Are you looking for a city escape but hoping to avoid the hassle of renting a car? Seattle might be your perfect destination. As one of the country’s healthiest and most environmentally-friendly cities, it’s no surprise that Seattle boasts affordable public transport options and plenty of walkable and bike-friendly areas. It’s easy to find a place to stay near the city center and go exploring — no car needed!
Getting to Seattle
You can catch the Light Link Rail train from the airport into downtown Seattle. The journey takes about 40 minutes, and the trains depart every 6-15 minutes. You can also catch a taxi or ride-share from the airport, or you can arrange for a shuttle service via your hotel. Amtrak offers three routes into Seattle. Each route arrives at King Street Station, which is conveniently located downtown near public transport links.
Getting Around the City
When you arrive in Seattle, you’ll have plenty of options for getting around the city. Given this city’s reputation for terrible traffic jams, skipping the rental car is probably your best bet.
To catch some great views of downtown and the Space Needle, hop on the groovy-looking monorail. Originally built in 1962 for the Century 21 Exposition, it’s the oldest monorail system in the U.S.! Seattle also has two streetcar lines that service the South Lake Union and First Hill areas. Plus, the local bus system will take you anywhere in central or outer Seattle. For unlimited daily travel, you can purchase a regional day pass.
If you want to tackle Seattle’s hills by bike, take advantage of the city’s recently-launched dockless bike share program. You can use the app to locate, collect, and drop off bikes anywhere in the city. The University District and Green Lake areas are bikeable, thanks to the many protected lanes and fewer number of hills.
If you’d rather travel by foot, the most pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods include downtown, Capitol Hill, Ballard, and South Lake Union.
What to Do on Foot or by Bike
Seattle offers no shortage of city walking tours. Wander through Pike Place Market, snag some samples, and learn about Seattle’s food history with the Market Experience tour. Learn about the city’s dark side on a True Crime tour. Join a Coffee Crawl for sightseeing combined with delicious roasts from some of the city’s best cafes. Locals recommend strolling through the historic Ballard neighborhood, where you can sip craft beer at one of many breweries or visit the Nordic Museum.
If you want to see Seattle on two wheels, you can go for a classic city bike tour, try the popular Bainbridge Island Tour, or head further afield by mountain bike. For something completed different, go for a pedal-powered brewery crawl with the Cycle Saloon.
If your next journey takes you to Seattle, there’s no need to bother with a rental car. The Emerald City is truly green. You’ll have your pick of inexpensive, efficient transport options and the freedom to wander wherever your feet take you.