Seattle Public Transportation

Get Going: Public Transportation in Seattle

With its location between Lake Washington and the Puget Sound, Seattle offers many public transportation options, including ferries, a monorail and electric street cars. A well-planned transportation system makes it possible for locals and tourists to move throughout Seattle and its surrounding areas without driving or owning vehicles.

A Brief History of Seattle Public Transit

Public transportation began in 1858 in Seattle with steamboat service between Seattle and towns located across Lake Union, Lake Washington and the Puget Sound. The number of steamships traveling the waterways in this area became so numerous that the boats were nicknamed the Mosquito Fleet.
In the many decades since then, Seattle has often been seen as a leader in providing effective public transportation. The city began operating the first electric streetcars west of the Mississippi in 1889 and started the nation’s first vanpool program in 1979. In the near future, it plans to expand light rail service.

Public Transportation in Seattle Today

The Seattle and Central Puget Sound areas have three main transit providers: King County Metro Transit, Community Transit and Sound Transit.

Seattle By Bus

Through the cooperation of area transportation providers, bus service is readily available throughout Seattle and the Central Puget Sound area, including Snohomish and Pierce counties.

Downtown Seattle is a ride free zone, which means that no fare is required for people traveling by bus to destinations within the central business district. Bus stops within the district are clearly marked as ride free and drivers announce when a bus is leaving the ride free area.

Metro Transit’s website offers tools such as commuter trip planners and point-to-point schedules, and includes routes and connections in King County, Snohomish County (Community Transit) and Pierce County (Pierce Transit).

Bike racks are available on buses operated by Metro Transit, which serves Seattle and King County. Bicycles may be loaded or unloaded at all bus stops except during peak hours in the ride free zones. This restriction is for protection and safety of bicyclists.

Seattle By Monorail

Another option for getting around downtown Seattle is the city’s historic monorail, which is the first full-scale monorail system in the United States. The Seattle monorail is located at the site of the 1962 World’s Fair and the Space Needle, a city landmark. It operates daily with departures from Seattle Center across from the Space Needle and from Westlake Center Mall, which is located at Fifth and Pine streets. Each one-mile trip takes two minutes.

For more information about the monorail, go to SeattleMonorail.com.

Seattle By Ferry

The Washington State Ferries system serves Seattle and eight counties in the greater Puget Sound region. People can use the ferry system to reach their final destination by foot, bicycle, motorcycle or car.

Ferries operate from the Colman Dock (Pier 52) and from Pier 50 just to the south, to destinations including Bainbridge Island, Bremerton and Vashon Island. By connecting you can also reach other destinations along Puget Sound. The Washington State ferries to Bainbridge Island and Bremerton take both cars and people traveling by foot.

The Vashon Island ferry is for walk-on passengers only and offers two trips during the morning and evening commutes. It is operated by the King County Ferry District, which also plans to add five demonstration routes to link Seattle to communities along the Puget Sound.

Another ferry option is the Elliott Bay Water Taxi, which operates from April to October, seven days a week. It provides service between West Seattle and downtown. Year-round service of the Elliot Bay Water Taxi is scheduled to begin in 2010 as part of an effort to increase passenger-only ferry service.

Seattle By Commuter Rail

Sounder Commuter Rail, operated by Sound Transit, is a commuter rail line that operates on weekdays between Everett and Seattle, and Tacoma and Seattle. A limited weekend service is offered to select events such as Mariners and Seahawks games.

Seattle By Light Rail

Light rail is scheduled to begin operating in summer 2009 to connect downtown Seattle with the Seattle-Tacoma Airport by way of the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel. Sound Transit light rail trains will join Metro buses in the tunnel. Sound Transit already runs a light rail system in Tacoma.

Seattle By Streetcar

Streetcars are vehicles that run on rails but do not require an isolated corridor of their own, which makes it easier for them to share the road with bicycles, buses or cars. Seattle offers several street car options. The South Lake Union Line runs between the South Lake Union neighborhood to downtown Seattle and connects to other public transit systems.

