All Roads Lead To Edmonds
WA State ferry docked at the terminal in Edmonds, WA. Photo © James Ritzman / Ritzman Arts LLC
"The journey is the thing," William Least Heat-Moon wrote in Blue Highways. He was right. Getting to Edmonds is half the adventure—whether you're crossing the Sound by ferry, rolling in by train, flying into nearby Paine Field, or taking the scenic route down I-5. Every path leads here, and each one has its own rewards.
Let's explore your options.
Edmonds By Car
Most visitors arrive by car, at least for part of their journey. Plug your Edmonds destination into your GPS (we recommend starting at the fountain—you can type “Edmonds Town Fountain” into your map of choice, and it’ll pull up) and take the scenic route when possible. Downtown boasts ample free parking, and the city is extremely walkable once you arrive. Edmonds is exit 177 off I-5, an easy stop whether you're heading north to Bellingham or south to Seattle.
Want to purchase some new wheels while you're here? Why not! Campbell Auto on Highway 99 has been serving the community for generations, selling new and used Nissans, VWs, Kias, and vehicles perfect for your next Pacific Northwest road trip.
Edmonds By Boat
The Washington State Ferry from Edmonds to Kingston is one of our most popular attractions. The 30ish-minute crossing gives views of Mount Baker, potential whale sightings, and, depending on the season, glimpses of fishing boats working the Sound for salmon, shrimp, or crab.
If you're planning to walk on, there's a U-Park lot at the corner of Sunset Ave. S. and James St. with 64 spots (including 2 ADA spaces) ranging from $5-$12. Wait times can stretch during holiday weekends, but we imagine you probably won't mind. Salish Crossing, steps from the ferry terminal, has plenty to explore: Cascadia Art Museum, Thai By Day, Niles Peacock, Brigid's Bottleshop, Stranded By The Sea yarn shop, Spud, and Jester’s Pet Supply will keep you happily occupied. And don’t miss all the public art around, including a handful of large-scale murals and statues. Check the ferry schedule and live cameras here.
For whale watching adventures, Puget Sound Express operates from the Port of Edmonds. Their new Seattle (Edmonds) to San Juan Island tour runs May through September, departing at 10 a.m. and returning by 6 p.m. It's the only all-day whale watching tour from the Seattle metro area that includes a two-hour stop in Friday Harbor. The tour comes with a guaranteed whale sighting—99% of tours spot whales. Guests can also book half-day whale watching tours or spring gray whale excursions.
Want to captain your own vessel? Freedom Boat Club operates from the Port of Edmonds with 13 locations around the Sound, so you can rent a boat in Seattle and cruise north to explore our waterfront (or vice versa).
Edmonds By Train
Edmonds Station connects you to destinations from Vancouver, BC, to Vancouver, WA via Amtrak Cascades. The station itself is charming and beautifully maintained, which always makes for a more pleasant travel experience. Sound Transit also stops at Edmonds Station—an easy car-free option for Seattle-area residents and visitors looking to spend a day exploring without dealing with weekend parking.
Multiple bus routes serve Edmonds as well, with several stops throughout town depending on your route and destination.
Edmonds By Plane
While most visitors fly into Sea-Tac, Paine Field in nearby Everett (about 20 minutes north) has transformed regional travel. Direct flights serve destinations across California, Arizona, Nevada, and beyond—perfect for escaping the gray or heading home after your Edmonds visit. Check current destinations and flight schedules here.
Kenmore Air operates seaplanes from a hangar at Paine Field, too, meaning you can charter flights throughout the Pacific Northwest, not to mention that their seaplanes land in actual Kenmore, which is just a short drive to Edmonds. If you’re visiting us from Canada or one of the islands, a seaplane might be the perfect option for you!
Your Next Adventure Starts Here
All roads lead to Edmonds—and so do the ferry routes, train lines, and flight paths. Multiple transportation options mean you can design the perfect trip, whether it’s an absolutely stunning ferry crossing, a relaxing train ride, a quick flight, or a road trip with delicious stops along the way.
Getting here is easy. Leaving might be harder.
Tag us @exploreedmondswa when you're on the move. We'll be watching and sending virtual hearts your way.