You don’t have to live in Seattle to train at Seattle Beauty Academy. Students can reach the academy at 3320 Rainier Avenue S from Bellevue, Tacoma, Kent, Renton and Everett by light rail, commuter train and bus.
The trip from Bellevue got easier in 2026, when the 2 Line light rail began crossing Lake Washington. This guide shows the most practical way to get here from each city and what to plan before you enroll.
Where the Academy Is and How to Get There
Seattle Beauty Academy is located in downtown Seattle – 3320 Rainier Avenue S, Seattle, WA 98144. King County Metro Route 7 runs along Rainier Avenue S, and both Mount Baker Station (1 Line) and Judkins Park Station (2 Line) sit on that Route 7 corridor.
Use Google Maps and the Sound Transit and Metro trip planners to check walking time and your exact route for your class start time.
Commute Options at a Glance
| From | Main option | Then | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bellevue | 2 Line light rail (opened March 28, 2026) | Ride to Judkins Park and take Route 7 south, or transfer to the 1 Line at International District/Chinatown for Mount Baker | Bellevue Downtown Station to Westlake Station takes about 25 to 28 minutes |
| Tacoma | Sounder S Line to King Street Station, or ST Express 590/594 | Walk to International District/Chinatown Station and take the 1 Line to Mount Baker | Sounder runs mainly at commute hours |
| Kent | Sounder S Line or Metro Route 150 | Same transfer as Tacoma | Part of Kent Station’s Sounder parking is closed through Jan. 1, 2027 |
| Renton | RapidRide F Line to Tukwila International Boulevard Station | 1 Line north to Mount Baker | Plan for a transfer each way |
| Everett | ST Express 510 or 512 to Link light rail, or Sounder N Line to King Street Station | 1 Line south to Mount Baker | The longest trip of the five |
From Bellevue
Bellevue has the biggest change this year. The 2 Line Crosslake Connection opened on March 28, 2026, and Bellevue Downtown Station to Westlake Station in downtown Seattle takes about 25 to 28 minutes. From there you have two ways to reach Rainier Avenue. You can ride to Judkins Park Station and take Route 7 south, or stay on the train to International District/Chinatown and transfer to the 1 Line toward Mount Baker. Try both at your class time and keep the one that fits your day.
From Tacoma
Sounder S Line trains connect Tacoma Dome Station with King Street Station in Seattle, with stops in Puyallup, Sumner, Auburn, Kent and Tukwila. King Street Station is across the street from the International District/Chinatown Station, so the transfer to the 1 Line is short. Sounder trains run mainly at commute hours, so check the current timetable against your class start and end times. ST Express routes 590 and 594 are bus alternatives between Tacoma and downtown Seattle.
From Kent
Kent is on the Sounder S Line, and Metro Route 150 connects Kent and Seattle by bus. If you plan to drive to the station, note that Sound Transit closed Kent Station’s northwest Sounder surface parking lot from March 16, 2026 through Jan. 1, 2027, so check parking before you rely on it. After you reach downtown Seattle, take the 1 Line to Mount Baker.
From Renton
The RapidRide F Line links Renton and Tukwila. At Tukwila International Boulevard Station you can board the 1 Line northbound toward Mount Baker. This route needs a transfer each way, so test it once before your first week of class.
From Everett
Everett has the longest trip, so plan carefully. ST Express routes 510 and 512 connect Everett with Link light rail, and from there the 1 Line runs south to Mount Baker. The Sounder N Line also runs between Everett and King Street Station, mainly at commute hours. Whichever you choose, check the first and last departures against your class schedule.
Planning Your Commute Before You Enroll
- Test the trip at class time. Ride the route once at the hour you would travel, including a rush-hour run.
- Check commuter train hours. Sounder timetables change by season, and the current S Line schedule runs Aug. 28, 2026 through March 28, 2027.
- Ask about class days and hours. Schedules vary by program, so ask admissions how many days a week you would attend.
- Ask about parking. If you plan to drive, confirm where students park.
- Budget for transit. Add fares or parking to your tuition budget, and check Sound Transit and Metro for current fares and discounts.
- Look at flexible options. Working students can read our guide to flexible esthetics programs in Seattle.
Is the Commute Worth It?
For many students it is, because the academy offers a wide range of programs in one place: cosmetology, hair design, barber, manicure, esthetics, master esthetics and instructor training. Classes use small class sizes and live client practice, and Washington’s CareerBridge listing shows classes offered in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Some programs, including cosmetology and esthetics, appear on Washington’s Eligible Training Provider List. Ask admissions which programs qualify and whether you may be eligible for workforce funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I attend without a car? Many students use transit. Rainier Avenue S is a major bus corridor, and light rail stations are nearby. If you plan to drive instead, ask admissions about parking.
Can I study part-time or in the evening? Schedules vary by program, so ask admissions what is available for the program you want. Our guide to flexible esthetics programs explains what to look for.
Can I train in Spanish or Vietnamese? Yes. Seattle Beauty Academy offers programs for Spanish-speaking and Vietnamese-speaking students. Ask which languages are available for your program.
Visit Before You Decide
The best way to judge the commute is to try it. Call us at 206-722-3877 – 206-498-5743 , email admissions@seattlebeautyacademy.com, or contact us to ask about class schedules, parking and visiting the academy.