Getting Here, Getting Around
Seattle is a haven for people who like to use bikes and their own two feet to get around; here people walk more and drive less. The city was rated the sixth most walkable in the country by WalkScore.com. Fitness-oriented Seattle is extremely pedestrian, and cyclist, friendly and offers a pretty decent public transportation system to boot, for a western city. Downtown and central neighborhoods are compact and easy to navigate, although walkers should be aware of steep San Francisco–like hills in many areas, and remember that what goes down probably has to be hiked back up. The good news is that a bus is almost guaranteed to come along if you wear out or accumulate too many bags, and in the “Ride Free Area” of downtown you don’t even have to pay!
As a rule, residents are friendly and helpful, so don’t hesitate to ask a shopkeeper or other local for help; they actually seem to relish giving directions here. Seattle drivers are generally a pretty laid-back and polite bunch, but traffic congestion during rush hours is bad, especially along I-5. Parking is also scarce and expensive—something you may keep in mind if you’re considering renting a car. For the short-term visitor who will stay mainly in the central areas of the city, using public transportation and your own horsepower may be easier. You can always rent that car just to head out of Seattle for a day trip.
City: Seattle, WA
Category: Getting Here, Getting Around
Address: 13 miles south of downtown
2. Boeing Field/King County International Airport
City: Seattle, WA
Category: Getting Here, Getting Around
Telephone: (206) 296-7380
Address: 7277 Perimeter Rd. South
Description: This regional airport is one of the busiest primary non-hub airports in the nation. Located 5 miles south of downtown Seattle, it averages more than 300,000 takeoffs and landings each year. In 2001, it was selected by the National Air Transportation Association as one of the “100 Most Needed Airports” in the United States. It receives no general tax revenues, as it is financed by tenant and customer fees. Boeing Field/King County serves small commercial passenger airlines, cargo carriers, private aircraft, helicopters, corporate jets, and military and other aircraft. It is also home to the interesting Museum of Flight, with a wide variety of aircraft and exhibits showcasing aviation history.
City: Seattle, WA
Category: Getting Here, Getting Around
Address: 2225 Alaskan Way
City: Seattle, WA
Category: Getting Here, Getting Around
Address: 303 S. Jackson St.
5. Greyhound Bus Line
City: Seattle, WA
Category: Getting Here, Getting Around
Telephone: (206) 628-5526, (800) 231-2222
Address: 811 Stewart St.
Description: For transportation to Seattle by bus, Greyhound provides cross-country service. The terminal is at the northeast edge of downtown Seattle. You can buy tickets online, over the phone, or at a Greyhound terminal. No reservations are necessary. If you know the departure schedule, simply arrive at the terminal at least an hour before departure to purchase your ticket. Boarding generally begins 15 to 30 minutes before departure. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis and advance-purchase tickets do not guarantee a seat.
City: Seattle, WA
Category: Getting Here, Getting Around
Address: 401 S. Jackson St.
City: Seattle, WA
Category: Getting Here, Getting Around
Address: 201 S. Jackson St.
8. King County Water Taxi
City: Seattle, WA
Category: Getting Here, Getting Around
Telephone: (206) 684-1551
Description: Metro Transit operates the King County Water Taxi, which provides a weekday commuter route between Pier 50 downtown and Vashon Island ($4.50), and a seasonal route between downtown and the Seacrest Dock in West Seattle ($3.50). ORCA cards are accepted on the King County Water Taxi.
City: Seattle, WA
Category: Getting Here, Getting Around
Address: 2901 Third Ave., Suite 500