Navigating Washington State

Interwoven with a vast network of highways and backroads, Washington exemplifies a typical US state. For those who can afford it, driving reigns supreme, while public transportation outside urban areas remains relatively limited compared to many European, Asian, or South American countries. Many travelers choose to rent cars to indulge in that quintessential American experience: the road trip.

The western region of the state, divided by the north-south corridor of I-5 and serviced by the Washington State ferry system, is pleasantly easy to traverse. In contrast, the more sparsely populated central and eastern areas pose greater challenges for those without their own transportation.

The primary metropolitan hub, Seattle, has significantly improved its public transit over the past twenty years, now standing shoulder to shoulder with any major US city in terms of service quality and availability.

Travel by jets, seaplanes, and four-seat Cessnas

Most in-state flights are primarily operated by Alaska Airlines, which offers services from Seatac (Seattle-Tacoma), Spokane, Walla Walla, Wenatchee, and Yakima, among other locations.

Kenmore Air provides seaplane services between Seattle’s Lake Union and the San Juan Islands. Meanwhile, San Juan Airlines connects the San Juans with Bellingham and Anacortes using four- to eight-seat Cessnas.

Welcome to the largest ferry network in the US

Washington State Ferries (WSF) traverses the complex network of inlets and islands along the Washington coast, stretching from Anacortes in the north to Tacoma in the south.

It is the largest ferry system in the United States and the second-largest vehicle-carrying ferry network globally, surpassed only by BC Ferries to the north. The fleet comprises 21 vessels and operates 10 routes, all of which accommodate cars.

Washington is among the most bike-friendly states in the US.

For ten consecutive years in the 2010s, Washington was rated the most bike-friendly state by the League of American Bicyclists, thanks to its robust biking infrastructure and advocacy (it has since dropped to third place, behind Massachusetts and Oregon). Notable cycling cities include metro Seattle, active Bellingham, university town Ellensburg, and historic Port Townsend. The picturesque country roads of the San Juan Islands offer delightful biking experiences. Rental shops are plentiful, offering sturdy bikes for $50 to $75 per day, and around $125 for e-bikes.

Select from three legendary Amtrak train options

Amtrak, operated by the state, offers three primary train routes in Washington: The Cascades travels from Vancouver in Canada through Seattle and Portland to Eugene in Oregon. The Coast Starlight connects Seattle and Los Angeles, while the famous Empire Builder links Seattle to Chicago, with an additional route running south from Spokane to Portland.

Major rail hubs in the state include Seattle, Spokane, Pasco, Vancouver (WA), Bellingham, Everett, Wenatchee, and Tacoma.

Rail travel tends to be more comfortable than bus travel, although trains can frequently experience delays. Amtrak provides “Thruway” buses to locations not served by its rail network, typically in partnership with local bus operators. These connections can be booked via the Amtrak website.

Certain local transit agencies provide complimentary bus rides

Most cities, regardless of size, feature local bus services. Individual counties also have public transit providers connecting smaller towns, with some, like Whidbey Island’s Island Transit, offering free rides.

Seattle boasts a contemporary light rail system named Link, constructed between 2009 and 2021, linking SeaTac airport with Downtown, the University District, and Northgate. Additionally, another light rail line operates in Tacoma to the south. Plans are underway to expand Seattle’s Link Light Rail by four times its current size by 2044.

The city also operates a substantial bus fleet, complemented by two streetcar lines developed between 2007 and 2016.

Inter-city buses serve as a viable alternative to cars for those with flexible schedules.

Bus stations, when they are available, tend to be situated outside of downtown areas, and the restrooms may not always be particularly modern or clean. On the bright side, buses are usually not crowded.

The majority of Washington’s inter-city bus services are operated by Flixbus and Greyhound (which merged in 2021). While quality has seen some improvement since the merger, it still lags behind the more luxurious options found in Asia, South America, and Mexico.

Smaller companies manage rural routes, including Grape Line between Pasco and Walla Walla, and Apple Line connecting Wenatchee to Omak. The Bellair shuttle provides service from Seattle to Anacortes, the primary ferry terminal for the San Juan Islands. The popular route between Vancouver (Canada) and Seattle is serviced by Quick Shuttle, Cantrail, and Greyhound.

Road conditions are generally good, but anticipate traffic congestion on I-5, particularly around Seattle.

Allow for extra travel time when driving on I-5 in and near Seattle, especially during rush hours when traffic can come to a standstill. In other areas, roads are typically well-maintained and not overly crowded. However, the Cascades can be icy in winter, so carrying chains is advisable.

You can rent cars from popular companies like Hertz, Alamo, and Enterprise. Prices can vary significantly based on the vehicle, rental duration, and season, starting around $60 per day. Many drivers also utilize the Airbnb-like car-sharing service Turo, which allows renting from private owners. Washington is well-equipped for electric vehicles, with plenty of charging stations (including Tesla superchargers), especially along the I-5 corridor.

Driver's tip – Seasonal closure on SR 20.

Washington’s longest road, the North Cascades Highway (SR 20), is closed from mileposts 134 to 171 from November to April due to snowfall. For updates, check the Washington State Department of Transportation’s website.

Transportation accessibility in Washington

Most buses are equipped with wheelchair facilities at no additional charge. Be sure to communicate your needs when making a reservation.

Passengers with disabilities can receive discounts on Amtrak trains. The service accommodates wheelchairs, service animals, and accessible seating; for full details on accessibility options, visit Amtrak's website and specify your requirements when booking.

Seattle’s contemporary light rail trains and streetcars are fully accessible, as are the majority of its newer buses.

Washington State Ferries feature elevators, designated restrooms, and wider vehicle spaces. Special assistance can be arranged at terminals for walk-on passengers with specific needs.

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