Wander Orcas Island: Transportation Guide

Journey to Orcas Island: Your Ticket to Natural Beauty

Photo courtesy of San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau

Explore Orcas Island, the crown jewel of Washington's San Juan Islands, offering 57 square miles of natural splendor. With lush forests, pristine lakes, and picturesque coastlines, it's a paradise waiting to be discovered. Keep in mind, if you arrive at a mainland airport, you'll need to schedule a ferry to complete your journey to the island.Whether you arrive by air or sea, this detailed guide covers transportation options to ensure a seamless journey to this enchanting island paradise.

1) Air Travel- Orcas Island Airport (ESD/ORS)

Distance from Wander: 10.4 miles

Details: The following airlines provide service to Orcas Island:

• Kenmore Air Express:

  • (866) 435-9524 x2495

  • (866) 376-1407

• San Juan Airlines: 

  • (800) 874-4434

  • (360) 376-7139.

• Island Air: 

  • (360) 378-2376.

• Westwind Aviation:

  • (360) 378-6991.

• Cap’n Mac Bi-Plane Rides: 

  • (760) 688-6679 

  • clipper2@sbcglobal.net.

Ground Transportation from ESD/ORS

Details: 

• Cab/Taxi

  • Orcas Island Scenic Shuttle: (360) 298-8414

  • Orcas Taxi Tours: (360) 298-1639

    • Orcas Island Taxi Service: (360) 376-8294

• Car Service

  • Orcas Island Shuttle: (360) 376-7433

  • Orcas Island Car Rental: (206) 705-3999

  • M&W: (360) 378-2794

2) Air Travel- Bellingham International Airport (BLI) 

*Ferry transportation required*

Distance from Wander: 82 miles

Details: Bellingham International Airport (BLI) serves as a convenient entry point for travelers exploring the San Juan Islands, Victoria, BC, or the Canadian Gulf Islands. It is serviced by several airlines including Alaska Airlines, which offers flights to Seattle, Allegiant Air with destinations such as Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Palm Springs, and San Juan Airlines providing routes to multiple locations in Washington. Southwest Airlines also has flights to Las Vegas and Oakland, enhancing the airport's connectivity.

Ground Transportation from BLI

Details: 

• Cab/Taxi 

  • Evergreen Town Car Service

  • (360) 714-0502

  • https://www.evergreentowncarbellingham.com/ 

• Northwest Limousine Service

  • (360) 220-0207

  • http://limobellingham.com/ 

• Car Rental 

  • Avis: (360) 676-8840

  • Enterprise/Alamo: (360) 714-0243

  • Hertz: (360) 733-8336/ (800) 654-3131

3) Air Travel- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

*Ferry transportation required*

Distance from Wander: 131 miles

Details: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) proudly connects travelers to 91 non-stop domestic and 28 international destinations, including Canada, Mexico, and seasonal operations. With over 34 domestic and international airline carriers, SEA ensures a diverse range of travel options for passengers.

Ground Transportation from SEA

Details: 

• Cab/Car Service 

  • Premier Airport Shuttle

    • (206)244-0011

    • customerservice@premierairportshuttle.com

    • https://premierairportshuttle.com/

    • For rates and reservations, please visit Premier Airport Shuttle's website or at their kiosk located on the third floor of the Parking Garage for more information

  • Seattle Town Car Inc

    • (206) 369-9199

  • Riders Choice Transportation

    • (425) 406-6060

    • https://www.riderschoicetransportation.com/

  • Western Town Car Service / Airport Transportation

    • (206) 261-2222

    • https://westerntowncar.com/ 

• Car Rental

  • Alamo: (833) 329-8466

  • Avis: (206) 433-5231

  • Budget: (206) 444-7510

  • Dollar: (206) 433-5825

  • Enterprise: (206) 246-1953

  • Fox: (206) 858-9690/ (800) 225-4369

  • Hertz: (206) 277-2300/ (800) 654-3131

  • National: (833) 329-8465

  • Sixt: (888) 749-8227

  • Thrifty: (877) 283-0898

4) Ferry Travel- Washington State Ferries

Details: To reach Orcas Island from BLI or SEA airports, travelers must board a ferry. Ferries operate multiple times daily between Anacortes and Orcas Island, with schedules changing depending on the season. Reservations are required for bringing vehicles to and from Orcas Island, which can be made through the Washington State Department of Transportation's website. For additional details and schedules, visit https://wsdot.com/ferries/schedule/scheduledetailbyroute.aspx?route=ana-sj-sid.