Sounder North (Everett-Seattle) and *Amtrak run on the historic Burlington Northern Railroad tracks up and down the Puget Sound shoreline. The Sound Transit commuter train makes two stops along the way, each way, in Mukilteo and Edmonds Station on 210 Railroad Ave., mornings and early evenings during weekday commuter hours. (map at left)
Edmonds-Kingston Ferry
Edmonds sits along 5.2 linear miles of pristine shoreline overlooking Puget Sound, with ferry access to Port Townsend, Port Angeles, Hood Canal, Poulsbo, and Bremerton via Kingston on the Olympic Peninsula. The Edmonds-Kingston ferry departs Kingston every 45 minutes to an hour or so, during the day, arriving in downtown Edmonds. The 20-minute ride offers up spectacular views of Mt. Rainier in the South, Mt. Baker up North, the Olympic Mountains due West, and, depending on the season, orcas and other sea life at play.
Community Transit
Community Transit, otherwise known as the bus, enjoys routes throughout Snohomish County, and the Bothell/Bellevue/Seattle areas. The #416 bus services various points of Edmonds to Seattle, and back, before coming to the Sound Transit Edmonds Station, Stop 2915, off Railroad St. between Dayton and Main.
ORCA Card
It’s a good idea to purchase an ORCA card, whether you take the ferry, bus, or Sounder train. Tap the card reader, and you’re on your way.
By Car
Two ways: either I-5 North/South, or Highway 99/Aurora Ave. N., from Seattle. If on I-5, take Exit 177, and go west towards the Edmonds/Kingston Ferry, follow signs headed toward SR-104 West. (SR-524 is another East-West Highway, approaching Edmonds from the North, by way of Lynnwood’s 196th St. SW.) If coming up from Seattle, stay on Aurora Ave. N. until it turns into Hwy. 99, around Shoreline, then look for the Edmonds/Kingston Ferry sign, slide slightly right onto SR-104 West, which will curve around in a circle straight onto Edmonds Way, eventually leading to 5th Ave. S., right through downtown. Got that?
On Foot, or Bike
The best way to see downtown Edmonds is to park it, and walk or bike. You get your steps in, a mile from end to end just about, and you get to take in glorious views of the sun setting over ferries and whales in Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and twinkling shops, galleries, and restaurants. Fourth Ave. N., just off Salt & Iron, lights up like an airport runway at night with an inspired art installation. Check out what the City of Edmonds is doing to beautify and improve the roads and walkways.
Paine Field Regional Airport
Paine Field, also known as Snohomish County Airport, is an international airport serving part of the Seattle metropolitan area in the U.S. state of Washington. Edmonds is less than 30 minutes from Paine Field.
*Amtrak has temporarily suspended Everett-Edmonds-Seattle RailPlus routes due to COVID-19.