Top Ways to Navigate Seattle

Despite its size, getting around Seattle without a vehicle is quite manageable. Most tourist-friendly neighborhoods are walkable, although areas like Capitol Hill and Queen Anne require some challenging uphill treks. Traveling between neighborhoods is generally straightforward, thanks to a comprehensive and budget-friendly public transit system.

While driving gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and helps keep you dry during Seattle's notorious rain, it does have its downsides. To help you choose the best transportation method, here’s all the essential information about navigating Seattle.

Navigating Seattle by car is not for the faint-hearted

Seattle's traffic is unusually congested and chaotic for its size, with limited and costly parking options. Coupled with a confusing array of crooked grids, steep hills, perplexing left-lane freeway exits, and numerous one-way streets, it’s clear that driving here can be tricky. And that's not even touching on the complexities of the address system.

If you're feeling adventurous, rental companies like Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz can be found at Sea-Tac airport. The city also has car-sharing options like Zipcar and GIG. Be sure to check the rules regarding fuel and mileage fees, as they can differ.

Taxis and rideshare services can be expensive (but at least you won’t be behind the wheel)

For quick trips outside public transport hours – or if you're unsure how to travel from Seattle airport to downtown with your luggage – taxi cabs and rideshare options like Uber and Lyft are available.

You can try to flag down a cab on the street, but it's usually more reliable to call one. All taxis in Seattle operate under the same rates established by King County, starting at USD$2.60 when the meter drops, followed by $2.50 per mile. Trusted taxi services include Seattle Orange Cab, Seattle Yellow Cab, and STITA Taxi.

Be aware that there may be extra charges for additional passengers and luggage, and some companies offer flat rates for rides from the central business district to the airport. You can expect to pay between $40 and $55 for a trip from downtown to the airport.

Buses are the most affordable option – and several run throughout the night.

For budget-conscious travelers, buses are a great option. Most of Seattle's buses are operated by King County Metro Transit, which is part of the King County Department of Transportation. Visit their website for route schedules, maps, and a trip planner.

To keep it straightforward, the fare for all buses within Seattle city limits is a flat rate of $2.75 for adults. You can pay using cash, a Metro transfer or ticket, or an ORCA card.

Make sure to have the exact fare ready since drivers don’t carry cash: your payment goes into a fare box. A transfer ticket is good for three hours from when you buy it. Most buses can accommodate two to three bicycles.

There are six RapidRide bus routes (A to F). These buses have fewer stops, making them faster and more frequent than regular ones, with arrivals every 10 minutes.

Line C links downtown with West Seattle, while Line D connects downtown to Ballard. Payment methods are the same as for regular Metro buses, and fare inspections may occur, so keep your ticket handy.

Sound Transit operates regional buses that travel beyond Seattle’s borders, making them a viable choice for destinations like Tacoma or Everett. However, they have limited stops, which makes them less suitable for getting around within Seattle itself.

Catching late-night buses

If you find yourself needing public transport in Seattle after a night out, the city offers Night Owl buses running from midnight to 5 AM on some popular routes.

From 8 PM to 5 AM, there’s also a Night Stop service available in certain areas. You can request the driver to drop you off anywhere along the route, even if it's not an official stop, helping reduce your walking distance. However, the driver will decide whether to make this stop.

For those under 18, you can now ride for free.

Washington Governor Jay Inslee enacted the Move Ahead WA package to enhance public transportation and infrastructure in the state. Among its features is free transit for youth aged 18 and under, allowing kids and teens (with a Youth Orca Card or a school ID) to use Seattle’s buses, trains, streetcars, and water taxis for free until they turn 19.

Avoid traffic congestion with the Link light rail

One Link line operates within Seattle, connecting Angle Lake through Sea-Tac Airport and Westlake Station downtown to the Northgate neighborhood. It’s quicker than both buses and cars, running every 8 to 15 minutes (depending on the time) from 5 AM to 1 AM, with limited service on Sundays and holidays from 6 AM to midnight.

Fares range from $2.25 to $0, depending on the distance you travel.

There’s an additional Link line that operates in Tacoma, connecting the Tacoma Dome to the Theater District.

Catch a train to Everett or Tacoma

Sound Transit operates 'Sounder' trains that link Seattle with its neighboring cities of Tacoma to the south and Everett to the north. These trains are modern and well-maintained, with schedules that run efficiently. Fares vary based on distance traveled, typically ranging from $3.25 to $5.75 for adults.

Travel time ranges from one to two hours. You can also take connecting bus routes to reach Washington’s capital, Olympia.

Discover Seattle's history aboard the Monorail

Originally designed as public transit, the Monorail has transformed into a popular tourist attraction. It travels just one mile, connecting Westlake Center downtown to Seattle Center – home of the Space Needle – and returns every 10 minutes, operating from 7:30am to 11pm on weekdays and 8:30am to 11pm on weekends, with extended hours for events at the arena and Kraken hockey games.

It’s an enjoyable way to traverse between the city’s most visited attractions. The fare for the Monorail is $3.25 for adults. Payments can be made by card or with an ORCA card, as the Monorail does not accept cash.

