City in Washington, United States

Getting around Seattle

Updated October 2026Sources

UberBest app

How to get around Seattle

Link light rail connects the airport, downtown and Capitol Hill; buses and ferries fill the gaps. Walk around the core and use Uber for late nights.

Ways to get around Seattle

Walkable center

Option	Fare	Good to know
Link light rail	$2.25–3.50	Tap an ORCA card or contactless; airport to downtown in 40 min
King County Metro buses	$2.75	Dense network; RapidRide lines run frequently
Washington State Ferries	About $10–13 foot passenger	Scenic rides to Bainbridge Island, Bremerton and Vashon
Uber / Lyft	About $15–26 for short trips	Reliable; surge after sports and concerts

Ride-hailing apps in Seattle

A 5 km ride costs about $15–26 ($15–26).

App	Notes
Uber	Most drivers; airport pickups
Lyft	Good alternative with similar fares

Taxis exist and use meters; rideshare is usually cheaper. Waymo is testing in Seattle but not yet open to the public.

Arriving in Seattle

Seattle–Tacoma International (SEA)

Link 1 Line to Westlake about $3.50, 40 min; Uber/Lyft $40–65, 25–45 min; taxi $50–70.

Driving and onward travel

Driving: on the right. Foreign licences work for visitors in most states; carry an IDP if yours isn't in English. Under-25s pay rental surcharges.
Onward travel in United States: Distances are long, so domestic flights are usually fastest. Amtrak works well in the Northeast Corridor; buses are cheapest. Outside big cities you often need a car.

Quick answers

Is there Uber in Seattle?

Yes. Apps that work here: Uber, Lyft.

What's the best way to get around Seattle?

Link light rail connects the airport, downtown and Capitol Hill; buses and ferries fill the gaps. Walk around the core and use Uber for late nights.

How do I get from the airport to Seattle?

Link 1 Line to Westlake about $3.50, 40 min; Uber/Lyft $40–65, 25–45 min; taxi $50–70.

Is Seattle walkable?

Walkable center.

More about Seattle

Going to Seattle solo?

SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Seattle meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.

See plans in Seattle

Sources

Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.