You’re standing at Pier 50 in downtown Seattle, and the salty breeze is hitting your face. Most people are currently losing their minds in bumper-to-bumper traffic on the West Seattle Bridge, staring at brake lights and wondering why they live here. You? You're about to spend ten minutes on the water. It’s the best-kept secret that isn't really a secret at all, yet tourists and even some locals still haven't quite figured out how to use the water taxi Seattle to Alki Beach to its full potential.
Honestly, it’s basically a cheat code for the city.
The King County Water Taxi isn't just a boat; it's a lifeline. When you're trying to get from the concrete jungle of the Financial District to the sandy stretches of Alki, you have choices. You could take an Uber that costs thirty bucks and takes forty minutes. You could try the bus, which is fine, but it lacks the drama of the Puget Sound. Or you could tap your ORCA card and hop on the Doc Maynard or the Sally Fox.
The Logistics Nobody Tells You Until You’re Late
Most people show up at the terminal thinking it’s like a bus where you can just run and jump on at the last second. Don't do that. The crew starts pulling the ramp about two minutes before the scheduled departure. If you’re sprinting down Alaskan Way at 10:29 for a 10:30 sailing, you’re probably going to be watching the wake of the boat from the dock.
The terminal is at Pier 50. It’s right next to the Colman Dock where the big state ferries go to Bainbridge and Bremerton. Don't get confused. If you see a massive green and white ship that holds 200 cars, you’re in the wrong line. Look for the smaller, sleeker passenger-only vessel.
Pricing is remarkably cheap for what is essentially a scenic cruise. As of 2025/2026, it’s about $5.75 if you pay cash, but if you’ve got an ORCA card, it drops to $5.00. Seniors and youth get even better deals. It’s one of the few things in Seattle that hasn't succumbed to insane price gouging.
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Why the Ride Itself is the Point
The crossing takes about 10 to 15 minutes. That’s it. In that window, you get a panoramic view of the Seattle skyline that people pay $80 for on "official" harbor tours. You see the Space Needle, the Great Wheel, and the massive container cranes of the Port of Seattle that look like giant orange giraffes.
The boats are catamarans. They’re fast. They cut through the wake of the larger ships with a rhythmic thumping that’s strangely meditative. On a clear day, Mount Rainier looms to the south, looking like a giant scoop of vanilla ice cream floating in the sky. If you’re lucky, you might spot a harbor seal or a porpoise. I've seen whales from the deck exactly twice in five years, so don't bank on it, but keep your eyes peeled anyway.
One thing to note: it gets windy. Even on a hot July day, the wind off the Sound will bite. If you're sitting on the upper deck to get those "main character" photos for your feed, bring a light jacket. Your hair will be a mess by the time you dock at Seacrest Park. Accept it.
Landing at Seacrest Park: You’re Not at the Beach Yet
This is where people get tripped up. When you get off the water taxi Seattle to Alki Beach, you aren't actually on the sandy part of Alki yet. You’re at Seacrest Park.
It’s beautiful, sure. You’ve got Marination Ma Kai right there. If you haven't had their kalbi beef tacos or the kimchi fried rice, you are fundamentally failing at your trip to West Seattle. Seriously, eat there. But if you want the actual beach—the volleyball nets, the fire pits, the Spud Fish & Chips—you’ve still got about a mile to go.
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You have three options here:
- The Shuttle: King County runs the Route 775 and 773 shuttles. They timed them to meet the boat. They are free. They will drop you right at the heart of Alki.
- The Walk: It’s about a 20-25 minute walk along the paved path. It’s flat. It’s gorgeous. You’ll pass fishing piers and people diving (Seacrest is a huge scuba spot).
- The Wheels: There are usually Lime bikes or scooters scattered around the pier. Just watch out for pedestrians; the path gets crowded with families and dogs on weekends.
The Winter Reality vs. Summer Dreams
In the summer, the water taxi runs late. On Fridays and Saturdays, you can stay in West Seattle for dinner and a sunset walk and still catch a boat back at 10:00 or 11:00 PM. It feels like a vacation.
Winter is a different beast. The "commuter-only" schedule kicks in for parts of the year, meaning mid-day service might be non-existent or limited. Always, always check the King County Metro website before you head out in November. There is nothing lonelier than standing at a rainy Seacrest Park at 2:00 PM realizing the next boat isn't until 4:15.
What People Get Wrong About the Commute
A lot of people think the water taxi is just for tourists. Wrong. It’s a workhorse for West Seattle residents. There is a specific "commuter culture" on the 7:15 AM boat. Everyone has their coffee, their AirPods are in, and there is a silent agreement not to talk to anyone. If you're a tourist on the morning commute boat, maybe keep the "Oh my god, look at the Space Needle!" exclamations to a dull roar.
The boat has Wi-Fi, but it’s spotty. You're better off just looking at the water. It’s also incredibly accessible. If you’re in a wheelchair or bringing a bike, the crew makes it easy. There are huge bike racks on the bow. It’s a favorite for cyclists who want to do the "loop"—ride from downtown, around the tip of West Seattle, and back over the bridge (though the bridge climb is brutal).
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Expert Tips for the Savvy Traveler
If you want the best seat, head to the very back of the boat on the lower level. You’re protected from the wind, but you still get the open-air view of the city receding behind you.
Also, keep an eye on the weather apps, but don't trust them completely. Seattle weather is micro-climatic. It can be pouring rain downtown and perfectly sunny at Alki. The beach has its own little weather system.
If Marination Ma Kai has a line out the door (which it usually does), walk five minutes south to Harry’s Beach House or keep going to the Alki strip. Duke’s Seafood is a classic, though it’s a bit more "tourist-standard." For something more authentic, find a spot at El Chupacabra for some "punk rock" Mexican food and a margarita with a view of the water.
Planning Your Trip Back
Don't miss the last boat.
I can't stress this enough. If you miss the final sailing, you are looking at a very expensive rideshare or a very long, multi-transfer bus ride through SODO. The schedule is your bible.
Why the Water Taxi Still Matters
In an era of light rail expansions and tech-heavy transit solutions, there’s something wonderfully analog about a boat. It forces you to slow down. You can’t speed up the Puget Sound. You’re at the mercy of the tides and the captain.
The water taxi Seattle to Alki Beach reminds us that Seattle is a maritime city first. Before the tech giants and the skyscrapers, it was a place of docks and timber and saltwater. Taking the boat isn't just about getting from Point A to Point B; it's about remembering why people settled here in the first place. The view of the city from the water at dusk, when the office lights start to twinkle and the orange glow of the sun hits the Smith Tower, is probably the most "Seattle" moment you can have.
Actionable Next Steps
- Download the Transit App: It gives you real-time tracking for the water taxi so you know if it's running behind (rare, but it happens).
- Check Your ORCA Balance: Ensure you have at least $5.00 loaded to avoid the hassle of the ticket machine at the pier.
- Plan for Seacrest Park: Decide ahead of time if you’re eating at the pier or heading to the Alki strip. If it's the latter, be ready to walk 1.2 miles.
- Time the Sunset: Look up when the sun sets and try to catch the boat that leaves 20 minutes before. It's the cheapest "sunset cruise" in the Pacific Northwest.
- Venture Beyond the Beach: Once you're at Alki, consider walking up the hill to the West Seattle Junction for a more "local" vibe with great record stores and bakeries.