Summer 2026 schedule, valid through Sept 19, 2026 (usual Mon-Thu pattern shown below) — WSDOT's Fall 2026 schedule takes effect Sunday, September 20, 2026
Departures 1–10 / 10
Departures 1–10 / 10
Crossing time
~15 min
Operator
Washington State Ferries
Map – Point Defiance–Tahlequah Ferry
| Fare type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult passenger (19-64), one-way | $7.60 |
| Senior (65+) / disability passenger, one-way | $3.80 |
| Youth passenger (18 and under) | Free |
| Bicycle surcharge (rider 19+) | $1.00 |
| Vehicle under 14' and driver | $27.00 |
| Vehicle under 22' and driver | $34.30 |
| Vehicle under 14' and senior/disability driver | $23.20 |
| Vehicle under 22' and senior/disability driver | $30.50 |
| Motorcycle and driver | $14.75 |
| Motorcycle and senior/disability driver | $10.95 |
| Vehicle/RV 22'-30' (under 7'2" high) and driver | $50.95 |
| Vehicle/RV 22'-30' (over 7'2" high) and driver | $100.90 |
| Vehicle/RV under 40' and driver | $134.20 |
| Vehicle/RV under 50' and driver | $167.50 |
| Vehicle/RV under 60' and driver | $200.80 |
| Vehicle/RV under 70' and driver | $234.10 |
| Vehicle/RV under 80' and driver | $267.40 |
| Vehicle/RV over 80', per additional foot | $3.35 |
| 10-ride commuter card, passenger | $62.80 |
| 31-day monthly pass, passenger | $100.50 |
| 10-ride commuter card, vehicle under 14' | $164.00 |
| 10-ride commuter card, vehicle under 22' | $207.20 |
| 10-ride commuter card, motorcycle | $91.60 |
Fares are one-way only and are collected exclusively at Point Defiance for westbound trips to Tahlequah; the eastbound return trip from Tahlequah to Point Defiance is not charged. Prices reflect the fare schedule published by WSDOT for this route. All fares in US dollars (USD).
The Point Defiance-Tahlequah ferry is a Washington State Ferries (WSF) route connecting Point Defiance in Tacoma with Tahlequah at the south end of Vashon Island. At about 1.7 miles and roughly 15 minutes, it is the shortest crossing in the WSF system, making it a quick link for Vashon Island commuters, Pierce County residents, and visitors heading to Point Defiance Park and Zoo or exploring Vashon.
WSF runs the route year-round on a published timetable that changes a few times a year (summer, fall/winter, spring). As of mid-September 2026 the Summer 2026 timetable is in effect through September 19; the Fall 2026 timetable begins September 20, and WSDOT states it keeps the same departure times, only swapping which holidays apply. On a typical weekday the first boat leaves Point Defiance at 5:05 am and the last at 10:30 pm, with departures roughly every 50-65 minutes and a longer midday gap between 11:45 am and 1:40 pm. Fridays add one extra midday round trip, and the weekend schedule starts about 50 minutes later than weekdays.
Fares are charged one-way and collected only at Point Defiance; the return trip from Tahlequah is free. An adult passenger pays $7.60, seniors and riders with disabilities pay $3.80, and passengers 18 and under ride free. Vehicles are charged by length, from $27 for a car under 14 feet with driver up to $267.40 for vehicles under 80 feet, plus a per-foot charge beyond that. There is no vehicle reservation system on this route; vehicles load first-come, first-served, and the terminal can back up during commute hours and summer weekends.
Because this route uses a single vessel, it is more exposed than larger WSF routes to last-minute trip cancellations from crew shortages or mechanical issues. Riders with a tight connection should check WSDOT's alert bulletins or @wsferries before heading to the terminal.
- Arrive at the terminal several minutes before departure; vehicle lanes close earlier than the foot-passenger gate.
- Check the operator's service alerts before you set out — weather, tides and vessel maintenance change sailings.
- Confirm accepted payment methods: some crossings are card-only and some take cash only.
Frequently asked questions
About 15 minutes. It is the shortest crossing in the Washington State Ferries system, covering roughly 1.7 miles across Dalco Passage.
An adult passenger pays $7.60 one-way, seniors and riders with disabilities pay $3.80, and passengers 18 and under ride free. A standard car under 22 feet with driver is $34.30, and a car under 14 feet with driver is $27.
No. WSF collects the fare only at Point Defiance for the westbound trip to Tahlequah. The return trip from Tahlequah to Point Defiance is not charged.
Yes, this is a car ferry. Vehicle fares are priced by length, starting at $27 for a driver and vehicle under 14 feet and rising to $267.40 for vehicles under 80 feet, plus a per-foot surcharge above that. There is no reservation system; vehicles load in the order they arrive.
Yes. Riders 19 and older pay a $1 bicycle surcharge on top of the passenger fare; there is no separate charge for children's bikes covered by the free youth fare.
The Tacoma terminal is at 5810 N Pearl St, next to Point Defiance Park. The Vashon Island terminal is at Tahlequah, 13247 SW Tahlequah Rd, at the island's south end.
Yes, it runs year-round. WSDOT publishes a new seasonal timetable a few times a year; the fall timetable takes over from summer on September 20, 2026 with the same departure times, according to WSDOT.
Occasionally. Because the route can run on a single vessel, WSF sometimes cancels individual sailings on short notice due to crew shortages or mechanical issues. Check WSDOT's ferry alert bulletins or @wsferries before you travel if your trip is time-sensitive.