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Commuting from Fremont, Seattle

A woman in a denim jacket walks down a tree-lined street in Fremont, Seattle, with the George Washington Memorial Bridge (Aurora Bridge) visible overhead.

What public transport options are available?

Since Fremont doesn't have its own Link Light Rail station, King County Metro buses do the heavy lifting here. The neighborhood acts as a central transit hub, meaning a fast, direct connection is usually just a few blocks away.

Downloading the OneBusAway app or using the Transit app is essential here for tracking live arrivals, as drawbridge openings (the Fremont Bridge and University Bridge) can occasionally cause slight delays to bus schedules.

Bus Routes to Downtown Seattle & South Lake Union (SLU):

  • Route 62: Running straight down Stone Way North, this is a staple route for residents in the eastern half of Fremont. It takes you south directly through South Lake Union and into Downtown Seattle, or north toward Green Lake.
  • Route 40: A high-frequency route that connects Northgate, Ballard, and Fremont to Downtown Seattle. Because it runs right through the heart of the central Fremont commercial district and cuts through South Lake Union via Westlake Ave, it is perfect for central neighborhood commuters.
  • Route 5: Travels down Greenwood Avenue and passes through Upper Fremont on its way straight into Downtown Seattle, providing a great option for residents living closer to the Phinney Ridge border.
  • RapidRide E Line: Running along the eastern border of the neighborhood on Aurora Ave N (Highway 99), this is one of Seattle’s highest-frequency bus lines. It features dedicated transit lanes, allowing commuters to completely bypass morning highway traffic into the city center.

East-West Neighborhood Connections & Light Rail Access

  • Routes 31 & 32: These lines run east-west along the south side of Fremont, connecting Magnolia and Queen Anne to the University District. For commuters wanting to use the train, taking the 31 or 32 directly to the U-District Link Light Rail Station is the easiest way to hop on the rail network.
  • Route 44: If you live closer to Upper Fremont, the 44 is a highly frequent trolley bus that runs straight along N 45th Street, connecting you directly east to Wallingford and the U-District, or west into Ballard.

Which Bus Stops Are Near The Cline?

Because these stops are practically adjacent to The Cline, you can easily use a live arrival app from the lobby to time your departure perfectly.

  • The Stone Way N & N 38th St Stops (0-1 minute away): The closest stops are practically outside the front door on Stone Way. You can catch Route 62 heading south toward South Lake Union and Downtown right here, or hop on it heading north toward Green Lake.

  • The N 35th St & Stone Way N Hub (~3-minutes away):Just three blocks south down the hill is the intersection of 35th and Stone Way. This is a key neighborhood connection point where you can hop on Routes 31 and 32 to ride east straight to the U-District Light Rail station, or west into Magnolia and Queen Anne.

  • The Bridge Way N & Whitman Ave N Stop (~4-minutes away):A couple of blocks southeast toward the Aurora Ave highway entrance, this stop connects you straight to the fast-moving cross-town routes.

What about Biking?

If you prefer two wheels over four, you’re in one of the most bike-friendly pockets of Seattle. Boasting a Bikescore of 94, the area around The Cline is built for cyclists. Stone Way North features dedicated bike lanes right outside your door, giving you a straight, direct shot down the hill.

The biggest perk for local riders is the neighborhood's proximity to the Burke-Gilman Trail. Just four blocks south of the building, this massive, 20-mile paved trail completely bypasses city traffic. You can hop on the trail to cruise west into the heart of Ballard, or head east for a completely flat, scenic commute to the University of Washington and beyond.

When you get back from your ride, The Cline makes the transition seamless. Residents have access to a secure bike storage room and a dedicated repair station complete with a wash setup, so you can keep your gear tuned up and ready for the next morning commute.

Do I need a Car?

The short answer: It’s entirely up to you—and that’s the real luxury.

Living at The Cline, your daily routine can easily be freed from the hassles of Seattle traffic, bridge openings, and searching for downtown parking. Between the neighborhood’s exceptional walkability, robust transit grid, and premier bike infrastructure, a vehicle is strictly optional for your day-to-day life.

However, depending on your lifestyle, keeping a car might still be the right move. Here is how it breaks down:

  • When You Can Ditch the Keys: If you work in Downtown Seattle, South Lake Union, or the U-District, your commute is completely covered by the bus lines right outside your door or the flat, traffic-free paths of the nearby Burke-Gilman Trail.
  • When You’ll Want a Car: If your job takes you to parts of the Eastside (like Bellevue or Redmond) or south of the city, having a car cuts down on commute times significantly. A vehicle is also a game-changer if you love escaping the city on weekends for hiking in the Cascades or hitting the slopes in the winter.
  • The Ultimate Convenience at The Cline: If you do choose to keep a vehicle, you won't have to stress about the notoriously difficult street parking in Fremont. The Cline features secure, onsite garage parking as well as EV charging, meaning you can leave your car safely tucked away all week and only use it when you actually want to.

Whether you choose a 100% car-free lifestyle or prefer the flexibility of driving, you get the best of both worlds here.

Find Your Fremont

Whether your daily commute is a quick walk down the hall to our sunlit co-working mezzanine or a seamless bike ride down Stone Way, luxury apartments at The Cline, are designed around your everyday rhythm. Get in touch to schedule a tour, explore available apartments, or take advantage of our current move-in specials.