Seattle Without Rental Car

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Carless in Seattle

One of the best things about staying in a Seattle Oasis vacation rental home in the heart of Seattle is how easy it is to get around without a car. No cars gives you a chance to really see the ins and outs of our beautiful city without getting stuck in our notorious rush hour traffic. An added bonus is less money spent on car rental means more money for actually having fun!

seattle bus

BusKing County Metro -Navigating the city via bus is a super easy way to travel north and south in downtown Seattle.  Second Avenue is the main thoroughfare heading south, and Third Avenue has both north and southbound routes, as well as routes that up to First Hill and Capitol Hill. In addition, route 99 makes a loop through downtown that includes Pioneer Square, the edge of the International District and the Seattle Waterfront. The bus drivers are very forthcoming with information-if you’re confused, just ask if the bus services your destination as you enter.

Light Rail –Seattle’s Link isn’t just for the airport. The Light Rail serves UW, Capitol Hill and downtown Seattle, and makes an easy, traffic free way to get around.  Stations are clearly marked throughout downtown Seattle, with Westlake Station and University Street statiion being the two most convenient to our properties.

Streetcars – Much like a trolley,  the streetcar system provides a unique transportation experience. Currently there are two lines, one that services the International District and Capitol Hill via Broadway, and another that services the Westlake area of downtown Seattle over to South Lake Union, including the Museum of History and Industry.

Bike Share – Cycle sharing lets you experience beautiful sceneries, less traffic, and ensures a great workout. Available for use 24/7, 365 days a year, cycle sharing bikes can be found on just about every street corner in downtown Seattle. Current vendors include LimeBike, Ofo and Spin. You must be 16 years or older to ride and if you are under 18, parent or guardian consent is required.  Seattle Insider Tip:  Second Avenue has a protected bike lane for its entire length through the downtown Seattle core.

Zip Car as a rental car alternative

Car Share – Though you may prefer to go carless, there are sometimes that you just want, or need, a car. Luckily there’s always a way to grab wheels when you need them most. Zipcars have assigned spots throughout the city and can be rented by the hour. Car2Go offers tiny, by-the-minute Smart cars to rent, and ReachNow provides BMW and electric cars on an hourly basis. 

Uber Rental Car Alternative

Not car share, but also good to know is that Seattle is a ride-share city, meaning that both Lyft and Uber rides are plentiful. In addition, taxis circle the downtown core and can be hailed on the fly.


The last option for going carless in Seattle would be good ol’ fashioned walking. Seattle offers beautiful scenery and a compact city center. Local shops abound that can be only viewed by walking. Many places can be walked to in a timely manner and who knows, you may find your new favorite coffee shop or restaurant just around the next corner.

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