Heading to Seattle but question about Seattle Link Light Rail maintenance planned

Mardee - At that hour on a Saturday morning, i would take an Uber. I recall where you’re staying and you’re not right at a Light Rail station. Luggage, quiet downtown, walking around at 6am-ish to accommodate bus issue. I’d Uber it.

Take Uber or check with your Hotel if they have Airport shuttle service.

I go to Seattle at least twice a year from Minneapolis.

First, SeaTac has "Spotsaver", where you can make an appointment for TSA. Works great. But, now I have precheck. For the last couple years, security lines have been significantly better at SeaTac (I think one of the checkpoints had construction). There is usually no wait at Spotsaver and ten minutes at most for precheck. I am usually at the airport midday. I usually use the checkpoint for Terminal A where Delta gates tend to be.

Regarding the link. I always use the link and go to and from Northgate. I have done the shuttle thing twice, and it was fairly seamless. There seemed to be buses waiting. The Rainier Station is close to the airport. My shuttle situation was for maintenance closer to downtown, I think just before downtown. I think the transfer for you will tend to be more travelers/tourists in route to the airport.

Just a guess, but, I wonder if this shuttle situation could be a time saver. Usually the walk from the link is at least 10 minutes, probably longer to the Delta desks. I would guess the shuttle would drop closer to the terminal. Plus, you are moving from Link to bus, and you don't have to switch back to Link.

When I first heard about the "disruption" on my route where I had to switch from Link to bus to Link, I checked out Uber and Lyft. I thought it was quite expensive (I travel a lot, so I have to economize when I can) I just went with the Link. I budgeted that this would take me 1/2 hour to 1 hour longer. I think it ended up to be about 15 minutes and then had to wait at Northgate for my son!

If you need more/better info., I can contact my DIL who is typically in the know for everything Seattle.

The airport authority offers real-time wait time information here:
https://www.portseattle.org/page/live-estimated-checkpoint-wait-times
Checkpoint 5 is TSA-PreCheck only, so likely to have shorter lines.
I doubt the replacement bus will add significant time to the trip before 7am on a Saturday, but you can certainly explore other options.

Mardee, I would take the Uber or cab. I flew in and out of Seatac late March and the lines were fine (I have TSA pre-check)...maybe a 10-15 minute wait (but it was early in the day...5am). One thing to consider is it is now cruise ship season. I've had the misfortune to be at Seatac when the busses from the cruise ships dropped off all the passengers for their flights home (to say it was crowded is an understatement). I believe many of them drop off on Fridays and Saturdays. Enjoy the trip.

Perhaps the volume of folks going to cruise ships varies by time of day, but I've never seen a noticeable difference in the spring/summer compared with the rest of the year. I often go to Seattle April/May.

I used to dislike Seatac with a passion. The last couple years, every trip has been a breeze.

Mardee— when they have maintenance, the buses are very easy to use, and they have people there pointing you to where to go. That said I would take an Uber just for the sheer ease of it. As for the airport, we always use checkpoint one which is downstairs. We have global as well as clear and use that one and there’s hardly anybody there as many people just don’t know about it.

The best part about using public transit in the Seattle area is that it's free.

Best estimate puts those who pay at between 25%-35%.

Of the 2000+ people that have been stopped for non payment only 8 were given a citation. None of the citations have ever been paid.

Just saw a news bit that Pike Place Market ranked #7 on the list of "tourist traps" in the US. Would love to hear your take once you have experienced it.

My wife used the touchless pre-check in Feb and zoomed through. Just make sure you have opted in on the Alaska website.

Valerie, probably the best idea, but I will admit that I'm very cheap about stuff like that, and I hate spending money on Ubers and taxis when there is public transportation available. But I will definitely see how things are going, and I might talk to the hotel about it too and see what they think. Thanks!

Kathleen, that's a good idea. I will definitely check with the hotel to see if they have anything like that

Jules, that's very good to know. Like I said, I do have Touchless TSA, so I'm hoping that Seattle has that and I can just breeze on through. That's an interesting idea about it being a time saver. It did look like the shuttle was going to be close to the terminal because I think it only said it was a four-minute walk, as opposed to a ten-minute walk from the light rail station. And also, I think I panicked and I thought that I had to go from train to bus and then back to the train again, but now I see that that is incorrect, so that does make me feel better. I could easily leave earlier to get there. I'm an early riser, and it's no problem to get up at 5:00, get everything together, and be out the door by 5:30.

G3rryCee, thank you so much for that link! That is very helpful. That doesn't look bad at all and good to know.

Denise, I get that, and I probably should, so I'm going to think about it. I just hate spending money. Like Jules, I like to economize when I can, and I also like public transportation better than cars. If I had my way, I would live in New York and never drive a car again. But I'll see how the week goes and see how I'm feeling towards the end of it. I don't have to decide until the day before, and I will talk to the hotel about it as well.

mikliz, I get that, but I was telling the others that I just hate spending money on an Uber or car unless I absolutely have to. I think I'll see how it goes and make a decision later in the week once I'm there, plus I've had a chance to look at the airport and see how the light rail works and get a feel for it.

