SEATTLE ON A BUDGET

Seattle offers an impressive array of free and budget-friendly attractions. Additionally, savvy travelers can take advantage of seasonal and year-round sightseeing and accommodations packages. 

 

ATTRACTION PASSES

Seattle CityPASS

Seattle CityPASS offers discounted admission to Seattle’s top attractions. Included in the CityPASS are admission tickets to the Space Needle and Seattle Aquarium, as well as the choice of three more attractions from the following options: Argosy Cruises’ Harbor Tour, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), Pacific Science Center, and Woodland Park Zoo. The cost of Seattle CityPASS is $127 for adults and $97 for children, equaling 48% or more in savings.  

Contact Information: 

Seattle CityPASS
Meg Heinen, Director of Media Relations 

[email protected] 

 

ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES

Art Walks (Free)

Neighborhood art walks invite pedestrians to explore Seattle’s vibrant art scene through a self-guided tour of local galleries, cafes, and restaurants. The Pioneer Square Art Walk, a longstanding tradition held on the first Thursday of each month, offers free parking and a chance to explore one of Seattle’s historic neighborhoods. The Central District Art Walk, launched in September 2024, kicks off at Midtown Square on the first Friday of every month, joining a growing list of Seattle neighborhood art walks. 

More Information: 

Pioneer Square Art Walk
[email protected]
(206) 667-0687 

Central District Art Walk
Instagram: @cdartwalk

 

Fremont Sunday Market (Free)

The Fremont Sunday Market hosts over 150 vendors from around the region who sell fresh flowers and produce, crafts, and world imports. Browse the market in search of rare and funky treasures or discover delicious flavors at one of the food trucks. 

Location Information:  

Fremont Sunday Market
April-October Market

3401 Evanston Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98103

November-March Market
701 N. Northlake Way
Seattle, WA 98103 

 

Fremont Troll (Free)

Nestled beneath the Aurora Bridge in Seattle’s vibrant Fremont neighborhood, the Fremont Troll is a looming 18-foot-tall stone structure that perfectly embodies Fremont’s quirky, artistic spirit. Visitors of all ages can climb on the Troll and explore nearby Troll’s Knoll Park, home to the charming, interactive Moss Turtle sculpture. A stop here pairs well with a visit to Gasworks Park, just a short walk away, where stunning views of Lake Union and unique public art await. 

Location Information:

Fremont Troll
North 36th Street, Troll Avenue North

Seattle, WA 98103 

 

Glass Art Displays (Free)

Seattle is celebrated for its glass art scene and is home to renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly, as well as a thriving community of glassblowers, studios, and schools. Visitors can enjoy free glass art exhibits and displays at various locations downtown. Highlights include the U.S. Bank Building at Fifth Avenue and Pike Street, The Sheraton Grand Seattle at Sixth Avenue and Pike Street, Benaroya Hall at Third Avenue and University Street, and at various galleries. 

To enjoy live demonstrations by local glass artists, join the Belltown Artwalk on the fourth Friday of every month. The Belltown Artwalk is hosted by Seattle Glassblowing Studio and often includes a live demonstration by one of the studio’s glass artists. In West Seattle, Avalon Glassworks also invites visitors to watch artisans at work with free demonstrations.  

More Information: 

Belltown Art Walk
Meeting Place: https://www.belltownartwalk.com/downtown-art-walk

 

Avalon Glassworks
[email protected]
2914 SW Avalon Way, Suite B
Seattle, WA 98126
(206) 937-6369

 

Seattle Glassblowing Studio
[email protected]
2227 Fifth Ave.
Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 448-2181 

 

Pike Place Market (Free)

Established in 1907, Pike Place Market is the oldest continuously operated farmers markets in the U.S. Encompassing nine acres overlooking Elliott Bay, the Market’s historic arcade, winding alleys, stairways, and lower levels offer a multisensory experience of sights, sounds, tastes, and aromas. Enjoy samples of local foods from vendors and be entertained by street buskers. Entrance to the market is free, but street performers gladly accept donations.  

