8/10/25

Getting Around the University of Washington: A Local's Guide to Seattle's Public Transit, Parking, & More

Hey everyone, if you're a new or returning student at the University of Washington, or even a parent trying to figure out the logistics of it all, one of the first things you'll grapple with is transportation. Seattle's a bustling city, & the U-District is its own unique, energetic ecosystem. Navigating it can seem a little daunting at first, but honestly, it's one of the best-connected parts of the city. I've spent a ton of time around campus, & I'm here to give you the lowdown on everything from the super-convenient light rail to the nitty-gritty of parking.
The truth is, getting to & from the UW campus without a car is not only possible, it's often way easier. The university & the city have poured a lot of resources into making public transit a go-to option. Between the Link light rail, a massive network of bus routes, & some pretty cool university-specific perks, you're more than covered.
But let's be real, sometimes you just need a car. Maybe you're hauling a big project, heading out of town for the weekend, or you're a commuter with a tricky schedule. We'll get into the parking situation too, because, spoiler alert, it can be a headache. But don't worry, I've got some tips for that as well.
So, grab a coffee, get comfortable, & let's dive into the ultimate guide to getting around the University of Washington.

The U-PASS: Your Golden Ticket to Seattle

First things first, let's talk about the most essential tool in any Husky's transportation arsenal: the U-PASS. This isn't just a bus pass; it's your all-access key to the entire regional transit system, & honestly, it's a game-changer.
Most students on the Seattle campus are automatically enrolled in the U-PASS program. The fee is included in your mandatory student fees each quarter, so you're already paying for it. For the 2025-2026 academic year, this fee is around $73 per quarter. When you consider how much you'll save on individual fares, it's an incredible deal. For university employees, the deal is even sweeter: as of July 2022, all personnel paid by the university get a fully subsidized U-PASS. That's right, free unlimited transit.
So, what does this magical pass get you? It's loaded right onto your Husky Card, & it gives you unlimited rides on:
  • King County Metro: This is Seattle's primary bus system, with over 60 routes serving the U-District alone.
  • Sound Transit: This includes the super-efficient Link light rail & the Sounder commuter trains.
  • Community Transit, Pierce Transit, Kitsap Transit, & Everett Transit: This means you can easily explore beyond Seattle, from Tacoma to Everett.
  • Seattle Streetcar & Seattle Monorail: For getting around downtown & to the Seattle Center.
  • King County Water Taxis & Kitsap Fast Ferries: Yep, you can even take to the water.
The U-PASS also covers the full fare for on-demand services like Metro Flex & even gives you discounts on vanpools. It's designed to make a car-free or "car-light" lifestyle not just possible, but easy & affordable.
Using it is simple: just tap your Husky Card on the ORCA card reader when you board a bus or enter a light rail station. Wait for the green light & the beep, & you're good to go. It's all seamless & pretty much a rite of passage for every UW student.

The Crown Jewel: Sound Transit's Link Light Rail

The arrival of the Link light rail on campus a few years ago was a complete game-changer. It's fast, frequent, & connects the U-District to key destinations across the city & beyond. The university is so well-integrated that it has not one, but two light rail stations.

The 1 Line: Your Spine Through the City

The main line serving the UW is the 1 Line. It runs from Northgate to the north of campus, all the way down to Angle Lake, south of Sea-Tac Airport. This means you have a one-seat, traffic-free ride to some of the most popular spots in Seattle.
Here's a look at the two stations serving the UW:
  1. University of Washington Station: Located on the southeast side of campus, right next to Husky Stadium & the UW Medical Center. This is your stop for football games, events at the stadium, or if you're heading to the south end of campus. It's also the station with a direct connection to the Burke-Gilman Trail via a pedestrian bridge.
  2. U District Station: This station is on the northwest side of campus, near the UW Tower & the Burke Museum. It's perfectly situated for accessing "The Ave" (University Way NE), the main drag of the U-District with all its shops, restaurants, & cafes.

Frequency & Hours: How Often Can You Catch a Train?

The light rail is known for its reliability & frequency. You rarely have to wait long for a train. During peak hours (think weekday mornings & evenings), trains run as often as every 6-8 minutes. During off-peak times & on weekends, the frequency is still impressive, with trains arriving every 10-15 minutes.
The 1 Line operates for about 20 hours a day. The first trains start running around 4:30 AM, & the last ones depart after 1:00 AM. This makes it a viable option for early risers with 8 AM classes & for those late-night study sessions at Odegaard Library.

Key Destinations from UW on the 1 Line:

  • Capitol Hill: Just one stop south of the UW Station, you're in the heart of one of Seattle's most vibrant neighborhoods, known for its nightlife, restaurants, & unique shops. The ride takes less than 5 minutes.
  • Downtown Seattle (Westlake Center): In about 10-12 minutes, you can be in the middle of the downtown shopping core, right by Nordstrom & Pacific Place.
  • Pioneer Square & International District/Chinatown: A few more minutes on the train, & you can explore Seattle's oldest neighborhood or grab some delicious food in the ID.
  • Sea-Tac Airport: This is a big one. You can get from the UW campus to the airport in about 45 minutes for the cost of a regular fare, all without worrying about traffic or expensive airport parking.
  • Northgate: Heading north, the light rail takes you directly to the Northgate station, which is integrated with a major bus transit center & a shopping mall.
The convenience of the light rail cannot be overstated. It has fundamentally changed how students, faculty, & staff interact with the city.

