Local Info
Getting around
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, with temperatures averaging 45-60°F. 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
4130 Roosevelt Way NE
Entrees $15 - $25, American traditional / organic & localAgua Verde
1303 NE Boat St
Entrees $10-20, MexicanChili's South Indian
4220 University Way NE
Entrees $20,
South IndianMama Viet
4213 University Way NE
Entrees $7-15,
Vietnamese with full vegetarian menuVillage Sushi
4741 12th Ave NE
Entrees $15-20, JapaneseSamurai 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 lunchGorgeous George's
7719 Greenwood Ave N
Entrees $20-60, Mediterranean,
Takeout onlyJebena Cafe
1510 NE 117th St, Entrees $15-$25 EthiopianVeraci
500 NW Market St
$6/slice; $11-$30/whole pizzaPudge Bros. Pizza
269 NE 45th St, delivers
whole pizzas $15-$33Djan's
264 NE 45th St
Entrees $15-$20, ThaiGordito's
213 NE 85th St
Entrees $7-17, Mexican (Burritos)Taurus Ox
903 19th Ave E
Entrees $15-18
Further afield, somewhat pricier
Kabul
2301 N 45th St
Afgan CuisineMonsoon
615 19th Ave E
VietnameseLa Carta de Oaxaca
5431 Ballard Ave NW
Mexican (Oaxacan)Ivar's Salmon House
401 NE Northlake Way
Seattle-style seafoodChutney's
1815 N 45th St
North IndianKisaku
2101 N 55th St #100
SushiDin Tai Fung
University Village
Taiwanese (dumpling house)
Highlights of local food culture (expensive)
Pair
5501 30th Ave N
Mexican small plates and wineMatt's in the Market
94 Pike St, Suite 32
New American cuisineRay's Boat House
6049 Seaview Ave NW
Seattle-style seafoodSalty's
1936 Harbor Ave SW
Seattle-style seafoodThe Harvest Vine
2701 E Madison
BasqueNishino
3130 E Madison
SushiCaninetta
3650 Wallingford Ave
ItalianJuneBaby
2122 NE 65th St
Southern American
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
Frommers walking tour of Fremont
Pike Place Market (including the original Starbucks)
Emerald City - A Scenic Short Film (by Joel Edwards)
Gas Works Park - a short walk away using the Burke-Gilman Trail
Seattle Center - home to the iconic Space Needle as well as the Museum of Pop Culture, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and the Pacific Science Center
Washington Park Arboretum - The arboretum itself is free but the Seattle Japanese Garden at the south end of the arboretum has an entry fee ($6 for students with ID)
Volunteer Park - home to the Volunteer Park Conservatory (free admission on 1st Saturday of the month) and the Seattle Asian Art Museum (free admission on 1st Thursday of the month)