What You’ll Spend on Transit in Bellevue
For most residents, public transportation costs in Bellevue are very reasonable compared to the price of car ownership. A standard one-way bus fare is $2.75, while a 30-day pass typically costs around $99. In midsize cities like Bellevue, a monthly transit pass usually runs between $60–$100 depending on the level of coverage.
Let’s say you take the bus to work 5 days a week. At $2.75 each way, that’s $27.50 per week or about $110 per month. The 30-day pass at $99 is clearly the better deal for regular commuters. Even factoring in a few $2.75 fares on weekends, you’d still come out ahead with the monthly pass.
Now, consider the cost of driving that same daily commute in Bellevue. If you live 10 miles from work, that’s 20 miles round trip. At the IRS mileage rate of $0.655 per mile (which factors in gas, maintenance, and depreciation), you’re looking at $13.10 per day or $262 per month just to drive to work and back. That’s over 2.5X the cost of taking public transit! And we haven’t even factored in parking costs, which can easily run $50+ per month in a city like Bellevue.
Transit Options Available
Bellevue residents have access to a robust public transportation network operated by King County Metro and Sound Transit. The primary modes are:
- Bus – Extensive route coverage throughout Bellevue and connecting to Seattle
- Light rail – Currently being expanded, will connect Bellevue to Seattle and Redmond
- Commuter rail – Sound Transit Express provides service to Seattle and Everett
- Streetcar – The Seattle Streetcar system is accessible from Bellevue
King County Metro operates over 20 bus routes within Bellevue, with frequent service to downtown, Crossroads, Factoria, and other key neighborhoods. The RapidRide B Line provides frequent service along Bellevue Way between Bellevue Transit Center and Redmond.
The East Link light rail extension, set to open in 2023, will connect the Eastside to Seattle via I-90 with stations in south Bellevue, downtown Bellevue, and the Bel-Red corridor. This will provide a fast, traffic-free option for commuters and greatly expand access to Bellevue from Seattle.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
To give you a clearer picture of what you might spend on public transit each month in Bellevue, here are some common commuting scenarios:
| Commuter Type | Fare Type | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 5-Day Weekly Rider | 30-Day Pass | $99 |
| Weekend-Only User | Round-Trip Fares | $22 (2 round trips per weekend) |
| Heavy Daily Commuter | 30-Day Pass + Per-Ride Fares | $125 (30-day pass plus $1 for extra trips) |
🏆 Winner: For most Bellevue residents, the 30-day pass offers the best value for regular commuting. At just $99 per month, it’s a steal compared to the cost of gas, parking, and vehicle wear-and-tear.
Is Public Transit Worth It in Bellevue?
With [monthly living costs](/bellevue-wa/monthly-budget/) being relatively high in Bellevue, many residents find that using public transportation is a smart way to save money. If you work downtown or in Seattle, taking the bus or future light rail can spare you hefty parking costs and the stress of battling traffic.
In terms of commute times, the average bus trip in Bellevue takes about 35 minutes. During peak hours, transit is often faster than driving when you factor in congestion. And with the expanding light rail system, those transit times will decrease while reliability increases.
Bellevue also has good walkability and bikeability scores in its downtown and central neighborhoods. So even if you don’t live right on a bus line, you can still access transit by walking, biking, or using park-and-ride lots. Overall, public transportation is a very viable option for getting around Bellevue efficiently and affordably.
Ways to Save on Transit
To make your public transit even more affordable, take advantage of:
- ORCA LIFT – Reduced fares for low-income riders
- Regional Reduced Fare Permit – Discounts for seniors 65+, riders with disabilities, and Medicare card holders
- Employer-sponsored transit passes – Many Bellevue employers offer free or heavily subsidized ORCA cards
- Pre-tax commuter benefits – You can use pre-tax dollars to pay for transit, saving on your income taxes
Pro tip: If you ride the bus frequently but not quite enough to justify a monthly pass, get an ORCA card and load it with an E-purse. You’ll still get the discounted $2.75 fare without having to fumble with exact change.
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to get around Bellevue?
If you can access it easily from your location, the bus is generally the cheapest way to get around Bellevue. Fares are just $2.75 per ride, and a monthly pass is only $99. Biking is also very affordable if you have a bike and live in a bikeable area.
Are there monthly transit passes in Bellevue?
Yes, King County Metro and Sound Transit offer a regional ORCA PASS that provides unlimited rides on buses, light rail, commuter trains, streetcars, and more for $99 per month. You can purchase these online, at ORCA vending machines, or at participating retailers.
Is public transit reliable for work commutes?
In general, yes. Bellevue has an extensive bus system with frequent service on key routes. Some buses do get caught in traffic during peak commute times. But overall, transit is a reliable option, especially as light rail expands and provides more congestion-free alternatives.
What discounts are available for low-income transit riders in Bellevue?
King County Metro offers ORCA LIFT, a program that provides reduced fares for riders with household incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level. With ORCA LIFT, fares are just $1.50 per ride instead of the standard $2.75 fare. Eligibility is based on income and family size.
Getting Around Smarter in Bellevue
For most Bellevue residents, public transportation is an affordable, efficient, and eco-friendly way to get around. With fares as low as $2.75 per ride and monthly passes for just $99, the cost savings over driving are significant — especially when you factor in parking and gas.
While transit does have some tradeoffs in terms of flexibility and door-to-door service, it’s a smart choice for most commutes and daily trips. And with the ORCA LIFT program and other discounts, it’s accessible to riders of all income levels.
Curious about other aspects of Bellevue’s cost of living? Our guide to [monthly living costs in Bellevue](/bellevue-wa/monthly-budget/) can help you plan a budget that works for your lifestyle and goals. Because at the end of the day, affordable transportation is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to living well in this vibrant Pacific Northwest city.