Contact Information:  

Pike Place Market
85 Pike St., Ste 500

Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 682-7453 

 

University of Washington Campus Tours (Free) 

Open to all visitors, this 75-minute walking tour allows visitors a glimpse of Red Square with its Gothic style buildings, Drumheller Fountain, Husky Stadium, and other notable sights. Spring is an especially beautiful time to visit when the cherry trees on campus are in bloom. 

Meeting Location: 

University of Washington Campus Tours
Husky Union Building
Welcome Center RM 106
4001 NE Stevens Way
Seattle, WA 98195 

 

Hope Corps Downtown Seattle Murals (Free) 

Seattle’s downtown murals offer a creative way to explore the city with scenic walks. Featuring more than 30 murals by local artists, the works of art span from SODO to Belltown and showcase the city’s creativity and culture. Unveiled in August 2024, the artworks are part of the Office of Arts & Culture’s Hope Corps Downtown Seattle Mural Project, and a collaborative effort between Visit Seattle, Downtown Seattle Association (DSA), Belltown United, C-ID Business Relief Team, SODO Business Improvement Area (SODO BIA), and the Wing Luke Museum. 

More Information: 

Map of the murals: visitseattle.org/hopecorpsmurals
Sydney Martinez, Visit Seattle PR Manager
[email protected]

 

Northwest Trolls (Free) 

Embark on a family-friendly adventure by searching for “NWTrolls: Way of the Bird King”, a public art project featuring six giant troll sculptures, hand-built with recycled materials by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. Hidden across the Pacific Northwest, each whimsical troll tells a unique environmental story, making it a fun and educational experience for all ages. With free admission and two trolls in Seattle, it’s the perfect outing to spark curiosity and imagination. 

Locations:

West Seattle Troll
Lincoln Park
8011 Fauntleroy Way SW
Seattle, WA 98136 

Ballard Troll
National Nordic Museum
2655 NW Market St.
Seattle, WA 98107 

Bainbridge Island Troll
Sakai Park
1560 Madison Ave. N.
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 

Vashon Island Troll
Point Robinson Park
3705 SW Point Robinson Rd.
Vashon, WA 98070 

 

T-Mobile Park Tours (Low Cost)

Home of the Seattle Mariners, T-Mobile Park offers sweeping views of Seattle’s downtown skyline and game action from all angles. The tour includes areas of the ballpark that are not normally open to the public. Key tour stops may include the Press Box, Owners Suite, Warning Track, Rooftop Boardwalk and Mariners Hall of Fame. Tour hours and dates vary. Tour tickets are $20 per person ages three and older on days when there is no game at T-Mobile Park. 

Tickets are $40 per person ages three and older on gamedays. Tours for children younger than three years old are free. 

More Information: www.mlb.com/mariners/ballpark/tours 

 

Lumen Field Tours (Low Cost)

Home of the Seattle Seahawks, Major League Soccer’s Sounders FC, and the National  

Women’s Soccer League’s Reign FC, Lumen Field offers views of the field and surrounding areas while giving visitors a chance to experience nearly $2 million worth of art. The tour allows fans to see the helmet wall, field, home interview room, the 12 Flag Deck, a suite, press box, and more. Tickets are $25 for adults and $18 for children ages three to 11; seniors ages 62 years old and older, and military personnel. Children two years old and under enjoy free entry.  

 More Information: www.lumenfield.com/plan-your-visit/tours 

 

Seattle Waterfront (Free)

The Seattle Waterfront offers a variety of ways for visitors to enjoy Elliott Bay, from the Seattle Aquarium’s new Ocean Pavilion to iconic attractions like the Seattle Great Wheel and Wings Over Washington. Harbor cruises, waterfront dining, and improved pedestrian spaces make it easy to explore and take in the sweeping views. The waterfront’s ongoing renovation is enhancing attractions, accessibility, and transportation. Highlights include a new pedestrian bridge at Colman Dock, the Ocean Pavilion at the Seattle Aquarium, and the Overlook Walk that connects Pike Place Market to Pier 62. 

