What You’ll Spend on Transit in Sammamish
Do you really need a car to get around Sammamish? Many residents find that public transportation costs in Sammamish are reasonable enough to skip the hassle and expense of car ownership. A standard one-way bus fare is $2.75, while a 30-day pass providing unlimited rides on most routes costs $99. In midsize cities like Sammamish, a monthly transit pass typically runs between $60–$100 depending on the level of coverage.
Light rail fares on the Sound Transit Link system are $2.25–$3.25 each way depending on distance traveled. Rides to and from Seattle are on the higher end. An “All-Day” pass with unlimited light rail and bus trips is $8, offering savings for travelers making multiple stops.
Overall, public transportation in Sammamish is quite affordable compared to car ownership costs. The average Sammamish resident spends $180 per month on transportation across all modes, including gas, parking, and transit fares. Relying primarily on public transit can significantly reduce this figure.
Transit Options Available
Sammamish is served by a robust public transportation network offering multiple ways to get around the city and region:
- King County Metro provides extensive bus coverage within Sammamish and to neighboring cities like Redmond and Issaquah. Popular routes include the 269 to Redmond and the 554 to Seattle.
- Sound Transit operates the Link light rail system connecting Sammamish with Seattle and the broader Puget Sound region. The closest stations are Redmond Technology Station and SE Redmond Station.
- Sound Transit also runs express bus routes like the 542 to Redmond and 554 to Seattle, complementing the light rail.
With buses running every 15-30 minutes on major routes and light rail trains arriving every 6-10 minutes during peak hours, Sammamish residents can rely on transit for most daily needs. The system is clean, safe, and easy to navigate with the regional ORCA card payment system.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
How much you’ll spend on public transit in Sammamish depends on your commuting patterns. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Commute Type | Monthly Transit Costs |
|---|---|
| 5-day per week office commuter | $99 monthly pass (bus + light rail) |
| Weekend-only transit user | $33 ($8 day pass x 4 weekends) |
| Daily transit commuter | $165 ($8 day pass x 20 work days) |
🏆 Winner: In Sammamish, a $99 monthly pass offers the best value for commuters traveling 5+ days per week on transit.
Is Public Transit Worth It in Sammamish?
For many Sammamish residents, using transit is cheaper than driving when accounting for parking ($20+ per day in central Seattle), gas ($4.50+/gallon), and average car ownership costs of $500+/month. Transit commute times are competitive with driving on most routes. The average bus commute in Sammamish takes 35 minutes, while light rail from Redmond to Seattle is 45-50 minutes.
However, transit service is not as frequent or convenient in some outlying neighborhoods. If you live and work near major transit lines, ditching your car can offer significant savings. But residents with limited access to bus and rail may still need a vehicle. Sammamish earns a “Walk Score” of 47, meaning some errands require a car.
Ways to Save on Transit
Sammamish transit riders can take advantage of several discount programs to keep fares affordable:
- Youth (6-18), senior (65+), and riders with disabilities get 50% off standard fares
- Low-income riders are eligible for a free ORCA LIFT card, reducing fares by 45-60%
- Many employers offer pre-tax transit benefits up to $300/month — check with your HR department
- When paying per ride, use a regional ORCA card instead of cash to get a 25¢ discount per trip
By combining employer benefits, ORCA LIFT discounts, and a monthly pass, some Sammamish commuters spend as little as $20-$50/month to get around. Always compare your company’s commuter benefits with standard rates to find the best deal.
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to get around Sammamish?
For frequent riders, a $99 monthly transit pass offers the best value and flexibility. Per-ride fares are cheapest when using an ORCA card ($2.50/bus trip, $2.25+/light rail trip).
Are there monthly transit passes in Sammamish?
Yes, a $99 monthly pass covers unlimited trips on most bus and light rail routes. Discounted passes are available for youth, seniors, riders with disabilities, and low-income riders.
Is public transit reliable for work commutes?
Yes, major bus routes and the Link light rail run every 10-30 minutes. Over 80% of Sammamish residents are within walking distance of a bus stop. Light rail is highly reliable and not impacted by traffic.
What discounts are available for low-income transit riders in Sammamish?
Through the ORCA LIFT program, low-income riders get 45-60% off standard fares. A bus ride is $1.50 and light rail starts at $1.50 each way. Apply online via the King County website.
Getting Around Smarter in Sammamish
For most Sammamish residents, public transportation is an affordable, eco-friendly alternative to driving. With fares starting at $2.50 per ride and $99 monthly passes available, costs are much lower than car ownership. However, those living far from major routes may still need a vehicle for some trips.
Crunch the numbers on your own monthly expenses in Sammamish to see if going car-free could work for you. With growing traffic and parking hassles, hopping on a bus or light rail is often the smarter way to navigate the Sammamish region.