Travel
Below you’ll find everything you need to know about airports, shuttles, trains, buses, and cars.
By Air + Shuttle
If you will be arriving in Bellingham via Bellingham International Airport or either of the two airport shuttle services mentioned below, we will be offering a van service linking those drop-off and pick-up points with campus.
- Friday 6/25 & Saturday 6/26: 8:30am to 11:30pm
- Wednesday 6/30: 4:15am to 7:15pm
(Anyone arriving outside of the Western-provided van service hours can utilize local taxi service. Those riding on Airporter Shuttle can ask the shuttle driver to call a taxi for you once you arrive in Bellingham.)
Please indicate your arrival time and location when you register online for the symposium.
Into Seattle
SeaTac International Airport (SEA) is located approximately 100 miles south of Bellingham. The Airporter Shuttle offers frequent round-trip service between the airport and the Guest House Inn in Bellingham, at a round-trip cost of $60. It is highly recommended that you check out the Airporter Shuttle schedule before you book your flight, so that you have an idea of how long a wait you might have before your shuttle leaves. Information on where to find the Airporter Shuttle at the SeaTac airport can be found here.
Into Bellingham
Shuttle flights to Bellingham International Airport (BLI) are generally reasonably priced, and if you need a car while in Bellingham, there are car rental services available. If you do not arrive at the Bellingham airport while we are offering our van service mentioned above, taxi operators include AAA 24/7, and Yellow Cab.
Into Vancouver
From Vancouver International Airport (YVR), you can take the Quick Shuttle round trip for $40. It is highly recommended that you check out the Quick Shuttle schedule before you book your flight, so that you have an idea of how long a wait you might have before your shuttle leaves. Information about where to find the Quick Shuttle at the Vancouver airport can be found here.
Please remember to bring a Passport in order to cross the Canadian/American border.
By Bus or Train
Alternatively, Amtrak and Greyhound both provide service within two miles of Western’s campus, arriving in downtown Fairhaven.
Whatcom Transit Authority provides great bus coverage all over Bellingham, for $1.00 a ride, with a number of Go Lines offering service every 15 minutes. All attendees will be given printed guides to help them navigate between campus and some common destinations.
By Car
Parking
Ample parking is available in the lots directly adjacent to the Fairhaven Common Building, where the Registration & Information Desk will be located, in the Fairhaven Complex of residence halls where attendees staying in on-campus lodging will be housed.
(Note Regarding Early Arrivals: For specific information regarding checking in to on-campus housing and picking up of your parking permit and campus computer account info if you are arriving Wednedsay 6/23 or Thursday 6/24, please visit our Early Arrival page.)
A parking pass is required for parking in all Western Washington University lots during the summer months. All persons bringing a car to campus will need to purchase a $32.00 parking pass, which can be done by logging back in to the RegOnline system.
Driving Directions
From I-5 Southbound:
- Right at off ramp onto Samish Way
- Left at next light onto Bill McDonald Parkway
- Right onto College Way
- Right into gravel parking lot
- Avoid carpool and metered parking spots
From I-5 Northbound:
- Left at off ramp
- Left at next stop light (go over freeway)
- Left at second light onto Bill McDonald
- Right onto College Way
- Right into gravel parking lot
- Avoid carpool and metered parking spots
From Bellingham International Airport:
- Take Airport Way heading south
- Left onto Airport Drive
- Follow Airport Drive to I-5 South entrance
- Right onto I-5 South
- See I-5 Southbound directions above
