Getting Around

Citizen loading bike onto the front of a bus

Walk, bike or take the bus

We encourage you to consider walking, taking the bus, sharing the ride, or riding a bike to get to your destination. You save money, and your trip becomes a chance to relax. You can also get some exercise along the way.

Reducing the number of trips that you drive alone also helps reduce traffic congestion and pollution. This improves the quality of our air and water.

Visit ThurstonHeretoThere.org for more information about travel choices in Thurston County.

Family biking in neighborhood

Biking

The City of Olympia promotes bicycling for recreation and transportation. City streets feature 32 miles of bike lanes, and there are 10 miles of trails within the City that connect to the larger Thurston County trail system.

Find biking tips, route planning help and more on our Biking page.

Women walking dogs in front of Capitol dome

Walking

Did you know it only takes most people about five minutes to walk 1/4 mile? In fact, walking is the most popular form of recreation in Olympia! Walking to work, school, the grocery store, or to visit friends is a great way to build some exercise into your day.

Find places to walk, maps and more on our Walking page.

Intercity Transit bus

Bus, carpool and vanpool options

Intercity Transit Bus

Intercity Transit is zero-fare. Just get on and go! Intercity Transit will not collect fares from bus passengers during their five-year zero-fare demonstration project. Route and Schedule Information: 360.786.1881 or intercitytransit.com

FREE Dash Shuttle

The Dash Shuttle free and runs every 12 to 15 minutes from the heart of Downtown to the Capitol Campus. Hours are Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

April through September, Dash also operates on Saturdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Note: Buses do not serve east Capitol Campus on Saturdays).

Carpool/vanpool

Contact Intercity Transit's Commuter Services for carpool or vanpool coordination services at 360.786.8800, or commuterservices@intercitytransit.com. If you'd like help in coordinating a carpool, check out Rideshare.

Vanpools are ideal for long-distance commutes of 15 or more miles. Official vanpools can park at 9-hour meters in  the Downtown area, free of charge.

Other transit links

  • Learn more why walking if the best way to go
  • Learn about your biking options
  • View the downtown parking map

City Calendar

City Updates

  • Apply to join an advisory committee

    We are looking for community members interested in serving on City advisory committees. Apply by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 25. Learn more and apply...

  • City Hall hours

    The City Hall lobby is now open for customer service from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. COVID-19 safety procedures are in place. Residents can still take care of most common needs online on our Online Services page.

  • USS Olympia

    The USS Olympia was decommissioned last month. Watch the decommissioning ceremony.

  • Council Meetings during COVID-19

    City Council will continue to hold its regular meeting schedule during the coronavirus emergency, but the Council Chamber will be closed to the public. You can register to watch the meetings live via Zoom (links on our City Council page). Meeting recordings are available the following day on the City's online meeting management system.

    How to comment

    Links to Council (and Council committee) meeting packets will be posted on the City Council page when available (typically 5 days prior to meeting). Once posted, the public can sign up to speak during the public comment period of the meeting when they register to attend or submit comments on agenda items until 4 p.m. the day of the meeting. Comments can also be emailed to citycouncil@ci.olympia.wa.us.

  • Meetings

    Agendas and Minutes for City Council and most advisory committees.