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USA (Washington)

Point Defiance (Tacoma) → Tahlequah (Vashon Island)

A 15-minute crossing from Tacoma’s Point Defiance Park to Tahlequah at the southern tip of Vashon Island. It gives Tacoma drivers direct access to Vashon and a back route to West Seattle via the Fauntleroy ferry.

⏱ About 15m🚢 1 operator📅 About 20 sailings a day each way, from 5:05am to 10:30pm from Point Defiance🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly
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Point Defiance (Tacoma) to Tahlequah (Vashon Island) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Point Defiance (Tacoma) to Tahlequah (Vashon Island) takes About 15m across the Dalco Passage, operated by Washington State Ferries. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: about 20 sailings a day each way, from 5:05am to 10:30pm from Point Defiance.

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-09-29.

Sources: wsdot.com · wsdot.wa.gov · wsdot.wa.gov · wsdot.wa.gov · How we verify

Return crossing: Tahlequah (Vashon Island) to Point Defiance (Tacoma)

Washington State Ferries also sails Tahlequah (Vashon Island) to Point Defiance (Tacoma), taking About 15m. Sailings from Tahlequah leave 25 minutes after each Point Defiance departure, from 5:30am.

Point Defiance (Tacoma) to Tahlequah (Vashon Island) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

One boat shuttles about 20 times a day each way, from 5:05am to 10:30pm from Point Defiance

Fall schedule 20 Sep – 26 Dec 2026; some late sailings run Fridays to Sundays and holidays only.

Return: Sailings from Tahlequah leave 25 minutes after each Point Defiance departure, from 5:30am.

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official Washington State Ferries timetable →Check prices & book on Washington State Ferries →

Source: Washington State Ferries schedule by route. Verified 2026-09-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Point Defiance (Tacoma) and Tahlequah (Vashon Island)

📐 2 Nautical Miles
Point Defiance (Tacoma)⇄Tahlequah (Vashon Island)
⏱ About 15m · 📐 2 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚓ Operator website

Ready to cross from Point Defiance (Tacoma) to Tahlequah (Vashon Island)?

Book your crossing with Washington State Ferries: live fares, availability and sailing times.

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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Washington State FerriesAbout 15mChetzemoka

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

2 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Point Defiance terminal is at 5810 North Pearl Street, Tacoma, at the entrance to Point Defiance Park
  • Tahlequah terminal is at Vashon Highway SW and SW Tahlequah Road at the south end of Vashon

Related Ferry Crossings

Nearby alternative crossingFauntleroy (West Seattle) → Vashon IslandAbout 20m · Washington State FerriesNearby alternative crossingSeattle → Bainbridge Island35m · Washington State FerriesNearby alternative crossingMukilteo → Clinton (Whidbey Island)About 20m · Washington State FerriesNearby alternative crossingPort Townsend → Coupeville (Whidbey Island)About 35m · Washington State FerriesNearby alternative crossingAnacortes → Friday Harbor (San Juan Island)1h – 2h (depending on island stops) · Washington State FerriesNearby alternative crossingAnacortes → Lopez Island45m – 55m · Washington State Ferries
⚓ Tahlequah Ferry Terminal guide🗺 All ferries in United States🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Point Defiance (Tacoma) to Tahlequah (Vashon Island)?
The crossing typically takes About 15m. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Point Defiance (Tacoma) to Tahlequah (Vashon Island) ferry sail?
One boat shuttles about 20 times a day each way, from 5:05am to 10:30pm from Point Defiance. Fall schedule 20 Sep – 26 Dec 2026; some late sailings run Fridays to Sundays and holidays only. This is the pattern published in the Washington State Ferries schedule by route (checked 2026-09-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Point Defiance (Tacoma) to Tahlequah (Vashon Island)?
Washington State Ferries operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Point Defiance (Tacoma) to Tahlequah (Vashon Island) ferry?
Yes. Vehicles are carried on this route. Book vehicle space in advance for peak dates, and check the operator’s height, length and trailer limits for campervans and larger vehicles.
Can I take the Point Defiance (Tacoma) to Tahlequah (Vashon Island) ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Point Defiance (Tacoma) to Tahlequah (Vashon Island) ferry?
Pets are accepted on this route, subject to the operator’s rules (for example staying in the vehicle, kennels or pet-friendly cabins). International crossings also require the correct pet travel documents.
How far is Point Defiance (Tacoma) from Tahlequah (Vashon Island) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 2 nautical miles (roughly 4 km).