Seattle is making it easier to enjoy one of the city’s favorite summer destinations without needing to drive—at least for Ballard residents. Beginning June 27, King County Metro and the City of Seattle will launch a new seasonal bus service called the “Golden Gardens Direct,” designed to connect Ballard residents and visitors directly to Seattle’s popular Golden Gardens Park during the busy summer months.
The pilot route will operate daily through August 30, running every 30 minutes between Ballard’s Market Street corridor and the popular waterfront park. Service will be available seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Golden Gardens Park is an 87-acre waterfront destination in northwest Seattle that is particularly popular in the summer due to its sandy beaches and scenic Puget Sound views. However, the park suffers from a lack of direct transit options, leading to public transit riders being forced to bridge the gap on foot via long and potentially unsafe routes. This pilot is intended to make the park more accessible while also helping reduce seasonal traffic congestion and parking pressure in the area.
The fare for the Golden Gardens Direct will match regular Metro pricing at $3 per ride. Riders ages 18 and younger can ride for free.
The launch of the shuttle is part of a broader effort to improve the summer experience at Golden Gardens. Alongside the new transit option, Seattle officials are also introducing additional safety measures at the park. As part of that initiative, Golden Gardens will close nightly at 10:30 p.m. throughout the summer season.
See the full list of stops that the Golden Gardens Direct route will make below:
- NW Market St & 15th Ave NW (D Line connection)
- NW Market St & 24th Ave NW
- NW Market St & 32nd Ave NW (Route 17X connection)
- NW Market St & 34th Ave NW
- Shilshole Ave NW / NW 54th St area
- Multiple stops along Seaview Ave NW
- Golden Gardens Park