Contact Information:

Seattle Waterfront
(206) 499-8040
The Waterfront is located along Alaskan Way, from Olympic Sculpture Park to T-Mobile Park. 

 

BEVERAGE TASTING

Bainbridge Vineyards (Low Cost)

Certified organic and just a 35-minute ferry trip across Puget Sound, this winery grows all their own grapes on location and uses biodynamic methods and draft horses in place of tractors to plow and fertilize the land. The tasting room offers first-come, first-serve seating with reservations accepted up to two weeks in advance for groups of 6-12 people. Open rain or shine, all seating is outdoors with heated and covered space during winter. The tasting fee is $18, which includes four sample pours and is waived with the purchase of three bottles. 

Contact Information:  

Bainbridge Vineyards
[email protected]

8989 NE Day Rd.
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 842-9463 

 

Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery (Low Cost)

Founded in 1933, Washington state’s oldest winery features award-winning wine. Open daily, Chateau Ste. Michelle offers a feature flight in their tasting room bar. The tasting fee is $30 or $24 for VRC Wine Club members and includes four wines from the wineries Reserve or Limited Release collections. 

Contact Information:  

Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery
14111 NE 145th St.
Woodinville, WA 98072
(425) 488-1133

 

Browne Family Vineyards (Low Cost)

Browne Family Vineyards was founded in 2003 by Andrew Browne as a tribute to his family. Enjoy world class wine and spirit offerings in one of their six tasting room locations. Tasting fees range from $25-$40 and include four 3oz pours, roughly equally two-and-a-half glasses of wine. 

Contact Information:  

Browne Family Vineyards
Seattle Location
413 First Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98104
(413) 887-9463

 

Novelty Hill – Januik Winery

Januik and Novelty Hill are two independent wineries that share a tasting room and production facility in Woodinville. Choose between three tasting flight options ranging from $25-$30. The tasting fee is waived with the purchase of a $50+ bottle of wine.  

Contact Information:  

Novelty Hill – Januik Winery
14710 Redmond
Woodinville Rd. NE
Woodinville, WA 98072
(425) 481-5502 

 

Woodinville Wine Country

Woodinville Wine Country is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization with more than 100 wineries located just east of Seattle in Woodinville. Woodinville Wine Country’s membership consists of wineries, breweries, distilleries, restaurants, hotels, transportation operators, and other affiliate businesses.  

Contact Information: 

Woodinville Wine Country
13590 NE Village Square Dr. #1030
Woodinville, WA 98072
(425) 287-3298 

 

ENTERTAINMENT AND FESTIVALS

Downtown Summer Sounds Concert Series (Free)

Free public concerts are held in Seattle’s downtown parks and plazas on weekdays during the summer. This continues a four-decade-long Downtown Seattle Association tradition of bringing outdoor summer concerts to downtown workers, residents, and visitors. From rock and hip-hop to R&B and alt-country, there is a genre of music for everyone. 

Contact Information:

Downtown Seattle Association
1809 Seventh Ave. Suite 900
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 623-0340 

 

Northwest Folklife Festival (Free)

Celebrated during Memorial Day weekend, the Northwest Folklife Festival is one of the largest folk festivals in the country. It features arts, crafts, music, food, and performers on the grounds of Seattle Center. 

Contact Information: 

Northwest Folklife Festival
[email protected]

305 Harrison St.
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 684-7300 

 

Refract: Seattle’s Glass Art Experience (Many free events)

Refract is an annual, city-wide, glass art festival hosted by Visit Seattle and Chihuly Garden and Glass that takes place in October. Featuring exhibitions, live demonstrations, exclusive studio tours, and artists meet-and-greets, the week-long festival is the perfect opportunity to experience glassblowing through free events and programs across Seattle. Refract events are produced by more than 50 partner artists and organizations, and the majority of events and programs are free. A few special programs require paid tickets or reservations. 

Contact Information: 

Refract: Seattle’s Glass Art Experience
Cory O’Born, Visit Seattle PR Manager

[email protected] 

 

Seattle Center (Free)

The 74-acre park was the site of the 1962 World’s Fair and now is the city’s cultural center. Located on site are the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Climate Pledge Arena, McCaw Hall, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Seattle Children’s Museum, Seattle Children’s Theatre, Pacific Science Center, and the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP). Entrance to the Seattle Center grounds is free.  

