Not only is Seattle one of the prettiest places to visit in the US, mostly thanks to its plethora of green spaces mixed with urban charm, but it’s also one of the easiest places to get around without a car. No need to spend extra money on a rental car or stress yourself out trying to drive around this bustling city.
Seattle is very walkable in most areas, with reliable public transportation for long commutes, and the individual neighborhoods are walkable and worth exploring. Keep reading to learn more about how to get around in Seattle without a car and where to stay without a car.
Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links; we get a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through one of them. Read our affiliate disclosure.
Why You Don’t Need a Car in Seattle
If you’re wondering whether or not you need to rent a car for your trip to Seattle, here’s why I recommend you don’t. The city is quite walkable in many neighborhoods. Traffic is often bad, and parking can be expensive and stressful.
There are excellent public transportation options in Seattle. Ferries, light rail, buses, and streetcars cover most tourist areas.
How to Get to Seattle Without a Car
From the Airport (SEA-TAC): Use the Link Light Rail (like a train). It connects the airport to downtown in ~40 mins and is cheap. Buy an ORCA card (reloadable fare card) at the airport to board the Link and other forms of public transportation while in Seattle.
By Train: You can take the Amtrak and arrive at King Street Station just south of downtown. Amtrak trains leave from most major cities in the United States.
By Bus: Greyhound, Flixbus, and local buses from other cities.
The Best Ways to Get Around Seattle Without a Car
Some must-see places in Seattle are too far to walk to, so I recommend using one of the following transportation options for those longer distances. But if you’re exploring a single neighborhood, walking is a great option in Seattle.
Walking (FREE!)
The cheapest way to get around Seattle without a car is by walking. Many neighborhoods are walkable, and if you’re staying downtown near Pike Place Market, you can walk to many popular places and great restaurants.
Take a look at my ultimate Seattle walking tour and enjoy your own adventure through the city’s highlights on foot!
Rent a Scooter or Bike
Many big cities in the US, like Chicago and San Diego, offer scooter and bike rentals. You can find them in designated areas all over the city of Seattle. Just download the Lime scooter app, as this brand is most commonly found here, add a credit card, and you’ll be ready to rent an electric scooter or bike in Seattle!
You can ride the scooters and bikes as long as you want; you’re charged by the minute. You must park them in designated areas when you are done with them, and make sure to end your ride on the Lime app.
Scooters are great for going a few blocks, and the bikes are great for longer distances (though these can be harder to find). Make sure you follow all local bike rules.
Public Transportation
- Buses
- Link Light Rail
- Monorail
- Streetcars
- Ferries
There are multiple forms of public transportation in Seattle, including the Link Light Rail, buses, monorail, streetcar, and ferries.
To utilize any Seattle public transportation, buy an ORCA card as soon as possible when you arrive in Seattle. This is a reloadable fare card you must have. Download the “MyORCA” app to reload it.
If you’re flying into the Sea-Tac airport, you can buy an ORCA card at the airport before you board the Link Light Rail to downtown. You can also purchase them at all the Link Light Rail stations and ferry ports.
I recommend using Google Maps to plan your route using public transportation in Seattle. It’s easy to use and is fairly reliable when it comes to bus times, etc. And Google Maps will give you the best route to take, whether it’s a bus, monorail, streetcar, or a mix of them.
*Note on ferries: You can use your ORCA card to cover your ferry fee if you’re walking on, or you can easily buy a round-trip ticket at the counter when you arrive at the ferry terminal.
Rideshare or Taxis
The most convenient way to get around Seattle without a car is by using rideshare or taxi services. This is a great option if you’re arriving in Seattle really late or early, or if taking public transportation will take far too long.
Note, you’ll still be susceptible to the Seattle traffic, and ridesharing can get pricey here. But I do recommend downloading the Uber app just in case you need it.
Rent a Car…Only If You Have To
I only recommend renting a car in Seattle if you plan on leaving the city during your stay. Say you want to visit some of the nearby national parks or quaint PNW towns; renting a car would come in handy these days.
If you do need to rent a car for a portion of your Seattle trip, I recommend looking at Discover Cars for the best rates. Again, only do so if you plan on day tripping out of the city.
→ Find the cheapest rental cars in Seattle here for the ultimate day trip!
Best Area to Stay in Seattle Without a Car
Downtown
One of the best areas to stay in Seattle without a car is obviously the downtown area. This is where you’ll find the iconic Pike Place Market, Seattle Art Museum, the aquarium, and great restaurants all within walking distance.
Pros: Central location, near Pike Place Market, walkable.
Cons: More expensive, tourist-heavy.
🏠 Downtown Hotel Recommendation: The Alexis Royal Sonesta Hotel Seattle (8.8/10 rating, excellent location, restaurant on site, and pet friendly) – Book the Alexis Royal Sonesta Hotel in downtown here!
Capitol Hill
Another fun neighborhood to stay in Seattle without a car is the Capitol Hill area. Located east of downtown, further inland, this neighborhood is known for its nightlife, plethora of restaurants, and LGBTQ+ friendliness.
Pros: Vibrant nightlife, walkable, close to light rail, great for foodies, LGBTQ+ friendly.
Cons: Not as clean, and a slightly larger unhoused population.
🏠 Capitol Hill Hotel Recommendation: Capitol Hill View Apartment (9.8/10 rating, private kitchen, view of the Space Needle) – Book the Capitol Hill Apartment here!
Belltown
Belltown is a great in-between neighborhood as it’s just north of downtown and is still very walkable, but is generally cheaper. This is where you’ll find the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and the rest of the iconic Seattle Center.
Pros: Walkable to Space Needle and waterfront, boutique hotels, and great restaurants.
Cons: Further from Pike Place Market and the Bainbridge Island Ferry
🏠 Belltown Hotel Recommendation: Warwick Seattle (8.1/10 rating, great location, indoor pool, breakfast available, and balcony rooms available) – Book the Warwick Seattle hotel in Belltown here!
University District (U-District)
Slightly out of the way of downtown, yet gorgeous and more affordable, is the University District, or U-District. Located northeast of downtown, this youthful area makes for a great base when in the Seattle area if you’re good with taking the Link Light Rail to explore (it’s super easy and convenient!).
Pros: Affordable, near light rail, youthful vibe, great for budget travelers.
Cons: Further out of the way compared to the previous neighborhoods.
🏠 U-District Hotel Recommendation: Residence Inn by Marriott (9.2/10 rating, breakfast included, very friendly staff, close to coffee and restaurants) – Book the Residence Inn by Marriott in the U-District here!
Tips for Visiting Seattle Without a Car
- Buy an ORCA card and download the Transit app or Google Maps to navigate public transportation.
- Avoid rush hour on public transit (buses, rideshare, taxis, and other road driving vehicles).
- Layer clothing—the weather can change quickly (Read my Seattle packing guide here!)
- Consider buying a CityPASS for easy access to top attractions in Seattle.
- Stay in a hotel near a public transportation stop or in a walkable neighborhood near attractions.
- Plan your own self-guided walking tour to enjoy the highlights of Seattle.
Getting Around Seattle Without a Car
Seattle is easy to enjoy car-free. With great public transit and walkable neighborhoods, you can relax and explore like a local. Not only is skipping a car rental the cheapest option, it’s also the most sustainable and most stress-free way to travel!
Enjoy Seattle’s best sights, some of the city’s prettiest green spaces, and day trip to the quaint Bainbridge Island all without renting a car in this bustling city. Not only is Seattle an incredible place to visit thanks to its urban charm, parks, and great restaurants, but it’s so easy to navigate without a car.
