Metro
King County Metro provides public transportation services throughout King County, helping residents and visitors travel by bus and access other mobility options. This article explains how Metro operates, where riders can find schedules and trip planning tools, how to pay fares, what services are available for different transportation needs, and how to contact the correct Metro office for assistance.
About King County Metro
King County Metro is the public transit agency serving communities throughout King County. The agency provides bus transportation, accessible transit services, commuter programs, and other transportation options designed to help people travel throughout the region.
The main King County Metro website provides access to schedules, route information, service updates, fares, rider tools, programs, and contact information. Riders can use the website to plan trips, check service changes, review payment options, and find information about Metro transportation services.
Metro services include regular bus routes, RapidRide service, DART service, Access Transportation, Community Van, Metro Flex, Vanpool and Vanshare programs, and Water Taxi connections. Each service has different operating features, so selecting the correct option can help riders find the transportation method that best fits their trip.
Trip Planning and Route Information
Planning a Metro trip begins with checking available routes, schedules, stops, and service alerts. Metro provides online tools that allow riders to search for transportation options based on their destination and travel needs.
Trip Planner and Next Departures
The King County Metro Trip Planner helps riders find transit directions by entering a destination, selecting a landmark, or choosing a location on a map. The tool provides route information, schedules, stops, maps, and alerts.
For riders who need information about upcoming service near their current location, the Next Departures tool provides nearby transit options. Riders can also receive departure information by text message by sending their stop ID to 62550.
For trip planning assistance, Metro customer service is available by phone at 206-553-3000 Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Riders who need an interpreter can request language assistance through the phone menu.
Schedules and Service Maps
Metro provides schedules and maps to help riders identify routes, stops, transfer points, and service areas. The Schedules and maps page includes route maps, system maps, boarding maps, and information about service changes.
Route maps can be searched by route number, route name, neighborhood, or destination. Metro provides maps for bus routes, RapidRide lines, DART routes, school routes, shuttles, and other transportation services.
System maps show connections between major destinations and transportation services across different areas of King County. Boarding maps provide detailed information about bus stops and boarding locations at major transit centers and stations.
Metro Bus Service Options
Regular bus service is the primary transportation option provided by Metro. Riders can use buses throughout King County for local travel, commuting, connections to other transit systems, and access to community destinations.
The Bus service information page explains different Metro bus options, including regular service, DART, RapidRide, Night Owl service, Trailhead Direct, and Waterfront Shuttle connections.
RapidRide Service
RapidRide is Metro’s higher-frequency bus service designed to provide faster and more convenient travel. RapidRide routes include features such as frequent service, improved reliability, and additional rider amenities.
RapidRide routes connect many major communities and destinations throughout the region. Current RapidRide lines include the A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H lines, with each route serving different areas of King County.
Riders using RapidRide can pay with an ORCA card at stations or inside buses. The service also includes features such as all-door boarding on RapidRide routes where available.
Accessible Transportation Services
Metro provides transportation options for riders who need accessibility support. Accessible Services include Access Transportation, Transit Instruction Services, and other programs that support riders with disabilities and older adults.
Access Transportation is a paratransit rideshare service for individuals whose disabilities make it difficult to use traditional transit. Transit Instruction Services provide free training to help people with disabilities and seniors learn how to use public transportation independently.
Metro Fares and Payment
Metro offers several ways to pay for transportation services. Riders can use ORCA cards, mobile payment options, Transit GO Ticket, cash, or eligible reduced fare programs depending on their transportation needs.
The Metro fares and prices page provides current fare information and explains available fare categories.
ORCA Cards and Passes
The ORCA card is a regional payment card used for transit services throughout the Puget Sound area. Riders can load stored value through the card’s E-purse system or add eligible passes.
Metro fare options include adult fares, reduced fares for eligible riders, youth fares, ORCA LIFT discounted fares, Access Transportation fares, regional day passes, and monthly PugetPass options.
Payment Methods
The Ways to pay information explains available payment methods for Metro riders.
Payment options include:
Tap to pay with eligible credit or debit cards, smartphones, or smartwatches.
ORCA cards used on buses and other regional transit services.
