Do I need to tap out when exiting?

In Vancouver, always tap out on SkyTrain and buses. In Seattle, tap out only on Link Light Rail, not buses. Portland doesn't require tap out anywhere.

What if I don't have exact change for buses?

Get a transit card instead — most buses don't give change. Seattle buses accept bills but no change given. Portland and Vancouver buses require exact change or transit card.

How do I get from the airport using transit?

Seattle: Link Light Rail connects Sea-Tac to downtown in 45 minutes for $3.50. Portland: MAX Red Line connects PDX to downtown in 45 minutes for $2.50. Vancouver: Canada Line SkyTrain connects YVR to downtown in 30 minutes for $5.70 CAD.

Are transit systems safe at night?

Generally safe but use normal urban precautions. Service reduces after 10pm on weekdays, midnight on weekends. Seattle and Vancouver have overnight bus routes. Portland has limited night service.

Can I use my transit card in multiple cities?

No, each city uses its own system. ORCA works only in Seattle region, Hop only in Portland, Compass only in Vancouver. You'll need separate cards for each city.

How to Use Public Transit in Pacific Northwest Cities

Pacific Northwest cities have extensive bus networks, light rail, and streetcars with unified payment systems. Get a regional transit card, download the local transit app, and expect buses to run every 10-30 minutes depending on the route. Most systems cost $2-4 per ride with day passes available.

Get the right payment method. Buy an ORCA card in Seattle, Hop card in Portland, or Compass card in Vancouver at stations, convenience stores, or online. Load money or day passes onto the card. Most systems also accept contactless payment and mobile apps.
Download transit apps. Install OneBusAway for Seattle, Transit app for Portland, or TransLink app for Vancouver. These show real-time arrivals, trip planning, and service alerts. Google Maps also works well for basic routing.
Learn the system basics. Seattle has buses plus Link Light Rail. Portland has buses, MAX light rail, and streetcars. Vancouver has buses, SkyTrain, and SeaBus. All use zone-based or flat-rate pricing. Tap your card when boarding and when exiting on some systems.
Plan for timing. Buses run every 15-30 minutes on most routes, every 5-10 minutes on frequent service routes. Light rail and SkyTrain run every 6-15 minutes. Add 10-15 minutes buffer time for transfers. Weekend service is less frequent.
Navigate stations and stops. Look for transit center maps and route numbers at stops. Most buses display route number and destination on the front. Press the stop request button or pull the cord one block before your stop. Exit through rear doors when possible.

Do I need to tap out when exiting?: In Vancouver, always tap out on SkyTrain and buses. In Seattle, tap out only on Link Light Rail, not buses. Portland doesn't require tap out anywhere.
What if I don't have exact change for buses?: Get a transit card instead — most buses don't give change. Seattle buses accept bills but no change given. Portland and Vancouver buses require exact change or transit card.
How do I get from the airport using transit?: Seattle: Link Light Rail connects Sea-Tac to downtown in 45 minutes for $3.50. Portland: MAX Red Line connects PDX to downtown in 45 minutes for $2.50. Vancouver: Canada Line SkyTrain connects YVR to downtown in 30 minutes for $5.70 CAD.
Are transit systems safe at night?: Generally safe but use normal urban precautions. Service reduces after 10pm on weekdays, midnight on weekends. Seattle and Vancouver have overnight bus routes. Portland has limited night service.
Can I use my transit card in multiple cities?: No, each city uses its own system. ORCA works only in Seattle region, Hop only in Portland, Compass only in Vancouver. You'll need separate cards for each city.