Major city · United States
Vashon Island
Go for one full day, or one night, from Seattle: the 20-min water taxi and a 15-min walk put you in the town core without a car.
Vashon-Maury is the largest Puget Sound island south of Admiralty Inlet and has no bridge to the mainland, which keeps it rural. Ferries run to West Seattle, Southworth and Tacoma, and a passenger-only water taxi links the north terminal to downtown Seattle. Most trips are a day or one night; a car opens the south end and Maury Island.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- May–Sep; Jul–Aug warmest and driest
- avoid Nov–Mar (wet, short days, some seasonal businesses closed)
- Airports
- SEA · 2S1
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Vashon Island911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Vashon Island, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyVery low crime; the real risks are dark, shoulderless roads, cold Puget Sound water and missing the last ferry or water taxi of the day.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportSEA Seattle-Tacoma International (Reach the island via West Seattle (Fauntleroy ferry) or downtown Seattle (water taxi); allow 1.5–2 h door to door.).
- Getting aroundVashon Hwy SW runs north–south; the town core sits at SW Bank Rd.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$4–6
- BeerDraught beer$7–9
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Water taxi, downtown SeattleORCA adult $3.50$4 cash or ticket
- Metro or bus rideKing County Metro fare (2 hours)Seniors 65+ $1; youth 0–18 free$3
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week$10–25
- Budget bedCottage or cabin (up to 4), a night, per roomUS$220
- Mid-range bedGuesthouse or B&B room, a night, per roomUS$200
- High-end bedGuesthouse or B&B room, a night, per roomUS$350
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$70 · Mid US$140 · High US$260
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- SEA Seattle-Tacoma International (Reach the island via West Seattle (Fauntleroy ferry) or downtown Seattle (water taxi); allow 1.5–2 h door to door.) · 2S1 Vashon Municipal Airport (Small field for private planes only; no scheduled service.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Mar
Avoid
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Apr
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
May
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jun
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jul
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Aug
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Sep
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Oct
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Nov
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Dec
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)), coolest Dec (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (18 rain days), driest Jul (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Vashon Island: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
18 rd
Feb
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
15 rd
Mar
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
17 rd
Apr
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
14 rd
May
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
11 rd
Jun
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
9 rd
Jul
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5 rd
Aug
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6 rd
Sep
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
8 rd
Oct
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
14 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
18 rd
Dec
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
18 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Vashon Hwy SW runs north–south; the town core sits at SW Bank Rd. King County Metro routes 118 and 119 serve the ferry terminal, Valley Center P&R, Burton, Tahlequah and Dockton. Bikes are popular but the hills and narrow shoulders are hard work; a car is the easy option for the south end.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 45 min–1 h
King County Water Taxi from the north terminal to Pier 50, or WSF to Fauntleroy plus RapidRide C
The water taxi is the fast, car-free link; check the last return sailing.
Tacoma
goDoor to door: About 1–1.25 h
WSF from Tahlequah to Point Defiance, then Pierce Transit 10 or 11
Good pairing with Point Defiance Park on the Tacoma side.
Bellevue
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5–2 h
Water taxi or ferry to Seattle, then bus or Link across the lake
Long for a day; better as part of a Seattle stay.
Renton
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5–2 h
Ferry to Fauntleroy, then RapidRide C and a transfer south
Two connections; only worth it with a specific reason.
Federal Way
skipDoor to door: About 1.5–2 h
Ferry to Fauntleroy, then bus south via West Seattle
No direct link; the island is the better use of the day.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Vashon town core (SW Bank Rd & Vashon Hwy SW)
Walkable from the north ferry terminal; restaurants, shops, pharmacy. Best for a car-free night.
North end near the ferry terminal
Shortest transfer with bags; limited inventory, book weeks ahead in summer.
Burton and the south end
Quieter, near Tahlequah ferry and Maury Island; you need a car or bus 118.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $60–110 excl. bed
- Mid
- $110–200 excl. bed
- High
- $200+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Guesthouse or B&B room1 × 1 night × US$200 | US$200 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$140 | US$280 |
| Water taxi, downtown Seattle both ways2 × US$8 · Adult cash or ticket fare; ORCA lower, check | US$16 |
| WSF car and driver, Fauntleroy both ways1 × US$55 · check | US$55 |
| Kayak rental, half day2 × US$75 · Seasonal, May–Sep, check | US$150 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$73 |
| Trip total≈ US$402 per person per day, bed included | US$804 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; sales tax added at checkout. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $4–6 |
| Restaurant main | $18–32 |
| Draught beer | $7–9 |
| King County Metro fare (2 hours)Seniors 65+ $1; youth 0–18 free | $3 |
| Water taxi, downtown SeattleORCA adult $3.50 | $4 cash or ticket |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | $10–25 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Ferries sell out on summer weekends and holidays: arrive 30–60 min early with a car, or walk on.
- The water taxi is passenger-only and runs a limited schedule: check the last sailing before you plan dinner.
- Cell coverage is patchy on the south end and Maury Island.
- Most roads have no sidewalk and no lighting: wear something visible after dark.
- Many restaurants close early and on some weekdays: check hours the same day.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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Vashon IslandVashon Island
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
No consulates on the island; national consulates are in Seattle, embassies in Washington, DC.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Water taxi, Vashon → Pier 50: $4 cash or ticket, about 20 min
- WSF, Fauntleroy → Vashon, car and driver: about $28 one way (check)
- Metro bus in King County: $3 for 2 hours
Say or show
- Where is the ferry terminal? — Where is the ferry terminal?
- One adult, walk-on, please — One adult, walk-on, please
- How long is the crossing? — How long is the crossing?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Is there a bus to the south end? — Is there a bus to the south end?
- What time is the last sailing? — What time is the last sailing?
Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Vashon Island. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep; Jul–Aug warmest and driest · avoid Nov–Mar (wet, short days, some seasonal businesses closed) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Ferry and water-taxi contract: last-sailing times field-checked, walk-on vs car wait times, taxi fallback.
- Walking clusters from the north terminal: town core, Ober Park and the library, Vashon Hwy viewpoints.
- Place pages with verified hours (Point Robinson, Island Center Forest, Bike in a Tree) and eat pages with last orders.
- Seasonal fixtures for kayak rental (May–Sep) and holiday ferry queues.