how far is bellevue washington from seattle washington

How Far Is Bellevue, Washington, from Seattle, Washington?

Bellevue, Washington, and Seattle, Washington, are remarkably close, separated by Lake Washington. The distance between the two cities is approximately 10 miles (16 kilometers) as the crow flies, but the actual driving distance varies depending on the route taken, usually between 10 to 15 miles.

The Distance: By Road and Water

The most common way to travel between Bellevue and Seattle is by car, using either the Interstate 90 (I-90) floating bridge or the State Route 520 (SR 520) floating bridge. I-90 tends to be slightly shorter, making the driving distance around 10-12 miles. SR 520 can be a bit longer, ranging from 12-15 miles, depending on the specific starting and ending points in each city.

While not a primary mode of transport for most commuters, ferries also connect Seattle and areas near Bellevue. However, these routes are indirect and usually involve transfers, making them less practical for direct city-to-city travel.

Factors Affecting Travel Time

Although the physical distance is short, travel time can fluctuate significantly based on several factors:

• Traffic Congestion: Seattle and Bellevue are both major employment centers, resulting in heavy traffic during peak hours, particularly on the bridges.
• Bridge Choice: I-90 and SR 520 can experience different levels of congestion. Checking real-time traffic conditions is advisable.
• Time of Day: Commute times are considerably longer during rush hour (typically 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM).
• Construction: Roadwork and construction projects can impact traffic flow and increase travel time.

Typically, without traffic, the drive can take as little as 15-20 minutes. However, during peak hours, it can easily extend to 30-45 minutes or even longer.

Alternative Transportation Options

Besides driving, several alternative transportation options exist:

• Public Transportation: King County Metro provides bus services connecting Seattle and Bellevue. While typically slower than driving during off-peak hours, it can be a viable option during rush hour to avoid bridge traffic.
• Ride-Sharing Services: Uber and Lyft operate extensively in the Seattle-Bellevue area.
• Biking and Walking: While possible, biking or walking across the floating bridges is not practical for most people due to the distance and lack of dedicated pedestrian/bicycle lanes on some sections.

For more detailed geographical information about the relationship between Bellevue and Seattle, refer to Seattle–Bellevue metropolitan area on Wikipedia.

FAQs

How long does it take to get from Seattle to Bellevue by car?

Typically, it takes 15-20 minutes without traffic, but 30-45 minutes or more during peak hours.

Is there public transportation between Seattle and Bellevue?

Yes, King County Metro provides bus services between the two cities.

Which bridge is better to take from Seattle to Bellevue?

It depends on real-time traffic conditions. Check traffic reports for both I-90 and SR 520 before deciding.

Is it possible to bike from Seattle to Bellevue?

Possible, but not practical for most due to the distance and limited bicycle lanes on some sections of the bridges.

What is the fastest way to travel between Seattle and Bellevue?

During off-peak hours, driving is usually the fastest. During rush hour, public transportation or ride-sharing services might be faster depending on traffic.

Summary

The distance between Bellevue and Seattle is relatively short, ranging from 10 to 15 miles by road. However, traffic congestion significantly impacts travel time. Consider alternative transportation options during peak hours. Always check real-time traffic conditions before starting your journey.