Seattle: directions from light rail to station

[train2]

I have an upcoming connection from the Sea-Tac airport using the Link light rail to Amtrak's King street station. I don't have a lot of cushion on this so I need to make the walk quickly and with little confusion. Am I correct the the light rail station I need to exit is China Town?

Can anyone describe how much distance and time is needed to walk from the light rail to the station? Is it as simple as next door? If not, can you see the station from the platforms? Are there any likely confusing elements like needing to cross bridges, etc. over tracks or highways?

Looking at aerial photos, I see a when exiting the light rail station a courtyard to the south and then something called the Weller way. It gets hard to see, but looks like a street crossing and then a pedestrian bridge (is that correct) that crosses to near the station. Is this the best way?

[wigwagfan]

You'll get off at the International District station, which is also known as Chinatown or Union Station. Once there, you'll go upstairs to street level, and either walk north to Jackson Street or south to Weller Street. Then walk west across 4th Avenue. From Jackson Street you can walk straight into King Street Station via the upper level courtyard. From Weller Street, you will walk across the bridge that spans the station tracks, down the stairs (or elevator) to 3rd Avenue, then walk north to Union Station. (The only track access from the pedestrian bridge is to the Sounder platform and there are security guards who will promptly deal with you should you try to cross the tracks.)

Total walking time should be about five minutes or less.

To answer your specific questions, no you cannot see King Street Station from the Link platform (the Link platform is underground, but daylighted). There are plenty of signs. Just make sure you do not confuse Union Station with King Street Station. Once you've reached 4th Avenue King Street Station will be pretty obvious - the clock tower, plus the lighted sign that faces Jackson Street.

[train2]

Is there any specific location within the station complex the Thruway bus boards? such that either the Jackson St or Weller would be closer?

[wigwagfan]

Is there any specific location within the station complex the Thruway bus boards? such that either the Jackson St or Weller would be closer?

The Thruway bus stop is on the west side of the station, directly adjacent to the station on S. King Street. Jackson Street might be a slight advantage if you really are counting minutes.

[Tadman]

If you are going south, it's much easier to catch a cab or uber to Tukwila station which is a mile east of the airport and maybe 5-10 minutes in a car. That said, Tukwila is a concrete slab with a small shelter, no coffee or food.

[train2]

Thanks for the replies. One follow up question: does this transit system require tickets/or card stock tickets to allow you passage way through turnstile both entering and exiting the stations?

[electricron]

Thanks for the replies. One follow up question: does this transit system require tickets/or card stock tickets to allow you passage way through turnstile both entering and exiting the stations?

What turnstiles? Most light rail and bus systems in the USA do not have them.
Sound Transit on why they do not use turnstiles.
https://www.soundtransit.org/blog/platf ... turnstiles
Never-the-less, you are expected to have proof of purchase of a ticket before entering the platform areas.

[wigwagfan]

Thanks for the replies. One follow up question: does this transit system require tickets/or card stock tickets to allow you passage way through turnstile both entering and exiting the stations?

There are no turnstiles but Sound Transit Link does use distance-based fares, so you will specify your destination station when purchasing your ticket so your ticket is valid only for one trip from origin to destination; with an Orca card you will have to tap your card at both the start and end of your journey (else you will be charged the maximum fare).

But, there is no fare gate.

[wigwagfan]

Tukwila is a concrete slab with a small shelter, no coffee or food.

Better now than the plywood station days!

[train2]

Never heard of an Orca card before. Please enlighten me.

[Backshophoss]

Orca card=Charlie card= MetroCard,reuseable/reloadable fare card

[electricron]

Orca card=Charlie card= MetroCard,reuseable/reloadable fare card

Sound Transit Orca cards are great for discounts fares and regular, daily commuters - but not so great for visitors who might ride public transit twice, getting from the airport to downtown and back to the airport on a later day. Just purchasing tickets on the days of travel at the vending machines on the platforms is far easier and less complicated to do - using cash or one of the two major credit cards.

[ST Saint]

Hopefully it isn't too late, but here is what you will want to do in general.

From the airport, you will walk all the way to Sky Bridge 6, then make the long walk down the pedestrian path to the left. That will bring you to the station where you can purchase a ticket at the machine.



Then you take link directly to International District / Chinatown and hop off there. Note: We are finishing up tunnel construction this weekend, so if your travel is this Saturday or Sunday, you will need to take the train to SODO station, then hop on the bus bridge, which will drop you off between Union Station and King Street Station.

As others mentioned, King Street Station is easy to find. You will just have to get to the bottom level where you can check in. The Cascades bus loads right next to the station.



Those are the two ways to walk. If you have time to kill, you can also wait inside Union Station which is a public space in the main concourse.

[Tadman]

And Rain Shadow Meats has a killer good sandwich a few blocks west. I thought I heard they closed or moved, though.