
Smith Tower Location: How to Get There by Subway and Bus
Smith Tower Location: How to Get There by Subway and Bus
Welcome to a Seattle icon. You’ll find the historic Smith Tower standing tall in the heart of Pioneer Square, the city’s oldest neighborhood. With our distinctive white façade and pyramid top, we’re an easy landmark to spot. Whether you are arriving by Light Rail, bus, ferry, or on foot, our central location is conveniently accessible. Here’s everything you need to know to reach Smith Tower.
How to Get to Smith Tower
- How to Get to Smith Tower
- By Car
- By Light Train (Tube)
- By Bus
- By Train
- By Bicycle
- Walking

Smith Tower is conveniently located in the heart of Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square neighborhood at 506 Second Avenue, making it easily accessible by various modes of transportation for visitors.

For visitors arriving by car, there is no dedicated on-site parking at Smith Tower itself. However, several nearby parking garages and lots in Pioneer Square provide options within a short walking distance. Public parking facilities are located on 2nd Avenue and adjacent streets, offering hourly rates that typically range from $3 to $6 per hour, depending on the provider and time of day. Street parking may be available but can be limited due to the busy urban setting and timed restrictions. It is advisable to check current parking rates and availability ahead of your visit.

The most direct route is via Sound Transit’s Link Light Rail, Seattle’s equivalent of a tube or subway system. Exit at the Pioneer Square Station, using the 3rd Avenue & James Street exit. From there, you are just a one-minute walk away from the tower. This line conveniently connects to SeaTac Airport, Downtown, and Capitol Hill.

Seattle’s King County Metro bus system provides extensive service to Pioneer Square. The 3rd Avenue transit corridor is just one block away, with major stops at James Street and Prefontaine Place South serving dozens of routes from across the city. You’ll be dropped off just a few steps from Smith Tower’s entrance.

If you are arriving via regional or long-distance rail, your stop is the historic King Street Station, which serves both Sounder commuter trains and Amtrak. From the station, it is a scenic and straightforward 5 to 10-minute walk north through the heart of the Pioneer Square neighborhood to reach Smith Tower.

With its friendly infrastructure and dedicated bike lanes leading to Pioneer Square, Seattle is a great city to explore on two wheels. You can combine sightseeing with eco-friendly transport by using one of the city’s bike-share services, which have convenient stations nearby. For those on personal bikes, you will find public racks throughout the neighborhood to park securely during your visit.

Smith Tower is located in Pioneer Square, one of Seattle’s most walkable neighborhoods. It’s an easy and scenic stroll from most downtown hotels, Pike Place Market, and the waterfront piers. Choosing to walk is a fantastic way to experience the city’s historic architecture and vibrant street life on your way to our landmark location.



Smith Tower Observatory: Entry Ticket + Self-Guided Tour
Highlights
Discover the rich history of the Smith Tower in Downtown Seattle’s Pioneer Square district.
Enjoy breathtaking city views from this iconic skyscraper’s observation deck.
Experience a unique self-guided tour at your own pace.
Visit notable features like the Wishing Chair located on the thirty-fifth floor.
Relax in the observatory’s bar and enjoy its classic architectural ambiance.