The George Benson Line Waterfront Streetcar, a vintage trolley service, has been temporarily suspended while improvements are made to downtown Seattle's north waterfront area. In the meantime, bus service is available in the area.

Seattle By Train

Three Amtrak routes serve Seattle out of the King Street Station in downtown Seattle:

1. The Cascades route connecting Vancouver, British Columbia and Seattle
2. The Coast Starlight running between Los Angeles, Portland, Oregon and Seattle
3. The Empire Builder running between Chicago, St. Paul, Minnesota and Seattle.

Out and About in Seattle, WA

Kerry Park and the Museum of Flight are among the most highly rated sites in Seattle, WA. If you are in Seattle and are looking for a place to soak in the beautiful views of the city or a place to take breathtaking photos for memories of your trip, these two sites are absolutely perfect.

Kerry Park

This is a relatively small plot of land, about 30 yards wide and 80 yards long. It is located in the Queen Anne neighborhood, high up on the hill, between West Highland Dr. and West Prospect St., where it intersects with 3^rd Ave. Despite its small size, Kerry Park boasts some of the most amazing views in the whole of Seattle. Kerry Park was given to the city of Seattle in 1927 by its original owners, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Sperry Kerry, to enable all who visit the area to enjoy the views.

The Views

From Kerry Park, you can practically take in the whole panoramic view of Seattle WA, particularly catching a view of the city’s major attractions. The Space Needle, Elliot Bay, the water around the city, modern works of art, and the breathtaking view of downtown Seattle are just some of the things you will be privileged to catch a glimpse. Built almost 50 years ago, the Space Needle is still a major landmark and is viewed as a symbol of Seattle itself. A picture of Seattle is only proven to be so if it bears am the Space Needle. From Kerry Park, you get the best view of the Space Needle, so close you will feel like you can almost touch it.

Another spectacle viewable from Kerry Park is the Seattle skyline. Whether it is at sunrise, sunset, or twilight, the view of the Seattle WA skyline is amazing, and such is only possible from Kerry Park. With the views of downtown and the rest of the skyscrapers resting in the background, it is a unique sight to see. You also get a view of the city against the water, which is just as priceless. If you like seascapes and skylines, you’ll want to capture the moment, so make sure your camera is in hand when you visit Kerry Park.

Kerry Park also has the “Changing Form” sculpture by Doris Chase. This beautiful piece was added to the park in 1971, a gift from the children of Kerry. The sculpture is made of steel and stands 15 feet high in the middle of Kerry Park. The abstract beauty of the sculpture is so captivating that it never grows old for the eyes of the viewer.

The water view of Elliot Bay is another enjoyable part of Kerry Park. You can look at the ferries, cruisers, and the ocean liners as they pass by. At night, the view of the water with the flickering lights of the ferries is something you will want to experience for yourself as the cool breeze blows against your skin. Other views include Bainbridge Island and the occasional view of Mount Rainier; its visibility depends on the weather.

Activities

Kerry Park is not famous for its activities, so it’s not exactly a recreational park; however, you can find a few activities to participate in while you visit Kerry Park.

The most prominent activity at Kerry Park is photography, from amateur to professional. People come to the park to harvest reminders of their Seattle visit with beautiful pictures from the views at Kerry Park. Main photo attractions are the skyline, the “Changing Form” sculpture, and Elliot Bay. If you are going to Kerry Park, having a camera with you is a must because you simply don’t want to miss any of the magical moments of your visit.

You can also arrange to have your event at Kerry Park. From weddings to social events, the picturesque background of Kerry Park is awe-inspiring, and you will remember it. Picnics are another activity you can choose to have at the park against the backdrop of the beautiful surroundings. However, you will need to plan for a day when the crowds at Kerry Park are fewer so as to enjoy some quiet time. For children, the “Changing Form” sculpture offers another form of activity. The smooth curves and spaces of the sculpture are used for climbing and sliding. You can let your child play with the sculpture as you take photographs or relax.

