Train, bus services available for Washington State Fair visitors

Washington State Fair visitors can save on gas, avoid the traffic, and “Do the Puyallup” at the biggest party in the state by bus or commuter rail this year. Along with local connecting routes from Federal Way, Parkland, Tacoma, and South Hill, Pierce Transit’s “Fair Express” service is back with express bus service seven days per week from three major transit centers. And, for the first time, Sound Transit will offer direct Sounder service to the Fair from Everett and Seattle on Sat., Sept. 13, and Sat., Sept. 20. Sound Transit express bus service between Seattle and Puyallup is also an option for getting to the Fair.

Here is a look at some of the public transportation options available to get you to and from the Washington State Fair.

I. PIERCE TRANSIT FAIR EXPRESS BUS

The Pierce Transit Fair Express Bus is made possible through a partnership between the Washington State Fair and Pierce Transit. From opening day on Fri., Sept. 5 through closing day on Sun., Sept. 21, Fair guests can catch the Pierce Transit Fair Express from Tacoma Community College, South Hill Mall, and Lakewood Towne Center to the Washington State Fair Events Center in Puyallup. Fair Express bus service will run hourly, with limited stops, from approximately 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and run every 30 minutes from approximately 9:30 a.m. to 11:15 p.m. Fridays through Sundays.

Fares for the Fair Express are set at Pierce Transit’s regular rates of two dollars for adults, 75 cents for youth age six to 18 years, and free for age five and younger. Up to four youth under 13 can ride for free with a fare-paying passenger. Riders may use their ORCA cards loaded with E-purse or a September regional pass for the service. A Regional Reduced Fare Permit must be shown if you’re a passenger riding at a discount with a 75-cent pass. Valid transfers from other Pierce Transit routes will also be honored.

More information about the Fair Express and schedules for local routes 400, 402, 410, 425, and 503, which also serve the Puyallup area, are online here. Please note that most regular service ends before the last Fair Express bus returns to the transit centers.

II. PIERCE TRANSIT SHUTTLE

In addition to the Fair Express, Pierce Transit will also offer specialized transportation (SHUTTLE) service to the Fair for eligible passengers who reserve their trips one to five days in advance. Call (253) 581-8000, select Options 1 – 2 – 1.

III. SOUND TRANSIT SOUNDER SERVICE

For the first time since operating special trains to the Fair, Sound Transit is running direct Sounder service from Everett and Seattle, with stops in Mukilteo and Edmonds, to Puyallup on Sat., Sept. 13, and Sat., Sept. 20. Tickets can be purchased online at thefair.com/sounder, including an Express Pack that combines train fare and fair admission at a 25 percent discount when purchased in advance. Sounder riders can also use their ORCA cards, or buy train tickets at station ticket vending machines. South Sound riders can start purchasing tickets at stations now. Snohomish County riders can begin buying tickets at stations on Mon., Sept. 1.

More details on taking Sounder to the Fair are online here.

IV. SOUND TRANSIT EXPRESS BUS

Sound Transit Express Route 578 also runs between Seattle and Puyallup seven days a week. Riders can check the schedule online here.

The Washington State Fair (formerly known as the Puyallup Fair) bills itself as the largest single attraction held annually in the state of Washington, and continually ranks as one of the largest fairs in the world. The Washington State Fair hosts two annual events, the 17-day Washington State Fair every September, and the four-day Spring Fair in Puyallup every April. More information is available online at thefair.com.

To read the Tacoma Daily Index‘s complete and comprehensive coverage of the Washington State Fair (formerly known as the Puyallup Fair), click on the following links: