Getting around Seattle from Sheraton Grand Seattle (public transit, monorail, ferries)
Sheraton Grand Seattle (1400 6th Ave) sits in downtown Seattle at 6th and Pike. Use Westlake/Westlake Center for Link light rail and monorail connections, walk ~5–10 minutes to Pike Place Market and the waterfront ferries (Pier 52) for Bainbridge Island.
In this guide
- Walks from the hotel: Pike Place, the waterfront, and the Convention Center
- Link light rail (to/from Sea–Tac Airport and across the city)
- Seattle Center Monorail (fast link to the Space Needle)
- Ferries from downtown (Bainbridge Island and waterfront routes)
- Buses, streetcars and local transit tips
- From Sheraton Grand Seattle to day trips (planning without driving language)
Walks from the hotel: Pike Place, the waterfront, and the Convention Center
Sheraton Grand Seattle is adjacent to the Washington State Convention Center and a short walk from key downtown sights. Pike Place Market, the Seattle Art Museum and Benaroya Hall are all about a 5–10 minute walk.
The downtown ferry terminal (often called the Bainbridge/Seattle ferry at Pier 52) is about a 10-minute walk from the hotel, making ferries a convenient option for day trips to Bainbridge Island and other nearby islands.
- Pike Place Market — roughly 5–10 minutes on foot
- Seattle Art Museum & Benaroya Hall — roughly 5 minutes on foot
- Downtown ferry terminal (Pier 52) — about 10 minutes on foot
- Washington State Convention Center — adjacent to the hotel
| Destination | Typical walk time |
|---|---|
| Pike Place Market | 5–10 minutes |
| Seattle Art Museum | ~5 minutes |
| Downtown ferry terminal (Pier 52) | ~10 minutes |
Link light rail (to/from Sea–Tac Airport and across the city)
Westlake Station and nearby downtown stations provide Link light rail service connecting downtown to Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (Sea–Tac). Trains run frequently and the trip to the airport takes about 35–40 minutes.
Link fares and schedules can change; check Sound Transit or station signage for up-to-date times and pay with an ORCA card or accepted mobile/ticketing options before boarding.
- Station to use: Westlake (a few minutes’ walk from the hotel)
- Typical airport travel time on Link: about 35–40 minutes
- Operating hours: daily service beginning early morning to around 1:00 AM (check current schedules)
| What to buy | Why |
|---|---|
| ORCA card or mobile ticket | Simplifies transfers between Link, buses and ferries |
| Single-ride fare (purchase at station) | Good for occasional trips |
Seattle Center Monorail (fast link to the Space Needle)
The Westlake Monorail station is a short walk from Sheraton Grand Seattle and connects downtown Westlake Center with Seattle Center (Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, MoPOP).
The monorail ride itself takes about 2 minutes; include the short walk to Westlake when planning your schedule.
- Walk to Westlake Center to board the monorail
- Ride time between Westlake and Seattle Center: about 2 minutes
- Good for quick trips to the Space Needle and Seattle Center attractions
| From | To | Ride time |
|---|---|---|
| Westlake Center | Seattle Center (Space Needle) | ≈2 minutes |
| Sheraton Grand Seattle (walk) | Westlake Center | A few blocks' walk |
Ferries from downtown (Bainbridge Island and waterfront routes)
The downtown ferry terminal (Pier 52) is about a 10-minute walk and offers walk-on ferries to Bainbridge Island. The ferry crossing to Bainbridge typically takes around 30–40 minutes and arrives in the town of Winslow near the dock.
Ferries are seasonal and schedule-dependent; check the ferry operator’s published timetable for departure times and any service advisories before you go.
- Pier to use from downtown: the main Seattle ferry terminal / Pier 52
- Typical crossing time to Bainbridge Island: roughly 30–40 minutes
- Arrive at Winslow on Bainbridge Island, within walking distance of shops and cafes
| Route | Typical crossing time |
|---|---|
| Seattle ↔ Bainbridge Island (walk-on ferry) | ≈30–40 minutes |
| Other waterfront ferry/taxi services | Varies by destination; check schedules |
Buses, streetcars and local transit tips
Seattle’s local buses and streetcar lines connect neighborhoods not served directly by light rail or the monorail. Buses board at downtown stops; routes and frequencies vary by corridor and time of day.
An ORCA card or mobile fare option is useful for quick transfers between buses, Link light rail and ferries. Check real-time apps or transit agency websites for route changes and up-to-date schedules.
- Use ORCA for transfers between buses, Link and ferries
- Check real-time transit apps for arrival times and detours
- Westlake area provides many downtown bus stops and regional connections
| Mode | Best for |
|---|---|
| Local bus | Neighborhoods beyond downtown |
| Streetcar | Short cross-town trips (check route) |
| ORCA card | Easy transfers across modes |
From Sheraton Grand Seattle to day trips (planning without driving language)
Many popular day trips — such as Bainbridge Island via ferry and Seattle Center via monorail — are achievable using public transit and the pedestrian connections near the hotel. The hotel’s downtown location makes public-transit combinations practical for reaching regional attractions.
For destinations outside the reach of Seattle’s public transit, such as some wineries or mountain areas, consider booking a guided excursion or paid private transfer through a tour operator; the hotel concierge can provide recommendations and contact details.
- Bainbridge Island — ferry from Pier 52 (walk from hotel)
- Seattle Center & Space Needle — monorail from Westlake
- Longer excursions (e.g., Mount Rainier area, Woodinville wineries) — arrange with a tour operator or hotel concierge
| Trip type | Suggested transit/arrangement |
|---|---|
| Nearby city attractions | Walk + monorail or bus |
| Island/ferry trips | Walk to Pier 52 and board walk-on ferries |
| Full-day regional excursions | Book a guided tour or private transfer |
