CNS*2018 Seattle: Local Info

Transportation

Seattle has a bus system that services most neighborhoods of the city, as well as a light rail system that services the inner core area as well as SeaTac International Airport. There are also bike share services, a monorail and a trolley that can be used in different parts of the city. For the most up to date and comprehensive information on getting around Seattle refer to the Visit Seattle Getting Around Website.

From the airport (SeaTac), the lowest cost and often fastest method of getting to Downtown or UW area is to take the light rail to downtown or to the UW station. Please check where your hotel is relative to the stations so you know your walk distance or if you’ll need to call an uber or lyft. From the UW station you can walk a short distance (15-20minutes) to the dorms or 25 minutes to the hotels in the University district. The bus lines #44 or #43 from the UW station will take you to the 45^th and Roosevelt area of the University district.

The cost to ride light rail from the airport to either stations runs from $2.50 to $4 per person depending on how far you travel. A taxi or uber from the airport can run from $55 to $75 per ride depending on traffic.

There is a direct bus line that runs between University of Washington and Allen Institute. The bus ride takes about 15-20 minutes and costs $2.75 a ride. You must have exact change; no change is made on the bus. You can plan your bus trip here with departure and arrival times.

Seattle also offers three bike share companies with bikes located in various parts of the city, it is usually very easy to find an available bike. You can find the bike share information below; download their applications to create an account used to pay for bike time and find bikes

Airport Shuttle

Shuttle Express is a 24 hour service. Shuttle Express does pick ups and drop offs 24 hours a day. We highly suggest reservations from the airport, however, walk ups are taken. Rates are from $19.00 one way, per person.

TIP: There may be a wait with or without a reservation at the airport as they wait to ensure they have enough people on board to justify making the trip to Seattle. Sometimes this can take a while, however, sometimes there is little to no wait depending on the time of day.

You may either book online with Shuttle Express or call them at 425-981-7000

Recommended lunch spots during the conference

Use our google lunch map to see recommended lunch spots near the Allen Institute during the workshops and tutorials and UW during the main meeting.

Seattle sights and attractions

Seattle offers many exciting attractions, from the iconic Space Needle to bustling Pike Place Market. The VISIT SEATTLE website offers lists and descriptions of the top tourist attractions. We recommend seeing as much as you can while here!

The City Pass can be a good option if you plan to visit many paid tourist attractions such as the Space Needle, the Aquarium, the Museum of Pop, etc.

You can also take advantage of AirBnB’s adventures or a local group offering Seattle oriented excursion, The Field Trip Society. For additional ideas of what to do in Seattle visit Buzzfeed’s recommendations We especially like the Fremont and Ballard neighborhoods for food and night life, located west of the UW campus, with easy access to bus lines.