washington Ferry is a government job. I have always found the employees solid and professional. That starts with the incoming traffic directors, to the toll booth collectors, line-up directors, boarding/parking directors, boat crew, and all the arrival directors. All professionals and safety professionals.
They dealt professionally with a vey unusual boat grounding on that route too.
The Washington Ferry system is built for bikes and peds with fast special embark and disembark. Long ago, a friend lived in walking distance of the Bainbridge terminal and worked in downtown Seattle for a job. That would be cool.
The Seattle-Bainbridge is a short route in the Washington Ferry system so it can be an introduction to more expansive experiences. It is a great and worth it go out of your way, or make part of your regular commute, for a pleasurable experience.
*https://www.yelp.com/biz/pilchuck-glass-school-stanwood