Contact Information: 

Seattle Center
305 Harrison St.
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 684-7200

 

Seattle Museum Month (Discounted)

This annual program offers half-price admission to over 20 premier arts and educational venues across Seattle. From February 1-28, guests staying at one of 70+ downtown hotels will receive a Seattle Museum Month pass offering half-off admission for up to four people at participating museums. Venues vary each year, but have included Chihuly Garden and Glass, Seattle Art Museum, Museum of Pop Culture, Seattle Aquarium, and others. 

Contact Information: 

Seattle Museum Month
Sydney Martinez, Visit Seattle PR Manager

[email protected] 

 

MUSEUMS AND ATTRACTIONS

Center for Wooden Boats (Free)

Founded in 1976, the Center for Wooden Boats promotes the Northwest’s small-craft heritage by offering boating lessons, outings, rentals, and education. It’s free to explore the Center for Wooden Boats’ docks on South Lake Union, the Wagner Education Center, and view the center’s exhibits.  

Contact Information:  

Center for Wooden Boats
[email protected]

1010 Valley St.
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 382-2628 

 

Coast Guard Museum Northwest (Free)

Serving to showcase the U.S. Coast Guard’s most important stories and lessons, the Coast Guard Museum Northwest is located on an active U.S. Coast Guard base on Seattle’s waterfront. When not being used, arctic ice breakers are usually moored near this museum. The space includes a collection of Coast Guard memorabilia, uniforms, and weapons.  

Contact Information:  

Coast Guard Museum Northwest
1519 Alaskan Way S.

Seattle, WA 98134
(206) 217-6993 

 

Frye Art Museum (Free)

The Frye Art Museum on Seattle’s First Hill offers free admission, making it an accessible destination for art lovers. Visitors can explore a rich collection of late 19th-century German and American paintings, as well as contemporary works and rotating exhibitions. The museum also hosts free programming including tours, lectures, and concerts, providing an engaging cultural experience for all. 

Contact Information: 

Frye Art Museum
[email protected]

704 Terry Ave.
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 622-9250 

 

Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park (Free)

This free national park museum in Seattle’s Pioneer Square commemorates Seattle’s role in the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-1899. The museum’s auditorium features short films on the Gold Rush and Seattle history.  

Contact Information: 

Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park
319 Second Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 220-4240 

 

Seattle Art Museum (Free First Thursday of Month)

The Seattle Art Museum showcases global art collections of modern and contemporary works. Entry to the museum is free on the first Thursday of the month. Visitors can also enjoy Seattle Art Museum’s other locations: the Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park and the free Olympic Sculpture Park on Seattle’s waterfront.  

Located in a 1930s Art Deco building in the heart of Volunteer Park on Seattle’s Capitol Hill, the Seattle Asian Art Museum features noteworthy collections of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian art. Entry to the museum is free on the first Thursday of every month. 

 

Seattle Art Museum
1300 First Ave.
Seattle, WA 98101 

 

Seattle Asian Art Museum
1400 East Prospect St.
Seattle, WA 98112

 

Olympic Sculpture Park
2901 Western Ave.
Seattle, WA 98121

 

The Seattle Public Library (Free)

The Seattle Public Library’s architecturally striking Central Library is an iconic building with 11 floors of open areas, reading rooms, and an innovative “Books Spiral” connecting the entire nonfiction collection. Enjoy self-guided tours, author events, free WiFi, and resources for all ages in this downtown location.  

Contact Information: 

Seattle Public Library
Central Library Location
1000 Fourth Ave.
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 385-4636

 

Museum of Flight (Free First Thursday of Month)

From the Wright brothers to outer space, the wonder of flight comes alive at one of the world’s largest air and space museums. With more than 175 historic air and spacecrafts on display, interactive exhibits, and activities for the whole family, the Museum of Flight offers an exciting experience for the aviation enthusiast and general visitor alike. Museum exhibits include a retired British Airways Concorde jetliner, Air Force One, NASA Space Shuttle Trainer, and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.  

