Getting Around

Public Transportation Supports Cycling

Intercity Transit operates throughout Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater and Yelm. Buses serve most schools, major worksites, shopping and medical centers and more.  Bike racks are available on all buses and vans (except the Dash shuttle), and your bike rides free! Each rack holds two bicycles. Bicycles are not allowed inside vehicles.

Using the on-board bike racks:

Before the bus approaches, remove items that may fall off during the trip.

When the bus stops, tell the driver you want to use the bike rack. Allow exiting passengers with bicycles to unload first, then load your bike while other passengers board.  Drivers cannot leave the vehicle to assist with loading.

When loading one bike, put it in the position closest to the vehicle. When loading two bikes, put the bike you will remove first in the outside position.

Loading your bike:

• Squeeze and pull up on bike rack handle to release folded rack,
• Lower rack until it clicks into place,
• Lift bike onto rack, fitting front wheel into slot labeled “front,”
• Pull out and raise support arm over top of front tire, positioning it as high on the tire as possible,
• Do not lock bike to rack.

Unloading your bike:

• For your safety, exit through front door of the bus and tell driver that you need to unload your bike,
• Raise support arm up and off bike’s front tire,
• Lift and remove bike from the rack,
• If no other bike is on the rack, fold and secure rack into upright position,
• After unloading your bike, move to the curb quickly. Always wait until the vehicle pulls away before crossing the street. NEVER CROSS IN FRONT OF THE BUS.

Renting a bicycle locker:

Intercity Transit rents bicycle lockers at its Olympia and Lacey Transit Centers.  Each unit stores one bicycle and equipment. Lockers cost $8 per month for a 3-month minimum. Call (360) 786-8585 for information.

County Connections:

Almost all public transit buses in adjacent counties carry bicycles. For schedules and information, call the appropriate transit agency.

Mason Transit..................................................................................... (800) 374-3747

Grays Harbor Transit........................................................................... (800) 562-9730

Pierce Transit...................................................................................... (800) 562-8109

Sound Transit (King County)............................................................... (888) 889-6368

Metro (Seattle......................................................................................(800) 542-7876

Twin Transit (Centralia/Chehalis)........................................................ (360) 330-2072

Rural & Tribal Transportation.............................................................. (800) 650-7846

Commercial Bus Travel

Greyhound: Bicycles must be boxed for transport. The Greyhound Station is located at 107 7th Ave. SE in Olympia. For information, call (360) 357-5541.

Green Tortoise Adventure Travel: North/South bus travel. Call 1-800-867-8647 for information.

AMTRAK Passenger Trains

Bike racks are available on some trains. Space for passengers and bicycles must be reserved by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL. The AMTRAK Centennial Station is served by Intercity Transit. Call (360) 786-1881 for information.

Air Travel

Airline charges vary widely for shipping a bicycle. Check with individual carriers for costs and packing requirements. Bikes can often be shipped private parcel service for less than the bicycle surcharge of airlines. Bicycles can be taken to the airport via a number of services.

Sound Transit provides transportation between Pierce County and SeaTac Airport. Airport shuttles provide door to door service and charge a small fee for a boxed bicycle. Check the Yellow Pages for company names.