Getting Around Federal Way: Walkability, Public Transit & Biking

Federal Way is largely car-dependent, making it challenging for travelers relying on foot. While there are more walkable sections, such as the City Center with its retail and restaurants, these are isolated within vast parking lots and require crossing busy roads to reach other destinations. The city is working on a more cohesive downtown area around the light rail station, but current walkability is limited, especially in parts dominated by highways and big retail stores.

Federal Way's public transport is fairly decent, particularly with the presence of a transit center that connects to Seattle, Tacoma, and other regions via King County Metro, Pierce Transit, and Sound Transit Express buses, including the RapidRide A Line. Plans for a light rail starting in 2026 promise to enhance this further. However, the large superblock layout and extensive parking lots around the transit center can make accessing these transit options less pedestrian-friendly.

Federal Way provides some biking options like the BPA Trail, but it lacks comprehensive and connected infrastructure. Bike lanes begin and terminate abruptly, limiting their usefulness. While there is a Greenway Plan featuring shared lane markings on quieter residential streets, there are no dedicated or protected bike paths on major routes, making biking suitable for leisure rather than practical daily commuting due to incomplete infrastructure and traffic on main roads.