Olympia Washington, USA Travel Guide
Olympia does not have a major commercial passenger airport. Most travelers arrive via larger regional airports.
SEA hosts all major U.S. carriers (Alaska Airlines, Delta, United, American, Southwest, Spirit, Frontier, JetBlue) and numerous international airlines (Ba, Lufthansa, Air Canada, ANA, Korean Air, Emirates, Icelandair). PDX offers an analogous range of domestic carriers and a growing number of international destinations. Compare flight deals using Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.
Scheduled services like Capital Aeroporter provide direct transfers connecting SEA and Olympia. Book in advance.
Uber and Lyft are available from designated pick-up zones. Taxis are also available. These options are expensive for the 60-mile distance.
Renting a car offers flexibility. All major companies are at SEA and PDX. The drive from SEA takes ~1 hour, from PDX ~1.5-2 hours. Weigh your options at DiscoverCars.com.
Drive from PDX to Olympia takes approximately 1.5 - 2 hours via I-5 North. All major rental car companies operate at PDX.
From Portland Union Station, embark on an Amtrak Cascades train to Olympia-Lacey Station. Transit from PDX to Union Station (e.g., via MAX Streetcar).
Greyhound operates bus paths from Portland to Olympia. Check schedules and fares in advance.
Amtrak Cascades operates along the Pacific Northwest corridor, connecting cities from Vancouver, BC, through Seattle and Tacoma, to Olympia (Olympia-Lacey Station), Portland, and Eugene. The Olympia-Lacey station sits a few miles east of the city center, a short taxi, rideshare, or local bus connection to the city center. The train offers scenic views.
Greyhound provides extensive bus service, linking Olympia to major cities across the U.S. And Canada. The Greyhound station is practically downtown. FlixBus offers intercity bus service to and from Seattle and Portland, with connections to other main urban centers. Check bus schedules and buy tickets in advance, especially for popular routes or holidays.
Renting a car and operating a vehicle yourself provides flexibility for discovery. A current driver's''s driving license from your country of origin applies. If your license isn't in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is necessary with your original license. Proof of insurance, often from the the company you are renting from, applies. Minimum age for rental is usually 21, drivers under 25 may incur a surcharge. A collapsible car organizer works for tidiness.
Practice standard driving safety. Be aware of deer and other wildlife on roads in rural areas at dawn and dusk. Rain makes roads slick and decreases visibility; adjust speed and increase following distance in wet weather. Traffic flow on I-5 can be heavy during peak commute hours (morning and late afternoon/evening) between Olympia, Tacoma, and Seattle. Plan drives to avoid these times.
There are no exit fees apply directly to travelers departing the U.S. Beyond what your airfare includes. Your airline ticket incorporates applicable federal taxes and fees. For flights abroad from SEA, arrive at least 3 hours before departure for check-in, baggage drop, and security. For domestic flights from SEA, arrive at least 2 hours before departure. Prepare for TSA security screening; follow instructions for liquids and electronics. Use online check-in whenever feasible.
Both SEA and PDX offer a range of facilities for departing travelers. The Olympia-Lacey Amtrak station and the Greyhound bus station offer basic waiting areas. After security at SEA, you will find various restaurant and retail options.
Make use of online check-in through your airline's website or app to save time at the airport.
Even with online check-in, checked luggage still means a visit to the baggage drop counter.
Proper planning before you leave contributes to a smooth exit from Olympia and the U.S.
Consider joining TSA PreCheck or Clear for expedited security screening if you are a frequent traveler to the U.S.