King County Metro: The Workhorse of Seattle Transit

While the light rail is the shiny new star, King County Metro's bus system is the true workhorse, the backbone of Seattle's public transit. The U-District is one of the biggest transit hubs in the city, with over 60 bus routes crisscrossing the area. These buses will take you just about anywhere the light rail doesn't go.
It can be a little overwhelming to look at a map with that many routes, so let's break down some of the most popular & useful ones for UW students.

Key Bus Routes Serving the UW Campus:

  • Routes to Downtown & Capitol Hill:
    • Route 49: A super popular route that runs from the U-District, down 15th Ave NE, through Capitol Hill, & into downtown. It's a go-to for getting to Capitol Hill's restaurants & nightlife. The journey is usually around 15-20 minutes.
    • Route 70: This route takes a scenic path along Eastlake Avenue, offering great views of Lake Union, before heading into downtown.
    • Route 43: Another great option for getting to Capitol Hill & downtown.
  • Routes to Neighborhoods to the North:
    • Route 65 & 67: These routes are essential for students living in the Ravenna, Roosevelt, & Lake City neighborhoods. The 67 even goes directly onto campus.
    • Route 75: This bus runs from the U-District up to Sand Point & Northgate, passing by University Village.
    • Route 372: This route connects the U-District to Lake City & even goes all the way to Bothell, which is great for students at the UW Bothell campus who might have classes in Seattle.
  • Routes to Neighborhoods to the West:
    • Route 44: This is a crucial east-west connector. It runs from the U-District through Wallingford, Fremont (home of the famous troll), & all the way to Ballard, another popular neighborhood with a great bar & restaurant scene.
    • Routes 31/32: These routes head west towards Fremont & Magnolia.
  • Routes to the Eastside (Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond):
    • Route 255: Connects the U-District to Kirkland.
    • Route 271: A popular route for getting to Bellevue.
    • Route 542: A Sound Transit Express bus that provides a direct connection to Redmond, home of Microsoft.

Tips for Riding the Bus:

  • Download a Transit App: Apps like OneBusAway are a lifesaver. They use real-time GPS data to tell you exactly when the next bus will arrive at your stop. It's incredibly accurate & takes the guesswork out of waiting for the bus.
  • Know Your Stop Number: If you're using a text-based service, you'll need to know your route & stop number.
  • Signal Your Stop: When you're approaching your destination, pull the cord or press the button to let the driver know you want to get off.
  • Be Patient with Traffic: Unlike the light rail, buses are subject to Seattle's infamous traffic. During peak hours, a 15-minute ride can sometimes take longer. That's just part of city life!
The bus system is an amazing resource, & with your U-PASS, you have the freedom to explore every corner of Seattle & the surrounding region.

Staying Safe at Night: Husky NightRide & Husky SafeTrip

The University of Washington takes student safety very seriously, especially at night. If you've ever had a late-night study session or worked a closing shift on campus, you know that walking home in the dark can be a little unnerving. That's where two fantastic, free services come in: Husky NightRide & Husky SafeTrip.

Husky NightRide: Your Personal After-Hours Shuttle

Husky NightRide is a fare-free shuttle service for anyone with a Husky Card. It's designed to give you a safe ride home after the regular bus service has become less frequent. Here's how it works:
  • Operating Hours: The service runs from 8:00 PM to 1:30 AM, Monday through Friday, during the autumn, winter, & spring quarters. They even have extended hours until 3:30 AM during the week before & the week of finals.
  • Fixed Routes with a Twist: The shuttles pick up passengers at eight scheduled stops around campus. After the last stop, the shuttles deviate from their fixed route to drop you off right at your requested location, as long as it's within the service boundaries.
  • East & West Zones: The service area is divided into an East Zone & a West Zone. You just need to make sure you're on the right shuttle for your drop-off location. You can transfer between zones at the Flagpole stop.
  • Track Your Ride: Just like the regular buses, you can track the NightRide shuttles in real-time using a mobile app, so you know exactly when to head to your stop.
This service is an incredible resource. It gives students peace of mind & a safe, reliable way to get home after a long night on campus.

Husky SafeTrip: A Personalized Escort

Formerly known as Husky NightWalk, Husky SafeTrip is another fantastic safety service provided by the UW Police Department. If you're feeling particularly uneasy about getting home, you can request a safe ride with a uniformed UWPD security guard.
  • Operating Hours: Husky SafeTrip runs from 6:30 PM to 2:00 AM daily, except on university holidays.
  • How to Request a Ride: All you have to do is call 206-685-9255. A security guard will come to your location on campus & give you a ride to your residence, a parking lot, or a public transit stop within the service area.
  • Service Area: The service area covers the entire campus & the greater University District.
These nighttime services are a testament to the university's commitment to student well-being. They're a huge reason why many students feel comfortable navigating the campus at all hours.

