(Credit of this page goes to the NWLC Local info page)

Transportaion

The closest airport is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). The Amtrak lines Coast Starlight and Cascades offer travel routes from Vancouver, BC, Eugene and Portland, OR. The most convenient way to get from the airport or train stations to campus is take the Link light rail.

Getting around using public transportation in Seattle is safe and convenient. Tickets can be purchased for the light rail and buses using the Transit Go app, by purchasing a ticket or ORCA card at the train station, or by using exact change on buses. For short trips, rideshare bikes and scooters are plentiful near the university and throughout the metro area, and can be rented using the apps Lime, Superpedestrian, and Bird.

  • Link light rail: Take light rail to University of Washington or UDistrict Stations. Note that there is a stop called “University Way” which is located downtown, NOT near UW campus. Fare is calculated based on trip distance, and ranges from $2.25-3.50.
  • Bus: The bus operators in Seattle are King County Metro (local buses) and Sound Transit (regional buses). Adult fares are $2.75 and $3.25 respectively, and are good for transfers within 2 hours.
  • Bike/scootershare: On-street bike and scooter rentals typically cost $1.00 to unlock and $0.40-0.45/minute, with discounts for hourly and daily rental.
  • Driving: 25-60 minutes from the airport to campus, depending on traffic. Not all rental car companies are directly at the airport. Visitor parking on campus during weekends is between $6.50-$13.00/daily depending on lot.
Weather

Seattle weather is generally mild and rainy. The November temperature averages 42-52°F (5-11°C). Be prepared for cooler evenings and occasional rain showers. UW is a very pedestrian-friendly campus, but water-proof shoes may be advisable.

Food

Below are a few of our graduate student and faculty’s recommended restaurants, delineated by neighborhood and cuisine style:

  • Close to campus, quick, inexpensive
    • Thanh Vi
      4226 University Way NE
      Entrees < $10, Vietnamese (Pho and sandwiches)
    • Portage Bay Cafe
      4226 University Way NE
      Entrees < $10, Vietnamese (Pho and sandwiches)
    • Chili’s South Indian
      4220 University Way NE
      Entrees $20, South Indian
    • Mama Viet
      4213 University Way NE
      Entrees $7-15, Vietnamese with full vegetarian menu
    • Village Sushi
      4741 12th Ave NE
      Entrees $15-20, Japanese
    • Samurai noodle
      4138 University Way NE
      Entrees $15-20, Ramen
  • Further afield, inexpensive to moderately priced
    • Julia’s
      4401 Wallingford Ave N
      Entrees $15-$30, American traditional, breakfast for lunch
    • Gorgeous George’s
      7719 Greenwood Ave N
      Entrees $20-60, Mediterranean,
      Takeout only
    • Jebena Cafe
      1510 NE 117th St, Entrees $15-$25 Ethiopian
    • Veraci
      500 NW Market St
      $6/slice; $11-$30/whole pizza
    • Pudge Bros. Pizza
      269 NE 45th St, delivers
      whole pizzas $15-$33
    • Djan’s
      264 NE 45th St
      Entrees $15-$20, Thai
    • Gordito’s
      213 NE 85th St
      Entrees $7-17, Mexican (Burritos)
    • Taurus Ox
      903 19th Ave E
      Entrees $15-18

Accommodations

Here are a couple lodging options near campus. Many other options are available throughout the city. Note: Many hotels in Seattle are 100% non-smoking. Note also that smoking is not allowed in restaurants or bars in Seattle. Nor is it allowed on the UW campus, except in a few designated areas.

  • College Inn
    • 4000 University Way NE (short walk to campus)
    • 1 queen and 1 twin bed in private room for $159/night (shared bath)
    • Book online
    • Free Wi-Fi
    • Lot parking available for $12/night
  • Hotel hotel
    • 3515 Fremont Ave. N
    • Two twin beds in private room for $99/night (shared bath)
    • Book online (may be cheaper through discount sites)
    • Free Wi-Fi
    • Bathroom toiletries and towels provided

Local attractions

Header image from https://artsci.washington.edu/about