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Downtown Seattle has many one-way streets; a map with arrows indicating which way these streets run will come in mighty handy. Keep in mind that Seattle's morning and evening rush hours are affected by shift changes at Boeing; these take place at 5:30 am and 3 pm. Expect traffic to be especially heavy between 5:30 and 8:30 am and from 3 pm to 6 pm. Seattle's major bridges are subject to long traffic delays during rush hours, so factor extra time into your schedule if you need to drive at peak commute times.
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 Seattle Rapid Transit Map
Bus: Metro Transit, commonly referred to as "Metro," administers Seattle's public transportation system. During the day and early evening, buses run frequently throughout the city, which is divided into two fare zones. The price of your ride will cost between $1.25 and $2.00, depending on the time of day (peak commute hours cost more) and whether you cross zone boundaries. Exact change is required, and transfers, which are good for about an hour, are available at the time you pay your fare. Seattle's downtown district between Battery Street, South Jackson Street, 6th Avenue, and the waterfront has been designated as a free-ride zone between 6 am and 7 pm daily. Regular fares apply. For information on Metro's night service, call 206-553-3000. Monorail: Built for the 1962 World's Fair, the Monorail still makes its run between the Westlake Center (Fifth and Pine) and Seattle Center in under three minutes. Trains leave every 10 minutes, and a one-way adult fare will set you back $1.75. (206-684-7200) Ferry: The Washington State Ferry System operates the largest ferry system in the United States. Auto and pedestrian ferries leave from the Seattle waterfront for Bremerton and Bainbridge Island, and from West Seattle for Vashon Island throughout the day; ferries are available between several islands, as well. Fares vary widely, depending on the service offered. (206-464-6400, 888-808-7977) Taxi: Seattle taxis charge a base fee of $2.50 at flag drop, and a metered rate of $2.00 per mile or $0.50 per minute of waiting time thereafter, plus a $0.50 gas charge. Fares exceeding two adult passengers must pay $0.50 per extra passenger. It's possible to hail a cab on a downtown Seattle street; you'll have your best luck near hotels and large office buildings. Outside of the city center, you're better off calling a cab. Seattle's major taxi companies are Yellow (206-622-6500), Farwest (206-622-1717), and Yellow and Redtop (206-622-4800).
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Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), commonly known as SeaTac, lies about 15 miles south of downtown. In normal traffic, it should take you about 35 minutes to make the journey. Transportation from the airport to downtown Seattle:Your hotel may provide a courtesy van or limo service from the airport; be sure to check before you make your trip. Public Transit: Metro Transit (206-553-3000) runs regular bus service from door 6 on the baggage claim level to 4th Street in downtown Seattle. The trip will take approximately 50 minutes. Bus: Gray Line of Seattle (206-624-5077; 800-426-7532) operates exclusive Downtown Airporter service from the airport to eight downtown hotels: the Madison Renaissance, Crowne Plaza, Fairmont Olympic, Hilton, Sheraton, Grand Hyatt, Warwick and Westin. Gray Line buses also serve the Days Inn Towncenter, Travelodge by the Space Needle, Quality Inn, and other hotels and leave every half hour between 5:30 AM and 11 PM. You can purchase tickets for $10.25 at Door 00, just past baggage carousel 1. Shuttle: Shuttle Express (206-622-1424) operates 24-hour, door-to-door van service to destinations throughout the metropolitan area. Vans pick up passengers on the third floor of the parking garage. Shuttle Express serves all downtown hotels, with the exception of the eight major hotels under contract to Gray Line's Downtown Airporter. Taxi: Airport taxi stands are located on the third floor of the parking garage by elevator banks B and C. You can also call 206-431-5906 to have a cab dispatched directly to you. Depending on traffic and destination, a cab from the airport to downtown will take between 30 and 45 minutes, and should cost no more than $35. Cabs are charged a $1 airport fee when leaving SeaTac, and this fee is passed on to the fare.
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Seattle Rapid Transit Map