The city of Seattle is becoming one of the most popular West Coast vacation spots. The summer months are the busiest in tourist visitation for Seattle. If you are planning to travel Seattle this summer you will want to plan your trip in advance to make sure that you have room accommodations when you arrive. If you are planning to rent a car during your Seattle travel you will also want to reserve it early. If you can plan your travels to Seattle early you will not only ensure that you have a room and a rental car available to you, but you will also be able to save money. Some travel agencies offer some very nice travel packages at a discounted rate when you plan in advance. Planning in advance is especially important if you plan to travel to Seattle during late July and early August during the annual Seafair Festival as most hotel rooms in the city will be booked.
You will need to consider the climate when traveling to Seattle. The mornings and evenings are usually cool in the summer so make sure that you bring a light sweater and jacket with you if planning a summer visit. Also it rains and rains in Seattle, rainy season is usually from October to April, but it can rain anytime in Seattle so be prepared even if making a summer visit to the city by bringing a rain jacket or an umbrella.
If you are planning on flying to Seattle during your travels, you will arrive at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which is about 14 miles from the city. If you are planning to drive from the airport into Seattle there are two main exits leaving the airport. Take the first exit if you plan on staying near the airport, take the second exit, Washington 518 if you plan on going into the city. Driving east on 518 will take you to I-5 which will take you into the city. Allow at least 30 minutes for the drive time and additional time if it is during peak rush hours.
There is also taxi service available from the airport. Generally this will cost around $38 dollars but as the prices of fuel rise so will the fare rates. There are usually taxis available around the airport but if not you can call: Yellow Cab: (206) 622-6500 or Farwest Taxi: (206) 622-1717.
Gray Line Airport Express provides shuttle bus service from the airport to downtown Seattle. They run from 5am until 11 pm. They pick up from two booths outside the luggage claim area. Outside of Door 24 and Door 8. They run every 20 minutes and stop at the following hotels, Madison Renaissance, Crowne Plaza, Four-Seasons Olympic, Sheraton Seattle, Seattle Hilton and Westin and Warwick. The fare is usually around $9 one way and $15 dollars round trip.
Shuttle Express:(800) 487-7433 Provides 24 hours service from the airport to Seattle, North Seattle, and Bellevue. If you are planning on taking this to the airport you will need a reservation, but when leaving the airport you can simply call by using one of the courtesy phones at the Travler's Information Center. Simply push 48 and you will be connected. Fare is usally around $25 plus $3 for additional person.
Metro Transit: (800) 542-7876 Has two buses operating between the airport and downtown Seattle. Buses run from 4:55 am until 8:33 pm on weekdays and 6:20am to 7:20 pm on weekends. Buses leave from door 6. Fare is usally $1.25 off peak hours and $2 during peak hours. You can call and get a current schedular before you arrive just to be sure.
Remember that planning your travel to Seattle early will help make your travel experience relaxed and less stressful.
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