Help me feel comfortable driving into Seattle? (how much, home)

[SouthSeasLifestyler]

One thing I've had difficulty overcoming anxiety about here is driving on the highways. Yes, I know it may seem somewhat pathetic but going off the 520 into the bit where I have to get the Mercer Street turn off by crossing 4 lanes ... eek!

So, I need to find alternative, easier turn offs. Can people advise? To start with, I just want to be able to get to the Seattle Centre. Also ... best way to find parking? The last few times I drove in I just went round and round and round and had to leave because I couldn't find a park!

Thanks!

SSLifestyler

[Hemlock140]

Don't go to Seattle today if you can help it. I normally take the bus but will drive and come home via 520 early. The May Day protests will be a mess.

There is a great "shortcut" to avoid the 4 lane crossing. get off at the I5 North exit, but stay in the right lane, for Roanoke St. Turn left, crossing I5, then left again onto Boylston. It becomes an on ramp onto I5 south and puts you in the correct right lane. Alternatively, you can turn right on one of the side streets such as Louisa or Lynn and go down to Fairview and turn left toward Mercer & Eastlake.

[PNWGuy]

you think crossing 4 lanes is tough? Come down to Arizona and try crossing an intersection right after a red light, folks here love running the yellow/red!

[sean98125]

You can get off at Denny and follow that to Seattle Center, bypassing Mercer and the construction entirely. You have about twice the distance to change lanes. You can also get off 520 northbound, get off at 45th, cross the freeway, and get back on southbound and you'll wind up in the right lane. It's longer, but it does avoid the dangerous leap across all of the traffic lanes.

[SouthSeasLifestyler]

Thank you so much for the suggestions!

I am determined to learn to do this (I have to, visitors are coming). I will try the alternatives when I can.

SSLifestyler

[Inkpoe]

Originally Posted by SouthSeasLifestyler

One thing I've had difficulty overcoming anxiety about here is driving on the highways. Yes, I know it may seem somewhat pathetic but going off the 520 into the bit where I have to get the Mercer Street turn off by crossing 4 lanes ... eek!

So, I need to find alternative, easier turn offs. Can people advise? To start with, I just want to be able to get to the Seattle Centre. Also ... best way to find parking? The last few times I drove in I just went round and round and round and had to leave because I couldn't find a park!

Thanks!

SSLifestyler

Since people already have you the freeway advice, I'll go for parking. Look for the McDonald's and go to the street behind McDs. There you'll find both the lots and on-street parking. Or you can go on north on 5th ave (so, basically away from the city), go past the EMP (funky looking building) and there's a huge parking lot there on the right.

Obviously go for the parking lot if you intend taking the guests out since that'll take a lot of time. You'll find the Ride the Ducks tour meet up spot just north of McDs.

[Hemlock140]

If you are up to the walk and want to do the Market too, the Bell Street Garage at Alaskan Way and Wall street always has room. It's only a couple of blocks to the Market using the garage 4th floor South exit stairs up to Western, and about 3/4 mile walk to Seattle Center.

[RotseCherut]

Originally Posted by SouthSeasLifestyler

One thing I've had difficulty overcoming anxiety about here is driving on the highways. Yes, I know it may seem somewhat pathetic but going off the 520 into the bit where I have to get the Mercer Street turn off by crossing 4 lanes ... eek!

So, I need to find alternative, easier turn offs. Can people advise? To start with, I just want to be able to get to the Seattle Centre. Also ... best way to find parking? The last few times I drove in I just went round and round and round and had to leave because I couldn't find a park!

Thanks!

SSLifestyler

My advice for SEattle, GPS!!!! Even after living in the area for 2 years, the insane layout of the streets still gets me lost and confuse..

Parking?? Money Money Money or park in an neighborhood like Fremont or Queen Anne and take bus to downtown.. Parking in downtown Seattle is a chore, especially on weekend.. During the week its bloody expensive.

[SouthSeasLifestyler]

So how much would one expect to fork out for parking in town?

SSLifestyler

[Hemlock140]

Originally Posted by SouthSeasLifestyler

So how much would one expect to fork out for parking in town?

SSLifestyler

Looking this morning at some of the lots/garages I passed you can figure on $6 minimum for 1-2 hours, $10 for 4 hours, $12 for all day, some have an earlybird all day for $8 if you get there before 9-9:30. These were between 3rd/Pine and the waterfront. The financial district will be higher, and farther out lower. If you are lucky enough to find a metered spot on a street, the rates vary from $1-4/hour depending on the location.