By Bus in Seattle

The Metropolitan Transit's clean and convenient, handicapped-accessible transportation network is inexpensive, comprehensive, and 'round-the-clock. All vehicles can tote bicycles, and many even have free Wi-Fi access. Maps and schedules are available at Metro Transit kiosks around the city, or at local visitor centers. Note that many bus routes are under revision due to construction for the city's new light-rail system, set to open in 2009, and the downtown Metro tunnel will be closed for retrofitting through 2007. Schedule and route updates are available through the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel website.

Between 6 AM and 7 PM, all public transportation is free within the Metro Bus Ride Free Area, bounded by Battery Street to the north, Sixth Avenue to the east (and over to Ninth Avenue near the convention center), South Jackson Street to the south, and the waterfront to the west; you'll pay as you disembark if you ride out of this area. Throughout King County, one-zone peak fares are $1.50; two-zone fares are $2; children 6 to 18 ride for a flat fee of 50¢, and there's no charge for those under six. Onboard fare collection boxes have prices posted on them. The $5 King County Visitor Pass is a bargain if you're doing a lot of touring. Valid for one day, it includes rides on King, Pierce, and Snohomish county buses, the waterfront trolley, and the Elliott Bay Water Taxi. You can purchase passes online or at Metro offices.

Greyhound Lines and Northwest Trailways have regular service to points throughout the Pacific Northwest and the United States. The regional Greyhound/Trailways bus terminal at Ninth Avenue and Stewart Street is convenient to all Downtown destinations.

Contacts

Greyhound Lines (811 Stewart St., Downtown. 800/231-2222 or 206/628-5526. www.greyhound.com). Metropolitan Transit (206/553-3000; 206/287-8463 automated schedule line. transit.metrokc.gov/bus). Northwest Trailways (811 Stewart St., Downtown. 800/366-3830. www.trailways.com). Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel (www.seattletunnel.org).