Washington State Fair logo

Stress Less With the Fair Express!

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smiling girl driving bumper car with text above: "the only car you'll need"

Ride the Pierce Transit Fair Express

September 4 – 27, 2026

Closed Tuesdays & September 9

It’s that time of year again for the Washington State Fair in Puyallup and we’re helping you get there with the Fair Express! The Fair Express offers a convenient way to park for free and catch a ride all the way to the Blue Gate. The service runs every day the Fair is open, starting at 9 a.m. with the last bus departing at 11 p.m. Regular bus fares apply.

Riding the Fair Express is as easy as 1-2-3!

Pierce Transit also offers some alternative options to get to the Fair.

1. Plan Your Trip

Where to Go

Riders can park for free at the following locations to catch the Fair Express:

Board the Fair Express at Bay 1.

 

Lakewood Station with Fair Express boarding in Bay 1

Board the Fair Express at Zone I.

SR 512 Park & Ride with Fair Express boarding in Zone I

 

Board the Fair Express at Bay 3.

South Hill Park & Ride map with Fair Express boarding in Bay 3

 

You can also transfer from a local bus to South Hill Mall Transit Center.

Fisher scone
map of Fair Express Route originating at either Lakewood Station or South Hill Mall Transit Center and traveling to State Fair (Blue Gate)

When to Ride

The Fair Express runs every 30 minutes. The first trip starts at 9 a.m.

Lakewood Station and SR 512 P&R

To State Fair – Blue Gate
Return Trip

South Hill Mall TC and South Hill P&R

To State Fair – Blue Gate
Return Trip
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Transit App on mobile screen

Real Time/Customer Service Info

How to Get Back

Ride the Fair Express back from the Blue Gate.

The last trip leaves at 11 p.m.

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2. Pay Your Fare

Fair Express fares are the same as bus fares. Pay with an ORCA card, Transit app, All Day Pass, Monthly/30 Day Pass, Tap to Pay or exact cash (farebox does not issue change.)

Adult

for ages 19-64
Full Fare
Pay with ORCA LIFT

One Ride
$2
$1

All Day Local*
$5
$2

Discounted**

for ages 65+, individuals with disabilities or Medicare card holders

One Ride
$1

All Day Local*
$2

Youth

for ages 18 and under

All Rides
FREE
white goat with text beside "fair express is the G.O.A.T."

*Valid until 2:59 a.m. (end of service day)
**Must show Regional Reduced Fare Permit

3. Enjoy Your Ride

That’s all there is to it! Want more information about riding the bus? Visit PierceTransit.org/how-to-ride.

Alternative Rides

Other Routes Near the Fair

Pierce Transit does not serve bus stops for local routes on Meridian Ave between 7th Ave and 15th Ave for the duration of the Fair.

The following Pierce Transit routes serve stops near the Washington State Fair Event Center:

Route 4 Lakewood - South Hill
Route 400 Puyallup - Tacoma

Note: Route 400 runs Monday – Friday only

Route 402 Meridian
Route 409 Puyallup - 72nd St

SHUTTLE

Pierce Transit specialized transportation is available for registered Pierce Transit SHUTTLE customers, during normal SHUTTLE service hours. To schedule your trip, call (253)581-8000, option 1, then option 1 again, one to five days in advance.

smiling girl holding a rabbit with text beside, "hop on board!"