As the author of 100 Things to Do in Tacoma Before You Die, I’ve sat in enough bumper-to-bumper I-5 traffic to last a lifetime. Basing yourself in Tacoma is a smart travel move, provided you let Sound Transit handle the commute. Instead of staring at brake lights, you’ll enjoy views of Mount Rainier while gliding toward Seattle stadiums or Sea-Tac Airport.
Highlights
- Skip I-5 Game-Day Traffic: Ride the Sounder Commuter Train directly from Tacoma Dome Station to King Street Station, located adjacent to Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park.
- Affordable Sea-Tac Airport Access: Avoid high rideshare fees by taking the Sound Transit 574 Express Bus directly between Sea-Tac Airport and Tacoma.
- Seamless Local Mobility: Use Tacoma’s T-Line Light Rail for easy connections between downtown hotels, craft breweries, and regional transit hubs.
- Easy Contactless Ticketing: Download the Transit GO Ticket app to purchase and activate digital tickets for buses, trains, and water taxis on one device.
Get 365 days of travel advice delivered right to your inbox!
The Sounder Commuter Train: Skip Game-Day Parking Rates
When heading north for a Sounders match, Mariners game, or stadium concert, the Sounder Commuter Train is hands-down my favorite way to travel. It carries you straight from Tacoma Dome Station to King Street Station, dropping you off right at the entrance of Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park.
Here is how I maximize the trip:
- Watch for Event Service: Sound Transit regularly runs special Event Sounder Trains for major weekend sports matches and large concerts.
- Board Early in Tacoma: Getting on at the start of the line means the car isn’t full yet, so you get your pick of prime seats.
- Grab a Seat on the Right Side: On the northbound ride, sit on the right side of the train for sweeping, unobstructed views of Mount Rainier.
The T-Line Advantage: Downtown Tacoma Without a Car
I use Tacoma’s T-Line light rail constantly to get around downtown. It provides a quick, stress-free link between major hotels, local dining spots, and the Tacoma Dome Station hub.
My favorite ways to use the T-Line:
- Frequent Service: Trains run every 12 minutes during regular service hours, with extended evening runs during major events.
- Connect to Regional Transit: Hop on at your hotel to reach the Tacoma Dome Station, where you can transfer directly to the Sounder train or airport express buses.
- Designated Driver for Brewery Hopping: I treat the T-Line as my built-in designated driver. Tacoma’s craft beer scene is top-tier, and several stations land you steps away from iconic local breweries.
Sound Transit Express Buses: My Sea-Tac Airport Hack
While other travelers stand outside baggage claim waiting for a $120 rideshare surge fare, I walk straight over to board the Sound Transit 574 Express Bus. It is a direct, budget-friendly route that drops you off right back at the Tacoma Dome Station…