Local and Regional Travel

Whatcom Transit Authority (WTA) is the county transit system that also serves Western's Campus. The Western student and employee bus pass provides unlimited rides on all WTA buses.

To learn how to read a transit guide, please contact our office to set up an appointment.

For tips about how to ride the bus, click here.

General information about the WTA bus system:

• Each bus ride costs $1.00, cash. Transfers and change are not provided, so carry exact change in dollar bills or coins.
• For information about Western student bus passes, click here.
• For information about Western employee bus passes, click here.
• WTA serves WWU with multiple routes Monday-Saturday and limited Sunday service.
• Routes serving Western connect with other routes at the Downtown Bellingham Transit Station.
• Western is on the WTA BLUE Line, with buses stopping every 15 minutes during peak hours on weekdays between Bill McDonald/Samish Way and Downtown, via WWU.
• The GREEN, GOLD, and RED Lines connect at the Downtown Transit Station. This makes it possible to travel from other parts of town to WWU with just one transfer.
• Service from other parts of Whatcom county including Blaine and Ferndale make it possible to get to WWU by bus from some locations farther out of the city limits. Several of these buses have stops in the center of campus (or can be utilized by traveling via the BLUE Line to the Downtown Bellingham Transit Station, and transferring to the appropriate bus).
• Some buses (90A, 90B) run only when WWU is in session, see the WTA website for more details.
• For more information about how to ride the bus, contact our office, or visit this link.

There is no bus or shuttle service between the WWU campus and the Bellingham International Airport. Taxis are numerous and are usually waiting at the airport for incoming flights.

Bellingham has several taxi services, including:

AAA Taxi: 360-676-8300

Blue Cab: 360-734-3787

NW Town Car Service: 360-220-0207

Yellow Cab: 360-733-TAXI / 800-281-5430 

WWU campus is located within a mile of the Bellingham Central Business District and is surrounded by residential neighborhoods. The campus is accessible via trails and extensive sidewalk network through the neighborhoods.

Walking is the cheapest way to go, and for trips of less than a mile, walking from door to door is usually just as fast as driving, parking and walking.

Click here for more information related to walking.

Please click here for cycling information.

The Lincoln Creek Park & Ride connects with WWU via WTA buses, serving multiple stops on campus, including the academic core.

Directions: LCPR is located on Lincoln St., east of I-5, just north of exit 252. From southbound I-5, turn left onto Samish, left again onto Lincoln, and right into the LCTC parking area. Coming from northbound I-5, turn left onto Samish and proceed north to the parking area.

Details: Parking is free at LCPR, with WTA bus service to WWU year-round. Use your bus pass or pay the cash fare. Service runs every 10-12 minutes during peak hours on weekdays when WWU is in session, every 30 minutes during peak hours year-round. WTA routes 190, 90A&B, 196/197 and 80X serve LCPR. The WWU Student Late Night shuttle also serves LCPR when WWU is in session (not including summer quarter).

See a map of the Lincoln Creek Transportation Center

When approaching Bellingham from the north or south on Interstate 5, take Exit #252, marked Samish Way and WWU. Turn west onto Samish Way and follow the signs to Bill McDonald Parkway and the University campus.

For parking information, call (360) 650-2945 or stop at the Campus Services building on campus. Visitor Parking information can also be found on the Parking Services website or by clicking this link.

Parking on campus is limited especially on weekdays, and permits are required for parking in core lots at all times. Accessible parking for persons with disabilities is always available. Contact Parking Services for details and assistance.