Need help getting to and from your VA? We can help. VA offers Veterans many travel solutions to and from their VA health care facilities.
Shuttle service between Seattle and American Lake VA Medical Centers
Shuttle services pick up and drop off Veterans, accompanying care givers, and employees from:
- Seattle: at the hospital front entrance (building 100)
- American Lake: at the bus stop in front of building 81, across from building 8
Shuttle services depart both locations at the following times. Trip durations may last 1 hour and 30 minutes during heavy traffic periods. Times and routing can change due to traffic collisions.
- 6:30 a.m. PT
- 8:30 a.m. PT
- 11:00 a.m. PT
- 1:00 p.m. PT
- 3:00 p.m. PT
- 4:45 p.m. PT
DAV Volunteer Transportation Network (VTN)
A courtesy service for Veterans not eligible for Beneficiary Travel or NVTP. Operated with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) using DAV-donated vehicles driven by VA Puget Sound volunteers.
Service areas include:
- Aberdeen
- Bellingham
- Bremerton
- Grays Harbor
- Oak Harbor
- Port Angeles
- Seattle
- Tacoma
**Trips must be scheduled at least TWO WEEKS in advance and depend on driver availability.
Riders must be able to walk (walkers allowed), need minimal assistance, and be mentally alert if traveling alone.
To schedule or cancel a trip:
American Lake
Seattle
Learn more about DAV and the other van services available in your county
Special Mode Transport
For Veterans needing special transport to appointment call the Beneficiary Travel Dispatcher at (press option #2).
Beneficiary travel
Beneficiary travel benefits include round-trip transportation from your home to the medical center, mileage reimbursement, or special mode transport. Find out if you qualify for beneficiary travel benefits
Beneficiary travel services are located in building 100 at the main entrance lobby, or by phone at 206-764-2120
Lodging program related van service
For patients and caregivers in fully furnished lodging, the lodging program will provide either a shuttle to and from the medical center or taxi service to and from medical appointments.
If the veteran is a Medicaid recipient, please have case managers or clients call Paratransit:
- Kitsap County: or
- Pierce County:
- Thurston, Lewis, Mason, Pacific or Grays Harbor County:
- All Counties – Hearing Impaired: TTY
- Web page is Transportation — Paratransit Services
- Requests for service must be submitted at least two (2) business days in advance.
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There are two types of Medicaid. If the client or case manager is unsure of what they have, please use numbers above. Paratransit will be able to check in their system.
Veterans with a disability (permanent or temporary) that hinders them from using fixed route services on public transportation may apply for a SHUTTLE at:
Metro Transit This process takes about 21 days to hear back.
Public transportation
Access Transportation – King County Metro provides local bus service via routes 36 and 50 to the medical center. They also provide King County Metro’s Access Transportation service provides PARATRANSIT rides for individuals with disabilities who cannot use traditional transit options. Operates accessible vans transport riders to local destinations with King County METRO’s service area. To request assistance, contact the Access Call Center Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. (press option #4)
Hopelink Transportation Services.
Hopelink provides support services to low-income people, immigrants, refugees, and people with disabilities in north and east King county for medical appointments, daily needs, and community involvement. Hopelink Transportation covers all of King County and extends into Snohomish County. Programs include DART Transit, Medicaid Transportation, Mobility Management, which offers services such as Community to and from the medical center or taxi service to and from medical Van and Find a Ride. For more information www.hopelink.org/programs/transportation/
National Veterans Transportation Program(NVTP)
Rides are first-come, first-served and typically fill up three weeks in advance. Request a ride through your VA care provider or call the Travel Office Call Center at (option #4), schedule online at www.vetride.va.gov or contact PUGHASTRAVELSUPERVISORS@va.gov
Highly Rural Transportation Grants
Highly Rural Transportation Grants are provided to many Veteran Service Organizations and State Veteran Service Agencies to support transportation services for Veterans in highly rural areas. These grants are available in counties that have fewer than seven people per square mile. So be sure to check with your local Veteran Service Organizations as they may offer transportation services to meet your need.
Additional Links
https://www.findaride.org/tripplanner
https://www.ccam-tac.org/community-transportation-database/
https://ridesinsight.org/
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