KCMetro Bus Schedule: Routes, Times & Stops
Searching for the KCMetro bus schedule? KCMetro commonly refers to King County Metro, the transit agency serving Seattle and communities throughout King County, Washington.
Use this guide to find current bus routes, departure times, RapidRide schedules, official maps, ORCA fares, route changes, live arrivals, stop IDs, transfer stations, and accessibility information.
Where Can You Find the KCMetro Bus Schedule?
To find your King County Metro bus schedule, open Metro’s official Schedules and Maps directory, enter your route number or RapidRide letter, choose your service day and direction, then check the exact stop.
Research reviewed: October 9, 2026. The active Metro timetable period is August 29, 2026 through March 26, 2027. Check official live information again before your trip.
King County Metro 2026 Service Changes
King County Metro introduced major service changes on August 29, 2026. These updates include additional bus trips, new routes, more service to Link light rail stations, and replacement of some older routes.
The service period currently runs from August 29, 2026 through March 26, 2027. A timetable downloaded before August 29 may contain outdated routes or departure times.
Additional Service Improvements
- More weekday trips on Routes 8, 72, 75, and 77.
- More early-morning and late-night trips on selected routes.
- Additional weekend service in parts of the county.
- New Metro Flex pilot zones in Federal Way and South Auburn.
- Updated regional connections to Link light rail Lines 1 and 2.
Popular King County Metro Bus Routes & Destinations
King County Metro operates local, regional, RapidRide, DART, and specialized services. The routes below are useful starting points for trips across Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Renton, Kent, and surrounding communities.
Seattle Center – Capitol Hill – Mount Baker
Connects Seattle Center, Capitol Hill, Central District, Judkins Park, and Mount Baker.
Best for: Capitol Hill, Denny Way, Judkins Park, and Mount Baker transfers.
Route 8 ScheduleCapitol Hill – Downtown Seattle
Serves Interlaken Park, 15th Avenue East, Broadway/Pine Street, and downtown Seattle.
Best for: Capitol Hill and downtown connections.
Route 10 TimetableOthello – Beacon Hill – Downtown
Connects Othello Station, Beacon Hill, Jefferson Park, Chinatown/International District, and downtown Seattle.
Best for: South Seattle, light rail transfers, and downtown.
Route 36 ScheduleAlki – SODO – Columbia City
Serves West Seattle, SODO, Beacon Hill, Columbia City, Seward Park, and the Othello area.
Best for: West Seattle to southeast Seattle connections.
Route 50 ScheduleUniversity District – Eastlake – Downtown
Links University District Station with the Eastlake corridor, South Lake Union, and downtown Seattle.
Best for: University District, Eastlake, and South Lake Union.
Route 70 TimetableU-District – Lake City – Shoreline
New 2026 route serving the University District, Lake City, and Shoreline South Station.
Important: Replaces former Route 372 service.
Route 72 ChangesBitter Lake – Roosevelt – U-District
New route linking Bitter Lake, Pinehurst, Lake City, Roosevelt Station, and U District Station.
Best for: North Seattle east-west and Link transfers.
Route 77 ScheduleDowntown Seattle – Tukwila – Kent
Connects downtown Seattle with Southcenter/Tukwila and Kent.
Best for: Seattle–Southcenter–Kent journeys.
Route 150 ScheduleTotem Lake – Kirkland – University District
Connects Totem Lake, Juanita, Kirkland, South Kirkland Park & Ride, Evergreen Point, and the UW area.
Best for: Eastside travel to University District and UW Station.
Route 255 ScheduleFor the larger network structure—including DART, Night Owl services, Metro Flex, and all eight RapidRide lines—our King County Metro routes and system-wide schedule guide provides a complementary network overview.
Browse All Official Metro RoutesKing County Metro RapidRide Bus Schedules
RapidRide is King County Metro’s network of frequent bus lines identified by letters rather than regular route numbers. Current RapidRide lines include A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H.
How RapidRide Is Different From a Regular Metro Bus
KCMetro Bus Times: Published 2026 Timetable Examples
Metro publishes schedules for the route, direction, and service day. Below are selected weekday morning examples from schedules effective August 29, 2026 through March 26, 2027.
