Driving to Roche Harbor Resort is a scenic journey that combines a road trip with a ferry ride through the picturesque San Juan Islands. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan your trip:
1. Drive to Anacortes Ferry Terminal:
- From Seattle: The drive to Anacortes takes approximately 90 minutes.
- From Vancouver, BC: The drive is also about 90 minutes.
Map directions from your starting point to the Anacortes ferry terminal.
2. Ferry to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island:
- Ferry Service: Washington State Ferries operates multiple routes in the San Juan Islands. You will want to depart from Anacortes and arrive in Friday Harbor (vice versa when leaving).
- Reservations: It’s recommended to make reservations for your vehicle in advance to ensure your preferred sailing time. Reservations can be made on the Washington State Ferries website. More details on this are below.
- Check-In: Arrive at the ferry terminal at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure to guarantee your reservation.
3. Drive from Friday Harbor to Roche Harbor:
- Distance: Roche Harbor is a scenic 20-minute drive from the Friday Harbor ferry terminal.
- Directions: Upon disembarking, follow Roche Harbor Road northbound directly to the resort.
Map directions from the Friday Harbor ferry terminal to Roche Harbor’s check in location.
Ferry Reservations
Washington State operates ferries for passengers and vehicles to four San Juan Islands (San Juan, Orcas, Lopez and Shaw). Roche Harbor is accessed through Friday Harbor on San Juan Island.
Anacortes – San Juan Islands ferries operate several times a day on a schedule that rotates throughout the year. Scheduled sailings can – and should – be reserved for vehicles to ensure you make your preferred ferry. You must show up 30 minutes prior to your scheduled sailing to guarantee the reservation.
Alternate Option: Walk on the ferry
If you prefer not to bring your vehicle to the island, you can park at or near the Anacortes ferry terminal and walk onto the ferry. This may be preferable when vehicle reservations are not available for your desired travel time, as “walk-ons” do not need to make reservations. Upon arrival in Friday Harbor, shuttle services, taxis, and rental cars are available to transport you to Roche Harbor.
Taxis and Transit on San Juan Island
Travelers seeking shuttle services from Friday Harbor to Roche Harbor Resort have several options:
Shuttle Service Providers
- San Juan Transit provides transportation from Friday Harbor to various points on San Juan Island, including Roche Harbor from May through September.
- Friday Harbor Jolly Trolley offers a “Roche Harbor Express” shuttle running between Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor throughout the day from May through September.
Taxi Service Providers
- San Juan Island Taxi & Tours: Serves the communities of Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor, offering both taxi and tour services to showcase the island’s attractions.
- Eco Taxi: Provides transportation across San Juan Island, including destinations like Friday Harbor, Roche Harbor, Lime Kiln State Park, and more. They also offer scenic tour services.
Please note that while taxi services are available, ride-sharing platforms like Uber and Lyft do not operate on the island.
For the most current information and to arrange transportation, it’s advisable to contact these services directly.
Rental Cars in Roche Harbor
M&W Auto is proud to offer rental vehicles in Roche Harbor as well as Friday Harbor. It is recommended to reserve in advance.
Airport Shuttle Service (from/to Sea-Tac Intl. Airport)
Island Airporter offers convenient, non-stop shuttle services connecting San Juan Island and SeaTac Airport, operating on weekdays (Monday through Friday) with required reservations. For current schedules, fares, and booking information, please visit Island Airporter’s official website or contact their customer service directly.
Bellair Airporter Shuttle serves travelers seeking transportation between Sea-Tac Airport and Anacortes, the gateway to the San Juan Islands. Please note that while the Bellair Airporter Shuttle connects Sea-Tac Airport to Anacortes, travelers will need to arrange separate transportation from the Anacortes ferry terminal to Roche Harbor Resort, presumable by walking on the ferry and taking transit once on San Juan Island (see details above in “Alternate Option”).