Out and About in Seattle: Via monorail, bus, train and water transportation

Seattle is known for its friendly atmosphere and this is reflected in her transportation system. It's easy to get around without a car, even with a child who can't walk very far or a person needing assistance.

Getting around within the Downtown/ Seattle Center area

Seattle Center and Downtown Seattle house many of the major tourist attractions. Luckily, transportation downtown is amazing and in some cases FREE.

The Seattle Center Monorail

• The Monorail is the quickest and easiest way to get around downtown
• Operating:
• 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., except on holidays (Check the website for closings).
• Leaves every 10 minutes
• Leaves every 5 minutes during special events!
• Runs between Seattle Center across from the Space Needle to Westlake Center Mall (5th and Pine St).
• Check the website for fare details and route map.

George Benson Waterfront Streetcar Line: Metro Route 99

• Although this classic trolley service is under construction, you may take the similarly routed Metro Route 99 Bus. The Schedule and Route differ from the trolley, but it runs through the same neighborhoods.
• Operating:
• Stops include the Waterfront Aquarium (a short walk to Pike Place Market), Pioneer Square and Chinatown.
• Cost: FREE in the "ride free" zone between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Getting around outside of or getting to Downtown Seattle

Sound Transit makes it easy to find out the best way to get where you need to go. Simply visit their trip planner, type in where you are leaving from and where you are going to, and (VOILA!) a list of traveling options will appear in seconds! Visit Sound Transit's website for accessibility information.

Getting Around Town by Commuter Rail:

• Commuter Rail is convenient for commuters North and South of Seattle but runs only in the morning and evening hours and only on weekdays.
• Check the website for routes and fares.

Getting Around Town by Light Rail

The Seattle Light Rail, which will connect downtown to SeaTac Airport, is targeted to open in 2009.

Getting Around Town by Bus

• ST Express Regional Bus Service links Seattle with surrounding Puget Sound.
• Operating: The area has 28 transit systems, and most accommodate people with special needs (wheel chairs, etc).
• For information on accessibility, call 206-263-3113 or TTY 206-263-3116.
• Cost
• Daily Visitor pass for Seattle and King County is $5 for unlimited Metro buses and Waterfront Streetcar.
• Fares from $1.25 to $2.
• Exact change is required.
• Youth & Seniors can enjoy $.50 fare.
• Seniors get an additional discount off peak at $.25.

Getting Around Town By Water: Water Taxis and Ferries

Water transportation is a great way to enjoy Seattle's plethora of water while avoiding her infamous traffic. Check out these websites for more information:

• Elliott Bay Water Taxi
• Lake Union Water Taxi

Other options for people with special transportation needs

Visit to locate help finding or paying for various kinds of transportation.

Ride Sharing is another popular way of getting around for regular commutes or for special regional events, and this website helps you find people to travel with.

Shoshana Dayanim, PhD, is a developmental psychologist and mother of two with teaching and research expertise in media and child development. She has written articles guiding parents to local age-appropriate activities and for research psychology journals.