Have you ever been inconvenienced by car traffic while trying to walk through Pike Place Market? You’re not alone. In 2021, 81% of Seattle residents responded in a poll that they were in favor of limiting vehicle traffic in Pike Place Market to loading and unloading only. Making Pike Place Market car-free was also part of Mayor Bruce Harrell’s 2025 State of the City Address this past February, in which he said, “I have a vision for our connected waterfront and Pike Place Market as one of the greatest pedestrian experiences in the country.” Now it’s finally happening—but with a catch.
Read on for all the details.
Pike Place Market has banned most vehicle traffic starting this week. The Pike Place Market PDA, in collaboration with SDOT, are calling the change a “limited vehicle access pilot” and a “temporary strategy to reduce non-essential traffic on Pike Place.”
Why now?
The Market cited ongoing construction on Stewart Street as the main cause for restricting vehicle access, as well as a deck restoration at Copacabana that is limiting sidewalk use.
How long will Pike Place Market be car-free?
On the Market website, it is stated that the vehicle restriction will last through the duration of construction. The Stewart Street project is estimated to be finished near the end of July.
However, Madison Douglas, spokesperson for the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority, told Axios that “there’s no set end date.” We will keep updating this post throughout the summer as we learn more about the potential return of traffic at the Market.
Who can still drive through the Market?
During regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.), traffic in the main cobblestone street that runs through the Market will be limited to the following:
- Market businesses
- Delivery vehicles
- Customer curbside pickup
- ADA-permitted vehicles
- Emergency vehicles
Where will I park at the Market?
With the exception of ADA-permitted vehicles, there will no longer be any longterm parking permitted on both sides of Pike Place from Pike St to Virginia St. There will be evening parking allowed along Pike Place, so if you’re going to dinner or a show at the Market in the evening know you can park there between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. For parking during the Market’s business hours, see parking options here.
How will this be enforced?
The Market has installed a SDOT flagger to direct traffic. The flagger will be present at 1st Ave and Pike St. from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day.
Will this change become permanent?
It remains to be seen if the Market will adopt a permanent car-free policy. Douglas told Axios that they’re using this period “to test and learn.” The Market has not offered a way for Seattleites to provide feedback about the change. If you’re a fan of a car-free Pike Place Market, your best bet is to visit the Market and support the businesses there this spring and summer.
You can see updates, parking directions, and more information about this change on the Pike Place Market website.