What's the best way to get around Seattle?


What's the best way to get around Seattle? Some of the best ways to get around Seattle include walking, public transportation, driving, biking, and using the ferries. How you choose to explore Seattle depends on your itinerary, budget, and preferred level of comfort.


Does anyone pay for light rail Seattle?

There are no turnstiles, so passengers are supposed to either buy a ticket or tap their pre-paid card. But so few riders are paying, fares are currently covering just 5% of the system's operating costs, a fraction of the 40% mark Sound Transit set as a requirement.


Is Seattle good for Uber?

Uber released rankings of the best and worst cities for the ride-hailing company's drivers to pick up passengers and Seattle was second worst in the U.S., trailing only New York City. That means a lot of you aren't getting the 5-star rating you think you are every time you catch a ride.


Is Seattle a walkable city?

But with aptly placed staircases, amenities and employment opportunities on every corner, and bus routes linking most neighborhoods, Seattle is actually a very walkable city. In fact, it's No. 8 among the most walkable cities in the country.


Are Seattle park and rides free?

You may park at Metro park-and-rides for no charge—first come, first served. Park-and-rides that offered parking permits prior to the program suspension currently do not need permits to park. Select Sound Transit parking facilities offer parking permits. For more information, visit Sound Transit's website.


Do you have to pay for the Seattle streetcar?

How much does it cost and how do I pay? The adult single-ride fare is $2.25, and you can pay with a paper ticket or with an ORCA Card. Learn more.


Is there a hop on hop off bus in Seattle?

With over a dozen convenient stops, a City Sightseeing Hop-On, Hop-Off Seattle Tour drops you off at all of Seattle's most popular attractions. Explore Seattle at your own pace with your 24 & 48 hours ticket, complemented by strategically located stops to help you get around the city in a jiffy.


How do locals get around Seattle?

The King County Metro bus system services both Seattle and surrounding areas like Bellevue and Vashon Island. Since the majority of King County Metro buses have stops in downtown Seattle, it's easy to transfer between routes. Using the bus gives you a way to get around the city like a local.


What streets to avoid in Seattle Downtown?

Avoid downtown Seattle's 3rd Avenue, particularly between Pike and Pine, and James and Yesler. Pioneer Square, SoDo, the International District, First Hill, and certain parts of Belltown can be a bit sketchy. That said, visitors should exercise caution when exploring at night.


Is it easy to get around Seattle without a car?

You can easily get around Seattle without a car. Places like Pike Place Market, the Seattle Center, the waterfront, and a lot of neighborhoods are walkable.


What is the most walkable city in Seattle?

Discover the 10 most walkable neighborhoods in Seattle: If you love walking to your favorite destinations and nearby amenities, these neighborhoods are for you!
  • International District. 98 / 100. ...
  • Downtown Seattle. 98 / 100. ...
  • Belltown. 98 / 100. ...
  • First Hill. ...
  • Pioneer Square. ...
  • South Lake Union. ...
  • Yesler Terrace. ...
  • University District.


Is the Seattle subway free?

Sound Transit requires fares on all buses and trains, except for youth 18 and under. Use your ORCA card or the Transit GO Ticket app for touch-free payment. Scroll down for a list of Fares by service.


How to get a free ORCA card in Seattle?

Seattle Housing Authority residents may request a free ORCA card by emailing [email protected] or calling (206) 615-3551.


How many days are enough to explore Seattle?

With 3 to 4 days in the city, it's easy to experience the best of Seattle: you focus first on the city's core, and then venture out onto the water or to one of the city's parks. Stay in a hotel in the downtown core, like Hotel Max, for the easiest travel around the city.


How to get from Seattle airport to downtown?

The Best Ways to Get to Downtown Seattle from Seatac Airport
  1. Ride the Light Rail. If you don't mind wheeling your luggage, this is the best and cheapest way to go. ...
  2. Using Uber to go to Seattle from Seatac. ...
  3. Take a Cab from the Seatac Airport. ...
  4. Use Lyft. ...
  5. Take an Airporter from Seatac Airport to Seattle Hotels. ...
  6. Get a Rental Car.


Does Seattle have free transportation?

The Downtown Circulator is a free, fixed-route shuttle bus that connects riders to various health and human service providers downtown.


Is it safe to ride the Seattle light rail?

Seattle-area trains on Sound Transit's 1 Line were involved in collisions 92 times in 2015-2021, about once per month, based on Federal Transit Administration (FTA) data. There were 21 injuries and deaths, placing Sound Transit 15th of 22 light-rail systems.


How good is public transportation in Seattle?

A study from WalletHub found that Seattle's ridership numbers continue to grow as the city expands its service. The company ranked Seattle number one when comparing transit systems across 100 cities in the U.S. based on accessibility, convenience, safety, reliability, and available resources.