In summer 2016, the Museum of Flight opened a $22 million Aviation Pavilion. The open-air structure extends the length of two football fields and exhibits more than 20 commercial and military airplanes, many of which patrons can walk through. The Pavilion also features a café and playground. Entry to the museum is free on the first Thursday of every month. 

Contact Information: 

Museum of Flight
[email protected]

9404 E. Marginal Way South
Seattle, WA 98108-4097
(206) 764-5700 

 

Wing Luke Museum

The Wing Luke Museum, located in the heart of the Chinatown-International District (C-ID), showcases the culture, art, and history of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the Pacific Northwest through community-driven exhibits and programs. Tickets cost $17 for adults, $15 for people 62 years old and older, $12.50 for students, $10-$12.50 for children ages 5-17 years old, and free for children under the age of five.  

Contact Information:  

The Wing Luke Museum
719 S. King Street

Seattle, Washington 98104
(206) 623-5124 

 

Woodland Park Zoo

Often ranked among the top zoos in United States, Woodland Park is famed for pioneering immersive, naturalistic exhibits, such as Banyan Wilds, a state-of-the-art habitat for Malayan tigers, sloth bears, Asian small-clawed otters and tropical birds. Award-winning exhibits include Humboldt penguins, Jaguar Cove, Northern Trail, Tropical Rain Forest, Trail of Vines, and African Savanna. Premium animal tours with experienced animal staff offer behind-the-scenes looks at various animal species at the zoo. Ticket prices vary depending on the day.  

Contact Information: 

Woodland Park Zoo
(206) 548-2500

West Entrance
5500 Phinney Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98103

 

South Entrance
750 N. 50th St.
Seattle, WA 98103 

 

SCENIC PARKS

Alki Beach Park (Free)

Alki Beach, located along Elliott Bay, is perfect for sunbathing, picnicking, beach volleyball, and swimming, offering stunning views of the Olympic Mountains. Visitors can explore the nearby 1913 lighthouse and the Log House Museum to learn about West Seattle’s history. Seacrest Park and Lincoln Park provide additional outdoor activities, with water taxi access, playgrounds, and scenic beachside paths. Alki is ideal for cookouts, scenic strolls, and enjoying fresh seafood favorites such as ahi tacos, clam pasta, and fish and chips at local eateries. 

Contact Information:  

Alki Beach Park
2665 Alki Ave. SW

Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 684-4075 

 

Gas Works Park

Gas Works Park, once an old gasification plant that powered most of Seattle in the early 1900s before the import of natural gas, sits on the north tip of Lake Union with picturesque views of downtown Seattle. Portions of the original “Gas Works” remain, including the boiler room which was converted to a picnic shelter with tables, fire grills, and an open area. The former exhauster-compressor building is now a large play barn with brightly colored machinery.  

Gas Works Park
2101 N. Northlake Way
Seattle, Way 98103
(206) 684-4075

 

Golden Gardens (Free)

Golden Gardens is shoreline paradise, perfect for exploring tide pools and scenic, wooded trails. Visitors often spot wildlife like sea lions, harbor seals, and colorful birds. The boardwalk trail and shaded grove of trees provide a peaceful setting for relaxing strolls and hammock lounging. With stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and opportunities for sunset cookouts, bonfires, bike rides, and kayak rentals from Ballard Kayak, Golden Gardens is a great spot for visitors to enjoy both adventure and relaxation. 

Contact Information: 

Golden Gardens Park
8498 Seaview Pl. NW

Seattle, WA 98117
(206) 684-4075 

 

Green Lake Park (Free)

One of Seattle’s most popular parks, Green Lake Park features a 2.8-mile paved pathway that surrounds a freshwater lake favored for walking, running, rollerblading, and bike riding. The park also has a full basketball court; a seasonal guarded beach area; a hand-carry boat launch and boating area; fishing; an indoor pool; outdoor tennis courts; soccer and baseball fields; and golf. The park also boasts Seattle’s largest wading pool, perfect for cooling off on hot summer days.  

