Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
handy bike paths are the Ship Canal Trail on the north side of Queen Anne, Myrtle Ed-
wards Park, Green Lake Park and the Cheshiahud Loop around Lake Union.
Seattle and all of King County require that bicyclists wear helmets. If you're caught
without one, you can be fined $30 to $80 on the spot. Most places that rent bikes will
rent helmets to go with them, sometimes for a small extra fee. It's also important to
make sure your bike has sufficient lights and reflectors attached.
Boat
The most useful inter- neighborhood boat route is the water taxi that connects the down-
town waterfront (Pier 50) with West Seattle (Seacrest Park). The water taxi runs hourly
every day in summer and weekdays only in winter. The fare is $4 for the 10-minute
crossing.
Bus
Buses are operated by
Metro Transit
(
www.metro.kingcounty.gov
)
, part of the King
County Department of Transportation. The website prints schedules and maps and has
a trip planner.
To make things simple, all bus fares within Seattle city limits are a flat $2.50 at peak
hours (6am to 9am and 3pm to 6pm weekdays). Off-peak rates are $2.25. Those aged
six to 18 pay $1.25; kids under six are free; seniors and travelers with disabilities pay
$0.75. Most of the time you pay or show your transfer when you board. Your transfer
ticket is valid for three hours from time of purchase. Most buses can carry two to three
bikes.
There are four RapidRide bus routes (A to D) with two more coming on board in 2014.
Of interest to travelers are lines C (downtown to West Seattle) and D (downtown to Bal-
lard). RapidRide buses are faster and more frequent (every 10 minutes).
Be aware that very few buses operate between 1:30am and 5am, so if you're a long
way from home when the bars close, plan on calling a cab instead.
