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If you're planning holiday travel from Bellevue this year, you've probably heard the rumblings: airport delays, flight cancellations, staffing shortages. With the uncertainty of air travel these days, why not take the train or bus to your holiday destinations?!  From Bellevue, you've got access to scenic, relaxing, and fun alternatives that help you skip the airport mayhem altogether.  

🚄 Amtrak Cascades – the scenic route across the northwest and beyond 

If you live in Bellevue, you're in a great spot to take advantage of the Amtrak Cascades. This line runs from Vancouver, BC, through Seattle, down to Portland and Eugene, and connects to the national Amtrak network, meaning you can travel almost anywhere in the U.S. without ever setting foot in an airport. 

Instead of dragging your bags through security and worrying about cancellations, imagine boarding in Seattle's King Street Station and gliding south or north with coffee in hand, watching evergreens, coastlines, and snow-capped peaks pass by. 

Why it beats flying now: 

• No risk from the 10% flight reduction.
• Spacious seating and onboard Wi-Fi.
• Breathtaking Pacific Northwest views. 

🚆 Sounder Train – stress-less local holiday travel 

Staying closer to home? The Sounder Train connects Seattle with Tacoma and Everett, making it perfect for visiting family in the South Sound or North Sound. Skip the I-5 holiday gridlock and instead enjoy a quick, scenic trip with plenty of legroom and no stress. 

🚍 Greyhound & FlixBus – budget-friendly and surprisingly comfy 

For shorter trips or last-minute travel, Greyhound and FlixBus offer affordable, convenient service to Bellingham, Spokane, Portland, and beyond. 

Modern buses feature free Wi-Fi, charging ports, and cushioned seats perfect for streaming your favorite holiday movie while avoiding airport chaos. From Bellevue, it's a quick 550 bus ride to downtown Seattle's terminal. 

🌲 Why trains and buses are more fun this year 

• Make the journey part of the holiday: Enjoy downtime, read, or sip cocoa while the scenery rolls by.
• Fewer surprises: With air travel reduced and unpredictable delays, ground transportation offers greater reliability.
• See the country: Amtrak connects the entire U.S. You can head east to Chicago, south to California, or explore small towns all along the way.
• Arrive relaxed: No TSA, no baggage fees, no crowds. 

🔎 Quick travel checklist for Bellevue residents 

1. Choose your destination: Local (Sounder), regional (Cascades), or cross-country (Amtrak network).
2. Book early: Trains and buses fill up fast for the holidays.
3. Plan your connection: Take the 550 or 554 bus from Bellevue to Seattle's stations.
4. Pack smart: You can bring more onboard comfort items than airlines allow.
5. Relax: Turn on your holiday playlist and let the ride be part of the fun. 

The big picture 

Skip the airport drama. Take the train or bus and watch the snow fall through your window. Make this year's holiday journey one you actually enjoy. 

Sources: 

1. FAA reducing air traffic by 10% during shutdown
2. Over 8,000 flights canceled amid shutdown
3. Airlines warn of major delays as shutdown continues 

Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year in Bellevue. The air is crisp, the colors are vibrant, and our parks are full of amazing trails waiting to be explored. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful solo stroll or a weekend walk with friends, here are five incredible places to enjoy the fall foliage in Bellevue this season. 

1. Bellevue Downtown Park 

Located in the heart of downtown, Bellevue Downtown Park offers a perfect mix of city energy and nature. The half-mile circular path around the large reflecting pond is lined with trees that turn into beautiful shades of gold and red every October.  

Grab a coffee from a nearby cafe and take in the skyline views while enjoying one of Bellevue’s most beloved walking spots.  

• Address: 10201 NE 4th St, Bellevue, WA 98004
• Get there:  
  • Bus: 550, 556, 240, 249, 271.
  • Light Rail: 2-Line to Downtown Bellevue
  • Bellhop, a free, electric, on-demand shuttle service to get around Bellevue!  

2. Mercer Slough Nature Park  

If you love nature walks surrounded by wetlands and wildlife, Mercer Slough Nature Park is a must-visit. Covering over 320 acres and more than 7 miles of trails, this slough is Lake Washingtons largest wetlands and one of Bellevue’s most scenic fall destinations.

Enjoy a boardwalk with hundreds of plant species, spot migrating birds, and breathe in cool autumn air, all just minutes from Downtown Bellevue.  

• Address: 2101 118th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98005
• Get there:
  • Bus: 240, 550, 249, 556, 203
  • Light Rail: 2-Line to South Bellevue

3. Bellevue Botanical Garden

Fall at the Bellevue Botanical Garden is nothing short of magical. The garden showcases 53 acres of trails, woodlands, and wetlands, that can satisfy anyone's thirst for nature.  

The Garden consists of 13 distinct trails and gardens, all of which are stunning in fall light! Don’t forget your camera as this is one of the best spots in Bellevue for fall photography.

• Address: 12001 Main St., Bellevue, WA 98005
• Get there:
  • Bus: 271, B-Line, 20
  • Bellhop, a free, electric, on-demand shuttle service to get around Bellevue! 

4. Weowna Park

With views of Lake Washington and the Cascade Mountains, Weowna Park offers wooded trails and a peaceful escape from the city. This old-growth forest canopy lights up in orange and amber colors during October, and the trails provide a refreshing mix of uphill climbs and shaded paths.  

You’ll also find streams and small waterfalls for a perfect soundtrack for your fall walk.

• Address: 1420 168th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98008
• Get there:
  • Bus: 226

5. Kelsey Creek Park

Kelsey Creek Park combines open meadows, forested trails, and historic barns, into one picturesque destination. The mix of farm animals and colorful trees makes it a fun and family-friendly fall outing.  

