Egypt Fans Seattle

🚊 Seattle Transportation Guide

Seattle has excellent public transportation! The Link Light Rail is your best friend - it connects the airport, downtown, and stadium. Here's everything you need to know.

🚀 Quick Start - Airport to City

✅ Easiest Option: Link Light Rail
  • Cost: Just $3.00!
  • Time: 38-40 minutes to downtown
  • Frequency: Every 8-15 minutes
  • Hours: 5 AM - 1 AM (Mon-Sat), 6 AM - Midnight (Sun)

Step-by-Step from Sea-Tac Airport

  1. Follow signs for "Link Light Rail" after baggage claim
  2. Take elevator/escalator to 4th floor of parking garage
  3. Walk across skybridge to station
  4. Buy ORCA card from vending machine ($3 for card)
  5. Add fare value (minimum $3 for downtown trip)
  6. Tap card on yellow reader to enter platform
  7. Board train heading "Northgate" or "Angle Lake"
  8. Ride to your stop (Westlake for downtown)
  9. Tap card again when exiting

💳 ORCA Card - Your Transit Pass

What is ORCA?

ORCA (One Regional Card for All) is the payment system for all Seattle public transit. Works on buses, light rail, streetcar, and ferries!

💰 Card cost: $3 (one-time fee)
💵 Load $5-300 in value
📱 Also available as phone app

Where to Buy ORCA Cards

  • Sea-Tac Airport station (vending machines)
  • All Link Light Rail stations
  • Transit GO Ticket App (digital card)
  • Many grocery stores (QFC, Safeway)
  • Online at orcacard.com (takes 7-10 days)

ORCA Pass Options

  • Day Pass: $8 for unlimited regional transit
  • Pay-as-you-go: $2.25-3.50 per ride based on distance
  • Best for tourists: Day pass if taking 3+ trips

🚊 Link Light Rail System

Key Stations for Egyptian Fans

🏟️ For Lumen Field (Stadium):

  • Stadium Station - Closest to Lumen Field (2 min walk)
  • Int'l District/Chinatown - Alternative (8 min walk)

🏙️ Downtown Stations:

  • Westlake - Shopping, downtown core
  • University Street - Financial district
  • Pioneer Square - Historic area, near stadium

📍 Other Important Stops:

  • Capitol Hill - Restaurants, nightlife
  • U-District - University of Washington
  • Northgate - Near Idris Mosque
🎯 2025 Update: New Lynnwood Extension!

Link Light Rail now extends to Lynnwood! More stations and better coverage across the region. Great for exploring beyond Seattle.

🚌 King County Metro Buses

Using the Bus System

  • Same ORCA card works on all buses
  • Cash accepted (exact change only)
  • Fare: $2.75 for adults
  • Free transfers within 2 hours
  • Enter front door, exit back door
  • Request stop by pulling yellow cord

Helpful Bus Routes

  • Route 7: Connects to many halal restaurants
  • Route 49: Capitol Hill to U-District
  • Route 40: Fremont to Downtown
  • RapidRide Lines: Faster, more frequent service

🚗 Rideshare & Taxis

Uber & Lyft

📱 Download apps before arriving
💰 Airport to downtown: $30-45
⚠️ Surge pricing on match days!

Tip: Avoid rideshare immediately after matches - prices can be 3-5x normal. Walk a few blocks away from stadium first, or take light rail.

Traditional Taxis

  • Yellow Cab: (206) 622-6500
  • Orange Cab: (206) 522-8800
  • Airport to downtown: $40-50 + tip
  • Accept credit cards
  • 15-20% tip expected

⚽ Match Day Transportation

🚨 Match Day Alert
  • Arrive 2 hours early - stations get VERY crowded
  • Buy return tickets/load ORCA before the match
  • Expect 30-45 minute wait for trains after match
  • Consider walking to Pioneer Square station to avoid Stadium station crowds

Best Routes to Lumen Field

From Downtown Hotels:

  • Walk (20-25 minutes) - Follow 4th Avenue south
  • Light Rail - Any southbound train to Stadium station
  • Avoid driving - parking is $40-60 and traffic is terrible

From Airport Hotels:

  • Link Light Rail northbound to Stadium station (30 min)
  • Direct, no transfers needed

📱 Essential Apps for Getting Around

Must-Have Apps

  • Transit GO Ticket: Buy ORCA passes digitally
  • OneBusAway: Real-time bus arrivals
  • Google Maps: Best for transit directions
  • Citymapper: Alternative transit app
  • Uber/Lyft: For rideshare options
💡 Pro Tip

Download offline maps in Google Maps before arriving - works even without data!

🚡 Other Transit Options

Seattle Streetcar

🚊 Two lines: South Lake Union & First Hill
💳 Same ORCA card works
💰 $2.25 per ride

Water Taxi

⛴️ To West Seattle from downtown
🌊 Scenic views of city

Seattle Monorail

🚝 Tourist attraction, not practical transit
💰 $3.50 one-way (doesn't accept ORCA)

🚶‍♂️ Walking & Biking

Walking in Seattle

  • Downtown is walkable but hilly!
  • Wear comfortable shoes
  • Rain can happen anytime - bring umbrella
  • Use pedestrian crossings - jaywalking is fined
  • Most attractions within 30 min walk downtown

Bike Share

  • Lime: E-bikes and scooters via app
  • Helmet required by law
  • Bike lanes available but hills are challenging
  • Not recommended for inexperienced cyclists

💰 Transportation Costs Summary

Budget Planning

Airport to Downtown $3 (Light Rail) / $35 (Uber)
ORCA Day Pass $8
Single Bus/Rail Ride $2.25-3.50
Downtown to Stadium $2.25 (Rail) / Free (Walk)
Stadium Parking $40-60 (Not recommended!)

✅ Essential Tips