So You Want to Navigate the Seattle Seas (Without Breaking the Bank)? A Guide to Water Taxi Costs (and Why You Should Totally Do It)
Let's face it, Seattle traffic can be a real drag. Stuck bumper-to-bumper, inching forward slower than a sea slug on Zoloft. But fear not, mateys, there's a way to ditch the road rage and cruise in style (or at least, sprinkled with sea spray). Enter the majestic, the mighty, the water taxi.
Yes, those cool little boats that zip across the Elliott Bay like aquatic superheroes. But before you channel your inner Gilligan and dream of a three-hour tour, a question burns brighter than the Space Needle at sunset: how much does this bad boy cost?
How Much Is The Water Taxi In Seattle |
The Fare Deal:
Buckle up, because here's the good news: a one-way adult ticket on the West Seattle route (the most popular) will set you back a mere $5.75 with cash. Feeling fancy? Flash that ORCA card (Seattle's super cool transit pass) and snag a ride for just $5.00. See, it's almost cheaper than that fancy oat latte you need to survive rush hour.
QuickTip: Go back if you lost the thread.
Hold on, Captain! Are there discounts?
Why, bless your savvy soul, there are! Children under 5 sail for free (because, tiny pirates are adorable). Seniors, disabled riders, and those with an ORCA LIFT card can also score a reduced fare. Basically, if you qualify for a discount on land, you'll likely qualify on the water too.
So, what are you waiting for? For the price of a bus ticket, you get a scenic adventure, a cool boat breeze, and the chance to yell, "Ahoy, mateys!" at absolutely everyone. You'll probably even get to see some playful seals and grumpy seagulls along the way.
Tip: Highlight sentences that answer your questions.
vinced? Awesome! Here are some FAQs to get you splashing:
How to score an ORCA card?
These bad boys are available at various locations around Seattle. Hit up King County Metro's website for all the deets [King County Metro]([invalid URL removed] ORCA card).
QuickTip: Scan for summary-style sentences.
How often do the water taxis run?
Schedules vary depending on the day and time, but generally, they run every 15-30 minutes. Check out King County Metro's trip planner to be sure you don't miss your boat (literally) King County Metro trip planner [invalid URL removed].
Reminder: Reading twice often makes things clearer.
How long is the ride?
The West Seattle route takes a delightful 10-15 minutes, which is basically the amount of time it takes to find a decent parking spot downtown. Boom! Problem solved.
How to avoid seasickness?
If you're prone to feeling a little green around the gills, grab a seat near the center of the boat and focus on the horizon. Ginger chews can also be your BFF.
How to look like a total Seattle pro on the water taxi?
Easy. Bring a reusable water bottle (gotta stay hydrated!), a good book (because sometimes the best views are accompanied by a great story), and a smile. Seattleites are friendly folks, and there's nothing friendlier than a fellow adventurer on the high seas (well, okay, maybe a pod of orcas, but you get the idea).
💡 This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.