Contact Information: 

Green Lake Park
7201 East Green Lake Dr. N.

Seattle, WA 98115
(206) 684-4075 

 

Olympic Sculpture Park (Free)

The nine-acre park connecting the Belltown neighborhood and the waterfront features a 2,500-foot, descending, z-shaped pedestrian path leading to a beach on the waterfront. With sweeping views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, the path takes visitors past sculptures and major works by world-renowned artists such as Richard Serra, Alexander Calder, and Mark di Suvero. Open daily, the park is accessible 30 minutes prior to sunrise and closes 30 minutes after sunset.  

Contact Information: 

Olympic Sculpture Park
2901 Western Ave. 
Seattle, WA 98121 

 

Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (Free)

One of the city’s most popular visitor attractions, these locks raise and lower boats between saltwater and fresh water. Boats can be lowered between six and 26 feet depending on the tides. The locks maintain the water level of Lake Washington and Lake Union, preventing the mixing of sea water from Puget Sound with the fresh water of the lakes. Watch salmon make their way up the fish ladder from the viewing window or observe pleasure boats journey through the locks.  

More Information:  

Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
3015 NW 54th St.
Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 789-2622

 

Washington Park Arboretum (Free)

The Arboretum collects, conserves, and teaches about plants that are native to the Northwest. Its 230 acres are filled with over 10,000 native plants and its landscape is an excellent setting for hands-on learning and recreation. The Arboretum is recognized as one of the most beautiful and diverse collections in the western United States. 

Contact Information: 

Washington Park Arboretum
[email protected]

(206) 543-8800
2300 Arboretum Dr. E.
Seattle, WA 98112 

 

Seattle Japanese Garden (Free on first Thursday of Month)

Located at the south end of Washington Park Arboretum, this garden contains native Japanese flowers, shrubs, and trees. The park is also home to the Shoseian Teahouse where 40-minute tea demonstrations and presentations are available. Tea ceremony tickets are $15 per person and are an additional cost to general admission tickets. General admission to the Japanese Garden is $10 for adults ages 18 to 64, $6 for adults 65 and older; people ages six to 17 years old; students with valid ID; and military. Children five years old and younger get in for free. Admission is free on the first Thursday of every month.  

Contact Information: 

Seattle Japanese Garden
1075 Lake Washington Blvd. E.

Seattle, WA 98112
(206) 684-4725 

 

Discovery Park & Daybreak Star Indian Center

Situated in Seattle’s Magnolia neighborhood, Discovery Park is an urban retreat. Spend the day exploring 534 acres of wooded trails where small animals hide among native plants. Open meadows and bluffs overlook Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Stop by the Daybreak Star Indian Center to view original Native American arts and crafts.  

Contact Information: 

Discovery Park
3801 Discovery Park Blvd.
Seattle, WA 98199
(206) 386-4236

 

Daybreak Star Indian Center
5011 Bernie Whitebear Way
Seattle, WA 98199
(206) 285-4425 

 

Kerry Park (Free)

This grassy strip in the Upper Queen Anne neighborhood offers a picture-perfect view of Seattle Center, downtown Seattle, and Elliott Bay. On clear days, Mount Rainier provides a stunning backdrop.  

Contact Information: 

Kerry Park
211 W. Highland Dr.

Seattle, WA 98119
(206) 684-4075

 

Volunteer Park (Free)

The park includes a conservatory, a dramatic Art Deco building that houses the Seattle Asian Art Museum, a water tower with an observation deck that has a free view of Seattle, and a wading pool which is operational in the summer months. 

Contact Information: 

Volunteer Park
1247 15th Ave. E.

Seattle, WA 98112
(206) 684-4075 

 

TRANSPORTATION

King County Metro, Sound Transit, Community Transit

Exploring Seattle is convenient and affordable thanks to King County Metro, Sound Transit, and Community Transit buses. Most of Seattle’s public modes of transit utilize ORCA Cards. Riders using cash are required to pay the exact fare upon entry for all King County Metro, Sound Transit, and Community Transit buses operating within King County.  

