UW Student Guide to Public Transportation in Seattle

Introduction:Living off-campus as a University of Washington student doesn’t mean you need to rely on a car. In fact, Seattle is known for its robust public transportation system, and UW students have access to some of the city’s most convenient transit options. Whether you're heading to class, exploring neighborhoods, or commuting to an internship, this guide will walk you through the best ways to get around Seattle using public transportation.

Getting Around UW with Public TransitKing County Metro Bus:King County Metro operates a comprehensive bus system that connects the University District with the rest of Seattle. With frequent routes running through campus and the U-District, it’s easy to get to neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Fremont, or Downtown Seattle. Routes like the 44, 48, and 70 are staples for students traveling locally. Your Husky Card includes a U-PASS, which gives you unlimited rides on Metro buses.

Link Light Rail:One of the most efficient ways to get around Seattle, the Link Light Rail has a station right on the UW campus. You can ride south through Capitol Hill, Downtown, and all the way to Sea-Tac Airport. This is a popular option for students who live along the light rail corridor or need fast access to the airport and major destinations in the city.

Sound Transit Buses and Trains:For students commuting from outside the city or exploring the greater Puget Sound area, Sound Transit provides express bus and commuter rail services to places like Bellevue, Tacoma, and Everett. These services are covered under the U-PASS as well, making it easy to travel longer distances affordably.

UW Shuttles and Campus Transportation:The university operates several shuttle routes for students, including those between the UW Medical Center and other UW facilities. These are great for students working or interning within UW’s healthcare system or doing research across multiple campuses.

Biking and Bike Share:Seattle is a bike-friendly city, and UW has extensive biking infrastructure. Students can take advantage of protected bike lanes, bike racks across campus, and regional bike share programs like Lime. Many students combine biking with transit for flexible, car-free commuting.

How to Pay:All UW students receive a U-PASS loaded onto their Husky Card, which gives unlimited rides on King County Metro, Link Light Rail, Sound Transit, and other local transit systems. No need to worry about tickets or fare reloads—just tap your card and go.

Conclusion:Public transportation is a huge asset for UW students living off-campus. With a U-PASS, students have access to buses, light rail, and regional transit, making it easy to live car-free in Seattle. Whether you're commuting to class or heading out to explore the city’s parks, food scene, and tech hubs, Seattle’s transit system has you covered.