I work at the Vancouver Development Centre (image left), I report to a team located in Redmond (image right) and therefore frequently travel between the two cities.
As many of my colleagues are doing the same, I have decided to finally document “how” to get from A to B.
PS: To get from B to A, you simply have to reverse the steps 
Travel Options
| 1 | Walking | Not really practical for short visits and one I will hopefully never need to evaluate. According to Bing it is a 43h5min walk  |
| 2 | Cycling | Not really practical for short visits, but one that has crossed my mind on several occasions. I just need my teenage son to bring my bike for repairs as the “it was not me” gremlin mysteriously damaged it. |
| 3 | Car | Practical and probably the quickest option. |
| 4 | Bus | Practical, relaxing and probably the cheapest option at ~$50 return. My default choice. |
| 5 | Plane | Practical if you like going through airport security. |
| 6 | Train | Practical, but never tried it. |
Taking the Bus!
Preparations
- Book your bus ticket with QuickShuttle.
- Book your connector trip from downtown to campus, iff you plan to arrive in Seattle before 9:30AM.
- Select route Belltown-Queen Anne and boarding stop Queen Anne Ave N & W Republican Street.
- Book your accommodation (if needed).
- I recommend the Extended Stay America, which is situated on campus and within walking distance of all buildings.
- Familiarise yourself with the campus using the maps on msw.
Doing the trek from North to South
- Ensure you have your passport, your visas and your travel documents with you.
- Taking your MS access card also helps
- Oh, and do not forget your laptop or mobile phone power supply
- Board the bus at your preferred stop.
- Personally I opt for River Rock Casino, because it is within easy reach of the public transport, i.e. bus and Skytrain.
- You can use the onboard WiFi to stay in touch with the matrix or sleep. I typically opt for the latter.
- Complete your customs form immediately and brace yourself for customs.
- Be courteous, prepared to answer questions such as “why do you not drive” and avoid taking food (especially fruit).
- The only drawback of taking the bus is that you arrive and leave as a team … if anyone is a problem case, the bus waits and waits.
- Going from one side to the other you usually get a “welcome to …” and the other usually “the” stare and a variety of “…why are you here” questions.
- Get off at the Seattle Downtown stop.
- There are several coffee places downtown if you are a morning grouch as I am.
- Iff you arrive before 9:30AM and you have booked your connector seat, walk to the Queen Anne Ave N & W Republican Street stop (~10min casual walk)
Else take the Monorail or walk to Westlake Centre Station, where you can take the Route 545 | ST Express public bus for $2.50. You need cash or a King Country Metro bus ticket. You typically get off at SR520 Ramp @ NE 40th Street
- Walk to your building or use the connector shuttles … I recommend the walk, as the scenery can be quite spectacular. See Microsoft Redmond Campus is a green paradise.
Enjoy your stay!
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