Street Access Resource Hub
Visitors arriving by car are encouraged to use nearby parking garages and explore the Market on foot.
Street Access on Pike Place
Pike Place is the main street that runs through the heart of Pike Place Market and serves 500+ small businesses, 450+ residents, six social service providers, dozens of delivery vehicles, and millions of visitors each year.
To help balance safety, accessibility, and business needs, Pike Place Market PDA, in collaboration with the Seattle Department of Transportation, adjusts street access throughout the year based on seasonal visitor levels.
Current Street Access Plan
October 1, 2026 - March 31, 2027
Monday – Thursday
Open to vehicle traffic
- Vehicles and pedestrians share the street; vehicles must yield to pedestrians
- No vehicle access restrictions are in place.
- Parking spaces are limited to 30 minutes between 6 am and 6 pm
Friday – Sunday (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
- Vehicle access is limited to authorized vehicles only (deliveries, loading, ADA access, emergency response vehicles, and pre-arranged customer pickups.)
- Market staff manage access at the intersection of Pike St. and 1st
Special Event Closures
On especially high-traffic days or during major events, Pike Place may be fully closed to vehicles. These closures are carefully coordinated with SDOT, SPD, and SFD and align with peak crowd levels.
Scheduled closures include:
- October 23: The Night Shift, Día de los Muertos
- November 28: Magic in the Market
- December 6: Figgy Pudding
- February 13-14: Valentine’s Day Flower Sales
Why Is Street Access Changing?
Visitor patterns at Pike Place Market change throughout the year. Summer brings significantly higher pedestrian volumes, while fall and winter typically see fewer visitors and different access needs. The seasonal street access approach allows the Market to improve safety during the busiest times, support access for residents, businesses, and deliveries, improve visitor experience, and adapt operations based on data and community feedback.
How Did We Get Here? (4)
Phase 1: Pilot Program (April 2025)
The PDA and SDOT launched a pilot program to test new approaches for managing vehicle access on Pike Place.
Phase 2: Summer Operations (May - September 2026)
Additional vehicle restrictions were implemented to prepare for record visitor volumes during the FIFA World Cup and peak summer tourism season.
Community Feedback (May - June 2026)
SDOT and the University of Washington Urban Freight Lab collected feedback from visitors, businesses, residents, and Market users to better understand the impacts of the pilot program.
Phase 3: Winter Operations (October 2026 - March 2027)
The current winter plan introduces greater vehicle access during slower months while maintaining restrictions during the busiest weekend periods and special events. The PDA and SDOT will continue work on developing a plan for the Summer 2027 season to be approved by the Market Historical Commission in early 2027.
Getting Here Is Easy
Driving to the Market? The Pike Place Market Parking Garage offers 800+ parking stalls, with entrances on Western Ave and Alaskan Way.
Directions to Parking Garage
Heading Northbound
If you are traveling northbound on 1st Ave, proceed to Lenora St and turn left. Take the next left onto Western Ave and head past Victor Steinbrueck park and straight through the intersection until you see the Pike Place Market Parking sign overhead. Turn right immediately after passing the bridge or continue on to the additional entrance at 1531 Western Avenue just past Madame Lazonga’s Tattoo.
Heading Southbound
If you are traveling southbound on 1st Ave, proceed to Madison St and turn right. At the next light, take a right onto Western Ave. Proceed to either of our parking garage entrances at 1531 Western Avenue or 1901 Western Avenue. Both garage entrances offer direct elevator access to the Market.
From the Waterfront
If you’re heading northbound on Elliott Way, you can enter our garage at 1530 Alaskan Way. Look for the large red banners that say “Pike Place Market Parking” and take a right to enter the garage just before driving under the Overlook Walk promenade. The elevators in the east side of the garage will bring you directly to the Market via the Skybridge.
For more parking and directions information, click below.
Frequently Asked Questions (6)
Where can I find ADA parking?
There are 16 handicapped parking spots located throughout the Pike Place Market Parking Garage at 1531 Western Ave. ADA parking on Pike Place may be accommodated during times of limited vehicle access.
Can I park on Pike Place?
There is 30-minute parking available Monday-Thursday all day or on Fridays-Sundays before 11 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
Can a caregiver drive someone with mobility limitations onto Pike Place?
Yes, ADA access is permitted during managed access periods.
Can I use Uber, Lyft, or a taxi on Pike Place?
Visitors are encouraged to arrange pickup and drop-off locations outside of the Market. 1st Avenue is a popular drop off/pickup location for rideshare.
What qualifies as “authorized vehicles?”
Authorized vehicles include deliveries, loading vehicles, emergency vehicles, ADA access, and pre-arranged customer pickups.
Where do I go to park and access the Market?
View maps at top of page
Heading Southbound: If you are traveling southbound on 1st Ave, proceed to Madison St and turn right. At the next light, take a right onto Western Ave. Proceed to either of our parking garage entrances at 1531 Western Avenue or 1901 Western Avenue. Both garage entrances offer direct elevator access to the Market.
Heading Northbound: If you are traveling northbound on 1st Ave, proceed to Lenora St and turn left. Take the next left onto Western Ave and head past Victor Steinbrueck park and straight through the intersection until you see the Pike Place Market Parking sign on the bridge. Turn right immediately after passing the bridge or continue on to the additional entrance at 1531 Western Avenue just past Madame Lazonga’s Tattoo.
