Getting to the Parade: Sound Transit, Community Transit from Sno County

With unprecedented crowds expected to cheer for the victorious Seattle Seahawks, local transportation and transit agencies are advising the traveling public to expect significant delays in and around downtown Seattle on February 5.

With an expected turnout of up to 500,000 spectators, the parade will begin at 11am and conclude with a rally at CenturyLink Field at 1:30pm. Travelers should expect roadway and transit delays throughout the day due to crowds and road closures, with spectators likely arriving well in advance of the event. Given the celebration's unprecedented size, drivers and transit riders should anticipate heavy traffic congestion in downtown, Lake Union, Queen Anne, the stadium area and nearby highways.

Metro and Sound Transit plan to use every available resource to accommodate what will likely be the largest parade in the city's history.

Parade route

The parade begins at Fourth Avenue and Denny Way, and heads south on Fourth Avenue to S Washington Street. From there it will proceed west to Second Avenue S, turn south on Second and then move into the North Lot at CenturyLink Field. Fourth Avenue and all cross streets from Third Avenue to Fifth Avenue will be closed to traffic starting at 10:30 a.m. and reopen after the parade passes, and Occidental Avenue will be closed at 8:30 a.m. "No parking" signs for the event are in place and prohibit parking along the route from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday. More than 75,000 fans are expected to attend a ticketed rally in the stadium area after the parade, so sizable crowds and area delays will continue well after the parade concludes. Fans are encouraged to dress warmly and be prepared for delays.

General tips for transit users include:

• Come downtown early to better avoid the worst traffic and full buses. 
• Dress for both cold temperatures and packed buses. 
• Be prepared for lengthy travel times. 
• Have transit fare or an ORCA card ready. 
• Sign up for transit alerts on Metro's website. 
• Parking at most park-and-ride lots and all Sounder stations often fills early, and demand will be high. Riders who can't arrive early are encouraged to get dropped off. 
• Bus service information accessed through the trip planners on transit agency websites and the One Bus Away service may not be accurate when road closures, re-routes and unusually high congestion levels are in effect. Riders should refer to rider alerts for the specific bus routes they are using. 
• Expect transit delays to continue as long as celebrating fans are downtown, likely into the afternoon commute. 
• Riders are reminded that if they see something say something, Report any suspicious activity to a bus driver or call 911. 

Sound TransitSounder commuter rail, with service to the north end of CenturyLink field, will be an attractive option for many fans attending the parade. Northline trains serve Edmonds, Mukilteo and Everett.

Northline: Four morning trips will depart Everett for Seattle at 5:45 a.m., 6:15 a.m., 6:45 a.m. and 7:15 a.m. Return trains in the afternoon will depart King Street Station at 4:05 p.m., 4:33 p.m., 5:05 p.m. and 5:35 p.m. The 7:15 a.m. and 4:04 p.m. north line departures will operate longer, five-car trains to accommodate larger than normal crowds. The 6:45 a.m. and 4:33 p.m. departures will run three-car trains.

ST Express regional bus service will experience high rider demand, and some service will be rerouted.

ST Express Route 512: Northbound trips to Snohomish County will not serve 4th Avenue or Olive Way. Instead, board buses westbound on Stewart Street or southbound on 5th Avenue.

Sounder tickets must be purchased before boarding trains and must be presented to fare enforcement officers upon request. Ticket vending machines are available at all stations before entering the platform area. Buying an ORCA card in advance will avoid lines at vending machines.

Community Transit 
Snohomish County fans who want to leave early and avoid the crowds can take advantage of any of 13 Community Transit routes from all over the county. Buses run to Seattle between 5 - 8:30 a.m., depending on the route. Fans can get home on those same routes between 2:30-6 p.m. Schedules and fares are available here . If you've always wanted to ride a double decker bus, this is a great opportunity. See which routes feature the Double Tall bus.