These are examples of individual trips from official timetables—not live arrivals, average travel times, or the first bus for every boarding stop.
| Route / Direction | Starting Timepoint | Intermediate Timepoint | Ending Timepoint | Scheduled Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 – Toward Downtown Seattle | Interlaken Park, 6:00 AM | Pine / Broadway, 6:09 AM | Pine / 4th, 6:15 AM | 15 minutes |
| 8 – Toward Seattle Center | Mount Baker TC, 5:30 AM | Capitol Hill / Broadway, 5:50 AM | Mercer / Queen Anne, 6:05 AM | 35 minutes |
| 70 – Toward Downtown Seattle | U District Station, 5:02 AM | Fairview / Thomas, 5:19 AM | 3rd / Main, 5:33 AM | 31 minutes |
| 255 – Toward University District | Totem Lake TC, 4:34 AM | Kirkland TC, 4:47 AM | Campus Pkwy / University Way, 5:11 AM | 37 minutes |
| RapidRide B – Toward Bellevue | Downtown Redmond Station, 5:45 AM | Redmond Technology Station, 5:57 AM | Bellevue TC, 6:15 AM | 30 minutes |
What Time Does KCMetro Start and Stop?
For a practical explanation of schedule timepoints around Capitol Hill and downtown Seattle, our Seattle Route 10 departure-time and stop guide gives additional local routing context.
Open Current Metro TimetablesHow to Read a KCMetro Route 10 Timetable
Route 10 is a useful example because its published schedule includes clear morning timepoints from Capitol Hill into downtown Seattle.
6:00 AM
6:04 AM
6:09 AM
6:12 AM
6:15 AM
Suppose you are boarding at Pine Street and Broadway. For this selected morning trip, your relevant timepoint is 6:09 AM, not the 6:00 AM departure from Interlaken Park.
Scheduled Ride-Time Examples Compared
This chart compares only the selected official timetable trips described above. It does not rank routes for speed or measure real-world reliability.
The distances and number of stops differ between these trips. A longer displayed duration does not imply that the route is inefficient or slower per mile.
Route 8: Seattle Center, Capitol Hill & Mount Baker
King County Metro Route 8 connects major neighborhoods including Seattle Center, Capitol Hill, Central District, Judkins Park, and Mount Baker.
The August 2026 service change added five weekday trips to Route 8. For a broader route-number comparison plus Seattle-specific travel information, see our Route 8 bus timetable, stops, and map guide.
Official Route 8 ScheduleKCMetro Bus Fare: Adult, Youth, Senior & ORCA LIFT
King County Metro’s regular bus fare is based on rider eligibility rather than the route number. The fares below are from the official fare schedule effective September 1, 2025 and remain listed in the current agency fare information reviewed for this guide.
Standard fare for an adult riding a regular Metro bus.
Regional Reduced Fare Permit required.
For riders meeting RRFP eligibility requirements.
Youth are encouraged, but generally not required, to obtain a free Youth ORCA card.
ORCA LIFT and Day Pass Options
King County Metro Monthly Pass Price
A monthly PugetPass with a $3.00 trip value costs $108. It is valid for qualifying rides within the calendar month up to the purchased fare value.
If a trip costs more than the value covered by the pass, the fare difference can be paid using funds stored in the ORCA card’s E-purse, subject to agency rules.
How to Pay for a King County Metro Bus
King County Metro offers several payment methods. Your selection matters because transfer benefits and acceptance may differ between regular buses and specialized services.
Two-Hour Transfer Window
KCMetro Stops: Find the Correct Boarding Location
Metro’s schedule tools include route maps, system maps, stop IDs, and detailed boarding maps for large transit centers.
Seattle King Street Station Area Map
King Street Station and the nearby King Street Center area provide a useful reference point for downtown Seattle transit connections. Use Metro’s official boarding map for the precise bus stop or bay.
This map shows a real Seattle transit area. It does not display all King County Metro routes or live bus locations.
KCMetro Live Bus Schedule & Arrival Tracking
Scheduled time is the planned departure shown in the timetable. Live arrival is an updated estimate based on available vehicle information and operating conditions.
King County Metro provides the Trip Planner, Next Departures, text-message departures, and supported transit apps to help riders check arrival information.
Start with Metro’s official Trip Planner or Next Departures.
Enter Route 8, 10, 70, RapidRide B, or your bus number.
Match the displayed destination or route terminal.
Select the exact stop ID or location.
Confirm the latest prediction and service alerts.
Useful Live Arrival Tools
Plan an origin-to-destination journey using available transit modes.