OMG, Joe, I'm so glad I saw your post. I just realized that I had not opted in, although they did have my KTN. I totally forgot that you have to opt in for each airline. I've done it for Delta but not for Alaska, so I immediately went there and did that, and it's all good now. I found out that there are two checkpoints there that use TSA Touchless - checkpoints 3 and 6.

I do have an ORCA card, so I am not planning on not paying. It has a senior discount, and it is already loaded with $10 so no reason not to use it. I will let you know how I like Pike Place Market. I plan on writing a trip report when I get back. Thanks!

@Joe, I'm not understanding. Public transportation is free? I always buy a ticket. .

Jules, I think he means that their enforcement system is very lax and they don't go after people who don't pay. Consequently, most of the passengers don't pay and therefore it is "free" for them.

I don't understand that. That seems like shoddy management to me, but what do I know?

I'm not understanding. Public transportation is free? I always buy a ticket. .

Fare enforcement is essentially non existent. Between the relaxation of rules during covid and a judge ruling that asking for proof of payment was an unreasonable, unconstitutional search paying for a ride is pretty much a voluntary thing, if you are in the mood to do so.

I m glad you buy a ticket: otherwise the politicians would wants add to my $2000 a year tax burden ( combo of sales, property and gas taxes)

Yesterday we rode light rail and a fare enforcement guy joined our car. He scanned our Orca cards to verify we'd tapped in, and had an educational chat with a woman who'd bought a pass but didn't know how to use it. Fare education and enforcement is indeed a thing.

KC, I'm really glad to hear that. Minneapolis is pretty good about checking for tickets on the light rail here, and I'm happy to hear that Seattle is as well. And really, it seems like Seattle does a good job of giving discounts and so on, so it's a shame that people feel like it's okay not to pay.

Chiming in to say that the bus transfers around track issues on Link light rail are very easy. Also, they definitely check for fare payment on the light rail. It seems every 3rd or 4th trip I take on it, Fare Ambassadors are also onboard and check my Orca card for proof payment. These days you may not see someone purchase tickets it the kiosk or tap their card since you can now pay for rides through the app (haven't done so myself yet since I have a hefty prepaid balance on my Orca card to spend down). Have a great trip!

I've never seen a discount for seniors? I don't use an ORCA card much. When I do I use my son's. I typically buy a ticket at the station. Am I supposed to see a senior discount at the kiosks?

For a senior Orca card you need to apply. Here is a link with instructions on how to apply. https://info.myorca.com/using-orca/ways-to-save/seniors/

One option is to order the senior Orca card online providing documentation to verify age and the card will be mailed to you. If you are in the Seattle area, you can go to a few locations to get your senior Orca card.

Thanks, Angella!

Jules, I ordered the Orca card online a couple of months ago, just so I would have it when I got there and I could use it at the airport. I was surprised that it was so easy and they even mailed it to me at no charge. I have the card now and I funded it with $10, which is the minimum you can put on it. I had to upload proof of age, which I did. (it was easy). I'm not sure how much the discount is, but this tells you about it (scroll down for the discount amount.).

https://info.myorca.com/using-orca/ways-to-save/seniors/

Ah, that explains it. I just buy tickets for the LINK at the stations. When I need an Orca card which is rare, I use my son's.

Mardee, I go through security at SEA often. I have touchless precheck and it has never been more than 10 minutes, often less.

Before making a final decision on light rail be sure to check the current status. Often posted planned maintenance times are longer than the actual time the light rail is really disrupted. It could be running. Do a last minute check.

When there is a disruption the shuttle buses run frequently but do add time to the process. I would be more willing to take light rail home from the airport during a disruption than to the airport to catch a flight. If you want to take it there, pad your time by about 30 minutes. City Mapper works great in Seattle.

Just saw a news bit that Pike Place Market ranked #7 on the list of "tourist traps" in the US. Would love to hear your take once you have experienced it.

Hhhhmmmhhhh

Using the Orca card for seniors the reduced fare is $1 per trip. I live just a mile up the hill from Seattle Center, on the north side of downtown and pay $1 total to take a 20 minute bus ride to the Symphony Light Rail station where I transfer to the 1 Link to the airport. $1 total. Remember when you transfer to “tap in” to the new bus or train. The fare reader will reflect your transfer/continuing journey.

As a local, I have to say I love Pike Place Market. I used to work a block south of the market and frequently walked up to grab lunch from one of my favorite food vendors (on the days that I didn’t spend my lunch hour sitting in the Seattle Art Museum contemplating Rothko). Sometimes, before a symphony concert, my husband and I will grab dinner at one of the bay-facing restaurants. It is very busy during the day, especially this time of the year, but mornings can be lovely. My one caveat - the Starbucks “first store” is all hype. That’s a pass for me.

