Join us for the big race on Sunday, May 7, 2023! Every year, an estimated one-fourth of the runners and spectators coming to Bloomsday use Spokane Transit, either by riding an express Bloomsday shuttle or by regular bus service. Downtown Spokane is a very hectic place during the race and many streets are closed to regular traffic. STA Plaza is within the area that is closed and an alternate location is used downtown as a temporary transfer point each year during the race. Spokane Transit also provides express shuttle service directly from various locations outside the downtown core.
Backpack Restrictions
The Bloomsday Run forbids backpacks at the starting line, on the course, and at the finish line. For security reasons, only clear plastic bags and clear plastic string bags are acceptable. See Bloomsday’s website for more information.
Bloomsday Tradeshow
Visit STA at the Bloomsday Tradeshow at the Convention Center on Friday, May 5, and Saturday, May 6 to purchase your Bloomsday Sticker Pass and get the answers to your race-day questions.
Get Your STA Bloomsday Pass
The $2.00 STA Bloomsday Pass is good all day on the entire STA bus system. Youth 18 and younger ride free.
Purchasing When Registering for Bloomsday
If you purchased an STA Bloomsday Pass when you registered for the race, it will be printed on your race number. (STA passes purchased during online registration will be noted with an “STA” on the name sticker on your Bloomsday race number.)
Purchasing at the Bloomsday Tradeshow
Stop by STA’s booth at the Bloomsday Tradeshow located at the Spokane Convention Center to purchase your sticker pass and adhere it to your race number. STA Bloomsday Sticker Passes are not sold at STA Plaza or on race day.
Purchasing Fares on the Bus
Forget to buy your Sticker Pass before race day? You can still pay as you board the bus. Please have the exact fare ready. Drivers are unable to give change. The fare is $2.00 each way, or use any valid fare card such as your Connect card. Youth 18 and under ride free.
Return Trip Without Your Race Number You can reboard the shuttle for the return trip, even if your race number has been turned in for a T-shirt.
Bloomsday Paratransit Service
STA Paratransit service is available on Bloomsday for individuals with existing eligibility status. Regular fares apply. Paratransit will drop off and pick up customers at Fire Station #1, located on Browne and Riverside and at the Flour Mill at 621 W. Mallon. For reservations call 328-1552 (TTY 711).
Helpful Tips
- Youth 18 and under ride free.
- Strollers are accepted on buses if they can be folded. Please plan to arrive early if you are boarding with a stroller.
- Backpacks are allowed on the bus, but Bloomsday’s race rules FORBID backpacks on the racecourse. See Bloomsday’s website for more information.
- Public restrooms are open at STA Plaza on race day.
Express Shuttles
Five conveniently located Bloomsday Express Shuttle Lots are available: Northtown Mall, Spokane Valley Mall, Ferris High School, Cheney/EWU and the West Plains Transit Center.
Buses board at the Express Shuttle Lots from 6:20 am to 8:30 am. Please plan to arrive at your bus two hours before your race time. Note the downtown location where you are dropped off. This is the same location where you will board for your return trip up until 2:00 pm.
Buses return to the Express Shuttle Lots between 10:30 am and 2:00 pm. After 2:00 pm, use regular bus service.*
Select Your Shuttle Lot
Northtown
Board/return on Lidgerwood near Wellesley
Use regular bus Rt. 25 to return to Northtown Mall after 2:00 pm.* Runs every 30 minutes. Last departure: 9:20 pm.
Valley Mall
Line up near Red Robin to board.
Use regular bus Rt. 90 to return to the Valley Mall after 2:00 pm.* Transfer to Rt. 95 at the VTC. Last Rt. 90 departure for Rt. 95 transfer is 6:35 pm. Transfer to the #97 at the VTC. Last Rt. 90 departure for Rt. 97 transfer is 6:35 pm.
Ferris High School
Board/return near 37th and Regal on the north side of the school.
Use regular bus Rt. 43 to return to Ferris High School after 2:00 pm.* Last departure: 7:35 pm. Route 4SB also serves Ferris H.S. Thirty-minute service. Last departure: 9:10 pm.
Cheney/Red Barn
Board/return at Washington & 7th St. in Cheney
Use regular bus #6 to return to Cheney after 2:00 pm.* Runs hourly. Last departure: 8:37 pm.
West Plains Transit Center
Line up at the WPTC bus stops to board.
Use regular bus Rt. 6 to return to the West Plains Transit Center after 2:00 pm. * Board Rt. 6 at the Alternate Bays on Howard just south of 2nd Avenue until 4:00 pm. After 4:00 pm, buses leave Bay 10 at :37 after the hour. Last departure: 7:37 pm.
Express Shuttle Downtown Drop-off/Pick-up Bays
Alternate Loading Bays for Regular Bus Service During Bloomsday
The maps below indicate the temporary loading bays that will be in place on Sunday, May 7th until 4:00 pm.
West Plains Bus Service on Bloomsday
Along with regularly scheduled service on Rt. 61, STA will run two additional early inbound trips through Airway Heights and down Sunset Hill.
Early Trip – Rt #61, Later Trip – Rt #60
| Fairchild AFB | 7:06 am | |
| Spokane Tribe Casino | 7:09 am | |
| Airway Heights Yoke’s | 7:40 am | 7:12 am |
| Northern Quest | 7:47 am | 7:20 am |
| Airport | 7:56 am | |
| Sunset & Rustle | 8:03 am | 7:30 am |
| 2nd Ave. & Spruce | 8:08 am | 7:36 am |
Off to the Race!
Extra buses load passengers at the top of Sunset Hill. (Econo Lodge, Motel 6, and Red Lion – wait at the shelter on the south side of Sunset at Rustle. Hampton Inn – wait at the stop on the south side of Sunset at Assembly. Board any inbound bus for service to downtown.)
Heading Back
To catch a return bus before 4:00 pm, board Rt. 61 Highway 2 on Howard between 2nd and 3rd (which is the same location you were dropped off). The last departure from this alternate bay is 3:20 pm. After 4:00 pm, go to STA Plaza and catch the regular Rt. 61 Highway 2 in Bay 12. The last trip departs Plaza at 8:20 pm.
* To use the regular bus service before 4:00 pm, board the bus at the alternate bays at 3rd Avenue and Howard (eastbound) or 2nd Avenue and Howard (westbound). See STA Alternate Bays map for details. After 4:00 pm, buses will resume boarding at STA Plaza. Consult your bus schedule for loading bays.
