UW Transportation Services has an excellent guide to all of the different transportation options to get around Seattle. Be sure to check it out:
Getting to campus from the airport
There are a few options to get from SeaTac airport to the UW.
- You can take the Link Light Rail from SeaTac/Airport station for $3. Follow the signs to the station, from the 4th floor of the main parking garage.
- Get on the 1 line heading north towards Lynwood City Center.
- Get off at U District Station (NOT University of Washington
- From U District Station, it is about a 10–15-minute walk to West Campus or North Campus. You may also take a short bus ride or use a rideshare service depending on your residence hall or apartment location.
- This is usually one of the most affordable options, but it may be harder if you have several large suitcases.
- Download Uber and Lyft before you travel, or use Sea-Tac Airport’s free Wi-Fi after arrival.
- Take a taxi if you prefer not to wait for a rideshare car. It may cost about the same as Lyft or Uber, depending on time and demand. You can book a taxi in advance online or walk up to the on-demand taxi stand. The taxi stand is located on the 3rd floor of the main parking garage.
- This option is usually easier if you have heavy luggage or arrive late at night.
- Check the app carefully for the assigned pickup location at the airport.
- You may also reserve an airport shuttle or door-to-door van service in advance.
- This can be helpful if you are traveling with family or carrying many bags.
- Some Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) or student groups may offer airport pickup during move-in season.
- Check official group announcements and confirm details before relying on this option.
Using Public Transit
Seattle has a robust public transportation system, made up of busses, the light rail, water taxis, and ferries. You should be able to get most places you want to go in Seattle using public transit.
As a UW student, you have automatic access to a U-PASS membership, which gives you unlimited, free rides on public transportation in Seattle.
To use your U-PASS, simply tap it at the card readers when you board a bus, train, or water taxi. A green light and a beep mean you are good to go!
Download the OneBusAway app on your phone so you can see the status of your bus.
Walking in Seattle
Seattle’s neighborhoods are very walkable (but hilly!), and you will find yourself walking a lot around campus and the U-District. Make sure to be safe and alert when walking around Seattle, especially at night.
- Avoid walking alone, especially after dark. If you need to get around campus at night, the UW offers some services to help:
- Husky SafeTrip: UW Police Department will escort you to your home, car, or campus building within a certain area.
- NightRide Shuttle: a free campus shuttle that runs from 8pm-1:30am.
- Practice common sense:
- Don’t walk with headphones in and be aware of your surroundings.
- Let others know where you plan to go and when you plan to arrive.
- Look both ways when crossing the street, and don’t jaywalk or look at your phone while crossing.
Google Maps is a great resource for walking directions, especially as you get used to finding your way around campus.
Driving in Seattle
Students driving to campus may purchase daytime or evening parking permits, as well as motorcycle permits. Resident permits are open only to students living in UW residence halls. See the Transportation Services website for more information on student parking permits.
Biking in Seattle
Thousands of Huskies bike to school and work each day. The University of Washington has over 10,000 bicycle parking spaces, and all of them can be easily found through UW’s bike rack destination map. If you choose to bike to campus, make sure to register your bike in case it gets stolen or lost.