Park & ride Motorist's Choice

Olds Station Park & Ride – Penny Rd, Wenatchee, WA 98801, Washington

★ 4.5 (15 reviews)

About this Location

Facility Overview

The Olds Station Park & Ride is the primary multimodal commuter transit and carpooling hub in north Wenatchee, Washington. Situated along Penny Road near the intersection with Euclid Avenue and Chester Kimm Road, this expansive public facility is owned and managed by Link Transit. Built as an open-air surface lot offering approximately 242 marked parking stalls, the facility features wide drive aisles, generous turning radiuses, and designated pedestrian sidewalks connecting vehicle stalls to covered passenger waiting shelters.

Because the facility is an entirely open-air asphalt lot without overhead parking deck structures, there are virtually no vertical vehicle height restrictions. Standard sedans, compact crossovers, heavy-duty pickup trucks, full-size SUVs, high-roof work vans, and dual-rear-wheel trucks can park comfortably within designated standard and oversize bays. The lack of height barriers also makes it accommodating for utility utility vehicles and vehicles fitted with ski racks, bicycle carriers, or rooftop cargo boxes.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Nestled in the bustling Olds Station commercial and industrial district, this park-and-ride lot serves as the gateway connecting Wenatchee to upper Chelan County, the Wenatchee River Valley, and the Columbia River corridor. Major nearby venues and attractions include:

  • Wenatchee Confluence State Park & the Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail: Located just under 1.5 miles to the east (approx. 4-minute drive or short bike ride), offering riverfront trails, camping, and boat ramps where the Wenatchee and Columbia Rivers meet.
  • Town Toyota Center: Situated about 2 miles south along Euclid Avenue/Penny Road (approx. 5 minutes by car or direct bus), home to major concerts, ice shows, trade expos, and Wenatchee Wild hockey games.
  • Bavarian Village of Leavenworth: Positioned roughly 22 miles west via US-2; travelers regularly leave their cars here to board Link Transit Route 22 for festival and holiday access without the headache of Leavenworth street parking.
  • Wenatchee Valley College: Located approximately 3.5 miles south, readily accessible via connecting transit routes.
  • Local Commerce & Dining: Directly adjacent to local businesses, logistics parks, the North Central Washington Skill Center, and casual restaurants along Penny Road and Euclid Avenue.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Arriving at and departing from Olds Station Park & Ride is simple and intuitive. The facility features direct ingress and egress points along Penny Road, positioned just moments from the junctions of US Highway 2, US Highway 97, and State Route 97A. This premier junction provides immediate north-south and east-west highway mobility without having to navigate congested downtown city streets.

As a key transit hub for Link Transit, the site features dedicated bus loading bays and sheltered stops. Several vital transit routes serve the lot, including Route 8 (connecting Miller Street and Olds Station), Route 18 (serving Wenatchee Valley College and East Wenatchee), Route 21 (heading north toward Entiat and Manson/Lake Chelan), Route 22 (intercity link to Cashmere and Leavenworth), and Route 28. In addition, Link Transit operates entirely zero-fare across the regional network, allowing motorists to park here for free and travel regionally without bus fares. The hub is also utilized as a passenger pickup point for regional and intercity motorcoach services like Greyhound.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

  • 100% Free Public Parking: Zero parking fees or permits required for daily commuters, carpoolers, and transit riders.
  • Electric Vehicle Charging: Four dual-port Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations (accommodating up to 8 EVs simultaneously).
  • Accessible Stalls: Clearly marked ADA accessible parking stalls conveniently positioned near transit boarding islands and sheltered waiting zones.
  • Modern Transit Shelters: Weather-protected passenger waiting shelters equipped with route maps, timetable boards, and bench seating.
  • Safety & Visibility: High-mast overhead lot illumination for evening safety, clear directional pavement markings, and regular municipal transit monitoring.
  • Open Layout: Surface lot design with no low-clearance garages, allowing easy parking for high-profile vehicles.

Ideal For

  • Daily Commuters & Carpoolers: Drivers ridesharing into downtown Wenatchee, East Wenatchee, or industrial employment centers across Chelan and Douglas counties.
  • Leavenworth Day-Trippers & Festivalgoers: Visitors seeking to bypass peak Bavarian Village holiday parking by taking the direct Link Transit Route 22 shuttle.
  • Town Toyota Center Attendees: Event patrons parking outside the congested venue perimeter and utilizing connecting local transit or quick rideshares.
  • Electric Vehicle Drivers: EV commuters looking to top off their battery at Level 2 chargers while working or exploring the valley.
  • Outdoor Enthusiasts: Bicyclists and runners staging near the junction to link up with the Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail.

Visitor & Driver Tips

To ensure a smooth experience at Olds Station Park & Ride, keep the following driver tips in mind:

  • Arrive Early on Festival Days: During major events such as the Leavenworth Autumn Leaf Festival, Oktoberfest, or the Leavenworth Village of Lights, commuter lot occupancy and Leavenworth-bound buses fill up rapidly; aim to park before 8:30 AM.
  • EV Charging Availability: The EV charging cords can experience peak demand on weekday mornings. Check live station status on PlugShare before arrival and kindly move your vehicle once charging is complete.
  • Overnight Parking Guidelines: Link Transit facilities are designed for daily commuter and transit passenger use; extended multi-day parking without transit-related travel should be avoided.
  • Take Advantage of Zero-Fare Transit: Link Transit operates entirely fare-free, so you do not need cash, tokens, or tickets to board buses originating from the facility.
  • Navigation Address: For GPS mapping, input 327 Penny Rd, Wenatchee, WA 98801, or look for the official Link Transit Olds Station Park & Ride highway signage off US-2 / US-97.
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