Overview:
A free shuttle service, funded by King County and the City of Seattle, is being offered in Pioneer Square to connect the community with the revitalized waterfront and prepare for the grand opening of Waterfront Park in late September 2025. The shuttle service includes three buses running daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on a continuous loop, with pickups every 20 minutes, and will carry over 66,000 passengers in just four months. The shuttle is part of a broader effort to connect the community with the revitalized waterfront and prepare for the grand opening of Waterfront Park.
Funded by King County and the City of Seattle, and supported by Friends of Waterfront Park, the Seattle Historic Waterfront Association, and the Alliance for Pioneer Square, the shuttle is part of a broader effort to connect the community with the revitalized waterfront and prepare for the grand opening of Waterfront Park in late September 2025.
“This summer will bring nonstop activity to Pioneer Square and the Waterfront,” said Lisa Howard, Executive Director of the Alliance for Pioneer Square. “The free shuttle will ensure visitors can get to where they want to go quickly. Whether a daily visitor or visiting for the first time, we invite all to come join the fun.”
The shuttle’s daytime route stops at major landmarks including Seattle Center/Space Needle, Pier 69, Pier 62, Pier 56, Pioneer Square, and King Street Station in the International District. It’s designed to make downtown exploration easy, with stops near Pike Place Market, the Seattle Aquarium, and Coleman Dock. A second, evening route will serve the central waterfront and hotels such as the Crowne Plaza, Kimpton, Sheraton, Grand Hyatt, and Four Seasons.
Operated by TransWest, the 2024 shuttle service includes three buses running daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on a continuous loop, with pickups every 20 minutes. In 2024, the shuttle carried over 66,000 passengers in just four months. When it operated year-round in 2019, ridership exceeded 470,000.
“This summer it’s more important than ever,” said Councilmember Dan Strauss. “The shuttle will help introduce the world to Seattle’s newest icon – a reimagined waterfront that connects neighborhoods, brings people together, and strengthens our downtown.”
The shuttle also enhances access to more than 270 free public events hosted by Friends of Waterfront Park from June through September. These include cultural celebrations, community programming, and family-friendly events—all leading up to the park’s grand opening.
“We are thrilled to offer another way for everyone to connect with Seattle’s revitalized waterfront,” said Joy Shigaki, President and CEO of Friends of Waterfront Park. “With over 270 free events planned this summer… this shuttle service strengthens our commitment to accessibility, equity, and community celebration.”
“The Free Waterfront Shuttle connects locals and visitors to the special sights, sounds, and tastes of Seattle’s waterfront,” added Bob Donegan of the Seattle Historic Waterfront Association. “It’s an immensely popular program with visitors and local waterfront businesses alike.”
Visitors can also access the waterfront through a range of public transit options:
• Link Light Rail: Stops include International District, Pioneer Square, University Street, and Westlake stations, all within walking distance of the waterfront.
• King County Metro Buses: Routes 1, 2, 10, 12, 13, 24, 33, and the RapidRide C Line serve the area.
• Seattle Streetcars: The South Lake Union and First Hill lines offer direct connections to downtown.
• Ferry Services: Washington State Ferries (Pier 52) and King County Water Taxi (Pier 50) provide scenic access.
• Bike and Scooter Share: A fun, flexible option for exploring the city and waterfront.
For route maps and transit details, visit the King County Metro and Sound Transit websites.