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Visiting Centrum FAQ

Frequent questions

Every great student asks questions. Let’s get you some answers. View frequently asked questions about Centrum, filter by type to view information about travel and meals. Need more answers? Contact us

New Real ID travel requirements for licenses used in domestic flight travel beginning May 7, 2025

Beginning May 7, 2025, all US domestic flight travel will require a Real ID or passport. See if your license is a ‘Real ID’ and more information at: www.dhs.gov/real-id

New Discover Pass requirements effective March 1, 2025

Beginning March 1, 2025, a Discover Pass is required on all vehicles parked anywhere inside Fort Worden State Park. Passes are available at many Washington retailers and online for $35 (annual) or $11.50 (daily). A $30 (annual) or $10 (daily) pass is available at BLDG 200 and at the electronic kiosk by the Fort Worden beach (credit card only). For more on Discover Pass: discoverpass.wa.gov

Permanent Washington State Disability placards are accepted as an exemption from the Discover Pass requirement (those passes are blue).  Washington State issued Disability License Plates are also accepted as an exemption.

Temporary placards do not qualify for the Discover Pass exemption but are valid for parking in ADA designated stalls (those passes are red).

  • Permanent Disability placards or license plates.  Only valid at State Parks (you’ll still need a Discover Pass to access lands managed by WDFW or DNR).  Make sure to bring your placard ID card or vehicle registration. Temporary (red) parking placards will not be accepted for day-use parking or camping discounts.  

Here’s a link to the Discover Pass website with a bullet about the placards:

Discover Pass Exemptions and Exceptions | Discover Pass, WA – Official Website

Here’s info about qualifying for the Blue Permanent Pass

https://dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/get-or-renew-disabled-parking-permits/disabled-parking-eligibility

Inquiring about shuttle van service?

Please email the details of your inquiry and include your contact information, and a member of the Centrum team will follow up.

How to redeem gift certificate or special passes?

Gift certificates or other special passes must be redeemed at the Centrum office at least 48 hours in advance of the event.

Where can I park my bike?

Bikes may be walked in and left along the fence line, riding is not allowed once inside the gates.

Can I bring my pet?

Pets are not permitted inside the venue gates. Service Animals are always welcome. Disruptive animals will not be permitted.

Where may alcohol be consumed?

Beer and Wine Garden patrons should have ID ready to show.

18 years and younger free at most events

Guests 18 years of age and younger are free at most events, but reservations are necessary to guarantee space. If you are between 15 and 18 years old please present a picture ID at the door.

Is there parking for ticketed events?

For ticketed events, parking, including handicap accessible parking, is available near the venue. You will be directed to concert parking areas upon arrival.

Outside of ticketed events, there are new Discover Pass parking requirements in all of Fort Worden State Park effective March 1, 2025. For more information and exemptions, see the FAQ: New Discover Pass requirements effective March 1, 2025

Where can guests access assistive listening devices?

Assistive listening devices are available at all McCurdy Pavilion and Wheeler Theater events.

Have accessibility and mobility needs?

For accessibility and mobility needs please contact the Centrum office Monday through Thursday between noon and 4pm at 360 385-3102 ext110. Our box office staff will be pleased to accommodate your needs to the best of our ability. Our lines are very busy, so please leave a message if prompted.

Is there a fee for purchasing tickets online or over the phone?

No hidden ticket fees, no matter how you purchase! The only fee you will pay is for postage and handling if you choose to have your ticket(s) mailed to you.

Travel around town

JEFFERSON TRANSIT operates municipal bus service (Bus Line #2) to Fort Worden daily at two-minutes past the hour, departing from The Food Co-op in downtown Port Townsend (at the intersection of SIMS WAY, WATER STREET and KEARNEY STREET in Port Townsend.)

There is no public bus service on Sundays. Route maps and current schedules available online. The fare is free.

PENINSULA TAXI operates service in Port Townsend.  They are located at 928 Tyler Street, Port Townsend. (360) 385-1872

Public Transportation

Monday through Friday, you can take advantage of two great commuter services to get to/from Port Townsend from Seattle:

  • From Downtown Seattle, you can take the Kitsap Fast Ferry to Kingston, and from Kingston there is a once-daily express bus to Port Townsend, the #14 Kingston Express. Please check schedules carefully, the hours are very limited. Visit JEFFERSON TRANSIT for more information on these options.
  • In addition to the above express routes, you can transfer via the regular bus systems to/from Bainbridge Island or Kingston Ferry Terminals. Consult JEFFERSON TRANSIT and KITSAP TRANSIT for options on these.
  • To travel by bus to Fort Worden from Four Corners or Haines Place drop off points, consult the busline for #2, THE FORT WORDEN LOOP

GREYHOUND/DUNGENESS SEATAC to PORT TOWNSEND SERVICE
This is a great option if you can time it with your arrival at SeaTac. $42 one way. Book tickets in advance.

