How Much Is The Bus Fare In Seattle?

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Seattle has a comprehensive public transport system and its comprehensive networks of buses, light rail, and streetcars that allows people here to commute within the central city with easy. Whether you use it infrequently or daily, knowing how the fare structure works is crucial to making the most out of your other methods of transportation without getting overcharged for a simple miscalculation. 

A Seattle Metro bus waiting at the bus stop

Standard Bus Fare For Adult And Youth Passengers Who Regularly Travel Using Public Transit In Seattle

Adult passengers pay $2.75 for regular one-way fare on King County Metro buses in Seattle. This applies to all trips. Most of the routes in the city are covered by this tariff. The provision for passengers under 18 years of age to travel for free makes this mode of transportation an affordable option for students and young backpackers.

Discounted Fare Programs And Special Passes Available For Seniors And Passengers With Disabilities In Seattle

Seattle offers programs that charge those groups a low fare. Eligible seniors 65 and older, and disabled riders, can obtain an ORCA Regional Reduced Fare Permit (RRFP) that allows travel for only $1.00 per trip. By doing so, this initiative increases access to public transportation for those who may need it most.

Unlimited Ride Monthly Bus Passes Offering Savings And Convenience For Frequent Public Transit Commuters

For those who use public transportation often, a monthly pass might be a more convenient purchase. A typical adult monthly pass is priced at $99, and applies to all standard King County Metro bus services. Reduced fare eligible riders can purchase a monthly pass at a discounted rate based on their approval.

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Different Ways To Pay For Your Bus Fare, Including ORCA Cards, Cash, And Mobile Payment Options

There are multiple ways for the passenger to pay the bus fare. This is most commonly used through the ORCA card, which is a reloadable transit card that works across multiple transit systems in the region. Riders can also use cash, but must have exact change because bus drivers do not make change. Other options can be some mobile payment, quick and contactless payment.

Additional Costs And Higher Fare Charges You Might Face When Using Express Routes And Peak-Hour Bus Services

Most regular bus routes cost $2.75 per ride (though some express routes may cost more). All with fewer stops and, during peak commuting times, faster travel times. King County Metro's website is the place to go to check for any extra fees before taking a trip

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Passenger boarding a second Seattle Metro bus

Free Two-Hour Transfer Window For Riders Who Use An ORCA Card To Pay For Bus Fares In Seattle

Riders transferring on an ORCA card get a free transfer window of two hours. That means, within two hours of your first ride, if you get on another King County Metro bus, you don’t have to pay again. This comes in handy for passengers looking to save money particularly if passengers have multiple connections to make during the day.

ORCA Lift Program Offering Discounted Bus Fares To Passengers Who Meet Income Eligibility Requirements

Seattle has the ORCA Lift program that issues reduced fares for lower income riders. This greatly lessens transportation costs for eligible riders, who can travel for $1.00 per single trip. Program enrollment requires proof of income, and participants who are approved receive an ORCA Lift card that they must present upon boarding.

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Fare Rate Comparisons Between Local Seattle Bus Services And Regional Transit Options Connecting Other Cities

If you are traveling anywhere outside of Seattle, bus prices will vary depending on the transit agency. For example, Sound Transit buses that travel between Seattle and points outside the city charge different amounts of money based on how far they’re going. In most cases, these paths charge from $3.25 to $5.75. For one, it makes it easy for anyone to transfer from one public transit system to another, as the ORCA card still works on these services.

Public Bus Services And Schedule Availability On Weekends, Holidays, And Non-Peak Hours In Seattle

Seattle’s public transportation system runs year-round, even including on weekends and holidays. Bus frequencies may be lower on weekend days; service remains reliable citywide. On some days, special holiday schedules may be in effect, and visiting the Metro’s official website before traveling can help.

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Where To Find The Most Up-To-Date Information On Seattle Bus Fares, Route Changes, And Public Transit Policies

Fares and policies are subject to change, so it’s always wise to check the official King County Metro website or use transit apps for real-time details. Such resources detail information about fare adjustments, alterations to service and special offers to benefit regular users.

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