Need to Know
For detailed information, see Survival Guide
Daily Budget
Budget: Less than $150
Dorm bed in a hostel: $35
Pike Place Market take-out snacks: $3–6
Certain days at museums: free
Public transportation average fare: $2.75
Midrange: $150–300
Online deal at a no-frills hotel: $130–180
Pub, bakery or sandwich-bar meal: around $10
Cheap tickets for sports games: from $12
Short taxi trip: $12–15
Top end: More than $300
Downtown hotel room: more than $250
Meal at trendy Capitol Hill restaurant: from $50
Tickets to the theater or a concert: from $40
Advance Planning
One month before Start looking at options for car rental, accommodations, tours and train tickets.
Two weeks before If you’re hoping to see a particular performance or game, whether it’s the Mariners or the opera, it’s wise to buy tickets in advance.
One to two days before Book popular restaurants in advance. Search the Stranger and the Seattle Times for upcoming art and entertainment listings.
Arriving in Seattle
A Sea-Tac International Airport
Ground transportation, including shuttle buses and ride share pickups like Uber and Lyft, pick up on the 3rd floor of the airport garage. Link Light Rail also connects the airport to downtown.
King Street Station
Situated in Pioneer Square with good, fast links via bus, streetcar, and train to practically everywhere in the city.
The Piers
Both Pier 91 in the Magnolia neighborhood and Pier 52 in downtown Seattle have bus and shuttle services.
Getting Around
J Bus
Pay as you enter ($2.75/1.50 per adult/child); you’ll receive a slip that entitles you to a transfer until the time noted.
L Light-Rail
Regular all-day service between Sea-Tac Airport and the University of Washington via downtown. Fares vary based on destination.
U Streetcar
Purchase fare ($2.25/1.50 per adult/child) at the station before boarding.
N Water Taxi
Runs between Pier 50 on the waterfront to West Seattle; daily in summer, weekdays only in winter.
KTaxi
Initial charge $2.60, then $2.50 per mile.