While we're in Seattle later this summer, we'll be going to a Mariners game. We're staying near University Village, and I'm wondering which transit option would make the most sense for us. We've heard that driving to the stadium is more hassle than it's worth.

I took a fast look at the Mariner's webpage that discusses public transit to the park, and this out-of-towner could use some help. According to the Mass Transit Options page there are special bus routes on game days. The first route has a stop for NE 45th Freeway Stop, which Google tells me is a short drive from our rental. Have any of you taken these buses to/from the games? Do they run frequently? How much a hassle is it to get on a bus after a game? Is driving really a nightmare?

Grr. A closer look at the Mariner's badly-designed website shows that on weeknights, the special buses only run after the games. So, time to try and figure out the spider's web of Seattle's bus lines.

The Northgate Park and Ride might be a good option. It is probably about 15 minutes north of where you are staying. I'd recommend trying the Trip planner to get an idea of the different bus lines that run around your area.

I haven't gone to a game in a while but typically the traffic can be bad both before and after the game. Usually what is more difficult and expensive is parking. After the game, I don't think it is difficult to get a bus. I think they usually have them lined up in an area. Once a bus to a destination (park and ride) is filled, it will leave and the next one will arrive.

BTW, there has been a recent lawsuit regarding Metro having exclusive rights to the transportation. It has potentially disrupted the after game transportation because the Mariners are going to have to open the transportation for bids. There will be transportation, it might not be Metro buses.

BTW, if you are curious about the type of traffic we have in Seattle, check out the DOT cameras.

I would cab it myself...just as far as maybe 1st ave and King St in Pioneer Square. Then walk the rest of the way which is only a couple of blocks. Same on the way back, I would avoid trying to get a cab outside the stadium I would walk up to the waterfront or back to Pioneer Square again...it may be be about 15 bucks to the U District...

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Is driving really a nightmare?

It's been a few years, but I don't remember its traffic being any worse than anywhere else before or after a game. As Marta said, parking could be steep, though. If you end up driving, just give yourself a little extra time. Maybe your boys would want to hang out after the game and get a ball signed by a player or two!

Hmmm, I thought this was an easy question until I actually looked at the Metro site. One option is a bus there and a cab back. Travel between the University District and downtown (Safeco Field is on the south edge of downtown) is super easy. However, you're in University Village, which is down a huge hill from the main University District and it appears to lack easy bus access to downtown. You could, I'm sure, get a bus up to the main University District (University Avenue or 45th), then take one of many buses downtown (just ask the driver the closest stop to Safeco), then walk to Safeco from there. Hopefully your hotel could point you toward a bus that will get you up to the U-District. The regular buses run less frequently at night, so I wouldn't rely on those to get back home. The special Safeco buses are always SO packed! And since it would let you off at I-5 and 45th, that's quite a ways from U-Village.

I actually drive there and don't think it's a big deal. You could do this, and this is the way I'd go: Drive west on 45th or 50th to Hwy 99 (aka Aurora Avenue). Take Hwy 99 south. If you want to park AT the stadiums (more $$ but maybe worth it in this case), get off at the 1st Ave South exit. It dumps you pretty much right in front of Safeco Field. Another option is to get off at Western Ave, drive Western Ave south, and park in a lot in the Pioneer Square neighborhood. Walk the rest of the way ( 10-15 minutes) to the stadium. It'll be a bit cheaper and also has the advantage of being far enough away to not be affected by crowds leaving the game, so you can turn around, go back up Western, then get on Hwy 99 again.

Someone might offer a way they like better. It might actually not be a bad idea just to get on I-5, congested as it will be, then getting off at James, and parking in the International District. Just avoid driving through downtown on surface streets.

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Just avoid driving through downtown on surface streets.

Yeah, surface streets are where the worst congestion is on game nights. But as Colleen says, it probably isn't any worse traffic than anywhere else. You just have to give yourself time. Since there will be 4 of you, it may not be any cheaper to take the bus. Some of the buses will be stuck in traffic anyway.

I should add that if you do drive, avoid Montake Blvd between U Village and the Montlake Bridge/Hwy 520 at all costs. Probably the worst rush hour traffic in the city is on that street.

Great "on the ground" info, everyone. Thanks!

I like Christy's suggestions best. We take the same route on 99 taking the 1st Ave South exit. There's a great lot that's a little tricky to get to, involves doubling back after you take the exit but it's super easy to get out of after the game. I think it costs $15.

However, parking in Pioneer Square and walking to the stadium is also a great idea.

When are you going to be town Amy?

Christy, you're better than mapquest! I think I'll post here the next time I head downtown!