Finally, Kerry Park is the best place for relaxation. If you want to have a rest and soak in a wonderful view as you unwind and just chill out, this is the place to. There are benches available for visitors to enjoy the breeze and the general tranquility of the park.

Transportation

To get to Kerry Park by public transport, take a northbound No. 2 or 13 bus from downtown and get off at Highland Dr. You will find Kerry Park a couple of blocks to the west.

Museum of Flight

This museum is the largest of its kind in the West. A cultural landmark located on a Boeing field south of downtown Seattle, the Museum of Flight stands on a 12-acre land area and houses more than 85 air- and spacecrafts. On arrival, the long pedestrian walkway is the first landmark that lets you know you are heading into an interesting museum. The museum also has exhibits that are interactive, family and educational activities, and flight simulators. It is a place designed to meet the desires of all generations and types of people.

Segments of the Museum

The Museum of Flight is divided into 8 different segments to enhance your satisfaction when moving through the many services it has to offer. Each segment focuses on a specific activity or study.

The Dream of Flight

This segment is your introduction into the Museum of Flight. It is the first thing you encounter in the lobby, near the entrance to the Great Gallery. There are several gliders hanging overhead, simulating the idea of them floating. The early gliders represent evolution in aircraft production over the years. Some are huge and more avian-like than plane-like. The view of the planes and gliders from underneath is an amazing experience for any aerospace or plane enthusiast.

The Great Gallery

This is another segment of the museum where you can find all the information on the development and progress of planes. It is the main event of the museum. The gallery is well lit and beautifully glass lined. In the gallery, you will find over 40 aircrafts, detailing the first years of powered flight history. The aircraft are displayed in different positions, some floating as if in flight and others on the ground. The aircraft on the ground allow for closer and more thorough inspection by visitors.

The Great Gallery has a huge collection of both military and civilian aircraft that have been used over time. On your entrance into the gallery, you are greeted by the Wright 1903 Flier, naturally a replica, but the similarity to the original is remarkable. This gallery holds several historical planes, including the Douglas DC-3. Some rare aircrafts like the 1968 Aero Car III can also be found here; this was a car that basically could be turned into an airborne craft in about 15 minutes. You have to go see the rare flying car for yourself to believe it!

The Great Gallery also details the evolution of aircraft from the first airplanes created to the latest models in aircraft technology. Among the first planes, you will see the Mig 15 and the Saber that was used in the Korean War. The F-4 Phantom and the Mig 21, which were used to fight to the death in the Vietnam War are also present for viewing. The center stage of the Great Gallery is occupied by another beauty with a captivating story: the Blackbird, a spy plane used in the Cold War era. The Blackbird flew high above observable radar, and it holds the record for the fastest plane ever flown. Such is part of the history and knowledge you expect to view at the Great Gallery.

The Airpark

The Airpark is located across the street from the main Museum of Flight, but it is included in the price you pay for the tour of the museum. The Airpark contains a number of aircraft that can be viewed up close, and there are some that can be entered so you can get a feel for the inside of the craft. Among these planes, there is the actual Air Force One that was used in the era of President John F. Kennedy. The Boeing UC-137B is one of the aircraft you can walk into and experience what J. F. Kennedy did on his trips across the States. You can also sit where he sat and be privileged to share an experience with one of the former presidents of the United States of America.

The Supersonic Concorde is another aircraft that is on display for walk-ins. The luxury plane has a Spartan interior, but it surprisingly lacks amenities that you would expect in a craft of its caliber. Other planes that are on display at the airpark include the 727, 737, and the 747. These are not open to be viewed inside by the public, though, and you can only get an exterior view. They do allow for a good comparison in terms of size, however, to the Concorde and the Air Force One.

The Bill and Moya Lear Gallery

This gallery is dedicated and focuses on the exploration and discovery of outer space. It is a side gallery to the main gallery at the Museum of Flight. The Bill and Moya Lear Gallery contains a series of educational exhibits in which the history of space is described in detail. Details of early rocket pioneers, the race to the moon between countries, the space shuttle, and the exploration of Mars are contained here. If you are fascinated by outer space and space travel, the Bill and Moya Lear Gallery is a must-see when you visit the Museum of Flight.

