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2009 Experience Washington Travel Planner cover

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Washington transportation :Photograph by Jeff Swift.

Transportation

Whether you’re traveling over land (by road or rail), over water or by air, there are lots of ways to get around in Washington State, from the conventional to the anomalous: buses, trains, trolleys, monorail, ferries and high-speed clipper ferries. If you’re visiting Seattle, you can even tour the city by land and water in an amphibious “duck mobile”—a truly unique transportation experience.

A scenic and comfortable way to travel Washington by rail is the Amtrak Cascades train, which runs throughout Washington, as well as north to Vancouver, BC and south to Eugene, Oregon.

The Washington State Department of Transportation website is particularly helpful if you’re traveling by car. For information about routes, up-to-date construction news, weather information, mountain pass conditions and travel alerts please use the links below.

And don’t forget about the Washington State Ferries. Washington’s ferry system is the largest in the country, so it opens up a lot of fun and interesting travel options and beautiful destinations. Washington’s metropolitan areas also offer public transportation options, including a number of extensive bus and rail systems.

Transportation in Washington State

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    Sea

    With the largest ferry system in the country, Washington State ferries are ideal for commuting, sightseeing, day tripping, or taking longer excursions.

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    Land

    Washington has numerous overland transportation options, including cabs, rental cars, buses, trolleys, a monorail (in Seattle), SoundTransit “Sounder” trains, Amtrak and light rail.

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    Air

    Whether you jet in and out of the state, charter a plane or fly off into the sunset by seaplane, its easy to fly to and around Washington.

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    Passport Requirements

    Since Washington borders Canada and has both international airports and ferries, you'll want to be document-ready for travel to reduce hassles and maximize your vacation time.

Get Statewide Updates and Alerts from the Washington State Department of Transportation