Major city · United States
Ellensburg
Spend a day in Ellensburg to see the university, museums and rodeo; add a night if you want a relaxed pace or attend a weekend event.
Ellensburg is a small college town in central Washington. Its main attractions—Central Washington University campus, Kittitas County Historical Museum, Clymer Museum, and the annual rodeo—fit comfortably into a half‑day. Add an overnight stay for a relaxed visit or to catch the Labor‑Day rodeo.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- check
- avoid check
- Airport
- Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)
- Nights
- 1
About Ellensburg
Ellensburg is a city of about 21,000 people in the North Central Cascades of Washington State. It sits at the meeting point of Interstates 90 and 82, roughly 110 miles east of Seattle and 170 miles west of Spokane, with US 97 running north toward Wenatchee and the Canadian border. Central Washington University is based here, and its ten thousand undergraduates nearly outnumber the rest of the town's residents. The city is also known for the Ellensburg Rodeo.
The town is compact enough to cross on foot in under an hour, and road is the only practical way in, since there is no air or rail service. Buses connect it to Seattle, Spokane, Yakima and other regional towns.
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
See
What is worth your time in Ellensburg.
- Central Washington University — The campus enrolls about ten thousand undergraduates, close to the number of other residents in town.
- Kittitas County Historical Museum — It holds over 9,000 square feet of displays on the county's history in the historic Cadwell Building downtown, with free entry.
- Clymer Museum & Gallery — This is Ellensburg's art museum, on N Pearl Street near 5th.
- Olmstead Place State Park — The 217-acre park keeps farm houses, barns and outbuildings as a museum of 19th-century pioneer farm life.
- Dick and Jane's Spot — A private home whose house and yard are covered in art; it can be viewed from outside the fence but not entered.
Eat and drink
Specialities of this place.
- Campus U-Tote-Em — An old-school counter-service nook known for burgers, sandwiches, fries and shakes.
- El Caporal II — A laid-back Mexican place with margaritas, tacos and enchiladas.
- The Palace Cafe — A long-standing cafe serving American food under tin ceilings in a 1908 brick storefront.
- D&M Coffee — Locally roasted coffee sold at five locations around town, including a downtown shop and a drive-thru.
Events
- Jazz in the Valley — A three-day festival on the last weekend of July with over 23 jazz artists in 10 intimate venues, all within walking distance.July
- Ellensburg Rodeo — Held over Labor Day weekend, usually the first week of September; established in 1923, it regularly draws more than 600 contestants.September
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Ellensburg911 ▾
- Police/Fire/Ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Ellensburg, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyA small, low-crime college town; the main risks are winter ice on I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass and long gaps between services on US-97 north…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police/fire/ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportSEA Seattle-Tacoma International (About 110 mi (1 h 38 min) west via I-90; BellAir Airporter shuttle to Ellensburg…
- Getting aroundThe town is walkable in under an hour.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee (café)check
- BeerBeer (draft, bar)check
- Budget bedBudget motel room, a night, per roomUS$70
- Mid-range bedBudget motel room, a night, per roomUS$90
- High-end bedBudget motel room, a night, per roomUS$130
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$60 · Mid US$100 · High US$180
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- SEA Seattle-Tacoma International (About 110 mi (1 h 38 min) west via I-90; BellAir Airporter shuttle to Ellensburg, advance reservation required for some pick-ups and drop-offs.)
Map of Ellensburg
Where it is, and the guides within about 120 km.
- Ellensburg
- Basic guide
Directions in Google Maps · Apple Maps
Guides nearby
- Cle Elum · 37 km straight line
- Yakima · 44 km straight line
- Wenatchee · 50 km straight line
- East Wenatchee · 51 km straight line
- Cashmere · 58 km straight line
- Wapato · 62 km straight line
- Leavenworth · 67 km straight line
- Zillah · 69 km straight line
Weather and climate
Ellensburg: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
9 rd
Feb
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
7 rd
Mar
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
7 rd
Apr
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
6 rd
May
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
6 rd
Jun
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
5 rd
Jul
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
3 rd
Aug
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
3 rd
Sep
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
4 rd
Oct
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
7 rd
Nov
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
10 rd
Dec
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
10 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town is walkable in under an hour. Local bus (Ellensburg Central Transit) connects downtown, the university and major hotels. Most visitors drive via I‑90.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: check
US-97 north over Blewett Pass
Source gives the route but no distance or drive time; check before setting out.
Door to door: About 3 h
US-97 north, about 160 mi (3 h drive)
Long drive; consider an overnight if you want to explore.
Door to door: check
Kittitas County Connector shuttle, free
Shuttle also serves Kittitas, Ronald and Roslyn; check times.
Door to door: check
I-90 west
Winter ice and closures on the pass; check conditions before you drive.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Downtown Ellensburg
Walkable base near the museums, shops and restaurants; check current listings and rates.
Near the I-90 exits
Practical for drivers arriving late or leaving early; check current listings and rates.
Near Central Washington University
Campus-side base on E 10th and University Way; check current listings and rates.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $60–90 excl. bed
- Mid
- $90–140 excl. bed
- High
- $140+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Budget motel room1 × 1 night × US$90 | US$90 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$100 | US$200 |
| Greyhound or FlixBus to Seattle2 × US$45 · check | US$90 |
| eSIM data, one week2 × US$25 · check | US$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$43 |
| Trip total≈ US$237 per person per day, bed included | US$473 |
check
Amounts are check: the supplied sources give no room rates, daily spend or fares. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee (café) | check |
| Beer (draft, bar) | check |
| Burger (fast-food style) | check |
| Greyhound or FlixBus to Seattle | check |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No rail or airport service; arrive by car or intercity bus.
- Bus schedules are limited on weekends; check times in advance.
Emergency numbers
- Police/Fire/Ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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EllensburgEllensburg
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police/Fire/Ambulance911
Embassy
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Greyhound or FlixBus, Ellensburg ↔ Seattle: check
- Ellensburg Central Transit local bus: check
- Kittitas County Connector shuttle: free
Say or show
- Excuse me / Sorry — Excuse me / Sorry
- How much is this? — How much is this?
- Where is the restroom? — Where is the restroom?
Ellensburg is a safe small town; standard US precautions apply.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Ellensburg. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: check · avoid check · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 2 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
Ask about Ellensburg
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