Last Updated on December 2, 2022 by Usama
Seattle Aquarium Parking
Located at the vibrant Elliott Bay waterfront, the Seattle Aquarium is accessible by car and public transit. Our in-depth guide will help you reach your destination and find convenient parking without any hassle. You don’t need SpotHero or SpotAngels to pre-book parking at the Seattle Aquarium because we’ll help you get a free spot. Keep reading to discover the admission prices, relevant visitor parking information, and public transport lines that stop in the vicinity.
The Aquarium sits at the following address at Seattle’s Waterfront: 1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59, Seattle, WA 98101-2015.
Seattle Aquarium Tickets & Hours
The Seattle Aquarium has a timed ticketing system that allows you to book in advance and slightly lower your costs. Ticket prices vary. We listed the starting rates below, but note that the cost can be up to $10 higher if you reserve your ticket at the last minute.
| Admission Type | Online Price | Price for WA Residents |
| Adult (13+) | $28.95 | $23.95 |
| Youth (4–12) | $20.45 | $16.95 |
| Child | Free | Free |
The Seattle Aquarium is open to the general public every day from 9:30 AM to 6 PM. Exhibits also close at 6 PM, but the last entry is available at 5 PM.
How To Get Free Parking at the Seattle Aquarium
Although the Aquarium doesn’t own a car parking facility, the Seattle Historic Waterfront Association offers an excellent alternative. Visitors can obtain a voucher for up to three hours of free parking at the Pike Place Market Garage by taking the following steps:
- Park at the Pike Place Market.
- Head to the Guest Services desk after entering the Aquarium.
- Ask for a car parking voucher.
- Insert the garage entry ticket and then the voucher when exiting the garage.
Note that the vouchers are available for those headed to most Waterfront businesses. If you stay longer than three hours, the garage will charge you $4 per hour. Drivers entering after 5 PM are subject to a discounted evening rate of $5.
Directions to the Pike Place Market Garage
The Seattle Aquarium parking structure has entrances at the following locations:
- 1531 Western Avenue Entrance between Fix Madore and Lazonga Tattoo;
- 1901 Western Avenue Entrance about 100 yards uphill from the first entry point.
After you park the vehicle, get in the southwest Waterfront elevator and follow the Alaskan Way/Waterfront signs. The Aquarium is across the street from the garage exit point; see the exact location on the following map.
ADA Parking Availability
Accessible parking for the Seattle Aquarium visitors is obtainable on a first-come, first-served basis at several locations. The Pike Place Market Garage offers ADA spots, but the most convenient option is the DPS private parking lot across from the Aquarium. Rates vary according to the season, but the standard parking cost is $3 per hour.
Although no public handicapped parking spots are available near the building, some regular street parking spots are wheelchair-friendly. Finding such a spot has one perk—as long as you display a valid disability permit, you can park free of charge. Learn more about this option below.
Metered Parking Near the Seattle Aquarium
Parking meters are placed on several streets in the neighborhood and are in effect Monday through Saturday. Time limits and hourly rates vary according to the location and time of the day. For instance, four-hour parking is available along Alaskan Way for $0.50 per hour on mornings and evenings but has a $2.50 midday hourly rate.
Check the parking rate map to discover the hourly cost at the time of your arrival. Also, be sure to peruse the posted signs to avoid pricey Seattle parking tickets.
Additional Parking in Downtown Seattle
Aside from validated Seattle Aquarium parking, city residents and visitors can opt for any other nearby facility. Parking garages in the area charge as low as $3 per hour, and here are our top three options:
| Seattle Parking Garage | Hourly Parking Fee | Address |
| Watermark Garage | $3 | 1108 Western Ave. |
| Harbor Steps Garage | $4 | 1200 Western Ave. |
| First and Columbia Garage | $3 | 721 1st Ave. |
Parking rates may vary on event days. Those coming after 4 PM can take advantage of the $7 evening rate at the Market Place Garage or find additional parking services here. Alternatively, use platforms like SpotHero, SpotAngels, or BestParking to reserve a spot in the vicinity.
Take Public Transportation to the Aquarium
If you live in the area or plan on staying in a city hotel, taking public transit would save you the hassle of finding parking.
The University St. Station on Sound Transit’s 1 Line is within a 15-minute walk of the Aquarium. This line covers both the northern and southern parts of the city, including Sea-Tac Airport. Light rail fares range from $2.25 to $3.50, and the easiest way to pay for the ride is with an ORCA card.
Alternatively, you can ride one of the King County bus lines that stop near the Aquarium, including 21, 55, 56, 113, 120, and 121. Several bus stops are placed within walking distance, across the street from the Seattle ferry terminal. A single-ride adult bus fare is $2.75.
Other Helpful Seattle Parking Guides
Parking Access is your go-to choice whenever you need safe and discounted parking near an airport, venue, or city attraction. Our in-depth guides cover countless points of interest, and city residents and visitors can find much more than Seattle Aquarium parking information. We’ll help you book Monthly Parking in Seattle and learn all about parking at any of the following locations.
Additionally, If you’re flying out of the city, check out our Sea-Tac Parking guide to discover on-site parking fees, cheap off-site lots with airport shuttles, and much more!