Cheap bus tickets from Seattle to Tacoma
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Bus from Seattle to Tacoma: Journey Information
There are 8 intercity buses per day from Seattle to Tacoma. Traveling by bus from Seattle to Tacoma usually takes around one hour and 5 minutes, but the fastest Northwestern Stage Lines bus can make the trip in 45 minutes.
| Distance | 25 mi (40 km) |
| Shortest duration | 45m |
| Cheapest price | $9.48 |
| Trips per day | 8 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 3 |
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Seattle to Tacoma Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Seattle to Tacoma?
There are usually 7 daily train trips available from Seattle to Tacoma.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$15.53Cheaper | Avg. Price$24.36 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips8 | Daily Trips7 |
Duration | Duration1h 5m | Duration45mFaster |

There are several bus options that can take you from Seattle to Tacoma:
- Amtrak Thruway: 3 daily buses from $10
- FlixBus US: 4 daily buses from $9
- Northwestern Stage Lines: 4 daily buses from $19
How much is a bus ticket from Seattle to Tacoma?
Bus tickets for a trip from Seattle to Tacoma cost $11.38 on average. This is an excellent value for the trip. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Average bus ticket prices from Seattle to Tacoma by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Seattle to Tacoma in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $13 to $16. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 22, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Tacoma this week, bus tickets are available starting at $14.
Average bus ticket prices from Seattle to Tacoma by month
Traveling from Seattle to Tacoma by bus will cost you about the same throughout the year. In general, bus ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $15 whenever you decide to travel.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 25 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $7.61 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Seattle to Tacoma?
There are 3 bus lines from Seattle to Tacoma available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 4 daily trips, FlixBus US usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Thruway | 3 | 53m | $11.05 |
| FlixBus US | 4 | 1h 14m | $12.67 |
| Northwestern Stage Lines | 4 | 55m | $18.99 |
Amtrak Thruway, also known as Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach, is a system of intercity passenger buses operated by Amtrak to connect train stations to areas that are not served by the carrier’s railroads. On the bus, passengers can enjoy comfortable reclining seats with leg rests and access to onboard restroom facilities. Amtrak Thruway bus tickets from Seattle to Tacoma start at $10. On average, there are 3 Amtrak Thruway bus trips on this route every day.
FlixBus US is the American branch of German bus company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern bus travel. The company offers cheap bus tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US buses include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 4 trips per day from Seattle to Tacoma, and the average ticket for this route costs only $12.67.






Book Northwestern Stage Lines from Seattle to Tacoma from $18.99. There are 4 trips per day offered by Northwestern Stage Lines from Seattle to Tacoma and you can expect on average to pay $18.99 for a Northwestern Stage Lines ticket to Tacoma. In Seattle, Northwestern Stage Lines departs to Tacoma from King St Station - 303 S Jackson St and one other station. In Tacoma, Northwestern Stage Lines arrives at Tacoma Bus Station.
An average trip on Northwestern Stage Lines from Seattle to Tacoma takes 0 hours and 55 minutes, while the fastest available Northwestern Stage Lines trip will get you to Tacoma in 0 hours and 45 minutes.
On weekends, Northwestern Stage Lines offers 4 trips per day. A one way ticket costs $18.99 for a weekend trip to Tacoma.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Seattle to Tacoma
There are 8 scheduled buses that travel from Seattle to Tacoma every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Furthermore, all of these are direct buses which you can take the entire route from Seattle to Tacoma without transferring. Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Seattle to Tacoma; ticket prices start at $10.
Trips per day
8
Direct trips
8
The bus takes an average of one hour and 5 minutes to cover the 25 miles from Seattle to Tacoma. However, the fastest bus only takes 45 minutes. You'll have just enough time for a small nap on this relatively short bus trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
Distance (mi)
25
Distance (km)
40
The first bus leaves at 3:45am and the last bus leaves at 6:50pm. To see the times for all buses from Seattle to Tacoma, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest bus
3:45am
Latest bus
6:50pm
Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Seattle to Tacoma for the weekend. If you are planning to travel on a Friday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, traveling mid-week is your best bet.
Most crowded
Friday
Least crowded
Wednesday
City Information
Seattle



Seattle is a must-see destination on the West Coast of the United States, offering many unique activities for any type of traveler. However, we're confident every visitor will enjoy the view of Mount Rainier from the top of Seattle's iconic Space Needle. Outdoor enthusiasts can bike, hike, boat, and ski in one of the top cities for outdoor activities in the U.S., while soaking in the Pacific Northwest's natural beauty (and yes, some rain as well). Urban explorers will love walking through Pike Place Market and experiencing Seattle's museums and public art, like the scenic Olympic Sculpture Park. These offerings and more make Seattle one of the best vacation destination in Washington.
Known for its coffee culture and as the birthplace of Starbucks, Seattle is also one of the top 5 craft beer cities in the U.S., which is ideal for those who prefer to experience the taste of a city served up in a latte mug or a pint glass.
Seattle is home to the largest airport in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle-Tacoma Airport, but there are plenty of other ways to continue your travels from the Emerald City. A short ferry ride to Bainbridge Island includes the chance to see orca whales in the Puget Sound, or you can catch the Amtrak Cascades train or one of several affordable bus options from the historic King Street Station to other exciting Northwest cities in British Columbia, Oregon and beyond.
Tacoma



Tacoma has seen some hard times in recent years, but the city is receiving many new revival attempts, turning it into a charming town with its own unique attractions. For those interested in the history of the city, as well as the creativity of its residents, head towards the Museum District, which houses numerous interesting museums such as the Tacoma Art Museum and the Washington State History Museum. While in the area, don’t miss out on the chance to marvel at the architectural ingenuity of the Bridge of Glass. If you wish to enjoy a bit of outdoor air, diving into the cold water of American Lake in Lakewood in the morning is bound to make you happy.
Seafood has always been among Tacoma’s finest offerings, and the best place to enjoy these dishes is Duke’s Chowder House, which features a bay view. For a more exquisite taste, head over to Indochine, a pan-Asian restaurant featuring mouth watering dishes.
The main bus station and the Amtrak train station in Tacoma are both near downtown, just a few blocks from each other. Tacoma is served by Amtrak’s Cascades and Coast Starlight lines. The city’s main airport is Seattle–Tacoma International and it sits 22 miles north of the city.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Seattle?
Main departure station: Bus Terminal - 503 S Royal Brougham Way
Buses to Tacoma leave from 4 stations in Seattle.
All bus stations in Seattle:
- Bus Terminal - 503 S Royal Brougham Way
- King St Station - 303 S Jackson St
- 622 S Lane St & 6th Ave S
- U of Washington (Condon Hall)
Where does the bus arrive in Tacoma?
Main arrival station: 2499 E G St & Puyallup Ave
Buses arrive in Tacoma at 3 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
All bus stations in Tacoma:
- 2499 E G St & Puyallup Ave
- Tacoma Bus Station
- 422 E. 25th St.
Need a return trip from Tacoma to Seattle?
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