Museum of Flight’s William E. Boeing Red Barn

Built in 1909, the red barn was originally at the port of Seattle. The Red Barn was later donated in 1973 by the port to the Museum of Flight and was moved from its original location. The Red Barn was part of the Museum’s first exhibition in 1983.

The Red Barn can be viewed as you approach the Museum of Flight; it is set in the white background of the rest of the museum galleries. It was the original home of Boeing, where the company originally manufactured and produced their aircraft. The William E. Boeing Red Barn has several flights on display, some suspended in air and some on the ground, as is the norm in all the galleries at the Museum of Flight.

The feature that sets this area apart from the other galleries is the detailed display. The design and manufacture of aircraft is displayed in such a way that you get to see exactly how the plane was made. The history of the Boeing is also exhibited in the gallery in detail. Among the exhibit is the B-17 Flying Fortress, manufactured by Boeing.

Personal Carriage Wing WWI Gallery

Personal carriage Wing has two levels. The Upper Wing is focused on World War I. The Personal Carriage Wings are darker than the rest of the galleries, possibly to add a dramatic effect on the World War details in them. The Personal Carriage Wing WW I gallery is set on a black background, and the various scenes and displays that surround it enhance the feel of the World War I historical details.

The main attraction in this segment are the World War I aircraft, some originals and some full size replicas. The theme of the Museum of Flight is still depicted here with some aircraft suspended and some on the floor. Examples of the planes on display in the gallery are triplanes, biplanes, and monoplanes. You will find some of the planes to be surprisingly sophisticated considering the age in which they were built. For instance, the Single World Fighter has a machinegun above the propeller. This 1914 monoplane is what greets as you enter the Personal Carriage Wing WWI gallery.

Personal Carriage Wing WWII Gallery

This is found on the other level of the Personal Carriage, the bottom level. It is also darker than the rest of the galleries at the Museum of Flight and offers scenes around the perimeter to add some flavor to the history. The gallery is dedicated to World War II aircraft and exhibits fighter planes from the U.S., Germany, Great Britain, Russia, and Japan. It presents an outstanding collection of aircraft on display, from the rare Japanese “Oscar” fighter to the sleek P-38 Lightning.

Exterior Aircraft

The final segment of the Museum of Flight is found on the southern end of the museum and is free to access. The area contains 6 historic aircrafts. This includes a fighter called the Tomcat that was in used in the U.S. Navy between 1974 and 2006. It is referred to as “an excellent fighter aircraft.”

Other Activities

Other than participating in the educational experience at the Museum of Flight, there is also a flight simulator where you can experience what it feels like to actually fly a plane. One of the flight simulators is more vigorous, while the other is more stable; be sure to choose one with the stability of your choice. Note that the simulators are not included in the museum price, so you will need to spend just a little more for the service.

The Museum of Flight also has an exploration area for children, which includes a place where they can experience hands-on exploration and actually touch aircraft. If you are accompanied by your children, this will be a great place for them to learn about aerospace vehicles. Another area of interest would be the model of an airport control tower. Here, you can hear voice feeds from the Boeing field control tower and aircrafts that are landing or taking off. The experience you get is real, as if you are in an actual tower. Due to the low air traffic, however, you may end up just viewing the aircrafts taking off and landing without much of the airport control experience.

Considering the visit to the Museum of Flight may be an all-day event, you will need to eat. There is a restaurant in the museum that offers a menu of various foods. There, you can enjoy a meal while admiring the planes that are landing and taking off. The Boeing field adjacent to the museum is in perfect view of the restaurant.

Getting There

If you are in downtown Seattle or at Tukwila Station, you can use public transportation to get to the Museum of Flight. Take Metro Bus 124. The bus will leave you at the bus stop directly in front of the museum.

Whatever your holiday or vacation desires, Seattle offers just what you need.