Getting around

As a student new to the area, you will find several transportation options that vary depending on your lifestyle and the area where you choose to live. UW Bothell is located within walking distance of downtown Bothell and is situated close to major transportation stations. There are frequent commuter buses that connect Bothell to other destinations.

Bicycling is a popular and valued means of transportation in the Pacific Northwest, and the Burke Gilman trail is a beautiful way to get from Seattle to Bothell, and beyond. Visit the UW Bothell visitors page for information on driving, biking, and bus service (look under the “Maps & Directions” page).

Urban dwellers are encouraged to consider a transit-oriented neighborhood with access to Zipcar. As a UW student, you can get discounted enrollment in the carshare program for trips to the grocery store or other times when you just need a car.

Public transportation

Many transit routes serve the UW Bothell and Cascadia College campus making over 400 stops each week day. Timetables are available at campus Transportation Centers in buildings UW1, UW2, the Library, and CC1.

Students are encouraged to research the bus routes and timing. The School of STEM graduate programs teach evening classes running as late as 10 p.m., so be sure to plan your schedule accordingly. Please check the bus schedule either online, or download on your mobile phone one of the numerous applications issued by Seattle or Community Transit offices. For real time transit information, consider downloading the app called ‘OneBusAway‘.

Bus routes

Fellow graduate students have previously suggested the some bus routes that access the campus. For information on bus schedules and routes, check the routes on the transit agencies website.

Routes are subject to change. Make sure to check what is available ahead of time and again the day you plan to travel.

Sound Transit

Route 522 Woodinville Park & Ride – Roosevelt Station
Route 535 Lynnwood Transit Center – Bellevue Transit Center Express

Community Transit

This bus routes tends to access the campus less frequently.

Route 106 UW Bothell/Cascadia – Mariner Park & Ride

Metro Transit

Route 372 Bothell/Lake City – University District

Bus fares

Buses take cash as fare, but do not give change. What is more popular for regular commuters is an ORCA card or a U-PASS.

ORCA card

An ORCA card is a card that you can load with money to use public transit – it subtracts the fare to the card when you tap it to the reader at the front of the bus. A U-PASS is similar, but is embedded in your student ID card. Instead of loading a U-PASS with money, you pay a quarterly fee and get unlimited usage of the bus system. The U-PASS typically only functions during the quarter, so you may not be able to get it immediately upon arrival or during certain points between quarters.

If you are going to be using a bus heavily during the quarter, a U-PASS may be more beneficial to you. If you are going to be using the bus sparingly during the quarter or often on breaks in the quarters, you may want to consider an ORCA Card.

U-PASS

The U-PASS is a transit pass for UW students. The U-PASS is integrated into your Husky ID card and can be purchased with registration each quarter. Your U-PASS is similar to the regional transit pass, the ORCA card, and can be used on King County Metro, Community Transit, Kitsap Transit, Pierce Transit, Everett Transit, Sound Transit, and Sounder Commuter Train. Unlike the ORCA card, an “e-purse” cannot be added to your Husky ID card. Passes are live within 24-48 hours of payment, and you just simply “tap” the card to a reader on a bus/train to complete activation.

Transit Agencies

For more information on fares, schedules, stops, and transit options, contact the transit agency or visit their website.

Sound Transit
Phone: 1.888.889.6368
TTY: 1.888.713.6030

Community Transit
Phone: 1.800.562.1375
TTY: 2425.778.2188

Metro Transit
Phone: 206.553.3000 or 1.800.542.7876
TTY: 206.684.1739