Transit GO Ticket mobile app tickets.
Cash or tickets with exact fare when boarding.
When paying cash, riders should have the exact fare available because drivers do not carry change. Riders transferring between Metro buses can request a paper transfer when paying with cash.
Rider Tools and Travel Support
Metro provides several tools to help riders prepare for trips, understand transit options, and stay informed about service changes.
Service Alerts and Updates
Service advisories provide information about delays, reroutes, closures, and other changes that may affect travel. Riders can check current alerts before leaving for a trip.
Mobile and Online Tools
Metro provides mobile and web applications that allow riders to plan trips, check schedules, and access transit information from phones, tablets, or computers.
Other rider resources include information about parking locations, bicycles and transit connections, school transportation programs, rider safety, and travel options.
Lost and Found Assistance
Metro provides lost and found services for items left on buses or other Metro transportation services. Riders can report lost property through the online form, by phone, or in person.
For lost items, riders can contact Metro customer service at 206-553-3000. The call center handles lost and found calls Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
When reporting a lost item, riders should provide details that help identify the property, such as color, brand, or other distinguishing information.
Community and Commuter Programs
Beyond regular bus service, Metro operates programs that provide additional transportation choices for specific travel needs.
Vanpool and Vanshare
Metro’s Vanpool and Vanshare programs provide commuter transportation options for groups traveling similar routes and schedules.
Vanpool requires at least five commuters who share a similar route and schedule, including volunteer drivers and a bookkeeper. Vanshare connects commuters between home, transit hubs, and workplaces with groups of five or more participants.
The programs include vehicle support, insurance, maintenance, fuel, and other transportation assistance described by Metro.
Water Taxi Service
Metro also provides Water Taxi transportation between downtown Seattle and Vashon Island, as well as between downtown Seattle and West Seattle. Service schedules, fares, accessibility information, and rider details are available through Metro’s transportation pages.
Contacting King County Metro
Riders should contact the appropriate Metro office depending on the type of assistance needed. General customer support handles trip planning, lost and found questions, fare information, and customer comments.
Metro customer service can be reached at 206-553-3000. WA Relay users can dial 711. For general King County information, residents can call 206-296-0100.
Metro Departments and Offices
King County Metro
201 South Jackson Street
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206-553-3000
Metro Pass Sales Office
King Street Center
201 South Jackson Street
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206-553-3000
King County Water Taxi
201 S. Jackson Street
KSC-MT-0420
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206-477-3979
Rideshare Operations
KSC-TR-0812
201 S Jackson St
Seattle, WA 98104-0770
Phone: 206-625-4500
Metro FAQs
How can I find the correct King County Metro route and schedule?
Riders can use the official King County Metro Trip Planner to find transit directions, route schedules, stops, maps, and service alerts. The tool allows users to enter an address, choose a landmark, or select a location on a map to create a trip plan. Riders can also use the Next Departures feature to find nearby transit options and check upcoming departure times.
Where can I check King County Metro maps and service changes?
The official Schedules and maps page provides route maps, system maps, boarding maps, and service change information. Riders can search route maps by route number, route name, neighborhood, or destination. System maps also show important destinations, transfer points, and connections across different areas of King County.
What payment options are available for King County Metro fares?
King County Metro offers several fare payment methods, including ORCA cards, tap-to-pay options, Transit GO Ticket, cash, and tickets. Riders can use an ORCA card for transit payments and add stored value or eligible passes. The official Ways to pay information explains how each payment method works, including transfer rules and requirements for paying cash fares.
What services are available for riders who need accessibility support?
King County Metro provides accessibility services for riders who need additional transportation assistance. Access Transportation is a paratransit rideshare service for people whose disabilities make it difficult to use regular transit. Metro also provides Transit Instruction Services to help seniors and people with disabilities learn how to use public transportation independently.
How can commuters use King County Metro programs for shared travel?
Commuters who travel similar routes may use Metro Vanpool or Vanshare programs. Vanpool is designed for groups of commuters with similar work routes and schedules, while Vanshare helps groups connect between homes, transit hubs, and workplaces. These programs provide another option for riders who need transportation beyond regular fixed-route service.