Transportation in Seattle
With the Pacific Ocean and Puget Sound to the west and Lake Washington and the Cascade Mountains to the east, neighbourhoods merge into one another and everyone has their own opinions of where the boundaries lie. Downtown and the Waterfront are the beating hearts of business, government, upscale shopping and entertainment. Pioneer Square is south of here, International/Chinatown District is to the east, and Capitol Hill to the northeast. To the north is the trendy Belltown, and the neighbourhoods of Queen Anne, Lake Union and Denny Way. Funky Fremont is northeast of Lake Union.
Read more about transport from and to the airport
Tram
The air-conditioned Streetcar tram system connects the South Lake Union neighbourhood with the Downtown shopping district. Pay with cash or use one of several travel passes available.
Foot
Navigating Seattle by foot is only for the hale and hearty. East-west streets are often very steep, which may account for the high fitness levels of many locals.
Bus
Seattle's excellent bus system makes navigating the city a breeze. All buses provide wheelchair and bicycle lifts plus helpful drivers who cheerfully announce significant stops and give directions.
Taxi
Taxis with friendly, reliable drivers can be hailed from in front of hotels, the airport or by telephone. It is possible to hail them on the street Downtown, but in residential areas you are better off using a taxi rank or telephone.
Ferry
Washington State Ferries are an attractive way to see the area. Sailing from Piers 50 and 52, 801 Alaskan Way in the city centre, they link the city with the Olympic Peninsula, Bainbridge Island and other parts of the region.
Monorail
The 1.6km, two-minute monorail ride, built for the 1962 World's Fair, links Downtown Seattle to the Seattle Center, home of the Space Needle, Pacific Science Center, the Experience Music Project and a host of entertainment venues.
Rent your car
Two freeways and a major highway run north-south along the west and east coast of Seattle’s Lake Washington, connecting most parts of the city. Express lanes are reversed from morning to evening peak-time, to relieve congestion. Parking is organised on a three-tiered pricing system from downtown to the outskirts.
Transportation Tips
The Regional Day Pass, providing unlimited daily travel on all regular Metro services, is available on weekends and holidays. It is easy to get around by car, but parking is pricey.