Walk along the parks to explore farms, wetlands, grassy areas, creeks, and forests for some of the most beautiful views in the city.

• Address: 410 130th Pl SE, Bellevue, WA 98005
• Get there:  
  • Bus: 271 

Getting around the Eastside just got easier! King County Metro’s new Metro Flex service is now available in Overlake, connecting you to neighborhoods, parks, schools, and the Overlake Village Light Rail Station - all with just a few taps on your phone.  

Whether you’re feeling a nice fall walk at Viewpoint Open Space, meeting friends at Crossroads Bellevue, or getting groceries after work at Trader Joes, Metro Flex makes it simple to travel without needing a car. 

Where You Can Go

The new Overlake Metro Flex zone stretches from Overlake Village Light Rail Station all the way to Rosemont Beach overlooking Lake Sammamish. This covers many busy and popular destination, including:  

• Crossroads Bellevue
• Interlake High School
• Tam O’Shanter Golf & Country Club
• Bellevue Youth Theater
• Overlake Village
• Viewpoint Open Space
• Highland Middle School
• And many more!  

What is Metro Flex?

Metro Flex is an on-demand neighborhood transit service that lets you book a ride within your service area through the Metro Flex app (available on iOS and Android). You can request a ride that picks you up nearby and takes you anywhere in the zone for the same price as a regular bus fare.

Service Hours:

• Weekdays: 7 am to 7 pm
• Weekends: 8 am to 6 pm

Fares:

• The cost is the same as a regular Metro bus fare.
• Pay with your ORCA card, Transit GO Ticket, or credit and debit card through the Metro Flex app.
• If you use ORCA, your transfer to buses or light rail is free within two hours.
• All existing King County Metro reduced fare programs, including ORCA LIFT, are accepted.
• Riders 18 and younger always ride free on Metro Flex and other transit in the region.

How to Use Metro Flex

1. Download the Metro Flex app on your smartphone (available on the App Store or Google Play).
2. Set up your profile. Select your “payment type” and then “fare/service type” to indicate any mobility needs or special fares.  
3. Enter your pickup and drop-off locations within the Overlake zone.
4. The app will show a nearby pickup point and estimated arrival time.
5. Hop on and enjoy the ride!

You can also book by phone at 206-258-7739 if you don’t have access to the app.

Why Try Metro Flex?

Metro Flex is a convenient way to fill the gap between bus and light rail trips, which is ideal for short, local rides to schools, shops, or parks. You’ll save time searching for parking, reduce emissions, and make your commute smoother.

Plus, if you live, work, or go to school in Bellevue, you can log your Metro Flex trips (2-4 passengers) with the Choose Your Way Bellevue Rewards Program and earn rewards like gift cards for sustainable travel!

Ready to Ride?

Try Metro Flex in Overlake today and discover how easy it is to move around Bellevue without driving alone. Download the app, plan your next ride, and enjoy stress-free, sustainable travel wherever you need to go. 

The new school year is here! Whether it's your first quarter at Bellevue College or your final year at the University of Washington, fall is the perfect time to explore sustainable travel options.  

Taking transit, carpool, vanpool, walking, or biking not only saves money but also reduces traffic congestion around campuses. Here are some tips to make your back-to-school commute smooth and stress-free.  

Make Transit Part of Your Routine

Check bus schedules ahead of time and plan a little extra cushion for the first week while you adjust.  

Apps like OneBusAway, Google Maps, or the Transit App, can help you plan your trips beforehand and even see when your bus is coming in real time. If you’re new to transit, practice your route once before your first day of school so you’ll feel confident. 

Bike or Walk Safely to School

Walking or biking are great options, especially for shorter trips.  

If you’re biking, make sure your helmet fits properly, and your bike has front and rear lights for shorter days in the fall.  

For walkers, use marked crosswalks and stay extra alert during rush hour when traffic is busiest.  

Share the Ride: Carpool or Vanpool Options

If transit or walking isn’t an option, consider carpooling or vanpooling.  

Sharing the ride reduces traffic, saves on gas, and cuts down on those long car lines. You might even find neighbors or classmates heading the same way.  

Plan Ahead for Flexibility

Life happens. Traffic delays, weather changes, or road closures mean that having more than one way to get to school (like knowing both a bus route and a safe bike path) keeps your commute stress-free.  

Earn Rewards for Your Trips 

If you live, work, or go to school in Bellevue, you could be eligible to log your trips with the Choose Your Way Bellevue Rewards program and earn rewards like gift cards! Just log your non-drive-alone trips to or from Bellevue and start earning rewards. It’s a win-win: reduce traffic and pollution while treating yourself for making a smart commute choice.  

As the Summer winds down, and your internship comes to a close, there’s one last way to make your experience even more rewarding!  

Log your first 25 days of non-drive-alone travel in Bellevue within any time period and earn a $50 gift card. Just walk, hop on your favorite bus, bike, carpool, or join/start up a vanpool.   

Am I eligible to log my trips? 

If you’ve been commuting to your internship in Bellevue using non-drive-alone trips (transit, carpool, vanpool, walking, biking), you can log those trips with Choose Your Way Bellevue and earn rewards.

Choose Your Way Bellevue Rewards is open to anyone (ages 18 or older) whose home or work address is within the official Bellevue city limits. Only trips logged to or from a Bellevue location may count towards rewards.  

So, if you start now, your final weeks in the office could help you earn rewards! 

How do I log my trips?  

1. Create an account on Choose Your Way Bellevue’s trip-logging platform.