More Information: 

Bus Schedules and Fares
metro.kingcounty.gov/tops/bus
https://www.soundtransit.org
www.commtrans.org/.

Orca Cards
https://www.myorca.com 

 

Link Light Rail

Sound Transit’s Link light rail line runs through downtown Seattle between the Lynnwood station and Angle Lake with a stop at SEA Airport. Downtown stations are Capitol Hill, Westlake Center, Symphony, Pioneer Square, and the Chinatown-International District. The train makes stops in several neighborhoods south of Seattle before reaching the SeaTac/Airport station, an approximately 40-minute trip from Westlake Center. The SeaTac/Airport light rail station connects to the main terminal through the airport parking garage via a lit and covered pedestrian walkway. Link riders utilizing an ORCA Card are required to tap their card at the yellow terminals upon entering the stations. Riders are also able to purchase one-time use tickets via the Transit GO app or at the payment terminals found in Link stations. 

More Information: https://www.soundtransit.org

 

Metro Buses

King County Metro offers transportation throughout downtown Seattle daily. Riders must pay exact change when entering the bus, use an Orca card or purchase one-time use tickets via the Transit GO app. 

More Information: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/metro/travel-options/bus 

 

South Lake Union Streetcar

The streetcar traverses the South Lake Union neighborhood through the Denny Triangle, ending in the downtown core area. Riders can pay via their ORCA card, or the Transit GO app. 

More Information: https://www.seattle.gov/transportation/getting-around/transit/streetcar/south-lake-union-line 

 

The Seattle Center Monorail

Built for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, the Seattle Monorail connects downtown Seattle and Seattle Center. Terminals are located on the upper level of Westlake Center and at Seattle Center near the Space Needle.  

More Information: www.seattlemonorail.com. 

 

The First Hill Streetcar

The First Hill Seattle streetcar connects some of Seattle’s most vibrant neighborhoods. The 10-stop, 2.5-mile route runs between historic Pioneer Square and trendy Capitol Hill with stops in First Hill, Yesler Terrace, Central Area, and the Chinatown-International District. The street cars provide reliable, frequent service with headways of approximately 10 minutes during peak periods.  

More Information: http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/getting-around/transit/streetcar/first-hill-line 

 

OUT ON THE WATER

Washington State Ferries

Take a scenic ferry ride across Puget Sound to Bainbridge Island or Bremerton from downtown Seattle. Ferries depart from Colman Dock on the Seattle waterfront daily. Round trip ferry tickets to Bainbridge Island are $10.25 for adults boarding on foot, $5.10 for people 65 years and older, and free for people ages 18 and under. Ticket prices vary for riders boarding with a vehicle. 

Contact Information:  

Washington State Department of Transportation
2901 Third Ave., Suite 500

Seattle, WA 98121-3014
(206) 465-6400

 

Northwest Outdoor Center

Rent a kayak or paddle board for an afternoon of paddling around Lake Union or take it off site to any of the dozens of locations around Puget Sound. Kayaking and paddle board instructions as well as organized kayak trips are also available.  

Contact Information:

Northwest Outdoor Center
2100 Westlake Ave., Suite 1

Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 281-9694 

 

Alki Kayak Tours

Experience the Alki Peninsula while overlooking the Seattle skyline with Alki Kayak Tours. Guided tours include Elliott Bay Sea Kayak Tour, Alki Lighthouse Sea Tour, Seattle Sunset Sea Kayak Tour, and more. Alki Kayak Tours offer hourly, on-site rentals for kayaks, paddle boards, cruiser bikes, and longboards.  

Contact Information: 

Alki Kayak Tours
1660 Harbor Ave. SW

Seattle, WA 98126
(206) 935-7669 

 


Media Contacts:

Kau’ilani Robinson – (206) 461-5839 | [email protected]

Cory O’Born – (206) 461-5805 | [email protected]

Jared Dionne – (206) 461-5807 | [email protected]

Sydney Martinez – (206) 461-5852 | [email protected]

Joey Thompson – (206) 903-0768 | [email protected]

(Updated 6/2025)

 

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