Planes, trains, automobiles… bikes, scooters, buses… North Beacon Hill makes it easy to take advantage of it all!
What’s it like to commute from North Beacon Hill? This Seattle neighborhood is the nexus point between Downtown Seattle, the Eastside, South Seattle, and Central Seattle. Many people choose to live in North Beacon Hill for not only its many commuting options, but also for its easy access to several Seattle employers. This location is especially advantageous for couples who may have one person who needs to head to Downtown Seattle (for example) and another who needs to head to the Eastside. It’s the perfect compromise.
If you’re new to the neighborhood, here are our best tips for commuting from North Beacon Hill:
Is there a Link Light Rail station in North Beacon Hill?
Yes, North Beacon Hill is home to the Beacon Hill Station. (It should really be called the North Beacon Hill Station, because it’s right in the middle of the neighborhood!) This Link Light Rail Station currently runs north and south and connects you to dozens of Seattle neighborhoods. Head north all the way to Northgate Station, or south all the way to Angle Lake (which is the stop just beyond the SeaTac / Airport Station stop.
The Link Light Rail is also expanding to the Eastside, so it will run east and west pretty soon. The International District/Chinatown Station will be the nexus point that connects the north/south line to the east/west line. If you’re heading to the Eastside from North Beacon Hill, soon you will also be able to hop on the light rail at the Judkins Park Station. This station is in the center of I-90. The Judkins Park Station is scheduled to open in 2025!
What is the payment system for Seattle transit?
You’ll definitely want to get yourself an ORCA card. You can use an ORCA card on the bus and bus rapid transit, the Link light rail, the monorail, the Sounder Train, the water taxi/foot ferry, and the streetcar. You can buy the physical card at these locations or have one mailed to you, and there’s an app where you can easily reload money onto your card.
How do you get to SeaTac International Airport from North Beacon Hill?
There are a few convenient ways to get to the airport, and North Beacon Hill is totally a great choice if you travel frequently. Of course, you can drive to the airport, and from the very northernmost tip of North Beacon Hill, it’ll take you 16 minutes when there’s no traffic. But during rush hour, that’s another story, so make sure you leave ample time.
There are also bus lines that run from North Beacon Hill to the airport. But we recommend taking the Link Light Rail! Hop on the train at Beacon Hill Station and enjoy a traffic-free ride to SeaTac International Airport.
What bus lines are in North Beacon Hill?
There are several bus lines in the neighborhood that will get you to the International District, Pioneer Square, Downtown Seattle, Georgetown, Capitol Hill, First Hill, and many, many more Seattle neighborhoods. And if you’re willing to make a connection to another bus, you can get to West Seattle, University of Washington, SeaTac International Airport, Bellevue, and pretty much anywhere else you’d like to go in the area!
Is North Beacon Hill close to freeways?
Yes, and in fact it’s at the nexus point of I-90 and I-5. No matter where you live in North Beacon Hill, you’re only a 5-10 minute drive to hop on the freeway.
Is North Beacon Hill good for biking?
Absolutely! North Beacon Hill is a dream neighborhood for bikers. You’ll find several protected bike lanes in the neighborhood, and a protected bike lane is also being added to 15th Ave.
The Beacon Hill Neighborhood Greenway runs through the neighborhood, and connects to Chief Sealth Trail which runs through Beacon Hill. You’ll also find the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trail, which is also known as the I-90 Trail. This is a scenic trail that leads you through beautiful greenery, and will be a convenient way to get to Judkins Park Station when it opens up.
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