Catch a ride on the Seattle Streetcar

The Seattle Streetcar made a comeback in 2007 with the launch of the 2.6-mile South Lake Union line, connecting Westlake Center to Lake Union. This route has nine stops, and adult fares are set at $2.25. Day passes for unlimited rides that day are available for $4.50.

A second line, featuring 10 stops, began service in 2016, running from Pioneer Square through the International District and First Hill to Capitol Hill. On weekdays, streetcars operate from 5am to 10:30pm, arriving approximately every 15 minutes (12 minutes during peak hours).

Plans for additional streetcar lines are underway, with routes proposed for Fremont, Ballard, and the U District.

Experience Puget Sound aboard a ferry or water taxi

The key inter-neighborhood boat service is the water taxi, linking the downtown waterfront (Pier 50) to West Seattle’s Seacrest Park and the Alki neighborhood. This service is available for foot passengers and cyclists only.

During summer, the water taxi operates hourly every day, while in winter, it runs only on weekdays. The fare for the 10-minute trip is $5.75 for adults, and bikes can be taken on board at no extra charge.

Another water taxi route provides access to Vashon Island, with a 15-minute crossing time and a ticket price of $6.75 for adults. Keep in mind that bus service on the island is limited, and the hilly terrain can be challenging for cyclists.

The much larger Washington State Ferries accommodate foot, bicycle, and vehicle traffic. From the Pier 50 terminal, you can catch routes to Bainbridge Island and Bremerton, both of which make for fantastic day trips from Seattle. Don’t forget to grab a route schedule to ensure you don’t miss the last ferry back to the city.

Challenge your cycling abilities on Seattle’s hilly terrain

While winter may not be ideal for biking, you'll still see locals cycling even in the rainy darkness.

If you're willing to brave the rain, pick up a copy of the Seattle Bicycling Guide Map. The best route for non-motor traffic is the picturesque Burke-Gilman Trail, which winds through the northern neighborhoods like the U District, Wallingford, Fremont, and Ballard.

Other useful bike paths include the Ship Canal Trail along the north side of Queen Anne, Myrtle Edwards Park, Green Lake Park, and the Cheshiahud Loop encircling Lake Union.

Although Seattle and all of King County lifted the helmet law for cyclists in 2022, it’s still advisable to wear one for your safety.

Seattle offers bike-sharing services through Lime and Veo.

Discover Seattle by walking around the city.

Indeed, the monorail was groundbreaking in 1962, and the ferries offer a delightful way to feel the sea breeze, but on those rare clear days, nothing compares to the invigorating experience of walking. Plus, it’s the most affordable way to navigate Seattle!

Most of Seattle’s traffic flows through two main routes – I-5 and SR-99 (known variously as Aurora, Alaska Way, or Pacific Highway depending on your location) – so the central streets aren’t as chaotic as you might expect.

In areas like Belltown and Pioneer Square, your biggest challenge may just be sports fans near the stadiums. In downtown, the hills might slow you down a bit, while along the waterfront, you’ll need to be mindful of seagulls and other tourists.

Capitol Hill and Queen Anne are Seattle’s most walkable neighborhoods. For the adventurous, skip the car, bus, or train and explore the U District, Wallingford, Fremont, and Ballard via the people-watching gem that is the Burke-Gilman Trail.

Travel anywhere with an ORCA card.

Seattle features a comprehensive transit card that works across various services, including Sounder trains, King County Metro buses, Link light rail, Seattle Streetcar, Seattle Monorail, water taxis, and Washington State Ferries.

ORCA cards function like a digital wallet: you load money onto your account with a credit or debit card, then simply tap on and off transit to access your balance. Certain services, like the water taxi, provide discounted fares for ORCA cardholders.

You can obtain an ORCA card online or purchase one at any ORCA refill kiosk located in the Link Light Rail transit tunnels or at select retailers. Refilling your card is also possible at these kiosks or online. If you plan to travel frequently, consider a regional day pass or a monthly pass.

Accessible transportation options in Seattle

All public facilities (including hotels, restaurants, theaters, and museums) are mandated by law to ensure wheelchair accessibility and appropriate restroom facilities. Relay operators are available for the hearing impaired through telephone services, and many banks offer ATM instructions in Braille. Dropped curbs are standard at intersections citywide.

Most buses operated by King County Metro are fitted with wheelchair lifts. Timetables marked with an “L” denote wheelchair-accessible routes. Bus stops will have signage indicating whether a lift or ramp is available at that location.

Once you're aboard the bus, remember to inform the driver if you need your stop announced.

Service animals are permitted on most public transport in Seattle, but emotional support animals may be considered pets, subjecting them to certain restrictions. Passengers with disabilities are eligible for reduced fares, but they must first obtain a permit from King County Metro.

Most large private hotels and chains provide accessible suites for guests with disabilities. Many car rental companies also offer hand-controlled vehicles at no additional cost, but reservations should be made a few days in advance.

All major airlines, Greyhound buses, and Amtrak trains permit service animals to accompany passengers and frequently offer two-for-one ticket packages for those needing a caregiver.

The Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality (SATH) offers resources for travelers with disabilities, while Easter Seals of Washington provides technology support, workplace services, and camps for individuals with disabilities and special needs. For additional information, explore Dinogo Planet’s Accessible Travel Guides.