PORT LUDLOW — It’s free but you better get in line early.
So say Port Ludlow Chamber of Commerce officials coordinating next week’s Aqua Express passenger ferry runs between Ludlow’s marina and Kingston.
“It’s set and ready to go,” says Jutta Gebauer, Port Ludlow chamber manager for the Olympic Gateway Visitor Center at highways 19 and 104.
The service runs during the Hood Canal Bridge construction closure on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
The bridge will be closed for the second time this month starting at 8 p.m. Sunday until 4 a.m. Thursday.
Interest is high
Gebauer said interest is high in the Ludlow to Kingston runs, but many people are complaining about the limited number of trips, especially those that connect to another Aqua Express passenger ferry to Seattle.
Underwritten by several Ludlow and Jefferson County businesses and organizations for $12,500, three daily Ludlow passenger ferry departures are scheduled at 5:45 a.m., 9:15 a.m. and 5:55 p.m.
The early-morning run leaving Ludlow aboard the 149-seat MV Two Harbors is scheduled to connect with Aqua Express’ 290-seat vessel in Kingston on to downtown Seattle’s Argosy Cruises Pier 55, north of the state ferry’s Colman Dock.
The 3:45 p.m. Aqua Express Seattle departure is the only run back to Kingston, landing at 4:25 p.m., and departing Kingston at 4:40 p.m. to arrive in Ludlow at 5:40 p.m.
While the Port Ludlow to Kingston connection is free, passengers will have to pay $5.50 each way on the Kingston-Seattle runs.
Those getting a free ticket in Ludlow will receive a pass guaranteeing them a return trip from Kingston, officials said.
“There are not enough ferries taking passengers to and from Kingston, and with an Aqua Express connection to and from Seattle,” said Gebauer.
Those who miss or cannot take the early run can catch the later ferry and use the state ferry to Edmonds or transit, she said.