Seattle Transportation and Maps

Transportation:

Getting to UW from Sea-Tac Airport

The University of Washington is located in the city of Seattle is served by the major Sea-Tac International Airport situated just south of the city. The airport is well connected to the University District by taxi, Uber/Lyft, and Sound Transit light rail.

For travelers staying at the Silver Cloud Hotel, we recommend using Uber or Lyft to get to get to your hotel. The Silver Clould Hotel is not easily accessible using Seattle’s light rail system. 

For travelers staying at the Graduate Seattle Hotel and other University District Hotels, we recommend SoundTransit’s Link light rail. SoundTransit’s Link light rail U District Station is brand new and located about one block from the Graduate Seattle Hotel and other University District (hotels except the Silver Cloud Hotel). Please note that this is NOT THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON STATION, which serves Husky Stadium and is about a mile from the Graduate Seattle Hotel.

Parking at UW

If you drive, please try to arrive to campus at least 45 minutes before your scheduled visit to allow time to park and find your way to your destination. When you arrive, please visit the Central Parking Garage to purchase a permit. The parking specialist will direct you to a parking lot. The Central Parking Garage is located here at the intersection of NE 41st Street and 15th Avenue NE.

Getting around Seattle

SoundTransit’s Link light rail is by far the fastest way downtown from campus.

Buses also depart for downtown from from 15th Avenue NE in the University District next to the UW campus.

Seattle is additionally served by Uber, Lyft, and taxis.

We do not recommend renting a car unless you plan to take trips outside of Seattle. Most everything you need is within walking distance from your hotel, and parking on the UW campus and downtown can be difficult and expensive.

Get the Apps
Uber – Download and get set up with the Uber app in order to take advantage of Seattle’s large ride sharing fleet.
Lyft – Download and get set up with the Lyft app in order to take advantage of Seattle’s large ride sharing fleet.

Public transportation from the University District

70 Bus Route (University District to Downtown Seattle)
43 Bus Route (University District to Montlake to Capitol Hill to Downtown Seattle)
49 Bus Route (University District to Capitol Hill [Broadway] to Downtown Seattle)

Taxi
We recommend Uber or Lyft over traditional taxi cabs in Seattle, but Orange Cab (206-522-8800) is a local taxi.

UW Campus Maps:

Google Maps

Many UW buildings are searchable by name on Google Maps.

Interactive Map

This interactive map allows users to search the campus map by building, department, student organization, facilities, residential colleges, athletic fields and parking lots.

Accessibility Map

The University’s accessibility map shows accessible buildings, walkways and parking areas. For more specific information about accessibility, please see the UW Access Guide, contact Transportation and Parking Servicesor contact the Office of Disability Services.