Most people arrive by Washington State Ferry. Lopez also has an airport and a number of public and private docks for people who arrive by boat.

To get the most out of your visit to our island, it is best to have your own transportation once you arrive, be it automobile or bicycle or motorcycle.  The closest shops, restaurants or services are approximately 4 miles south of the ferry landing.

If you plan to stay on each of the 3 major islands, considering starting your trip on San Juan Island and then going to Orcas and finally to Lopez. Ferry fares for vehicles apply only to westbound travel. There is no charge for traveling eastbound with a vehicle.

BE AWARE:  There is no rental car service on Lopez Island or public transportation. Our local taxi service takes reservations and is best contacted before you arrive on Lopez.  Be sure you have arranged for your transportation needs in advance. See Ground Transportation below.

The Washington State Ferry (WSF) system provides transportation from the mainland to and from the islands.  The terminal is located just 4 miles outside of Anacortes, Washington.  There are many ways to make your ferry experience a positive one.  WSF allows reservations to be made for travel from Anacortes to Lopez Island and they are highly recommended especially from May through September.  Please be sure to check out the information at their website: About the Reservation System.  Reserved spaces become available in 3 different allotments, which allows for both long range planning as well as a spur of the moment trip. The WFS web site also provides various links that can keep you updated as to ferry schedule, space availability and any changes resulting from maintenance or weather conditions.

For details on how to plan your ferry travel visit our Tips on Traveling By Ferry.  It contains more information about getting to and from Lopez, along with several important links to information on reservations, alerts, schedules, fares and more.

• Statewide:
• • Dial 5-1-1
  • (888) 808-7977
  • (800) 843-3779 (automated)
• Out of State: (206) 464-6400
• Seattle: (206) 464-6400

The San Juan Islands are a great place for boaters.  There are several parks with mooring buoys and a number of commercial marinas as well as private docks at many waterfront homes.  Be advised that even these facilities can all be full on a busy weekend, especially the Fourth of July, so be sure to check and plan ahead.  Many people prefer to moor in Fisherman Bay so they can walk to the restaurants and shops in the village.

See our Directory – Marinas for public and private marinas.  Parks with mooring buoys are Odlin County Park and Spencer Spit State Park.

Flying into Lopez is a great way to see the San Juan Islands from the air.  Private planes generally use the Lopez Airport.

Commercial Air travel service is available from

Kenmore Air
Kenmore flies sea planes to all the major islands from Lake Union in Seattle and flies wheeled planes from Boeing Field in Everett.  Sea planes land in Fisherman Bay on Lopez, wheeled planes land at the Lopez Island Airport. .

San Juan Airlines
San Juan Airlines flies in and out of the Lopez Island Airport

See the Port of Lopez website for more information on Lopez Island Airport.

Taxi or Bus: As mentioned above, there is a taxi service on Lopez Island.  There is no public transportation. Some accommodations provide pick up and delivery service to the ferry landing. Be sure you have arranged for your transportation needs in advance.  It’s a 4 mile walk from the ferry to town.

Bicycles: There are several businesses that rent bicycles. Please see Biking in our directory.  Some bike rentals companies will arrange to have your bike at the ferry landing when you arrive.  Be sure to ask.

Cars and Scooters: There are NO car or scooter rentals on the island.

Kayaks and boats: There are several locations where you can rent kayaks.  There are also boats available for touring and charters. Please see Activities in our Directory.