Getting around in Seattle – Lonely Planet

Considering its size, getting around Seattle without a car is surprisingly easy. Most of the neighborhoods on the tourist radar are walkable, although a few, like Capitol Hill and Queen Anne, involve some serious uphill climbs. Getting from one neighborhood to another is generally easy, too, thanks to an extensive and affordable public transportation network.

Of course, getting around by car does allow you to explore the city at your own pace, and there’s less risk of getting your hems soaked in Seattle’s famous rain. But it comes with drawbacks. To help you decide the best mode of transport, here’s everything you need to know about getting around Seattle.

Driving in Seattle is not for the faint of heart

Seattle’s traffic is disproportionately heavy and chaotic for a city of its size, and parking is scarce and expensive. Add to that the city’s cobbled-together mishmash of skewed grids, the hilly terrain, the inexplicable left-lane freeway exits and the preponderance of one-way streets, and it’s easy to see why driving can be a challenge. And we haven’t even mentioned the address system yet.

If you’re feeling brave, rental agencies like Avis, Budget, Enterprise and Hertz are in the Sea-Tac airport. The city also offers share-car services, including Zipcar and GIG. Rules for gas and mileage charges vary, so be sure to read the fine print.

Taxis and rideshares can be pricey (but at least you’re not driving)

If you need to get somewhere quickly outside public transit hours – or don’t know how to get from Seattle airport to downtown with all your luggage in tow – taxi cabs and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft can help.

You can try hailing a cab from the street, but it’s a safer bet to call and order one. All Seattle taxi-cabs operate at the same rate, set by King County, which is USD$2.60 at meter drop, then $2.50 per mile. Reliable taxi services include Seattle Orange Cab, Seattle Yellow Cab and STITA Taxi.

There may be an additional charge for extra passengers and baggage, and some companies have flat rates for trips from the central business district to the airport. Expect to pay between around $40 and $55 for a trip between downtown and the airport.