Lois Larson
Getting to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (also known as Sea-Tac Airport) is easy, with a range of transport options available. The cheapest way to get to the airport is the Sound Transit light rail, which runs between the airport and Westlake Centre downtown. The light rail takes between 30 and 38 minutes and costs $2.25-$3. Alternatively, you can take a bus, taxi, ride-hailing or ride-sharing service, shuttle van, or drive and park at the airport or a nearby lot.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | 20 miles south of the University of Washington and 15 miles south of Downtown Seattle |
| Public Transit | Link Light Rail from Airport to Downtown |
| Light Rail Cost | $2.25 to $3 |
| Light Rail Duration | 38 minutes |
| Light Rail Frequency | Every 8-10 minutes |
| Shuttle Services | Shuttle Express, Airporter Shuttle |
| Taxi Services | STITA Taxi, Yellow Cab, Orange Cab |
| Rideshare Services | Uber, Lyft |
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What You'll Learn
Take the Link light rail
Taking the Link light rail is a convenient and affordable way to get to and from Seattle-Tacoma (Sea-Tac) International Airport. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate your journey:
Finding Your Way to the Light Rail Station:
When you arrive at Sea-Tac Airport, make your way to the arrivals hall or baggage claim area. From there, follow the signs directing you to the Link Light Rail station. The station is located a short walk from the terminal, on the far side of the parking garage.
Purchasing Tickets:
Before boarding the light rail, you need to purchase a ticket at the station. The cost of a ticket is typically around $2.25 to $3.00 for adults, depending on your boarding location. You can pay using cash or a credit/debit card, and if you have an ORCA card, you can use that as well.
Boarding the Light Rail:
Once you have your ticket, proceed to the platform and board the Link Light Rail train. The trains depart frequently, usually every 8-10 minutes or every 15 minutes, so you won't have to wait long. The light rail will take you directly to downtown Seattle, with several stops along the way.
Reaching Your Final Destination:
The light rail offers convenient connections to various parts of the city. It takes approximately 38 minutes to reach Westlake Station in the heart of downtown Seattle. Other stops include International District, Pioneer Square, University Street, and Westlake, allowing you to access different areas of the city with ease.
Additional Tips:
- If you have mobility concerns or need wheelchair assistance, be sure to arrange for services in advance by contacting the airport.
- The light rail option is generally not recommended if you have a late arrival or are travelling with a significant amount of luggage.
- If you need to get to the University District, you can consider using the Shuttle Express service, which offers direct transportation to the campus and other locations in the area.
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Jump on a bus
If you're heading to Sea-Tac Airport, jumping on a bus is a great option. Several bus lines serve the airport, including the 161, 560, A LINE, 574, 156, SEATAC SHUTTLE, GREYHOUND US0510S, FLIXBUS 2110, FLIXBUS N2111, FLIXBUS 2115, FLIXBUS 2120, and 124. The King County Metro bus stops for routes that serve the airport are located on International Boulevard (State Highway 99) and South 176th Street, near the Sea-Tac/Airport Link Light Rail station.
To get to the bus stops from the airport, take the walkway through the north end of the fourth floor of the Airport Parking Garage to the Sound Transit Link Light Rail Station and exit to International Boulevard. You can also exit to International Boulevard via the elevator or stairs on the west side of the station.
If you're coming from the arrivals hall, follow the signs for the Link Light Rail. The station is a short walk from the terminal on the far side of the parking garage. Tickets are $2.50 and can be purchased with cash or card at the station before boarding.
If you're looking for a bus that will take you directly to the airport, Shuttle Express offers an easy and direct transportation service from the airport to any Seattle destination. They serve the University District, campus, dorms, and hotels. You can reserve a trip by calling (425) 981-7000 or making a reservation on their website. For a return trip to the airport, be sure to book at least 24 hours in advance.
