Travel FAQ, Ferry Info & Directions

 

 

With These Rings is located in Washington State, but I am honored to say that I work with couples from all over the country! To simplify your planning I have put together directions and ferry info below and a list of some of my favorite things about Port Townsend for you. No matter where you are coming from or what time of year you will be visiting to make your rings, you will definitely have a beautiful trip ahead of you. From sweeping views of the Puget Sound, through foggy forest roads and across vivid farmland.  The Olympic Peninsula perfectly captures the Pacific Northwest and does not disappoint. With These Rings' studio is located in the Victorian seaport town of Port Townsend, WA

 

Below are some answers to common travel questions:

 

 

 

 

Q: Will we need to rent a car?

A: If you are flying in from out of state renting a car is the most convenient option. There is not a direct ferry from Seattle to Port Townsend and Port Townsend does not have Uber or Lyft. There is a bus that leaves from the airport and downtown Seattle that comes out to Port Townsend. It takes about 3 hours. But if you plan on exploring the Olympic Peninsula at all this option would leave you a little stranded once you arrive in Port Townsend. 

Q: Should we stay in Port Townsend or Seattle?

A: That totally depends on the type of adventure that you want to go on. Some couples want to explore a new city and choose to stay in Seattle. While others want a trip that is a little more relaxing and/or outdoorsy so they stay in Port Townsend or on the Peninsula. Many people actually decide to do a little of both. Just a note that if you decide to stay in Seattle the trip to Port Townsend will take around 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the route that you take. (More info in the directions section below)

Q: Will we need to take a ferry?

A: No, you don’t need to take a ferry to get to Port Townsend, but it can be a nice way to break to the trip. I usually opt to take the ferry if I am heading to or from anywhere north of downtown Seattle. Do keep in mind that there is not a direct ferry from Seattle to Port Townsend. You will take your car on the ferry (which is super easy) then drive up the Peninsula to Port Townsend. You can relax for the half hour crossing and get a cup of chowder or a beer from the galley. And I have to say that Seattle> Bainbridge ferry has an unbeatable view of downtown and Mount Rainer (on a clear day.)   Please Note: When traveling on holidays or weekends in the summer there can be long lines for the ferry, which is never fun. But I personally still often opt to take the ferry over driving around. The busiest ferry days are Memorial weekend, 4th of July, Labor Day weekend, Thanksgiving, and around the Wooden Boat Festival in early September. 2022 has had longer wait times, due to staffing shortages leading to less boats running, combined with more people visiting the Peninsula!

Q: Which ferry should we take?

A: (PEASE NOTE: 2022 has had longer wait times, due to staffing shortages leading to less boats running, combined with more people visiting the Peninsula!) It depends where you are leaving from. All ferries go straight across the water from point A to point B. There are lots of ferries so it can seem confusing at first, but there are really just two main options to get to Port Townsend from Seattle. The Seattle>Bainbridge ferry leaves from downtown Seattle and goes to Bainbridge Island (don’t worry there is a bridge) From Bainbridge you have about an hour drive to Port Townsend. Edmonds>Kingston leaves from north of Seattle and is more convenient if you will be spending time on the north end of the city before you head over. The drive is about 45 mins from Kingston to Port Townsend. Both are a beautiful ride.

If you have any other questions about Port Townsend, Seattle, or your trip in general please feel free to ask me! One of the things that I love most about what I do at With These Rings is sharing this place that I love with other people.  I have worked with so many traveling couples that I probably have an answer to just about any question that you can come up with. I want make sure that you have a wonderful experience and memorable trip. 

FERRY INFO & DIRECTIONS

2022 has had longer wait times, due to staffing shortages leading to less boats running, combined with more people visiting the Peninsula!

Please note:

  • When traveling by ferry you should plan to arrive early for your boat. Also when traveling on holidays or weekends in the summer there can be long ferry lines. I usually still opt to take the ferry over driving around. The busiest ferry days are Memorial weekend, 4th of July, Labor Day weekend, Thanksgiving, and around the Wooden Boat Festival in early September.

  • There is not a direct ferry from Seattle to Port Townsend.

  • There is a bus that leaves from the airport and downtown Seattle and out to Port Townsend. It takes about 3 hours. But if you plan on exploring the Olympic Peninsula at all this option would leave you a little stranded once you arrive in Port Townsend.

 

DRIVING FROM SEATTLE OR SEA-TAC INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

 

FROM DOWNTOWN SEATTLE*: 

Or 

 

FROM THE AIRPORT*:

Or

*Both routes require a car. There is a bus option but it is not very efficient. 

 

FROM THE NORTH SEATTLE, EVERETT, AND SURROUNDING AREAS:

 

 

DRIVING FROM SOUTH OF THE SOUND AND OREGON

If you are leaving from south of Olympia, including Portland or anywhere in Oregon, I definitely recommend driving up 101. This route might say that it will add 10-15 minutes to your trip but in reality you will skip all of the traffic in Tacoma and you will get to drive along the Sound and through National Forest. You might want to plan to stop for oysters or a beer along the way.

 

DRIVING FROM NORTHERN WASHINGTON AND BRITISH COLUMBIA

 

FROM NORTHERN WASHINGTON AND BC:

FROM VICTORIA BC: