Best Time to Visit

The perfect time to visit Seattle is late June or early September when the crowds disperse and hotel costs do go down. In these periods you can still enjoy the lovely weather but as it is unpredictable don't forget to bring a raincoat/umbrella. July and August—the driest and sunniest months of the year—mark the peak season, meaning that prices rise due to a significant presence of tourists. Some key events throughout the year: May & June: Seattle International Film Festival May: Seattle Beer Week Late July to August: Seattle Art Fair September: Bumbershoot music festival

Passport/Visa

Citizens of the Schengen countries, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the Kingdom of Brunei can visit the United States for up to 90 days without applying for a visa (as well as citizens of Andorra, Lichtenstein, Monaco and San Marino). Citizens of these countries must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before traveling. All other travelers must obtain a visa before visiting the United States. International travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the country.

Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

You can take public transportation, shuttles or taxis between Seattle and the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Lyft and Uber are also good options. Sound Transit connects the airport to downtown Seattle on its Central Link light rail. Trains run every 7 to 10 minutes during most of the day, up to 20 minutes during non-peak hours. To get to the station, use Sky Bridge 6 on the north side of the airport. Sound Transit also provides two bus routes from the airport. Route 560 connects the airport to Bellevue, Renton, Burien and West Seattle. Route 574 serves Lakewood, Federal Way and Tacoma. King County Metro also provides three bus routes from the airport: Rapid Ride A-line (Federal Way), Route 161 (Burien/Kent) and Route 156 (Southcenter/Des Moines). You can use your phone's map app or the King County Metro Transit app to choose the fastest route. All buses leave from Door 6 outside of the baggage claim on the lower level.

• Web:

  www.portseattle.org/sea-tac/ground-transportation

• Address:

  17801 International Boulevard, Seattle

• Phone:

  +1 206 787 5388

Public Transport

The ORCA transit cards are the most convenient way to pay the fare on streetcars, light rail, buses and more. King County Metro Transit: The “Metro” public bus system operates throughout Seattle and King County. Metro's Route 99 connects Seattle's International District, Pioneer Square, First Avenue destinations including the Seattle Art Museum and Pike Place Market, and Elliott Bay waterfront attractions such as the Olympic Sculpture Park, Seattle Aquarium and ferry services. Visit Metro Online for a route map and timetable. South Lake Union Streetcar: The South Lake Union Streetcar links Seattle's downtown core to the South Lake Union neighborhood and the new 12-acre Waterfront Park. Seattle Center Monorail: The nation's first full-scale commercial monorail system provides a fun, two-minute link from downtown Seattle to the Seattle Center daily. The Seattle Center station is across from the Space Needle. In downtown Seattle, catch the monorail at Westlake Center at Fifth Avenue and Pine Street. Sound Transit: Link Light Rail connects downtown Seattle with Sea-Tac International Airport, making interim stops in Southeast Seattle neighborhoods. Sounder Commuter Trains operate between downtown Seattle, Tacoma and Everett.

• Web:

  visitseattle.org/visitor-information/getting-around

Taxi

Seattle has several major taxicab companies to get you to and from Sea-Tac International Airport, as well as take care of your transportation needs around town. In downtown Seattle, Lyft, Uber, and metered taxis offer in-city transportation.

• Web:

  seattleyellowcab.com

• Phone:

  +1 206 622 6500

Electricity

All power sockets in the United States provide a standard voltage of 120V with a standard frequency of 60Hz. Plug type A has two flat parallel pins.