Plan Your Seattle Bus Trip Online

There are all sorts of good reasons to take public transportation in Seattle, and the current snow and icy conditions is just one of many.  From most outlying locations into downtown King County Metro is a quick and easy and often connection free.  The bus is an easy way to navigate the downtown core, and is free for much of the downtown area.

To figure out how to get where you want to go, use the regional trip planner, entering in your starting point, your intended destination, and either the time you’d like to leave or the time you’d like to arrive.  Refine your trip even further by indication if you’re looking for the fastest way, the route with the fewest transfers, or the route that requires minimal walking.  Click on the “plan trip” button and it’ll go to work finding you the best options.  The results will provide you with information about express routes (very limited stops), transfers, and fare details (including whether fares should be paid when getting on or off the bus).  You’ll have enough information to make the most convenient choice.

Another helpful tool is the myTransit application for the iPhone.  It provides real time tracking, letting you know of arrival times and delays of Metro Transit buses, and includes info for Seattle and the Eastside.  The app is handy if you find that you’re schedule has changed, you just missed the bus that you planned to catch, or to figure out what you’re options are on the fly.  Best of all, it’s integrated with Google Maps, so if you are in an area that you aren’t familiar with, you can get precise directions to the nearest bus stop.  It’s downloadable for a 99 cent charge.

Commute time to some of the further out areas of the city can make for a lengthy trip, often requiring numerous connections.  It’s always worth checking out, though.

NOTE:  Metro service is currently operating on snow routes.  They keep the website updated with current information, so check regularly.