Additionally, Airporter Shuttle/Bellair Charters offers a round-trip service between Sea-Tac Airport, downtown Seattle, and the Anacortes ferry terminal. This service requires reservations and departs from Door 00 next to baggage carousel #1.
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Ride in a taxi
If you're travelling to or from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), you can opt for a taxi service for a seamless and stress-free experience.
Booking a Taxi
Several taxi services, like Seattle Taxi, Seatac Taxi, and Seattle Yellow Cab, offer online booking through their websites or mobile apps. You can also make a reservation over the phone. Seattle Airport Taxi Service and Seattle Yellow Cab are available for bookings and queries 24/7.
Taxi Services
Taxi services to and from the airport are available 24/7. These services offer a range of vehicles, from comfortable sedans for three passengers with two bags to spacious SUVs that can accommodate up to six passengers with six bags.
Rates and Payment
Taxi services generally provide competitive and affordable rates. For example, Seattle Yellow Cab offers a $40 flat rate from downtown Seattle to SeaTac Airport. You can expect options for cash or credit card payments, and there are usually no booking fees or surcharges.
Benefits of a Taxi
Taking a taxi to or from the airport ensures a comfortable and timely journey. The professional drivers are experienced in navigating Seattle's roads and are skilled in understanding the airport's dynamics, ensuring you reach your destination without delays. With services like Seattle Taxi, you can also track your ride and enjoy the convenience of their reliable dispatch system.
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Book a shuttle
Booking a shuttle to SeaTac Airport is a convenient and economical option. Shuttle Express, for example, offers affordable private airport transportation, with the van booked exclusively for you. They also offer shared rides, which are a more economical option. You can book online or by phone, and they service the greater Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, and Everett areas.
Whidbey SeaTac Shuttle is another option, providing a variety of times, locations, and fares to meet customers' needs. They service Snohomish County and Whidbey Island and are an approved service provider to Paine Field and SeaTac Airports. You can book online or by phone.
Premier Airport Shuttle also offers a private van service with non-stop rides to and from the airport. They have served the Seattle and Tacoma areas for over 50 years and can transfer you to downtown Seattle hotels, Seattle cruise ships, and other destinations in the area.
If you are travelling the I-90 corridor, you can also consider the Airporter Shuttle. They service the Bellingham area and have a stop at the Sea-Tac Airport. Advanced reservations are required for this shuttle.
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Drive and park at the airport
If you're planning to drive to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) and park onsite, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, parking rates are adjusted annually to keep up with inflation and local tax increases, so it's a good idea to check the current rates before your trip. The airport's website provides information on parking rates and options.
The airport's onsite parking garage offers a range of parking options, including Reserved Parking and General Parking. Reserved Parking is available on Floor 4 of the garage, and advance reservations are required. This option provides simple, seamless, and guaranteed parking. It's best to reserve early to ensure availability. The garage has more than 12,000 spaces for both short- and long-term parking, accommodating various traveller needs.
General Parking is available on Floors 1-3 and 5-8 for both short- and long-term stays. Drive-up parking is available in these areas, and you can choose the option that suits your needs. However, it's important to note that Terminal Direct (Floor 4) drive-up parking has been discontinued as of March 5, 2024.
If you have a vehicle that exceeds the height limit of 6'10" for the Airport Garage, you can utilise the Over-height Vehicle Parking area. This lot is accessible via the southern entrance off 182nd St. and Highway 99/International Blvd. from the north or south. Follow the signs marked "Over-height Parking" from the Airport Expressway. The Over-height Vehicle Parking area is first-come, first-served and has a limited number of stalls, including some designated for ADA use.
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Frequently asked questions
The cheapest way to get to the airport is via the Sound Transit light rail, which costs $2.25-$3.00.
From the arrivals hall, follow the signs for the Link Light Rail. The station is a short walk from the terminal on the far side of the parking garage. Tickets must be purchased at the station before boarding.
A taxi from the airport to the University District will cost between $45 and $55.
