Guide to Seattle’s Transports for Visitors | Train, Bus, Monorail…
Written/Edited by: Northern Latitudes Editorial Team
Updated: 6/22/2026
So, you are planning a trip to Seattle? Seattle is a great place to visit, but it is also a big city and you will have to find ways of getting around. Happily, Seattle has a well developed transit system that visitors can use to move around. This article is there to give you all the information you need to get around Seattle!
Do you need a car in Seattle?
The need for a car is often one of the biggest topics, and the answer to whether you need a vehicle or not depends on your traveling goals. As this article will demonstrate, Seattle features an effective transit system that can get you to the major destinations within the city. Nonetheless, some places are only accessible if you have a vehicle, this is especially the case for sites located in the countryside. To help you evaluate, here is a breakdown.
Sample of destinations for which you won’t need a car.
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Space Needle & Center
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Pike Place Market
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Seattle Zoo
Sample of destination for which a car is preferable*.
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Olympic & Mount Rainier National Park
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Boeing Future of Flight
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Snoqualmie Falls
*We say “preferable” because private companies may sometimes offer tours to these areas, or shuttle service might exist. However, those significantly limit your control over your trip.
The ORCA Card
To make it easier for travelers to pay for their fares, Seattle uses the ORCA card system. This card allows users to load money and/or passes to pay for their rides. It’s simple, when riders board the vehicles, they scan their cards and that’s it. Cards can be used on most transportation agencies in Seattle.
Getting an ORCA
People can get an ORCA card at multiple points across the city. They are most commonly found at Link Light Rail stations, but can also be bought at designated kiosks or online. A virtual version of the card is available as well.
A new (physical) card costs $3 and must be loaded with at least $5, bringing the total initial costs to $8. Reduced fares are also available for youth and people with special circumstances.
ORCA Regional Day Pass
The ORCA Regional Day Pass allows visitors to pay one time for all the rides they will take during a single day. The pass allows to pay the fare for most agencies within the Seattle region except for Seattle Center Monorail, Sounder Trains and King’s County Water Taxi. You may use your pass and ORCA card on these systems, but since the value of the rides exceed the value of your pass ($3), you will be requested for pay the reminder. As a matter of example, if your ride costs $4 and your pass covers only $3, you will need to pay for the remaining $1.
Costs of Orca Regional Day Pass: $6 for Adults
Your pass will activate the first time you tap, and will expire at 3am the following day.
The Map
Check our map of Seattle public. For a more accurate map of the transit network of downtown Seattle, you can check this one.
You can find and save this map on Pinterest.
You can download a PDF version to save for your next trip.
Link Light Rail
The Link Light Rail is a train located within the city of Seattle and operated by Sound Transit. It features many stations across Seattle and two main lanes (green and blue). The Link is one of the most effective ways to move around. It notably links downtown Seattle to Tacoma International Airport.
Fares (Regular):
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One Way - $3
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Day Pass - $6
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ORCA Regional Pass accepted - $6
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Riders can pay for their fares with their ORCA card, a physical ticket, a virtual ticket, or a contactless payment method.
Bus
Buses within the city of Seattle and the county of King are operated majorily by King County Metro. Similarly to Link Light Rail, fares can be paid by scanning an ORCA card, contactless payment method, or with cash. Those with cash must have the exact amount (driver does not provide change) and you must ask the driver if you would like a paper transfer.
Fares (Regular):
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Adults (Single ride) - $3
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Children (Under 18) - FREE
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ORCA Regional Pass accepted - $6
For a single ride fare, you’ll be given two hours of transfer.
Washington State Ferry
Washington State Ferries are an amazing way of visiting places across the puget sound. The rides offer some great views over Seattle and the surroundings.
Fares (Regular):
The fare for your ride will depend on the route, and whether or not you have a vehicle. You can pay using either ORCA, an e-purse or a physical ticket bought at the port. Discounts are available for youth and people with special circumstances.
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Photo by Gordon Leggett | Wikimedia Commons Attribution 4.0
Water Taxi
As suggested by the name, water taxis are fast ferries taking passengers to specific areas of Seattle via water. As of 2026, there are two main routes taking passengers between downtown Seattle and either West Seattle or Vashon Island. As a tourist, the need for water taxis is very low, but it is still good to know about it. Some people like to take it simply for the views.
Fares (Regular):
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Fares vary by route, but regular adult fares cost between $5.25 and $7. Fares can be paid with cash, a ticket (physical or virtual) or an ORCA card. Paying with ORCA is cheaper.
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Photo by Joe Mabel | Wikimedia Commons Attribution 4.0
Sounder Train
The Sounder commuter rail is a system covering distances between Seattle’s downtown and the surrounding city. It goes up to Everett in the North and down to Lakewood to the South. Tourists generally don’t need it.
Fares (Regular):
Fares vary based on your trip, but generally range $3.25 to $5.75 for regular one-way adult fares. The rides can be paid either using the ORCA card or a ticket (physical or virtual). You may also use a contactless payment method (credit/debit card) before you board.
Seattle Center Monorail
Opened in 1962, the Seattle Monorail is a popular way of getting around for tourists and locals. It is especially convenient to join Seattle Center (Climate Pledge Area, MoPOP or Space Needle) and downtown Seattle. As of 2026, there is only 1 line with two stops (the two terminals). It goes from Westlake Center Mall to Seattle Center.
Fares (Regular):
A regular one way ticket generally costs $4 for adults. You may pay using a ticket, ORCA or a contactless payment card.
Going From Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Seattle
To get from downtown Seattle to the international airport without a car, the best option is likely the Link Light Rail. One station is located on the fourth floor across the baggage claim. From there, the ride to Seattle usually takes about 40min.
You may also decide to take the bus. The stops are located adjacent to the light rail station. Both King County Metro and Sound Transit operate buses going from the airport to various points across greater Seattle.