Open Trip PlannerCheck upcoming departures for a selected stop or nearby location.
Open Rider ToolsAgency-listed third-party apps provide additional real-time transit information where available.
Metro Mobile AppsKCMetro Text for Departures: Send Your Stop ID to 62550
King County Metro provides a text-message system that returns upcoming departures for the requested stop. This can be useful if you do not want to install a transit app.
Send only the stop ID.
Example: Text 1120 to 62550.
Send the stop ID followed by the route number.
Example: Text 1120 11 to 62550.
1120
The illustration explains the request format. It is not an actual live SMS response.
How to Understand Metro’s Text Results
| SMS Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 6 min | Predicted arrival in approximately six minutes. |
| 10:25a | Predicted bus arrival at 10:25 AM. |
| 10:25a (s) | Scheduled time only; Metro is not providing a live prediction for that trip. |
| Canceled | The listed trip has been canceled. |
| See Alerts | An active service advisory may affect the stop or route. |
Text messages may be subject to standard carrier messaging or data fees. Use HELP to receive basic assistance from the texting service.
KCMetro Route 70: University District to Downtown Seattle
Route 70 serves the University District, Eastlake, South Lake Union, and downtown Seattle. It is important for commuters and university-area riders because stop locations can be affected by construction along the Eastlake corridor.
If Route 70 is part of your commute, our Route 70 schedule, timepoints, fare, and service-alert guide provides additional context for Seattle and distinguishes it from unrelated Route 70 services elsewhere in the United States.
Official Route 70 Schedule and AlertsKing County Metro Transfers to Link, Sounder, Ferries & Other Buses
Many riders use King County Metro buses to reach Link light rail, Sounder commuter rail, Sound Transit Express routes, and regional transit services.
How to Plan a Transfer
- Enter your origin and destination into the Metro Trip Planner.
- Choose a journey with enough time to walk between stops or platforms.
- Check both operating agencies’ schedules if the journey crosses systems.
- Use the correct ORCA card or eligible payment method when transferring.
- Confirm the fare difference, if any, before boarding the second service.
King County Metro Alerts, Detours & Snow Routes
Metro posts service advisories for construction, special events, canceled trips, temporary stop closures, and other operating issues.
Examples of Published October 2026 Advisories
- Route 70: Published construction-related changes affected Eastlake and Fairview Avenue stops, with some scheduled notices running into late October or beyond.
- Route 150: Published early-October advisories affected selected stops near West James Street and 64th Avenue in Kent.
- RapidRide B Line: Metro posted a technical notice affecting real-time arrival information. When live predictions are unavailable, the official timetable remains the fallback.
- Route 77: Published construction notices affected selected north Seattle stops, including an NE 125th Street location.
What to Do During Snow or Severe Weather
- Check Metro’s service advisories and winter travel guidance.
- Search for your route’s official snow-routing diagram.
- Confirm whether your normal stop is still being served.
- Use Trip Planner and Next Departures for the revised service.
- Allow extra walking and transfer time and follow Metro’s safety guidance.
Does KCMetro Run on Sundays and Holidays?
Many Metro routes operate on Saturdays and Sundays, but the frequency and first/last departure times may differ significantly from weekdays.
Metro’s published 2026–27 service-change information indicates Sunday schedules for Metro service on the following holidays:
King County Metro Night Owl & Early Morning Buses
King County Metro provides selected late-night and early-morning service, sometimes called Night Owl service. It does not mean every Metro route operates 24 hours a day.
Use Metro’s official route search and choose the late-night portion of the current timetable. If no direct bus is available, compare alternative routes or permitted regional transit connections.
KCMetro Accessibility, Access Transportation & Reduced Fares
King County Metro states that its regular buses are accessible to riders with disabilities. However, the accessibility of a bus is not the same as the accessibility of an individual boarding stop.
King County Metro Access Fare
Metro’s Access Transportation page lists a $1.75 one-way Access fare for adults age 19 and older, with free qualifying youth fares. Access eligibility, booking procedures, and payment methods are different from standard Metro fixed-route service.
How to Find the Right KCMetro Bus Schedule in Five Steps
Enter the route number, RapidRide letter, location, or destination.
Select the weekday, Saturday, Sunday, or holiday schedule.
Check the destination sign and terminal used by that trip.
Find the stop ID, intersection, boarding bay, or map pin.
