Travel Savings Hack: Seattle by Mountlake Terrace Light Rail

If the Pacific Northwest is the next destination on your bucket list, be sure to lodge in Mountlake Terrace, WA for less and see more with this sustainable travel hack.

The Sound Transit Light Rail going through Mountlake Terrace

Want to visit Seattle, but you don’t want to pay Seattle prices? We get you. Traveling can be a real burden on the wallet. Thankfully, there’s a new option that will let you explore the Emerald City and surrounding environs without breaking the bank. Oh, and did we mention it’s eco-friendly, too?

Here’s how it works. A brand-new light rail train connects the city of Mountlake Terrace to the heart of downtown Seattle. Moreover, lodging rates in Mountlake Terrace are about two-thirds the price of a Seattle hotel, which means you’ll be spending less vacation money on a room and more on eating out or catching a game.

You can book a hotel room in Mountlake Terrace here.

Catch some rays and some waves at Ballinger Beach

Getting to Seattle from Mountlake Terrace is pretty simple. You can get to the Mountlake Terrace Transit Station with a quick ride from all lodging options in the city. You can also park at the transit center. Then you hop on the southbound train, and you’ll be in the Seattle city limits within minutes.

Here are some Seattle-y experiences that are easily accessible by light rail:

  • T-Mobile Park – home to the Seattle Mariners and delicious garlic fries.
  • Lumen Field – where the Seahawks roam and top-tier musicians like Taylor Swift or Kendrick Lamar perform. Lumen Field also plays host for the upcoming major international soccer tournament taking place in 2026.
  • Seattle Art Museum – experience three floors of world-class aesthetic experiences.
  • Pike Place Market – the quintessential Seattle tourist photo-op. Fresh flowers, fresh fish. It’s a vibe.
  • University District – home to independent arts, culture venues, and the University of Washington.
The Interurban Trail provides a (mostly) car-free ride from Mountlake Terrace to Seattle

And this is the tip of the iceberg! Combine rail travel with a bike and you can easily explore the Seattle area without the hassle (or carbon footprint) of renting a car.

There's a lot to love about Snohomish County's Urban Basecamp

While staying in Mountlake Terrace, there are a few things that you won’t want to miss out on:

  • Lake Ballinger Park – A stunning 100-acre park with a beach, fishing, playground, and boat launch.
  • Diamond Knot Brewpub – A maritime favorite that produces amazing craft beer and tasty pub food. A great place to watch a game or hang with family.
  • Cinebarre – 21-plus movie theater that serves food and adult beverages to your seat as you watch the latest flicks.
  • Snohomish Pie Co. – Bite for bite the best pie in the county. The apple berry crumble is worth the trip alone.
  • Gabriel's Fire – A small BBQ joint with big flavor and top-notch sauces. The brisket is awesome.
When you're in Mountlake Terrace, stop by Snohomish Pie Co. for a slice of heaven

Look, you don't need to be a millionaire to see the true PNW. Lodge here and elevate your vacation experience while traveling smarter.



Book your trip to Mountlake Terrace today!

Plan a trip via bicycle and see the Pacific Northwest from a slow and nature-friendly perspective.

Snohomish County Tourism

Snohomish County Tourism