AOU 2001 Meetings, Seattle, WA

Buses

Seattle has an excellent bus system, which is often the cheapest and quickest way to get around, especially in areas of heavy traffic. It is especially recommended for trips from campus to downtown Seattle (usually routes 70-73). Fares are $1-1.25 each way to most destinations within the city. Buses leave frequently from several areas near campus, including University Way NE (the Ave) and NE 45th St. Schedules are available at the University Bookstore- right across from campus between 15th Ave. NE and the Ave. Alternatively, you can either call Metro for route information (553-3000, or 1-800-542-7876) or better yet, plan your entire trip from Metro's excellent website, which will give you detailed route maps, schedules, and fare information.

You can also use Metro to get to and from the airport from campus (you will need to transfer buses downtown); click here for schedules.

Ferries

Washington State Ferries are an integral part of the state transportation system; they are also a fun and relatively inexpensive way to sight-see around Puget Sound and some of its major islands. The two most frequently used ferry terminals in the area are the downtown Seattle terminal, with runs to Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, and a passenger-only ferry to Vashon Island, and the Edmonds terminal, which has a ferry to Kingston. Most ferries accommodate cars, bicycles, or walk-on passengers.

While the ferry system is generally user-friendly and efficient, ferry lines can be horrific in summer, especially on weekends. Most notorious are the Edmonds/Kingston ferry (which is the jumping-off place for trips to the Olympic Peninsula) and ferries to the San Juan Islands outside of Anacortes; the ferry from Mukilteo to Clinton (Whidbey Island) can also be busy. It is usually worth getting up early in the morning to avoid lines. Alternatively, leave your car behind, or bring a book and be prepared for waits of up to several hours during peak use. Summer ferry-line etiquette is serious stuff- stay scrupulously in bounds of waiting areas or risk a ticket.

For driving directions to ferry terminals, scheduling, and route information, click here.


	Buses Seattle has an excellent bus system, which is often the cheapest and quickest way to get around, especially in areas of heavy traffic. It is especially recommended for trips from campus to downtown Seattle (usually routes 70-73). Fares are $1-1.25 each way to most destinations within the city. Buses leave frequently from several areas near campus, including University Way NE (the Ave) and NE 45th St. Schedules are available at the University Bookstore- right across from campus between 15th Ave. NE and the Ave. Alternatively, you can either call Metro for route information (553-3000, or 1-800-542-7876) or better yet, plan your entire trip from Metro's excellent website, which will give you detailed route maps, schedules, and fare information. You can also use Metro to get to and from the airport from campus (you will need to transfer buses downtown); click here for schedules. Ferries Washington State Ferries are an integral part of the state transportation system; they are also a fun and relatively inexpensive way to sight-see around Puget Sound and some of its major islands. The two most frequently used ferry terminals in the area are the downtown Seattle terminal, with runs to Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, and a passenger-only ferry to Vashon Island, and the Edmonds terminal, which has a ferry to Kingston. Most ferries accommodate cars, bicycles, or walk-on passengers. While the ferry system is generally user-friendly and efficient, ferry lines can be horrific in summer, especially on weekends. Most notorious are the Edmonds/Kingston ferry (which is the jumping-off place for trips to the Olympic Peninsula) and ferries to the San Juan Islands outside of Anacortes; the ferry from Mukilteo to Clinton (Whidbey Island) can also be busy. It is usually worth getting up early in the morning to avoid lines. Alternatively, leave your car behind, or bring a book and be prepared for waits of up to several hours during peak use. Summer ferry-line etiquette is serious stuff- stay scrupulously in bounds of waiting areas or risk a ticket. For driving directions to ferry terminals, scheduling, and route information, click here.