• Coming from either Seattle or Vancouver BC (bring your passport), take exit 230 from Interstate 5, approximately 90 miles from either city. You can take Airporter Shuttle from either downtown Seattle or SeaTac airport to the ferry terminal in Anacortes.
• It is easy, inexpensive and runs often. The ferry schedule changes each season, along with the prices, so look here to determine when you should try to Anacortes. If you are coming in a car during the summer, be prepared to show up at least 2 hours before departure to get a spot on the ferry, and even that is not guaranteed, there are no reservations.
• The same time allowance is needed to leave the island as well. If you walk or bike on (motorcycles too) you can arrive just before departure (20 minutes or so) and not have to wait. There is parking for your car right there and it is less expensive than driving onto the ferry.
• Enjoy your time here, not waiting in lines!! We’ll pick you up from the ferry (twice a day, morning and afternoon) for $10 roundtrip (we won’t pick up or drop off from the first or last ferries). Or you can bike into town, it is about 7 miles.
• Or you can hitchhike off the ferry, get up to the top of the hill and wave someone down, locals will usually pick you up if you are in a spot where they can pull over…just ask for a ride into Eastsound…we’re located just by the dog park and fire station.
• Additionally, there are few specific spots on the island where people will stop to get you. We have inexpensive bike rentals (please reserve ahead of time) for you while you stay here, with locks and helmets. You can get anywhere on this island by bike, and see things you wouldn’t otherwise get to see whizzing by in a car.
• If you’re coming from Victoria, there is a Washington State Ferry run from Sidney, BC most of the year, with reservations required. It’ll bring you into Friday Harbor, and then you can take another boat to Orcas. You need a passport to get into the United States in Friday Harbor.
• Flying to Orcas
• The hostel is walking distance to the airport. Kenmore Air and San Juan Airlines provide daily flights from Seattle and Bellingham. The flights are absolutely breathtaking, and it is more than just a transportation alternative. If you fly your own plane in, walk on over from the airport.