Popular neighborhoods for dining, nightlife, and the University of Washington.

About Capitol Hill / University District

Capitol Hill is Seattle's cultural and LGBTQ+ heartbeat — a dense, walkable neighborhood of indie music venues, craft cocktail bars, vintage shops, and some of the city's best restaurants along Broadway and Pike/Pine Streets. The neighborhood has been central to Seattle's music history, from the grunge era of the 1990s (bands like Nirvana and Soundgarden played early shows in Capitol Hill clubs) to today's thriving indie scene. Volunteer Park, at the neighborhood's summit, offers panoramic city views and houses the Seattle Asian Art Museum in an Art Deco building.

The University District (U-District), centered around the University of Washington campus, has an energetic college-town vibe with affordable international restaurants (particularly excellent Thai, Vietnamese, and Korean options along University Way — known as "The Ave"), independent bookshops, and the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture. The UW campus itself features cherry blossom-lined paths in spring and the stunning Suzzallo Library, often called the "Harry Potter library" for its Gothic reading room.

Both neighborhoods are connected by the expanding Link Light Rail, making it possible to explore Seattle's diverse character without a car. The Capitol Hill nightlife transitions into the U-District's more casual dining scene, and both neighborhoods have strong farmers' market traditions on weekends.

Nearby Landmarks

Volunteer Park UW Campus Suzzallo Library Cal Anderson Park Henry Art Gallery

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $50-65
Time 30-50 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $40-55
Time 30-50 minutes

Arrivals level

Train (Link Light Rail 1-Line)

Cost $3
Time 45 minutes
Frequency Every 6-10 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

Take Link Light Rail from airport to Capitol Hill Station (45 min) or U District Station.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $50-65 30-50 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $40-55 30-50 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train $3 45 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Link Light Rail runs until approximately 1:00 AM, serving both Capitol Hill and U-District stations. Capitol Hill has Seattle's most active nightlife and rideshare availability late at night is excellent. The U-District is quieter after 10:00 PM. Rideshare from SEA to Capitol Hill costs $35-45.

Luggage Tips

Link Light Rail accommodates luggage well for the ride to these neighborhoods. Capitol Hill Station is in a dense urban area — hotels and Airbnbs are nearby but may involve hills. The U-District is flatter around University Way. Both neighborhoods have limited hotel options compared to downtown.

Accessibility

All Link Light Rail stations including Capitol Hill and U-District are fully ADA accessible. Capitol Hill has significant hills and some streets have steep grades. The U-District around University Way is relatively flat. The UW campus has accessible pathways throughout.