Frequently Asked Questions

Public transit offers many ways to get from Tacoma to Seattle without a car. Here are some options for you:

• Sounder Commuter Train: A train service that runs from Lakewood to Seattle and stops at several stations along the way, including Tacoma. You can take this train from the Tacoma Dome Station to Seattle King Street Station.

• Sound Transit Express Bus: Operates several bus routes that connect Tacoma with Seattle. 

• Intercity Transit Bus: Operates bus routes that run between Tacoma and Olympia, and connect with Sound Transit Express routes in Lakewood. 

• Pierce Transit Bus: Pierce Transit operates several bus routes that run within Tacoma and the surrounding area. 

You can also join a vanpool or carpool in your area. 

First time riding a bus to Seattle? Check out our beginner’s guide and frequently asked questions so you’re prepared when it’s time to go!

• Know your route: Figure out where you are starting from and where you want to go. 

• Gather information: Pierce County has several transportation options including Pierce Transit, Sound Transit, and Intercity Transit, so we encourage you to check out which options are available in your area, their routes, schedules, and fare information.
  
  

• Use a trip planning tool: Map out your journey using a trip planner. There are several out there on Pierce Transit and, of course, Google Maps, which will give you transit directions and information. Make sure to check the schedules to ensure you arrive on time! 
  
  

• Purchase your bus pass: Once you have planned your trip, you can purchase your ticket or pass from a ticket vending machine located at the station or on the provider's website.

• Riding your bike? Many bicycle riders use hybrid travel modes by riding their bike to a bus stop, storing their bike on the rack in front of the bus, and then hopping off to finish the ride to their destination. For those traveling to King County by train, you can store your bike at the transit center using a bike locker then board the train. 

By following these steps, you can plan a convenient and cost-effective trip using public transportation in Pierce County.

When you record your trips, you become more aware of your daily transportation choices and patterns. If you are looking for opportunities to use alternative transportation options more often, recording your trips can help you. You will be able to see your personal cost savings, gallons of gasoline saved and how much air pollution you've prevented from being emitted. 

• Go to the trip calendar and create an account.

• Select the date you took the trip.

• Select the purpose of your trip (i.e. business, errands, etc.).

• Select the mode(s) you used to travel (ie carpool, bike, bus, etc.).

• Save your trip.