Also, I was at the airport last week on a Wednesday at 2pm and getting through TSA was the quickest ever. We had Spotsaver but didn’t even end up using it because we got there earlier than our slotted time. Can’t complain ; )

Thanks everyone! I’m at MSP right now and got through very quickly using Touchless TSA. Hopefully everything will go smoothly once I get there.

I was on Reddit the other day on the AskSeattle subreddit, and someone there asked about things to do in Seattle while he was there. Most of the responses told him to see the Pike Place Market. They all seemed to love it.

Still now sure what I will do about Link on Saturday but I’ll probably wait till later in the week to decide. Thanks again for all the help!

Just to jump in about the Market. I think a lot of how people respond to the Market has a lot to do with two factors. 1) How long have they lived in Seattle and what their memories are , 2) Tolerance for crowds.

I grew up in Seattle and frequently visited the Market during the 60’s and 70’s. That is my point of reference. I hate the current touristy vibe and crowds, but I love the improvements in infrastructure and neighborhood. I usually just walk through these days on my way to the waterfront, but if I wanted to linger, I would be there when it opens first thing before the crowds become too intense.

I like Pike's. Its part of the history of Seattle. I often use it to kill some time on my way to the airport. I wonder if many know that you can walk thru the market about midway down to a lovely place to sit and look out over the sound. There's a brewery and restaurant on the level below.

A transit ticket is for a certain window of time. So I can stop downtown or at the International-Chinatown market for a bit and then continue on to the airport.

As another local, I agree with Jen, I LOVE Pike Place Market. Used to go there all the time when I worked downtown, and I still meet friends there for lunch or dinner, or take visitors there. We just love the vibe. There is a secret garden on the top floor, accessed near the tea shop and the OG pig, and so many great places to eat and discover. It never grows old, and I love seeing tourists wander through looking awed.

And for those of you who want to be a "temporary local" when you are here, there was a great little article in the Seattle Times newspaper recently, explaining the name. What it's not: Pike's Market, Pike Street Market, or Pike's (sorry, Jules.) What it is: Pike Place Market.

Welcome to Seattle; and like Annie, you have to sing "The sun will come out tomorrow" (or at least it will be less wet.)

I enjoyed all the discourse about the Pike Place Market—and Jules, I had a feeling you were going to get dinged on that. In the AskSeattle subreddit I was on the other day, someone wrote Pikes Place and immediately got about five corrective responses.

I'm heading there early tomorrow morning, and it will definitely be fun to check out.

So far, I am loving Seattle! The light rail is a breeze (it's very similar to the one in the Twin Cities. We also have a Blue and Green line). Everyone here is very friendly and the city is lovely! I'm checked in at my hotel, which I also love very much (the view of the city from my 8th floor window is wonderful!). I'm now getting ready to head to the 5th floor rooftop terrace so that I can enjoy an evening coffee while I'm looking out over Puget Sound (or maybe a glass of wine if I can find a wine shop within a five-minute walk). I found one.

Joe, can I just sing the "Here Come the Brides" theme song "Seattle"?

I mentioned to my son that I was corrected on the forum. He works close to Pike Place Market and he said sometimes they go get a quick lunch there and literally no one says, "Lets go over to Pike Place Market for lunch".

Mardee, enjoy your time in Seattle! Looks like a week of beautiful weather.

Joe, can I just sing the "Here Come the Brides" theme song "Seattle"?

Sure

And for those who may be wondering, here is THE definitive version

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjC7H-KcC1c

Sorry Joe, here is my definitive version. This is the version that I grew up with, and features Bobby Sherman, who my sister had a huge crush on (I liked David Soul the best). 😊

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRNpa_vTjRM&list=RDmRNpa_vTjRM&start_radio=1.

Mardee, I go through security at SEA often. I have touchless precheck and it has never been more than 10 minutes, often less.

Jean, thanks!

Carol NR, that's good to know. It took me about a minute at MSP this morning to go through Touchless Precheck, so I would imagine Sea-Tac wouldn't take that much longer. And now that I'm a bit more familiar with Link, I think I'll probably just go ahead and shoot for that on Saturday. My luggage is pretty light since I'm not gone for that long, so it's not cumbersome to take along with me.

I did freak out a little today because I pulled up directions from the Westlake station to my hotel while I was down at the train level, and it told me it was a 30-minute walk away. I freaked out a little but once I headed up the 3 escalators to the outdoors, Google suddenly changed it to a 5-minute walk. Note to self: do not request directions while you're in the bowels of an underground station!

Mardee, I think that is some kind of limitation of google maps. Maybe it doesn't understand where you are? Last time I was in Seattle I decided I had more than enough time to jump off the Link and go to the wonderful Asian market in International-Chinatown. An hour or so later when I was back in the station waiting for the Link, I checked google maps and I got this estimate to the airport that was, if I'm remembering correctly, 1.5 hours. I thought my calculations had been way off and I was going to have to really rush. Well, I was at the airport in about half an hour. I just don't think google knows how to calculate with the Link.

I agree, Jules. I think that Google just doesn't get a very good signal deep underground and it messes up its satellite readings, or messes up something! 😂