Seattle’s Public Transportation Network
Seattle’s public transportation network includes a fairly extensive fleet of buses, a monorail, the South Lake Union Streetcar, and Link Light Rail. While the light rail doesn’t crisscross the city, Link is fabulously useful and easy to use. Parking lots are located at some stations, making this a great way to avoid traffic when driving into Seattle from the south or from as far north as the University of Washington. Consequently, trains run every 7 to 15 minutes, ensuring minimal wait times.
Link is one of several modes of public transportation between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Seattle. If you don’t have a ride to the airport, Link is significantly cheaper than taking a taxi or parking at the airport, and the ride itself is quite short and pleasant. Although you will need to access one of the Link stations (listed below), these stations are conveniently located throughout Seattle and its surrounding communities, thus a quick Uber or bus ride can easily get you there.
The trains make several stops, including near CenturyLink Field and Safeco Stadium, making Link a fantastic option for attending games on event days.
Link also operates a line in Tacoma that runs between the Tacoma Dome and Theater District, known as the Tacoma Link, which is free!
Where to Park
However, not all stations offer free parking or any parking facilities, so it is advisable to check in advance if you need to park.
Two stations provide ample free parking: Angel Lake Station at 19955 28th Ave South and Tukwila International Boulevard Station at 15426 35th Ave S, with 1160 and 600 parking spaces, respectively. For sports events, it is important to arrive early as these lots can fill up quickly. Moreover, if you’re heading to the SeaTac/Airport Station, keep in mind that only paid parking is available nearby. It may be more convenient to park one station away at Tukwila, as the ride from there to the airport station is merely a few minutes.
Link Stations
- Angel Lake – 19955 28th Ave South
- SeaTac Airport – International Blvd & S 176th Street
- Tukwila International Boulevard (near International Boulevard and 154th)
- Rainier Beach – 9132 Martin Luther King Jr Way S.
- Othello – 7100 Martin Luther King Jr Way S.
- Columbia City – 4818 Martin Luther King Jr Way S.
- Mount Baker – Rainier Avenue S. near S. Forest Street
- Beacon Hill – Beacon Avenue S. & S. McClellan Street
- SODO – 500 S. Lander Street
- Stadium – 501 S. Royal Brougham Way
- International District/Chinatown – 5th and S. Jackson
- Pioneer Square – 3rd and James, Seattle
- University Square – 3rd and Seneca, Seattle
- Westlake – 4th and Pine, Seattle
- Capitol Hill – near Broadway and E John
- University of Washington – near Husky Stadium
How to Buy Tickets
If you have an Orca card, simply locate one of the yellow Orca card readers positioned near platform entrances and exits. It is essential to tap your Orca card on the reader before boarding the train, as well as after disembarking.
If you do not possess an Orca card, you can also pay with cash or credit cards using machines available at each station. Using these machines is straightforward:
- Select your method of payment – cash, card, or Orca/ePurse.
- Select whether you’re purchasing a one-way fare or a day pass.
- Select your destination station. For a day pass, choose the farthest station you plan to reach.
- Insert your chosen payment method and collect your tickets or passes.
Once you have acquired a ticket, there is no need to scan it or pass it through any validation machines; however, ensure you keep it with you (especially for day passes—losing one can be costly!) as penalties are imposed for riding without a ticket or an Orca card. Day passes are particularly economical if you plan to make multiple stops or if you are attending an event and need to return on the Link later. One-way fares vary based on the distance between your start and end points, with longer journeys resulting in slightly higher fares.
