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Getting Around Coeur Dalene

Getting Around Coeur Dalene

Coeur Dalene Idaho, USA Travel Guide

Citylink: Free Public Bus Service

Citylink operates the free public bus system in Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls, and Hayden. No metro or tram system exists in the area. Citylink offers a budget-friendly way to travel between points.

Routes & Hubs: Citylink covers important areas, including downtown Coeur d'Alene, major shopping centers, residential zones, and Kootenai Health. Major transfer points encompass the Coeur d'Alene Resort area, Silver Lake Mall, and various stops along Sherman Avenue and Government Way. Consult the Citylink website for detailed route maps.

Service Details

  • Fare-Free: You do not need admission or passes to ride.
  • Hours: Generally operates Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
  • Frequency: Buses generally run every 30-60 minutes.
  • Accessibility: Citylink buses are ADA-compliant with wheelchair ramps or lifts.

Weekend Limitations

Service is limited or unavailable on weekends and major holidays. Plan alternative transportation for these times.

Check Schedules

Always check current schedules and routes on the Citylink site or app before traveling. Service can be limited.

Plan in Advance

Plan your routes ahead of time, especially if you rely on public transport for specific appointments or attractions.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis
  • Licensed taxis have company names and visible meters.
  • Call a local taxi company (e.g., Yellow Cab Coeur d'alene'Alene, Coeur d'Alene Taxi) or find at designated stands near The Coeur d'Alene Resort.
  • Fares are metered, typically $10-$25 for short rides. Most accept cash and cards.
Ride-Sharing Uber & Lyft
  • Both Uber and Lyft are widely available; download their apps.
  • Confirm driver's details (name, vehicle, license plate) in the app before entering.
  • Available for transfers to/from Spokane International Airport (GEG).

Safety Considerations

Licensed Taxis

Confirm vehicle is licensed.

Match Driver Details

Verify software info for rideshares.

Share Trip Info

With trusted contacts for safety.

Common Sense

Coeur d'Alene is safe; use general precautions.

Rental Options

Car rental offers flexibility, especially for exploring beyond the city center. Other rental options include bicycles.

Car Rental

  • Requirements: Valid driver's license (U.S. or IDP), major credit card (for deposit), typically 21-25+ years old.
  • Companies: Major rental companies (Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, DiscoverCars.com) at GEG and local branches.
  • Booking: Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, for availability and better rates.
  • Motorcycles/Scooters: Less common; available from specialized retailers in the broader region. Scooter rentals are rare.

Driving & Parking

  • Driving Laws: Adhere to standard U.S. laws; drive on the right, seatbelts mandatory. No handheld cell phones while driving.
  • Road Conditions: Generally good, I-90 is well-maintained. Be aware of winter weather (snow, ice) from Nov-Mar.
  • Parking: Paid street parking (meters/pay stations) downtown. Multi-story car parks/lots exist. Can be challenging during peak summer.
  • Specialty Vehicles: Selections like tuk-tuks or jeepneys are not applicable to Coeur d'Alene.

Bicycle Rentals & Safety

  • Bike-Sharing: No city-wide bike-sharing program.
  • Rentals: Local shops like Coeur d'alene'Alene Bike Co. and Vertical Earth offer bicycle rentals.
  • Safety: Always wear a helmet. Follow traffic laws and use hand signals.
  • Centennial Trail: A paved multi-use path for scenic cycling along the lake and river.
  • Prairie Trail: Another paved trail connecting to Post Falls and Rathdrum.
  • No-Go Areas: Generally safe; avoid poorly lit locations late at night. Exercise caution on busy roads without dedicated lanes.

Walking & Cycling Visuals

Citylink Bus

A Citylink bus, offering free public transportation.

Centennial Trail

Cyclists enjoying the scenic Centennial Trail.

Downtown Walkability

Very walkable, especially Sherman Avenue.

Specialized Transportation

Beyond standard options, Coeur d'Alene has specialized ways to see its unique environment.

Tours & Cruises

  • Tour Buses: No hop-on-hop-off service. Some companies offer regional sightseeing tours from downtown.
  • Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises: Offers scenic tours, dinner cruises, and a seasonal "Resort Shuttle" connecting lake points.
  • Hiring A Private boat: Available for personalized lake exploration. No formal water taxi service.
  • Unique Local Transport: Cable cars, funiculars, or other unique systems are not applicable to Coeur d'alene'Alene.

Accessibility Services

  • Citylink Buses: All Citylink buses are ADA-compliant and accessible.
  • Infrastructure: Many newer buildings, attractions, and public areas comply with ADA standards.
  • Downtown: The downtown area is relatively flat, assisting mobility device use.
  • Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises: Many boats can be accessible; confirm directly with the cruise company.

Tipping for Services

Transportation

For taxi and rideshare services.

15-20% customary

Tour Guides

For guided tours and excursions.

15-20% customary

Hotel Staff

For bellhops and housekeepers.

$2-$5 per service

Walking & Cycling Accessibility
Pedestrian-Friendly Zones
  • Downtown Coeur d'Alene: Very walkable, especially Sherman Avenue.
  • Tubbs Hill: Popular natural preserve with walking and walking paths from downtown.
  • Lake Coeur d'Alene Waterfront: Boardwalk and city parks give pleasant pedestrian routes.
Cycling Trails & Options
  • Centennial Trail: Paved multi-use path, a highlight for cyclists from Spokane to Coeur d'Alene.
  • Prairie Trail: Another paved trail connecting to nearby communities.
  • Road Cycling: Many scenic road routes exist; be aware of traffic on main thoroughfares.

Safety on Trails and Roads

  • Pedestrians: Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas late at night.
  • Cyclists: Always wear a helmet. Follow traffic laws, use hand signals.
  • Exercise caution on busy roads that lack dedicated sidewalks or bike lanes.
  • No-Go Areas: Coeur d'alene'Alene is generally safe throughout; no specific "no-go" areas.
  • Walking Tour Options: Self-guided maps available from the visitor center for historic walks or Tubbs Hill.
  • Some local tour operators may offer guided walking tours; inquire at the visitor center.
  • Bike shops offer rentals for mountain, road, and sailingr bikes.
  • Be visible to drivers, especially at dusk or night.

Getting Around with Ease

Whether you prefer the free Citylink bus, convenient rideshares, or the flexibility of a rental car, Coeur d'alene'Alene offers varied options for local travel.

The city's pedestrian and bike-friendly infrastructure, especially along the waterfront and trails, invites active exploration. Plan how you get around to match your itinerary for a seamless experience.

Getting Around Coeur Dalene. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental