The 2nd International Workshop on AI-Empowered Industry Applications

A focused two-day forum connecting AI research with practical industrial deployment.

July 11-12, 2026

Bellevue, Washington, USA

Transportation

Transportation guidance for reaching WeWork Bellevue Place in downtown Bellevue, Washington.

Overview

Bellevue, situated in the heart of the Greater Seattle metropolitan area, offers excellent transportation connectivity for domestic and international participants. The city serves as a premier technology and business hub on the U.S. West Coast, with seamless access to global destinations through the region's comprehensive transportation network.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) serves as the primary gateway, offering extensive domestic and international connections across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Participants can also utilize ground transportation options including Link light rail, regional buses, rideshare, taxis, and rental cars. The ORCA transit system provides integrated fare payment across regional transit services.

Primary Arrival Airport

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the recommended arrival airport for this workshop.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

SEA to Venue Route More Route Info

  • Airport code: SEA
  • Why recommended: closest major international airport to Bellevue with the most direct ground access.
  • Estimated travel time to venue: about 30-45 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
  • Location: approximately 15 miles (24 km) southwest of Bellevue.

From SEA to Bellevue

If traveling by plane, participants will typically arrive at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), located approximately 15 miles (24 km) southwest of Bellevue. To reach WeWork Bellevue Place from the airport, the following options are available:

  • Taxi / Rideshare: direct service to the venue typically takes about 25-40 minutes depending on traffic. Designated pickup zones are located on the 3rd floor of the parking garage.
  • Link Light Rail + Bus: take the Sound Transit Link Light Rail northbound to University Street Station in downtown Seattle, then transfer to Metro bus Route 271 or 550 eastbound to Bellevue. The venue is within walking distance of Bellevue Transit Center.
  • Airport Shuttle: shared-ride shuttle services may provide door-to-door transportation between SEA Airport and downtown Bellevue properties. Advance reservation is recommended.
  • Rental Car: major rental agencies are available at SEA. A common route is via I-405 North to NE 8th Street exit, then east to Bellevue Way NE.

Alternative Route from Canada (via YVR)

For participants considering travel through Canada, reaching Bellevue via Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is a feasible alternative, though it requires additional planning.

Vancouver International Airport

YVR to Venue Route Vancouver Driving Route

Route Overview

  • Driving distance: approximately 145 miles (230 km).
  • Estimated driving time: about 2.5 to 3 hours under normal traffic conditions, but longer when border delays occur.
  • Border crossing: typically via Peace Arch (I-5) or Pacific Highway (Hwy 15) land ports of entry.

Important Considerations

  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection: all travelers must clear U.S. immigration and customs at the land border. Wait times are highly variable and may range from 15 minutes to more than 2 hours during peak periods.
  • Planning time: allow at least 4-5 hours total travel time from YVR to Bellevue to account for border delays and traffic.

Documentation Requirements

  • Valid passport and appropriate U.S. visa or ESTA authorization, when applicable.
  • Completed EVUS enrollment for travelers who are subject to that requirement.
  • Valid Canadian visa or eTA, if required for entry into Canada.

Vehicle Rental

  • Confirm with the rental company that cross-border travel into the United States is permitted.
  • Ask about cross-border fees and insurance coverage for U.S. driving.
  • Carry any written rental authorization required for presentation to border officers.

Recommendation: this route is best suited for travelers who find significantly lower airfares to Vancouver, wish to visit Canada before or after the workshop, or already possess valid Canadian travel documentation. For direct access to the workshop venue, flying directly to SEA remains the most straightforward option.

Arrival by Rail

For participants traveling by train, King Street Station in Seattle serves as the region's Amtrak hub, offering connections along the Amtrak Cascades corridor linking Vancouver, BC, Seattle, and Portland, as well as Coast Starlight service.

  • Transit route: from King Street Station, continue by Link light rail toward downtown Seattle, then transfer to Metro bus Route 271 or 550 to Bellevue Transit Center.
  • Taxi / Rideshare: direct service from King Street Station to WeWork Bellevue Place typically takes about 15-25 minutes.

Local Notes

WeWork Bellevue Place is conveniently located in downtown Bellevue near Bellevue Transit Center, offering immediate access to regional bus routes and surrounding transportation services.

  • Ride-share and taxi services are widely available from SEA, downtown Seattle, and throughout Bellevue.
  • The ORCA system provides integrated fare payment across buses, light rail, and other regional transit services.
  • The venue is located in downtown Bellevue within walking distance of restaurants, shopping, and business centers.
  • Save the venue address in your map app in advance: 800 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004.

Travel Tips

  • Plan extra time for peak-hour traffic in the Seattle-Bellevue corridor.
  • Check current transportation conditions and border wait times before departure.
  • Keep your workshop address and contact details readily available during travel.