PRIVATE SHUTTLE – ROCKET TRANSPORTATION
Rocket can arrange door-to-door pickup/drop off to SeaTac from the peninsula. By advance reservation only. Rates start at $75 for a one-way trip from SeaTac to Port Townsend.

Ferry Travel

NOTE: Ferry reservations are encouraged – and in some high-season periods – required for the Port Townsend/Whidbey Island ferry.

FERRY SCHEDULES (link to current schedule)

What can I buy in Port Townsend?

Within two miles of Fort Worden you will find Port Townsend’s charming downtown, where you can get to the post office, a music store, health food store, pharmacy, TWENTY restaurants, gas stations, banks, and several coffee shops.

How to get here – SeaTac Shuttle option

Book flights into SeaTac airport to arrive by 1pm PT on your check-in day and depart no earlier than noon on check-out day. Port Townsend is two hours from SeaTac airport on a good day.

If you’re interested in transportation from SeaTac to Fort Worden, choose the shuttle option when you register. The shuttle costs: $120 round-trip or $60 one-way.

For specific travel directions to and around Port Townsend, please see our Contact page for driving and ferry directions.

Other Fort Worden food service

More food options (NOT INCLUDED in meal plans)

Fort Worden Commons

Meals at Fort Worden State Park are prepared to the highest standards at the Fort Worden Commons. Vegetarian and vegan meals can be arranged.

Other Accommodations

Campsites and RV spaces are available at Fort Worden, but they fill quickly. Reservations are made through Washington State Parks. Reserve a campsite.

More camping is available one half mile from Fort Worden: Mule Barn Camp.

For accommodations in Port Townsend, visit enjoypt.com

Accessibility

Centrum strives to provide an environment that is welcoming to individuals of all backgrounds, races, genders, and abilities. Due to the historic nature of the campus, many of the cabins and apartments are not yet wheelchair accessible, but we are committed to finding solutions for the needs of all individuals and ask that residents are forthcoming about their needs. Please inform us how we can best accommodate your visit.

Driving directions to Port Townsend

The easiest thing to do is enter 223 Battery Way, Port Townsend, WA 98368 into a map phone app for exact directions from your location.

Via Car from SeaTac Airport

Non-Ferry Route:
From SeaTac airport, you can drive south, via I-5 S to Tacoma, and WA-16 W and WA-3 N to WA-104 W. This route takes approximately 2 hours, 10 minutes at best, and can be congested during rush hours.

Ferry Routes via Car:
From SeaTac, drive to the Downtown Seattle Ferry Terminal (Colman Dock) or the Edmonds Ferry Terminal. Ferries to Bainbridge Island, Kingston, or from Victoria B.C. and Whidbey Island will get you to the Olympic Peninsula.

  • From Victoria, British Columbia via Victoria/Port Angeles Ferry:
    Take the Victoria-Port Angeles ferry (90-minute crossing). Ferry exits onto Laurel St .2 miles. Turn left onto E. Railroad St. 0.1 miles, take 1st right onto N. Lincoln St./US 101 E. and continue for 34.2 miles. Turn left onto WA-20, go 7.8 miles and turn left to stay on WA-20 for another three miles and you have reached Port Townsend.
  • From Vancouver, B.C. via Whidbey Island – Port Townsend Ferry
    Follow Provincial Route 99 south to border crossing. Provincial Route 99 S. becomes I-5 S. Go 46.1 miles take exit 230 toward WA-20/Burlington/Anacortes. Go .4 miles turn right onto WA-20 E. make a U-turn onto WA-20 W. Go 11.8 miles turn left onto WA-20 and continue 16.4 miles turn right to stay on WA-20, go 9.5 miles turn right onto S. Main St. go 0.6 miles (S. Main St. becomes Engle Rd.), go 3.3 miles. Take the Port Townsend-Keystone Ferry. You are now in downtown Port Townsend.

Where to stay in Port Townsend?

Here is a list of local lodging options available in Port Townsend, WA:

  1. Swan Hotel
  2. The Palace Hotel
  3. Fort Worden

Upcoming Events