If you are looking at homes in the area, you’ve probably noticed that Bothell occupies a pretty unique spot on the map. Straddling the line between King and Snohomish counties, it acts as a strategic gateway to both Seattle and the Eastside tech hubs.

For many people living in Bothell WA, the location is a huge selling point. You are centrally positioned whether you work in downtown Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, or even north toward Everett. However, because the city is split between walkable downtown zones and more spread-out suburban areas like North Creek, your experience getting around can vary wildly depending on your address. Let's look at how the locals navigate the roads, the trails, and the transit system.

Driving in Bothell: Highways, Tolls, and Traffic

Most residents here still own cars, and if you are planning to drive, you need to get familiar with the major arteries. The road network is robust, but like anywhere in the Greater Seattle area, volume is high during peak hours.

I-405 This is the main lifeline for anyone commuting to Bellevue or the Eastside. The most important thing to know about I-405 is the Express Toll Lanes (ETL) system. You can use these lanes to bypass traffic, but the pricing changes dynamically based on congestion levels. To use them efficiently—and avoid paying the higher "Pay By Mail" rates—you really need a Good To Go! account and pass on your windshield.

SR 522 (Bothell Way) If you are heading toward Seattle or Woodinville, this is likely your route. It connects down to Lake City and onto I-5. While it’s a straight shot, it sees heavy congestion during the rush hour windows, generally 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and again from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

SR 527 (Bothell-Everett Hwy) This runs north-south, connecting the Canyon Park business district up toward Mill Creek. It’s a major commercial corridor, so traffic here is often a mix of commuters and local shoppers.

The Reality of Rush Hour If you are budgeting for the cost of living in Bothell WA, budget your time, too. A drive to downtown Seattle or Bellevue that takes 20–30 minutes at noon can easily turn into a 45–60 minute drive (or more) during peak commute times.

Public Transportation: Buses and Light Rail Connections

If you want to trade the driver's seat for a passenger seat, Bothell has surprisingly good connectivity. While we don't have a light rail station right in town, our bus network is designed to feed you into the regional rail system efficiently.

Sound Transit Express Bus 522 This is a workhorse route for Seattle commuters. It provides service to Roosevelt Station in Seattle. From there, you can hop on the Link Light Rail for a quick, traffic-free ride the rest of the way into downtown or the stadium district.

Sound Transit Express Bus 535 This route runs along I-405, connecting Bothell to Bellevue in the south and Lynnwood in the north. This has become even more valuable recently. As of late 2024, the Lynnwood City Center Station is fully operational. You can take the 535 bus north to Lynnwood and catch the 1 Line train south, bypassing the worst of the I-5 gridlock.

Community Transit Swift Green Line If you work at Boeing or in Snohomish County, this Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line is fantastic. It connects the Canyon Park Park & Ride to the Seaway Transit Center in Everett. The buses are frequent—running every 10–12 minutes on weekdays—so you rarely have to stress about the schedule.

King County Metro For local trips, routes like the 372 serve the UW Bothell campus and connect through to Lake City, making it easier to get around locally without firing up the car.

Future Outlook: The Stride S3 Line (BRT)

If you drive along SR 522 today, you have likely seen the construction crews. This is part of the massive Stride S3 Line project.

Stride is Sound Transit’s version of Bus Rapid Transit designed for speed and reliability. While we originally hoped to see this sooner, full service is currently projected to begin around 2028. Once complete, it will provide fast, frequent service connecting the Shoreline South/148th Station to Bothell and Woodinville.

Even though the full line isn't open yet, you might see "BAT" lanes (Business Access and Transit) being finished in sections. These improvements are already starting to help existing buses move a bit faster through traffic.

Park & Ride Locations and Availability

For many commuters, the daily routine involves driving a short distance to a Park & Ride and catching the bus. However, space is at a premium, so you need a strategy.

Bothell Park & Ride Located on Woodinville Drive, this is a popular spot with about 220 spaces. Because it’s smaller and centrally located, it fills up very early—often by 7:00 AM.

Canyon Park Park & Ride Situated near I-405, this is a major hub with roughly 300 spaces. It serves as a primary launch point for commuters heading to Bellevue or using the Swift Green Line to Everett. While larger, it also hits capacity quickly on busy weekdays.

Street Parking There is limited free parking in Downtown Bothell garages (like at City Hall) for running errands or grabbing dinner, but these are not intended for all-day commuter parking. If you are catching a peak-hour bus, your best bet is to arrive very early or have someone drop you off "kiss-and-ride" style.

Biking and Walking: The Trail Advantage

One of the best-kept secrets about commuting here is that you can often do it on two wheels. Bothell sits at the intersection of some of the region's best trail systems, making bike commuting a legitimate option, especially with the rise of e-bikes.

Burke-Gilman Trail This world-famous paved trail runs about 19 miles from Bothell all the way to Golden Gardens in Seattle. It passes through the U-District and Fremont. It is flat, scenic, and completely separated from car traffic, making it a favorite for those working at the University of Washington or nearby tech offices.

Sammamish River Trail Heading south, this trail connects Bothell to Redmond and Marymoor Park. It is about 11 miles long and is a very popular route for cycling to the Microsoft campus.

North Creek Trail This trail runs north-south through the business parks in Canyon Park. It’s excellent for shorter local commutes if you work in that commercial district.

Rideshare, Carshare, and Local Shuttles

If you don't own a car or a bike, there are a few other ways to bridge the gap.

• Community Van: This is a King County Metro program that allows residents to pre-book shared rides for local trips.
• Uber/Lyft: These are readily available throughout the city, though keep in mind that price surges are common during the morning rush.
• Zipcar: If you only need a car occasionally, check for availability near the UW Bothell campus or major park and rides.

Best Bothell Neighborhoods for Commuters

When looking at the Bothell WA real estate market, your commute style should dictate where you look.

Downtown Bothell This is the place to be if you want walkability. You are close to the SR 522 bus routes, the Burke-Gilman trail, and plenty of coffee shops. It is the most "car-optional" part of town.

Canyon Park This area is ideal for those who need quick access to I-405 or the Swift Green Line. It’s less walkable than downtown but offers superior highway access for getting to Bellevue or Everett.

North Creek / Thrasher's Corner These neighborhoods are further north and generally offer more space. They are great if you are commuting north to Everett or need to jump on I-405 quickly, but you will almost certainly rely on a car for daily errands.

FAQ: Commuting in Bothell

How long is the commute from Bothell to Seattle?

It varies significantly by time of day. Without traffic, it takes about 20–25 minutes. During peak rush hour, expect driving to take 45–60 minutes, while taking the bus to the Light Rail connection usually offers a more consistent 50–60 minute total trip.

Can you live in Bothell without a car?

Yes, but it depends heavily on your neighborhood. If you live in Downtown Bothell, you can easily walk to groceries and transit. However, in suburban areas like North Creek, living without a car is difficult due to the distance between amenities.

Is there a train from Bothell to Seattle?

There is no train station directly inside Bothell city limits. However, you can take a short bus ride to the Lynnwood City Center Station (opened 2024) or drive to the Shoreline stations to catch the Link Light Rail into Seattle.

What is the Stride S3 Line?

The Stride S3 Line is a new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route currently under construction along SR 522. Once it opens around 2028, it will use battery-electric buses to provide fast, reliable service between Shoreline and Bothell.