Elliott Bay Water Taxi: Seattle Waterfront Attraction and Cheap Transportation

The Elliott Bay Water Taxi runs between downtown Seattle (Pier 55) and Seacrest Park across Elliott Bay in West Seattle. With loads of attractions on both sides of the water, the Elliott Bay Water Taxi is a fun, inexpensive way to get in a mini harbor cruise whether you are commuting to work or sightseeing in the Seattle area.

It costs just $3 to enjoy the 12-minute crossing while you take in the great views and photo opportunities of the Seattle skyline and popular tourist attractions, like the Space Needle. If you are spending the day wandering around the downtown area, you can get an even better deal by purchasing a Metro Visitor Pass for $5.50, which entitles you to unlimited usage of the Elliott Bay Water Taxi, the Waterfront Streetcar Line and Metro buses for the entire day.

On the Seacrest Park side (West Seattle), hop on the free Route 773 shuttle for a quick trip to the Admiral District or Alki Point where you can enjoy the Log House Museum, restaurants, Alki Beach, Schmitz Park and the lighthouse, or head over to West Seattle Junction for a great shopping or dining experience.

On the Seattle side there are a plethora of attractions that will satisfy the whole family. From traditional tourist attractions like the Space Needle and Pioneer Square to Chinatown and some major shopping in the Retail District, there is something for everyone. You won't want to miss the world famous Pike's Place Market and be sure to include time for a leisurely stroll through the Olympic Sculpture Park as well.

The Seattle Aquarium is also within easy walking distance of Pier 55 and offers close up views of many marine species, as well as educational programs. Or, if you prefer a taste of the weird, check out Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe and Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe Too for a little bit of everything from historical artifacts to the completely bizarre.

Sure, you could travel between downtown Seattle and Seacrest Park/West Seattle by way of the West Seattle Bridge, but you will spend your commute battling traffic instead of enjoying the view, and will have to deal with finding parking - which is expensive on the Seattle side and pretty much non-existent on the Seaside Park side. Crossing the bay on the Elliott Bay Water Taxi is certainly a much more enjoyable experience and it's easy to get around on either side of the water since most attractions are within walking distance or easy to get to using shuttles or public transportation. Plus, there is no extra charge for bringing your bike onboard.

So, whether you are commuting back and forth to work or visiting Seattle on vacation, be sure to take advantage of the Elliott Bay Water Taxi for easy, inexpensive travel and great views. For more information and a schedule, call the water taxi hotline at 206.205.3866.