Tunneling Through Your Wallet: The Cost of Conquering Seattle's Underbelly
Ah, Seattle. The Emerald City, land of grunge music, Pike Place Market, and...expensive tunnels? Yes, that's right, burrowing beneath the city streets comes at a price. But fear not, intrepid traveler, for this guide will illuminate the shadowy realm of Seattle tunnel tolls, leaving you financially prepared and dramatically less confused.
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| How Much Is Tunnel In Seattle |
The Tunnel in Question: SR 99 - Your Not-So-Secret Passageway
We're talking about the State Route 99 tunnel, a modern marvel of engineering that whisks you under the bustling city center. No more getting stuck in viaduct gridlock (RIP viaduct, we hardly knew ye). But this subterranean shortcut comes with a price tag, and it ain't exactly pocket change.
Tolls: The Tunnel Troll's Tax
Here's the thing about these tolls - they're not a flat fee. No, my friend, these tolls are shape-shifters, transforming based on the time of day, like a toll-collecting werewolf.
QuickTip: Reread for hidden meaning.
- Early Bird (or Night Owl): Feeling virtuous and using the tunnel between midnight and 6 am? You're rewarded with a paltry $1.20 toll. But watch out for those late-night munchies, because a post-burger tunnel cruise could bump that price up.
- Rush Hour Renegades: Gung-ho about gridlock? Then diving into the tunnel during rush hour (6 am to 7 am and 3 pm to 7 pm) will set you back a steeper $3.20. Ouch!
- The In-Betweeners: Stuck somewhere in between? There are various rates for different times, so be sure to consult the official toll oracle (
https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/roads-bridges/toll-roads-bridges-tunnels/sr-99-tunnel-tolling
Remember: These are just the base prices for two-axle vehicles. Got a monster truck or hauling a trailer? Those extra axles mean extra tolls, so pack your light for this underground adventure.
How to Pay the Troll (Without Getting Eaten)
There are two main ways to appease the tunnel toll gods:
Tip: Highlight what feels important.
- Good To Go! Pass: Be a toll booth boss with this handy dandy pass that automatically deducts the fee from your account as you zoom through the tunnel. Plus, you get a discount! Think of it as a VIP lane for tunnel enthusiasts.
- Pay By Mail: Didn't see the toll booth coming? No worries! The tunnel uses license plate recognition technology and will send you a bill in the mail. Just be prepared for a slightly higher fee for this more leisurely payment method.
Important Note: Don't be that person who forgets the bill entirely. Late fees are a real bummer, and nobody wants to be on Santa's naughty list for tunnel tolls.
So, how much does the tunnel REALLY cost? Well, that depends on how often you use it, what time of day you travel, and how many axles your ride boasts. But with a little planning and the right payment method, you can navigate Seattle's underbelly without breaking the bank.
Tip: Stop when you find something useful.
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Tunnel Triumph: Frequently Asked Questions
How to avoid the tunnel toll altogether? Sticking to surface streets is your best bet, but be prepared for some extra travel time (and potential gridlock).
How to sign up for a Good To Go! pass? Head over to
QuickTip: Skim the intro, then dive deeper.
How to check my Good To Go! balance? You can manage your account online or through the handy-dandy Good To Go! app.
How to pay a past due toll? Don't delay! You can pay online at
How much fun can you have exploring Seattle's hidden tunnels (metaphorically speaking, of course)? A whole lot, my friend. A whole lot.
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