Major city · United States
BellevueBellevue, Washington
Base in Downtown Bellevue for 1–2 nights: walkable core, light rail to Seattle, and the region's best shopping. Skip if you want Seattle's nightlife.
Bellevue is the largest city on the east side of Lake Washington, 20 minutes from Seattle by light rail and the retail and tech core of the Eastside. It is clean, safe and expensive, with a dense downtown, waterfront parks and trail access to Cougar Mountain. Most visitors use it as a quieter, cheaper-parking base for Seattle or as a stop on the way to Redmond and the Cascades.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- May–Sep (dry, long days); Dec for Garden d'Lights
- avoid Nov–Feb (rain, short days); I-405 and SR-520 rush hour year-round
- Airport
- SEA
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Bellevue911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Bellevue, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyBellevue is one of the safest large cities in the US; the real risks are wet roads, I-405 and SR-520 rush-hour congestion…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportSEA Seattle-Tacoma International (About 25–35 min by car via SR-518 and I-405…
- Getting aroundDowntown is walkable.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$4–6
- Sit-down mealDinner, mid-range, per personBefore tax and 18–22% tip.$25–45
- Beerdraught in a bar$7–10
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week$10–25
- Budget bedFamily room or suite (up to 4), a night, per roomUS$220
- Mid-range bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$220
- High-end bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$320
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$100 · Mid US$200 · High US$350
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- SEA Seattle-Tacoma International (About 25–35 min by car via SR-518 and I-405; Sound Transit route 560 connects to Bellevue Transit Center (check current schedule).)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Mar
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Apr
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
May
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jul
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Aug
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Sep
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Oct
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Nov
Avoid
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Dec
Care
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: May–Sep. Mixed: Dec. Avoid: Jan–Feb, Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (18 rain days), driest Jul (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Bellevue: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
18 rd
Feb
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
15 rd
Mar
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
17 rd
Apr
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
14 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
11 rd
Jun
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
9 rd
Jul
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5 rd
Aug
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5 rd
Sep
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
8 rd
Oct
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
14 rd
Nov
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
18 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
18 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Downtown is walkable. Link light rail (2 Line) links South Bellevue, East Main, Bellevue Downtown, Wilburton, Spring District and BelRed stations, and continues to Seattle and Redmond. King County Metro and Sound Transit buses serve the Bellevue Transit Center; a car is useful for parks, Factoria and day trips.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 30–40 min
Link light rail (2 Line) from Bellevue Downtown Station, or Sound Transit route 550 from Bellevue Transit Center
Light rail avoids I-90 traffic; downtown Seattle is the main draw.
Redmond, Washington
goDoor to door: About 25–35 min
Link light rail (2 Line) to Downtown Redmond, or King County Metro RapidRide B
Microsoft campus and Marymoor Park; easy half-day.
Kirkland
goDoor to door: About 20–30 min
Drive via SR-520 or I-405; King County Metro routes 234/235 from Bellevue Transit Center
Waterfront dining and marina; good for a relaxed afternoon.
Issaquah
goDoor to door: About 30–40 min
Sound Transit route 554 from Bellevue Transit Center, or I-90 east
Trailheads and the Issaquah Alps; combine with a Cougar Mountain hike.
Renton
cautionDoor to door: About 40–50 min
King County Metro route 240 from Bellevue Transit Center
Mostly suburban; only worth it for a specific stop.
Federal Way
skipDoor to door: About 45–60 min
Drive via I-405 and SR-18, or bus connections through Renton
No compelling reason from Bellevue unless you are heading south anyway.
Vashon Island
overnightDoor to door: 1.5–2 h
Drive to Fauntleroy or Southworth ferry, or bus to the ferry terminal
Ferry timing makes a day trip tight; stay a night if you go.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Downtown Bellevue
Hotels around Bellevue Square, Lincoln Square and the Transit Center; walkable to shops, restaurants and Link light rail.
Bel-Red / Spring District
Newer hotels near the Spring District and BelRed light-rail stations; quieter, cheaper parking, 10 min to downtown.
Factoria / Eastgate
Budget and mid-range motels near I-90; best if you have a car and are heading to the mountains or Issaquah.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $80–130 excl. bed
- Mid
- $150–250 excl. bed
- High
- $300+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range hotel double room1 × 2 nights × US$220 | US$440 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × US$200 | US$800 |
| Link light rail, Bellevue to Seattle, one way2 × US$4 · check | US$8 |
| King County Metro 2-hour fare2 × US$3 · check | US$6 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$128 |
| Trip total≈ US$353 per person per day, bed included | US$1,412 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; sales tax added at checkout. Flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $4–6 |
| Lunch (casual, downtown) | $12–20 |
| Dinner, mid-range, per personBefore tax and 18–22% tip. | $25–45 |
| Beer, draught in a bar | $7–10 |
| Rideshare, Bellevue to SeattleSurge pricing at peak. | $25–45 |
| Link light rail, Bellevue to Seattle | $3–4 (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | $10–25 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- SR-520 floating bridge and I-405 express lanes are tolled; no booths, cameras bill the registered owner.
- Rush hour on I-405 and SR-520 can add 30–60 min; plan around 07:00–09:30 and 15:30–18:30.Rush hour on I-405 and SR-520 can add 30–60 min; plan around 7:00 AM–9:30 AM and 3:30 PM–6:30 PM.
- Sales tax is added at checkout; restaurant bills expect 18–22% tip.
- Most parks close at dusk or 23:00; check the city parks page before an evening walk.Most parks close at dusk or 11:00 PM; check the city parks page before an evening walk.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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BellevueBellevue, Washington
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
No embassies in Bellevue; most countries have consulates in Seattle or embassies in Washington, DC.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Link light rail, Bellevue Downtown to Seattle: about $3–4, 30–40 min (check)
- King County Metro 2-hour fare: $3 ($1 seniors 65+, free youth 0–18) (check)
- Rideshare, Bellevue to Seattle: $25–45
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you (thank you)
- Where is the light rail station? — Where is the light rail station? (where is the light rail station)
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card? (can I pay by card)
- The check, please — The check, please (the check please)
US emergency number is 911 everywhere.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Bellevue. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep (dry, long days); Dec for Garden d'Lights · avoid Nov–Feb (rain, short days); I-405 and SR-520 rush hour year-round · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for SEA: last Link light rail and route 560 departures field-checked, rideshare fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square, Old Bellevue and Downtown Park, Meydenbauer Bay, Spring District.
- Place pages with verified hours (Bellevue Botanical Garden, KidsQuest Museum, Meydenbauer Center) and eat pages with last orders.
- Toll and rush-hour fixtures so gate A–D can go green for SR-520 and I-405.
Sources
- officialCity of Bellevue official site
- officialBellevue Botanical Garden
- officialSound Transit — 2 Line
- officialKing County Metro
- officialWSDOT — SR-520 bridge tolling
- secondaryWikivoyage: Bellevue, revision 5278078 (CC BY-SA 4.0)