Seattle is a city of steep hills, long distances, and plenty of water, so how you get around can really shape your trip. This isn’t the kind of place where you just stroll from one attraction to the next, and while there’s public transportation, it’s not always the fastest option. If you’re staying for more than a couple of days, renting a car can make a lot of sense. Distances are often farther than they look on the map, and rideshares can get expensive quickly. Having a car also makes day trips easier, whether you’re heading to Mount Rainier or Olympic National Park.
That said, Seattle does have a solid mix of buses, light rail, ferries, and other options if you’d rather not drive. Here’s a quick overview:
Link light rail
Seattle’s Link light rail runs both above and below ground. From the airport, you can take it straight into downtown. The ride to Westlake Station takes about 35 minutes and costs $3 for adults, no matter how far you go. Westlake is under Westlake Center in downtown, close to Pike Place Market, shopping, and hotels, making it a great starting point for exploring on foot.
Buses and streetcars
King County Metro operates the city’s bus network, which covers most of Seattle and the suburbs. The Seattle Streetcar connects certain neighborhoods, such as South Lake Union and First Hill, with downtown. Service is fairly frequent, but expect delays during rush hour.
Ferries
With water all around, ferries are part of everyday life here. Washington State Ferries connect Seattle to Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, and other destinations across Puget Sound. You can walk on or bring a car, and the crossing comes with beautiful views, making the ride a trip in itself.
Uber, Lyft, and taxis
Uber and Lyft work well in Seattle, though prices can change depending on the time of day and demand. Taxis are less common than in many big US cities, and you’ll rarely find one to hail on the street, so it’s best to book ahead.
Bikes and scooters
On sunny days, you might consider biking or renting an electric scooter. Lime and Bird offer both, and you can book them through their apps. With Seattle’s hills, an e-bike is often a better choice than a regular bike if you’re going more than a short distance.
Paying for public transportation
Seattle uses the ORCA card (One Regional Card for All) for buses, streetcars, Link light rail, and ferries. You can buy and load it at station machines, select stores, or online. It’s worth getting if you plan to use transit more than a couple of times, and it works across most systems. Light rail rides are now a flat $3 for adults, including trips from the airport. Remember to tap in when you board, and on some lines, tap out when you get off to ensure you pay the correct fare.
If you’re only using public transportation occasionally, paying with a contactless credit card or your phone (Apple Pay or Google Pay) at station readers is often easier. There’s no setup and no extra card to carry—just tap and go.