The Reality of Parking: A Commuter's Conundrum

Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room: parking. While the UW has done an amazing job of promoting public transit, the reality is that for some, driving is a necessity. And if you're planning on bringing a car to campus, you need to be prepared. Parking in the U-District is, to put it mildly, a challenge.
The university itself acknowledges that parking spaces on campus are limited. This is by design, part of a master plan with the City of Seattle to encourage the use of public transit & reduce the number of single-occupancy vehicles. This scarcity, combined with high demand, means that parking is both expensive & hard to come by.

On-Campus Parking: The Official Options

UW Transportation Services manages all the official parking on campus. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:
  • Student Permits: Students can purchase quarterly parking permits. A standard single-occupancy vehicle permit can cost over $600 per quarter. There are also cheaper "value" permits for lots that are a bit further out, like the E18 lot near the athletics complex. These are still close to $500 a quarter. There are also night permits available for a lower cost.
  • Visitor Parking: If you're just visiting for the day, you'll need a visitor permit. This can be purchased at one of the gatehouses or through the PayByPhone app. Daily rates can be as high as $21. Hourly rates are around $5. Permits are required from 6 AM to 9 PM on weekdays & from 7 AM to noon on Saturdays.
Students on Reddit often complain not just about the lack of parking, but the sheer cost. For many, paying hundreds of dollars a quarter for a parking spot simply isn't feasible.

Off-Campus Parking: Street Parking & Private Garages

If you can't get an on-campus permit, you'll have to venture into the wilds of U-District street parking or look for a private garage.
  • Street Parking: There is metered street parking throughout the U-District, but it's highly competitive. You'll be circling the blocks, fighting for a spot with other students, residents, & visitors. The rates are typically around $2 per hour, & there are often time limits. Finding a free spot is like finding a unicorn – you'll need to go many blocks north of campus & have a lot of luck on your side.
  • Private Garages: There are several private parking garages in the U-District, but they can be even more expensive than campus parking. Monthly rates in the area can range from $150 to over $300, & daily rates can be steep.

The Parking Problem & A Modern Solution

Here's the thing: the parking crunch in the U-District is a classic supply & demand problem. There are way more people who want to park than there are available spots. This leads to frustration, wasted time circling for a spot, & a big dent in your wallet.
This is where a pretty cool, modern solution like Prked comes into play. Prked is a platform that connects people who need parking with homeowners & businesses who have extra space. Think of it like the Airbnb of parking. You can rent someone's empty driveway, garage, or private parking spot for a day, a week, or even a whole month.
For students & commuters who are struggling with the high costs & low availability of traditional parking options, Prked can be a total lifesaver. You can find convenient, affordable parking solutions much closer to campus than the official "value" lots. Instead of fighting for a spot on the street, you can have a reserved space waiting for you. It’s a great way to take the stress out of your commute & often save some money in the process.
And if you're a homeowner in the U-District with an empty driveway or garage, Prked is an awesome way to make some extra cash by renting out that unused space. It's a win-win for everyone involved.
For those who are moving into the area or need some extra space to store belongings between dorms or apartments, Prked can also be a storage solution. You can rent a secure, private garage, attic, or basement from a local homeowner for a fraction of the cost of a traditional storage unit. It's a super convenient option for students who need temporary or long-term storage.

Beyond Buses & Trains: Biking & Walking

Finally, let's not forget the most sustainable & often most enjoyable ways to get around campus: on your own two feet or on a bike.

The Burke-Gilman Trail: A Cyclist's Paradise

The Burke-Gilman Trail is a regional treasure, & it runs right through the heart of the UW campus. This multi-use trail spans over 19 miles, from Ballard all the way to Bothell, following a former railway line. It's a beautiful, mostly flat path that's perfect for biking, jogging, or just taking a leisurely stroll.
The section of the trail that goes through the UW has recently been renovated, with separate paths for cyclists & pedestrians to improve safety. It connects directly to the UW Station, making it super easy to combine a bike ride with a trip on the light rail. The university provides almost 10,000 bike parking spaces on campus, including bike racks, lockers, & rooms. There's even an ASUW Bike Shop in the HUB where you can get your bike fixed.

A Walker's Campus

Walking is, by far, the most popular way to get around the UW campus itself. It's a beautiful campus, with stunning architecture, plenty of green spaces, & amazing views of Mount Rainier on a clear day. The university has created a very pedestrian-friendly environment, with a network of paths that will take you anywhere you need to go.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – a comprehensive guide to getting around the University of Washington. It might seem like a lot to take in, but you'll get the hang of it in no time. My best advice? Embrace the public transit options. The U-PASS is an incredible value, & the Link light rail is a dream come true for getting around the city.
For those times when you absolutely need a car, be prepared for the realities of parking in a dense, urban environment. Look into all your options, from on-campus permits to creative solutions like Prked, to find what works best for your budget & your sanity.
Mostly, just get out there & explore. The UW & Seattle have so much to offer, & with a little bit of transportation savvy, you'll be able to experience it all. Hope this was helpful, & let me know what you think
;