The Metro Transit system of buses, including electric and hybrid buses, is useful and tourist-friendly, though drivers do not carry change. Express routes are offered by some buses. Other options include the streetcar and the monorail, connecting with major attractions. The Washington State Ferries are a tourist attraction in their own right.
Seattle is generally safe, though common sense should be applied at all times and it can be best to avoid parks at night.
Getting downtown:
Flights to Seattle will take you to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), also known as Sea-Tac, it is the city’s major airport. It is 10 miles (16 km) from the city centre. There are several options for getting into the city. The Link Light Rail is a convenient choice, taking just over 30 minutes to reach the centre. Shuttle buses are useful for those with a lot of luggage. There are also taxis and rental cars.
Seattle airport overview
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, also affectionately known as Sea-Tac Airport, is located in the southern King County of Washington, 19km (12 miles) south of Seattle. Serving more than 31.5 million passengers in 2010, it is the United States’ 18th busiest airport.
Sea-Tac Airport has a Main (central) Terminal and ticketing arena surrounded by concourses A-D, as well as a two satellite terminals called the North and South Satellites. An automatic people-mover transports passengers between the satellite terminals and the Main Terminal. Running alongside the ticketing concourse is the airport garage, which houses five parking areas and a ground transportation centre. All gates may be accessed once past security.
With an extensive selection of art on display throughout the airport, in addition to a host of shops, restaurants, bars, bistros and fast-food outlets, Sea-Tac is both attractive and inviting. Moreover, its combination of efficient facilities and helpful staff make pesky tasks such as checking-in a breeze.
Flights to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport comes from a number of cities worldwide, including Toronto, Paris, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, Seoul, London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Tokyo, New York, Honolulu and Beijing.