We had a great experience loading our car and traveling to Washington island. The staff is helpful with directing the cars. The price is reasonable. Takes about 20-30 minutes to cross to the island. They unload the ferry quickly. It runs every 30 minutes during the summer. read more

Washington Island Ferry Line - Transportation Near Me - Ellison Bay, Wisconsin

See all

Obviously you have to recommend because this is the only way to get to the island, unless you fly or are a great swimmer. But, this is a well run operation and the process is pretty seamless. Typically, early June they have two ferries running but the day we went was busy so they took out a third to keep this moving. Ticket prices are round trip and pretty reasonable, they really do a great job and make getting there and back half the fun. read more

Washington Island Ferry Line - View from the island - Transportation Near Me - Ellison Bay, Wisconsin

See all

This was a fantastic trip. Pay up for the forward cabin it's worth it. Check your bags and relax watching the scenery. Crew are super knowledgeable and made excellent recommendations for things to do in Victoria. read more

Nice being able to ferry over your car and then people who will walk or have family pick them up?!? I have no previous experience with this line but they said there was a wedding snd funeral this day so they had 4 ferries going. Everything worked like clock work with pulling cars in and getting cars off. We pulled right up to get on both ways...no wait. It was nice seeing all the islands in the bay and lighthouses (still very short compared to other lighthouses I've seen..lol) read more

See all

This is how you get to Washington Island. At present a round trip for two adults and your car will cost you $56. Getting onto the ferry is a little unnerving. Vehicles are packed in tight. If you have minimal ground clearance and a low exhaust system, you might lose it.We had a empty headed kid ding our new car by carelessly opening his door. On the trip back, I had to back in and park behind and perpendicular to the other cars. My wife has always been amazed by my parallel parking skills, this time she was impressed. The ferry runs all year. During the peak season it runs every 45 minutes. Tickets are first come first serve. The crew are friendly and efficient. Make sure you pay attention to them. There is an observation deck and a heated cabin (the crossings can be chilly). Bring your camera as the trip is very photgenic. Make sure you set your parking brake, as the trip can be choppy (it is called Deaths' Door). I watched the truck next to us slowly bounce forward into the car in front of it. The trip takes about 30 minutes. Unless you have your own boat, this is how you get to Washington Island. read more

Washington Island Ferry Line - Car deck - Transportation Near Me - Ellison Bay, Wisconsin

Great options for locals/ tourists! Once on the ferry, its a smooth and relaxing ride. There's beautiful views of Washington Island as well Michigan Lake. If you enjoy boat rides you'll love a ride on the Ferry! Strongly recommend this for everyone. read more

See all

Service was very good, crew available to direct you to drive onto the ferry and basic intro info. The ride was enjoyable. A bit buggy, so stay on the windy side, if possible. All was great, but it is pricey. By the way, I do not recommend a visit to Washington Island. The ferry ride was the highlight of our visit. It's a small rural town and the "sights" listed on broshures, IMO are not worth the time it takes to drive to all of them. Stay on the peninsula for more interesting sights and fun actvities. read more

We took a half hour ride for a day trip to Washington Island. The ferry holds about 20 cars. We were guided in to place and given the option to remain in our vehicle or go upstairs to the heated deck. The ride was a little rough as were the waters on the lake. I was a little surprised at the over $50.00 cost of the round trip for 1 car and 2 passengers. The highlight of the trip was getting a close up look at a freighter. read more

Washington Island Ferry Line - Transportation Near Me - Ellison Bay, Wisconsin

See all

The crew of the Washington Island Ferry Line are a well-oiled machine. Whether traveling on-season or off-season, they are very efficient and safe - which is good, because they're generally the only option on and off of the island for most residents and visitors. read more

Washington Island Ferry Line - Visitor Center - Transportation Near Me - Ellison Bay, Wisconsin

Took a day trip to Washington island this past weekend and used the ferry service. Prices were reasonable and the trip itself was quick and calm. They definitely know how to efficiently get people to and from the island with comfort and ease. read more

We took this ferry today to the island. Beautiful view and perfect weather for the trip. Disappointed coming back. We brought our bikes and were at the front of the line behind 2 motorcycles and Craig would not let us board. We were made to wait for every single car to load before us. Mind you there was not ONE car on the ferry before we were there. They tuck the bikes in a corner and completely could not understand why we were made to wait for every single car to go on and we were last when we were there first and easily could have followed the 2 motorcycles that went on before us. For surely not WOW service to make 2 bicyclists wait for every car to load before us. read more

The ticket purchasing process was extremely unclear. We sat in line for a while before I got out of the car and ventured up to the front kiosk to see if we were supposed to buy our tickets in person. You were, and by the time I got back to our car they started loading some of the cars. No one ever checked our tickets. A lot of cars cut in line (maybe because the process was unclear), and the staff only sent some of them to the end of the line. It was a bit pricey - over $50 round-trip for one car and two passengers. They packed the cars on the ferry really well and they unloaded us quickly. read more

I have never been at such an ill ran ferry in my life. I've gone to plenty as I was born on an island. There are no signs to tell you where to go or what to do. It isn't on the website either. They had one person taking tickets, which took forever. When I went to the other side where 3-4 ppl were just sitting at the other window and they refused me service. When the car behind me allowed me back in line realizing my issue, Jim came out and started screaming at me that it was too bad and I would have to get in the back of the line, 10 cars back now, berating me. Yet, not the fact that they had 4-5 ppl inside doing nothing. Nor understanding that it's is unclear what their process, if any, actually is. Furthermore, the website states $27 per vehicle, and individual prices for walk-ons. They wanted to charge over $60+ for 3 ppl. When I asked one of the women who refused me service, until Jim was running around yelling and flapping his arms like he forgot his meds, what Jim's name was, she said "why?" Like I had no business asking, and said he had worked here for a very long time. I guess that's why he can abuse the customers, and the rest just ride the clock. The whole reason for our vacation was to come up to Washington Island and Rock Island. Needless to say, I will be telling every person I know to avoid this disaster. I know plenty of ppl were looking at him like he was nuts, and many just walked up to the window so they didn't have to get turned around like I did. Jim kept motioning for ppl to come up to the window where I was just denied service, and got upset because no one would go over there. They were too confused why I was denied service, and then at the very same location they were going to be given service? It may be a small town, but I'm sure you all would do more business with better employees. Based on your previous reviews, this has been going on for years. read more

We took a half hour ride for a day trip to Washington Island. The ferry holds about 20 cars. We were guided in to place and given the option to remain in our vehicle or go upstairs to the heated deck. Our kids loved the ride, something different! A bit pricey, over 70 bucks for vehicle, 3 adults n kids (2 were free, one was 11) read more

See all

Very organized and simple. The crew was polite and fast with boarding and it was a fun experience overall. If it is a windy day, you may want to stay in your car, they don't call that stretch of water the devil's doorway for nothing! read more

On your visit to Door County you must take a ride on the Washington Island Ferry to Washington Island. You can take your car and that would be great if you are going to spend some time on the island. Just the ride over and back is worth the price. If it is windy, you will get a rough ride, and that can be fun too. You will see two lighthouses and a different view of Death's Door. read more

We took the ferry and the train tour of Washington Island. It was a good trip! Make sure you leave early so that you can see it all. Also, take your swimsuit and spend some time at the beach. read more