VISITOR INFORMATION
Useful Links
Seattle City Search
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Visitor Travel Guidelines and Information
Airport Transportation, Ground Transportation, Car Rental and Lodging
The NRSA fellowship grant cannot cover travel expenses for applicants. The information on this page is provided to assist you with making your travel arrangements.
Airport Transportation
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) is located approximately 20 miles south of the University of Washington and 15 miles south of Downtown Seattle.
Ground Transportation
Shuttle Express
Shuttle Express offers frequent operation between the airport and any Seattle destination you request. It is suggested for transportation from the airport to the hotels downtown or in the university area. The rate is $ 24.75/single ($30.75/two people traveling together, $ 37.75/three people, etc.) for a one-way trip.
Reservations cannot be made prior to arrival into Sea-Tac Airport; however, advance reservations are required for a return trip to the airport (425-981-7000). You may also make your return-trip reservations online at http://www.shuttleexpress.com/webpages/reservations.html.
To find Shuttle Express: After you have collected your luggage, follow the signs directing you to ground transportation which is located on the 3rd floor of the parking garage. The 3rd floor is the same level as the baggage claim and lower drive level. To get across the lower drive you must proceed up one floor via escalator or elevator and walk across the sky bridge. Once in the garage, proceed to our Shuttle Express booth by following the ground transportation check-in signs. Walk towards the middle and take an escalator or elevator back down one floor to floor three. You will find their booth alongside the Sea-Tac ground transportation information center.
Seattle Downtown Airporter
Seattle Downtown Airporter service is operated by Gray Line of Seattle. It offers scheduled service between the airport and the major hotels in downtown Seattle. The rate is $10.25/person one way - $17/person roundtrip. This service is for select downtown hotels only and does not extend to the University District.
If your destination is a downtown hotel, tickets are available at the Gray Line of Seattle desk located at the south end of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport main terminal. Follow the signs for Scheduled Airporter Services at Door 00 (zero-zero).Tickets for the return trip from downtown to the airport may be purchased on-line, from the Airport Express Drivers, or from a hotel concierge. If departing from a downtown hotel that is not one of the select drop-off sites, please call for Connector Service at (206) 255-7159 at least one hour prior to your pick up time the same day as your departure.
Taxi
All Seattle taxi cabs operate at the same rate, set by King County. The meter drop is $2.50 plus $2.00 per mile. Extra person charges may apply. There is a $28 flat rate from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to downtown Seattle. A trip from the airport to the University District will range from $36 to $40. A $0.50 gas surcharge may apply for rides originating in Seattle.
Bus
King County Metro buses arrive at and leave from the Sea-Tac Airport baggage claim area. Two routes, #194 and #174 offer direct access downtown. To get to the University district, you will need to transfer in downtown Seattle to the #70, #71, #72, or #73. To find which route will best fit your needs best, use Metro Transit's online Trip Planner. Departure times are displayed at the bus stop and are available online. Rides cost $2.00 during peak hours (Monday to Friday, 6-9 a.m. and 3-6 p.m.) and $1.25 during off-peak times.
Car Rental
There are various car rental options at the Sea-Tac airport; however, please be aware that parking in Seattle and at the University is very expensive and limited. Most applicants should be able to get to interviews via University shuttles or King County Metro. The person arranging your interview can assist you with determining the best transporation arrangements during your interviews.
Lodging
The person assisting with your interview schedule can also assist you with determining the best lodging location. You should inquire about special rates for University visitors.
Downtown Hotels (Lake Union area) Most of these hotels offer free shuttle service to the UW campus or downtown areas.
Silver Cloud Inn - Seattle Lake Union
Phone: (206) 447-9500
Reservations: 800-330-5812
Fax: (206) 812-4900
1150 Fairview Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98109
184 rooms, AAA approved. Location of quarterly Cold Regions Engineering short courses and other EPP workshops. Situated in the SE corner of Lake Union about 2 miles south of the University District. Near downtown, Pike Place Market, and the Seattle Center (Space Needle, Key Arena, & Experience Music Project). Guest rooms include refrigerators, coffee makers, microwaves, iron/boards, and PC data ports. Facilities include exercise room, indoor and outdoor pools, spa, guest laundry, business center, and gift shop. Free on-site parking, local phone calls, shuttle service to UW campus and downtown, and complimentary continental breakfast are also included.
Residence Inn by Marriott Seattle Downtown/Lake Union
Phone: (206)624-6000
Reservations: (800)331-3131
Fax: (206) 223-8160
800 Fairview Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98109
Spacious suites with full kitchens and separate areas for sleeping, working, eating and relaxing, about 3 miles south of the University of Washington campus. Free high speed internet access in all guest suites, complimentary breakfast, and Managers Reception every Wednesday night catered by local restaurants, 24 hour market filled with snacks, sundries and beverages for your convenience.
Marriott Courtyard Downtown Seattle Lake Union
Phone: (206)213-0100
Fax: (206)213-0101
Reservations: (800)359-7916
925 Westlake Ave N
Seattle, WA 98109
Waterfront hotel, view rooms overlooking beautiful Lake Union and downtown Seattle, about 3 miles south of the University of Washington campus, all rooms recently renovated Mobile Travel Guide Stars: 4, AAA Diamonds: 3. Fireside Lounge and Bar, 24 hour fitness center, Lamontagnes Restaurant, (breakfast and dinner), complimentary Starbucks coffee in lobby, complementary high-speed internet access in all guest rooms, free Wi-Fi access in all lounge/lobby areas, local area shuttle, spacious work desk, in-room coffee maker, hair dryer, iron, and ironing board, complimentary weekday newspaper. Parking $15/day for overnight guests.
Other Options
Seattle/King County Convention and Visitors Bureau Lodging Guide
Learn more about all hotels/motels, B&Bs, and hostels in the Seattle/King County area. Room prices range from $48 - $140 single/double and are subject to additional state and local taxes totaling 15.6%. Please contact hotel for specific rate.
Maps and Shuttles Your interviews may take you to a variety of locations. Below are maps and shuttle schedules you may find helpful. The person coordinating your visit will provide you with an itnerary that includes the locations of your interviews and can assist you in determining the best way to get there.