Showing posts with label Transportation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Transportation. Show all posts

Friday, 8 July 2011

Seattle Airport Transportation

Seattle Airport transportation comes in many forms, and for many travelers affordability is key. It’s also not hard to find cheap ways to get into the city, so after you’ve done the research and found an affordable flight to Seattle Airport, don’t splurge on any expensive taxi. Keep your money to spend on local dining, shopping, and attractions by choosing another form of transportation: a shuttle. These fast and convenient shuttles are an affordable way to reach your hotel from the airport. Some visitors will choose a rental car for the freedom to explore local beaches, parks, and neighborhoods, but Seattle is easy to navigate on foot and via public transportation, so a car isn’t really necessary. If you’re not renting one, then one of the best options for transportation is Seattle Airport shuttles.

There are several shuttle companies to choose from for Seattle Airport transportation. Shuttle Express is one of these companies, and they have more than two decades of experience safely transporting visitors between the airport, hotels, and even cruise ports. This company has also become known for excellent customer service. All the things that worry visitors about using a shuttle service, from bad drivers to vans that smell like smoke, aren’t the case when choosing Shuttle Express. Reservations are highly recommended (you can call or reserve online) but walk-ups are OK too. Fares vary depending on your destination, but you can get a quick quote on the company’s website. One of the perks of this shuttle is the door-to-door travel, so if you aren’t staying in Downtown, you can still get dropped right at your destination.

Different Seattle Airport shuttles will offer a variety of incentives to attract customers. Some companies offer free rides for kids, a discount when you reserve online, or discounts for groups. If you’re traveling on a tight budget and want to get the best possible deal, it is best to shop around between the shuttle companies. Just because one was the best option when you were last in Seattle doesn’t mean that another company can’t beat that price. Other companies to investigate during your search include Airporter Shuttle, Downtown Airporter, and Quick Shuttle. The Downtown Airporter, for instance, offers shuttle service from most downtown Seattle hotels to Sea-Tac Airport.

Many visitors are attracted to Seattle Airport shuttles because they offer a flat rate for transportation. While this is a good deal especially for travelers who arrive at the airport solo, it isn’t always the best deal for groups. Shared shuttles charge each person an individual fare. If you’re traveling in groups of four or five, this may not be the best form of Seattle Airport transportation. A group of that size could easily share the cost of a taxi instead of waiting for a shuttle to drop off passengers at various locations. Other forms of ground transportation include buses and the Link Light Rail, which runs from the airport into downtown, with several stops along the way.

Just as you will save money by booking your shuttle in advance, the same idea holds true for other aspects of your Seattle vacation. Booking your flight in advance will help to secure the best fares, and choosing your accommodation, whether it’s a waterfront hotel or a boutique hotel, will most likely offer the best rates in advance. Savvy travelers then have extra money once they arrive in Seattle to attend a sports game, purchase tickets for a museum exhibit, or head out on a ferry ride in Puget Sound. A little research during your planning phase might equal a lot more fun once you’re on the ground in Seattle.

Friday, 1 July 2011

Washington State Ferries

The largest fleet of ferries for autos and for passenger transportation is the Washington State Ferries. With service to the San Juan Islands and across the Puget Sound, a ride on a Washington State Ferry is not only scenic, but provides the added convenience of saving time and a gasoline-consuming ride down around Tacoma and the south Sound to reach the Olympic Peninsula.

Seattle used to have the promise of bridges stretching across Puget Sound and linking it to its neighbors to the west. This has never happened, so the Washington State Ferries fill the void, with ten different routes serving 20 terminals. This fleet of 29 ferries also goes to Canada. One of the Washington State Ferry boats stops at Sidney, BC.

A ride on the Washington Ferries is not only convenient for locals and visitors who want to travel to Washington"s western reaches. This is also a great attraction for tourists, who love seeing the Seattle skyline from the sounds and savor the maritime feel of its waterfront.

Getting to the Washington State Ferry terminal is easy. If you"re downtown, its location at Pier 52 near downtown Seattle is easily accessible on foot, by bus, or by following the clearly marked signs until you get to the waterfront.

