A Guide to Seattle’s Public Transit for New Residents

A Guide to Seattle’s Public Transit for New Residents

Seattle is a city that truly embraces public transportation, and for good reason—it’s an efficient and cost-effective way to get around, whether you’re commuting, exploring, or just running errands. If you’re new to the area, understanding how to navigate the system can make getting around much smoother. Here’s my guide to Seattle’s public transit options and some tips to help you ride like a local.

Seattle’s Public Transit Options

1. Link Light Rail

The Link Light Rail is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between key destinations in the city and beyond.

• Route: Runs from Northgate to Angle Lake, with stops at major locations like the University of Washington, Downtown Seattle, and Sea-Tac Airport.

• Frequency: Trains arrive every 8–15 minutes, depending on the time of day.

• Fare: Flat rate of $3.00 per trip. Just tap your ORCA card at the station before boarding.

🚇 My Tip: If you’re heading to a Mariners, Seahawks, or Sounders game, take the light rail to Stadium Station—it’s the best way to avoid the parking hassle!

2. King County Metro Bus System

Seattle’s bus network covers nearly every neighborhood and connects seamlessly with light rail stations.

• RapidRide: A high-frequency service with limited stops for faster travel.

• Regular Routes: Covering a wide network throughout Seattle and King County.

• Night Owl Service: Running between midnight and 5 AM for late-night commuters.

🚌 My Tip: Download the OneBusAway app to check real-time arrivals—it’s a game changer for avoiding long waits at the bus stop.

3. Seattle Streetcar

Seattle has two streetcar lines that provide easy connections in key neighborhoods:

• South Lake Union Line: Runs from Westlake to South Lake Union, perfect for reaching Amazon offices and biotech hubs.

• First Hill Line: Connects Capitol Hill, First Hill, and the International District.

🚋 My Tip: Streetcars accept ORCA cards, but make sure to tap before boarding—unlike buses, they don’t have onboard card readers.

4. Sounder Train (For Longer Commutes)

For those commuting in from Tacoma, Everett, or other cities, the Sounder Train is a great option.

• Runs on weekdays during rush hours.

• Connects with Amtrak and Link Light Rail at King Street Station.

5. Water Taxis & Ferries

Seattle is known for its waterfront, and ferries are an essential part of the transit system.

• Water Taxi: Connects downtown Seattle with West Seattle and Vashon Island.

• Ferries: Travel to Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, and other Puget Sound destinations.

⛴️ My Tip: If you’re walking onto a ferry, you typically don’t need a reservation, but if you’re driving, book in advance—especially in the summer!

How to Pay for Public Transit in Seattle

The best way to pay for transit in Seattle is with the ORCA Card (One Regional Card for All).

• Works on buses, light rail, streetcars, ferries, and Sounder trains.

• Load funds online or set up auto-reload.

• Tap in when boarding (and tap out on light rail & Sounder trains).

💳 My Tip: If you’re commuting daily, a monthly ORCA pass may be worth the investment. There are also reduced fare options for seniors, youth, and low-income riders.

Apps & Resources for Navigating Seattle Transit

• Transit App: Great for schedules and trip planning.

• OneBusAway: The best app for real-time bus tracking.

• Google Maps: Works well for planning transit routes.

• Sound Transit & King County Metro Websites: For service alerts and route maps.

🚶‍♂️ Bonus Tip: Seattle is also pedestrian and bike-friendly, with protected bike lanes and trails like the Burke-Gilman Trail. If you’re looking for a quick ride, bike-share and scooter-share services are available across the city.

Final Tips for Using Seattle Public Transit

✔️ Avoid rush hour (7–9 AM & 4–6 PM) if possible for a more comfortable ride.

✔️ Check for service updates—weather and events can impact schedules.

✔️ Follow transit etiquette—offer seats to those in need and avoid blocking aisles with bags.

Seattle’s public transit system makes it easy to get around without a car, and with a little planning, you’ll be navigating like a pro in no time.

Looking to buy a home near a transit hub? Reach out to me—I’d love to help you find a home with easy access to public transportation!

Joe Sheldon, Real Estate Broker

Designed Realty

Phone: (206) 751-2223

Email: [email protected]