How to Get Around Seattle on the Cheap

Seattle is a wonderful city for residents and visitors, but it can sometimes be difficult to navigate. Despite congested traffic and expensive parking, there are ways to get around Seattle on the cheap - with or without your own set of wheels.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Jackets
• Walking Shoes
• Maps
• Travel Guides
• Travel Services
• Maps
• Jackets

1. Make use of the Metro Transit system. Seattle has an extensive bus system that includes many park-and-ride areas on the major routes into the city. Fares cost slightly more during peak hours.

2. Take advantage of the downtown Ride Free Zone. Within most of downtown Seattle, the bus system is free between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m., and you can get around a fairly large area without paying for your ride. This is especially useful if you plan to do a lot of sight-seeing in one day, since Seattle's downtown core covers a relatively large area with lots of steep hills.

3. Figure out when to pay your fare. Because of the downtown Ride Free Zone, travelers on buses leaving downtown pay as they leave the bus, rather than as they board. The opposite system is in effect when you board a bus heading toward downtown. Ask the driver if you're in doubt.

4. Walk as much as possible, but be prepared to climb some hills, especially around the Market and Pioneer Square.

5. Ride a bike if your legs are strong and you are comfortable riding in traffic. Seattle's hills can be a challenge for many cyclists, so make sure your bicycle is lightweight and easy to control.

6. Park your vehicle, if you have one, at Seattle Center and take the monorail right into downtown. Parking is plentiful around Seattle Center (except during festival times) and is much cheaper than parking in the heart of downtown. The monorail is lots of fun for kids, too.

Tips & Warnings

• There are some excellent trail rides in and around Seattle, including the long and scenic Burke-Gilman trail, which winds along Lake Washington through North Seattle, passing through the University District to the Fremont and Wallingford neighborhoods.
• If you have the time, consider taking a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island. You could even take the Clipper to Victoria for a day or two.
• If you do park your car at Seattle Center for the day, remember to remove any valuables from the vehicle. If you are parking in an attended lot, try to leave your car within sight of the attendant's booth.
• Remember to bring sturdy walking shoes and a waterproof, windproof jacket. Seattle's proximity to the water means that it can be cool and breezy at any time of year, especially downtown in the shadows of tall buildings.

[cllorentson]

on 3/20/2009 There's a link to Seattle Dept of Transportation that lists days when the parking meters in Seattle are free, generally Sundays and holidays. They are also free on evenings after 6 PM. It's good info to know if you are going to the city to see an after hours event. Here's the link: http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/parking/default.htmCallie LorentsonSeattle Budget Entertainment Examinerhttp://www.examiner.com/x-1633-Seattle-Budget-Entertainment-Examiner

on 6/30/2006 It is not as easy to hail a cab in Seattle as it is in other major cities. Do not always expect to be able to hail a cab whenever you like. Plug in the various cab companies phone numbers into your cell phone prior to arrival. If you call for a cab (over the phone) it will generally take less than 10 minutes for one to pick you up.

on 11/22/2005 If you are planning on taking two or more trips on Metro buses on a weekend or holiday, buy a day pass. At $2.50, it's equal to the cost of two trips and valid for unlimited trips on the day purchased.