The busiest time at the Washington State Ferries is about 3pm, when commuters begin to fill the vessels. Vehicles riding on the Washington Ferries are advised to arrive half an hour to an hour in advance. Cars line up in the parking lot and are loaded onto the ferry in order of arrival. To ensure a spot on the ferry, give yourself enough time to have a good spot in line. At times when the ferries are not full, 20 minutes should be enough time to allow. If you're a passenger without a vehicle, arriving 15 minutes prior to sailing is a good rule of thumb.

The Seattle terminal of the Washington State ferries is served by the ferry that provides service between Seattle and Bremerton, and Seattle to Bainbridge Island. The fares are very reasonable. If you are going over to the Olympic Peninsula from Seattle, you can save yourself hours of drive time going south of I-5, through Tacoma, then going up north. If you"re starting a road trip, there's nothing that more fun that starting your trip off with a scenic ride on the Washington Ferries.

Other places you can access on the Washington State Ferries are West Seattle, Vashon Islands, Anacortes, Orcas Island, Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, and Sydney, BC. If you're wondering how often the ferries run and at what time of day, you can download a PDF of the Washington State ferry schedule. This brochure has useful information about security and other things you need to know if you"re going to ride on a Washington State Ferry. A Washington State ferry schedule is good to have because it tells you how much time you have if you've just missed your ferry. Generally, the Seattle terminal has ferries arriving and departing about once an hour. It's convenient to have a Washington State ferry schedule so that you can make the most of your time, and perhaps take a stroll down the waterfront while you"re waiting to get on the next trip out west.

Transportation in Washington State

As varied as the terrain, transportation in Washington State is diverse, so that you can explore all parts of the state in whatever form of travel you wish. There are tons of scenic byways so that using a car for Washington travel is a great way to have convenience and get up close to the sights you want to see. Be sure to get a Washington state map, some are specialized and list scenic byways for you to travel with your vehicle on.

Washington Travel by Car

The mountain ranges in Washington State can make driving a hazard, especially in the winter, so keep in mind the time of year you"re deciding when to go. You can get a free official Washington State map and traveler information from the Washington State Department of Transportation. Elevation changes, snow, and narrow roads are things to consider if you want to explore the state parks in a private vehicle. The Washington Metro is the bus system in and around King County; it has service through King and the surrounding counties. Below is contact info for the Department of Transportation and the Washington Metro.

Call the mountain pass report for information on road closures.

Washington State Department of Transportation

Mountain Pass Report October 15 to April 15 (206) 368-4499 - (800) 695-7623 TTD (800) 833-6388 - (206) 440-4040 Washington Metro/ King County Metro (206) 553-3000

Washington Travel by Train

Amtrak stops at all the major cities in the Northwest, like Portland and Seattle. A number of smaller companies have passenger trains that have north to south and east to west Washington travel.

Washington Travel by Plane

The following cities in Washington State have airports, so you can save yourself the hassle of renting a car or taking a bus by flying directly to the area you wish to visit during your Washington travel. Seaplanes, private charters and major airports are all options you have available to you when you go with this option.

Cities and regions that have airports are:

Bellingham
Friday Harbor
Moses Lake
Port Angeles
Tri-Cities
Pullman
Seattle
Spokane
Walla Walla
Wenatchee
Yakima

Washington Travel by Water

The ferry system is affordable and convenient, allowing you to travel with your car or as a passenger on the Washington State ferry. These comfortable vessels have great views as they cross Puget Sound, and some are on it just for the scenic ride. A few tips will help you make the most of your ferry experience. Arrive 30 to 60 minutes before departure in the summer to avoid a long wait. Try not to drive here; passengers who are not in a car do not have to wait for the next empty ferry. It can be cold on the outside decks, so if you want to enjoy the views, bring a jacket. You can bring a pet, but they are only allowed on the car deck. You can bring you own lunch, or enjoy beverages, snacks, or light meals in the ferry café.