Transportation
The Wenatchee Valley Transportation Council addresses the transportation issues facing the Valley. The WVTC is a local governmental entity charged with the responsibility to guide regional transportation planning in the Wenatchee Valley. Working with local and state agencies, this group looks at the short and long-range transportation plans for the area and their impact on economic development and freight mobility. For more information regarding the WVTC call (509) 663-9059.
Regional Highway Access
Wenatchee is at the crossroads of three major highways: U.S. Highway 2 provides a westbound connection to Seattle and Everett, and Eastbound to Spokane. U.S. Highway 97 connects with Ellensburg and Yakima to the South and Chelan and Okanogan to the North. State Route 28 provides direct access to Quincy, Ephrata, and Moses Lake.
Air Travel
Pangborn Memorial Airport is the region’s major commercial airport jointly owned by the Ports of Chelan and Douglas counties. A new terminal was opened in 1992 to provide better service to the commuter traffic and airfreight business. Horizon Air provides frequent commuter air services. Pangborn also provides for air freight (Fed Ex and UPS), charter air services (Executive Flight), charter and flight instruction (Wings of Wenatchee), and is the base for the Wenatchee National Forest Service fire cache and communication center, as well as more than 126 corporate and private aircraft. For more information visit www.pangbornairport.com or call (509) 884-2494 x6.
Central Washington Helicopter – 509.665.0257
Public Transportation
Since 1991, Link Transit has provided public transportation to residents and visitors in Chelan and Douglas Counties. Link Transit operates 14 fixed routes with approximately 45 accessible vehicles. Communities all along the Columbia and Wenatchee Rivers are served, from Leavenworth to Wenatchee and to Lake Chelan, Manson, and Waterville. Replica trolleys operate in downtown Wenatchee and East Wenatchee, Cashmere, Leavenworth, Chelan and Manson. Trolley fares are 50¢. Paratransit service is provided to ADA-eligible individuals.
Link routes serve most schools, including Wenatchee Valley College, major medical facilities, shopping centers, and major employment centers. Link Transit operates Monday through Friday, from 5 AM until 8 PM, with shorter service hours on Saturday. SkiLink service is offered weekends and holidays to Mission Ridge Ski Area from December until April. All fixed route buses are equipped with bicycle racks year round.
Fares vary depending on the distance traveled. Day passes are available for purchase on the bus, and cost either $1 or $2. Monthly passes are available for $15 for a one-zone pass or $20 for a two-zone pass. Schedules and routes are available on-line at www.linktransit.com or by calling Guest Services at 662-1155.
Rail
Amtrak service is available with one passenger train daily to Seattle, Spokane and points beyond. Burlington Northern’s mainline passes through Wenatchee with up to 21 freight trains daily.
Amtrak – 800.872.7245
Buses
Trailways – 509.662.2183
Appleline Buses – 360.62.2183
Motor Freight
Fifteen common carriers, general freight and local independent firms serve the area.
Private Transportation
Several forms of private transportation are also available in the Wenatchee Valley.