Public Transportation Costs in Shoreline

What You’ll Spend on Transit in Shoreline

In Shoreline, a city known for its diverse neighborhoods and easy access to Seattle, public transportation costs are an important consideration for both residents and newcomers. The average one-way bus fare in Shoreline is currently $2.75, while a standard 30-day pass will run you around $99. A 30-day bus pass in Shoreline typically costs $99.

These prices are in line with what you’ll find in many mid-size cities across the Pacific Northwest. In cities like Shoreline, a monthly transit pass typically runs between $60–$100 depending on the level of coverage and service frequency you need.

Of course, your total monthly transit costs will depend on how often you ride and which modes you use most frequently. We’ll break down some common scenarios later in this article to give you a clearer picture of what you might spend.

Transit Options Available

Shoreline is served by several public transportation providers, offering a range of ways to get around the city and region:

• King County Metro operates an extensive network of bus routes throughout Shoreline and the greater Seattle area
• Sound Transit’s Link light rail has a stop at Shoreline’s 145th Street Station, connecting the city to Seattle and SeaTac airport
• Community Transit provides bus service to neighboring Snohomish County

For most Shoreline residents, King County Metro buses will be the primary mode of public transit. The system offers frequent service on key routes like the E Line, which runs from downtown Seattle up Aurora Avenue through the heart of Shoreline.

Sound Transit’s light rail can be a great option for commuters heading to Seattle or the airport, with trains running every 6 to 15 minutes most of the day. A one-way fare from Shoreline to downtown Seattle is $3.25.

Monthly Cost Breakdown

To give you a better idea of what you might spend on public transportation in Shoreline each month, let’s look at a few common commuting scenarios:

As you can see, a bus pass offers the best value for most Shoreline commuters. 🏆 Winner: In Shoreline, the bus pass offers the best value for regular commuters. If you’re riding at least 36 one-way trips per month (that’s about 9 round trips per week), the monthly pass will save you money compared to buying individual fares.

Is Public Transit Worth It in Shoreline?

For many Shoreline residents, public transportation can be a cost-effective alternative to driving. When you factor in the costs of gas, parking, and car ownership, riding transit can lead to significant savings.

Let’s say you commute from Shoreline to downtown Seattle 5 days a week. If you drive, you might spend $50 per week on gas and another $50 on parking, for a total of around $400 per month. Compare that to the $99 monthly pass, and the savings are clear.

Of course, transit isn’t always the fastest option. The average bus commute in Shoreline takes about 35 minutes one-way. Driving yourself may be quicker, especially for shorter trips within Shoreline. But for many commutes, particularly into Seattle, transit can be just as fast as driving once you account for traffic and parking time.

Transit service is also more frequent and accessible in some parts of Shoreline than others. Neighborhoods along Aurora Avenue and near I-5 tend to have the best bus service, while outlying areas may have fewer options. In Shoreline, public transit is often faster than driving to key destinations, but service frequency may vary by route and neighborhood.

Ways to Save on Transit

There are a few ways to lower your public transportation costs in Shoreline:

• If you’re a senior, youth, or low-income rider, you may qualify for reduced fares on Metro and Sound Transit
• Some employers offer subsidized transit passes or allow you to purchase them with pre-tax dollars through commuter benefits programs
• If you ride regularly, use a monthly pass to save on per-ride costs

It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the transit options available in your neighborhood. Sometimes a short walk to a different bus stop or light rail station can save you money by allowing you to take a more direct route.

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to get around Shoreline?
For most trips within Shoreline, the bus will be your cheapest option. Fares start at $2.75 per ride, and a monthly pass is $99.

Are there monthly transit passes available in Shoreline?

Yes, King County Metro and Sound Transit both offer monthly passes that can be used on buses and light rail. A standard Metro monthly pass costs $99.

Is public transit reliable for work commutes?
It depends on your specific commute, but in general, transit is a reliable option in Shoreline, especially for commutes to downtown Seattle. Buses run frequently on major routes, and light rail operates on a consistent schedule.

What discounts are available for low-income transit riders in Shoreline?
King County Metro offers ORCA LIFT, a reduced fare program for low-income riders. Eligible adults can get a monthly pass for just $54. Sound Transit has a similar program called ORCA LIFT Regional Reduced Fare Permit (RRFP).

Getting Around Smarter in Shoreline

For many Shoreline residents, public transportation offers an affordable, reliable way to get around. While costs can add up, riding transit is almost always cheaper than driving when you account for the full costs of car ownership.

Of course, the best transit option for you will depend on where you live and work, your schedule, and your budget. Hopefully this overview has given you a clearer picture of what you can expect to spend on public transportation in Shoreline.

Interested in learning more about the cost of living in Shoreline? Check out our guide to sample monthly budgets for Shoreline in 2025. You can also explore our coverage of transportation costs in other nearby cities to see how Shoreline stacks up.