Recheck the prediction, payment method, and current alerts before leaving.
King County Metro Boarding Checklist
- Confirm the route number or RapidRide letter.
- Check that the timetable is effective for your travel date.
- Select the correct weekday, weekend, or holiday schedule.
- Match the bus destination and direction.
- Find the actual stop ID or boarding bay.
- Check first and last trip times if traveling early or late.
- Review Metro’s current service advisories.
- Confirm whether the route is using a snow route.
- Prepare ORCA, Transit GO Ticket, contactless payment, or exact cash.
- Check the return trip and any regional rail connection.
King County Metro Contact Number & Rider Help
Phone: 206-553-3000
Call for route schedules, stop information, boarding assistance, and travel planning.
201 South Jackson Street, Seattle, WA 98104.
Use Metro’s official website to check current office and customer-service hours before visiting.
Riders needing hearing assistance can use Washington Relay at 711. King County Metro also provides language assistance through its customer-service system.
Official KCMetro Bus Schedule, Fare & Route Resources
The links below lead to King County Metro’s official route, schedule, fare, trip-planning, and service information. Use them for the most current operating details.
Complete route directory, PDF schedules, system maps, boarding maps, and current route data.
Open Official SchedulesAugust 29 route revisions, new routes, deleted routes, weekend improvements, and future service information.
Read Service ChangesPlan trips using addresses, destinations, stops, and different transit modes.
Open Trip PlannerNext Departures, text arrivals, trip planning, and travel guidance.
Open Rider ToolsAdult fares, ORCA LIFT, youth fare, day passes, PugetPass, and RRFP details.
Check Current FaresRegional payments, ORCA cards, transfers, and mobile/contactless acceptance.
ORCA Fare GuideHow to text a stop ID to 62550 and interpret predicted versus scheduled results.
Text Departure InstructionsRapidRide A through H, boarding details, route destinations, and service information.
RapidRide DirectoryCurrent detours, stop relocations, cancellations, and real-time information disruptions.
Current Metro AdvisoriesOneBusAway, Transit App, real-time information, and official data-tool information.
Metro Mobile AppsKCMetro Bus Schedule FAQs
What is KCMetro?
KCMetro commonly refers to King County Metro, the public transportation agency operating bus services in Seattle and throughout King County, Washington. It is not the same as Kansas City’s RideKC network.
Where can I find the KCMetro bus schedule?
Use King County Metro’s official Schedules and Maps directory. Choose your route number, direction, service day, and exact stop before checking the timetable.
How much does a King County Metro bus ride cost?
The listed standard adult Metro bus fare is $3.00. Eligible seniors, riders with disabilities, and ORCA LIFT riders pay reduced fares. Youth age 18 and younger ride qualifying regular transit service free.
Does King County Metro accept contactless payment?
Yes. King County Metro accepts supported contactless credit/debit cards and mobile wallets on eligible regular transit services. Non-ORCA tap-to-pay is not accepted on certain specialized services such as DART and Metro Flex.
How do I check KCMetro live bus arrivals?
Use Metro’s Trip Planner, Next Departures, or a supported transit app. Select the bus route, direction, and exact stop ID.
What number do I text for King County Metro bus times?
Text your stop ID to 62550. You can add the route number after the stop ID to see arrivals for only that route.
What does (s) mean in a Metro text arrival message?
The letter (s) indicates a scheduled time rather than a real-time prediction. This can occur if the vehicle is too far away or has not provided sufficient live information.
What time do King County Metro buses start running?
Start times depend on route, direction, and day. Some routes have early morning trips, while others begin later. Check the official timetable for your stop.
Does KCMetro operate on Sundays and holidays?
Many routes operate on Sundays. Metro also uses Sunday schedules on selected holidays, including Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Some weekday-only routes may not operate.
What changed in King County Metro in August 2026?
Metro introduced new routes including 72, 77, 164, 166, 215, 220, and 270, along with additional trips and route replacements. The current schedule period began August 29, 2026.
What is the difference between Metro local buses and RapidRide?
RapidRide is Metro’s frequent corridor service using lettered route names such as A, B, C, and D. Local buses generally use route numbers. Stop spacing, route patterns, and frequency vary.
What should I do if a KCMetro bus stop is closed?
Check Metro’s route-specific service advisories for the temporary boarding location, direction, and affected stop ID. Do not assume the opposite side of the street is the correct replacement.