Seattle Airport Transfers

If you are planning to travel to Seattle, here are the different ways you can get from the airport to the city.

Nicolas Reffray

Nicolas Reffray

9 min read

Seattle Airport Transfers

Seattle Airport | ©Kev Cook

There is truly so much to see and do in Seattle that I have no doubt you will have an incredible time. Seattle is the largest city in the state of Washington, and from there to Seattle Tacoma Airport is only 24 kilometers. There are many ways to make this journey, and in this article I will tell you about each of them, so you can choose the option that suits you best.

From shared transfers in vans, private transfers, cab, rental car, bus or even light rail, the city of Seattle is really very well connected with its airport, so it will not be difficult for you to find the best way to make this journey.

Private transfer to Seattle Tacoma airport from the city

Private Transfer| ©dalaman marmaris
Private Transfer| ©dalaman marmaris

This is definitely the best and most comfortable way to make this trip between Seattle Tacoma International Airport and the city of Seattle. By hiring a private transfer you avoid any kind of delays or problems with your luggage, besides, having a professional driver you can be sure that he will not take long to pick you up.

Arrivals and departures from a city can be very stressful, one must take into account many details, passports, luggage, that each of the members of the family is ready to leave and that no one forgets anything. If to all this we add having to go out to the street to find a free cab in which to fit all the suitcases, the result can be to end up exhausted, so book a private car to pick you up when you decide, is an excellent idea. Then you just have to enjoy the trip.

If you are traveling with your family, let me tell you that there are many things to see and do in Seattle with children, from guided tours throughout the city to excursions in nearby regions or boat rides, Seattle will fascinate them.

Details of interest

  • Trip duration: approximately 30 minutes, depending on the transit time
  • Price: from 78 Euros
  • Advantages of using this method: You don't have to worry about anything, it is booked in advance and you only have to worry about enjoying the tour.
  • How to book this transfer: Here below you can book directly your private transfer from Seattle to Seattle Tacoma International Airport.
  • Recommended if you are traveling with your family and have a lot of luggage, since you can relax while the driver takes care of everything.

Book your private transfer to Seattle airport

Shared transfer to Seattle Tacoma airport from the city

Shared Shuttle| ©BigOwen
Shared Shuttle| ©BigOwen

Another way to make this tour is with a shared shuttle. This type of transportation, which can be a minibus or a van, is usually much cheaper than a private transfer, since you will be traveling with other people.

A good option if you are on a tight budget. Keep in mind that the trip can take a long time since you will have to pick up other travelers, load their luggage and get to the different hotels in Seattle. With this option you avoid having to walk to the Link Light Rail station, and for a relatively low price you can get to the city.

This type of transfer, also known as airport shuttles, is even cheaper than a cab or an Uber, however, it is worth saying that it is quite impractical. Yes, of course you save a few tickets, but ultimately you lose a lot of time and don't travel too comfortably. Waiting for the van or minibus to fill up can make even the calmest person impatient, and for a short 30-minute ride you can end up taking anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes.

Once in Seattle, you can't miss one of the incredible guided tours that are available. Whether your trip is for several days or just a few, the boat tours, for example, or the excursion to Mount Rainier are recommended even if you are visiting Seattle for 3 days.

Details of interest

  • Duration of the trip: Depends on the number of passengers to be picked up by the shuttle.
  • Price: from 45 Euros
  • Advantages of using this method: It is cheaper than a private transfer.
  • How to book this transportation: At the counters of the different companies that offer this service, inside the Seattle airport.
  • Recommended if you are on a tight budget and you don't mind if the trip takes more than 60 or 90 minutes.

Cab Transfer to Seattle Tacoma Airport from the city

Seattle Taxi| ©teekay72
Seattle Taxi| ©teekay72

Booking a cab is a great way to get between the airport and the city of Seattle. With a flat rate that is a little cheaper than a private transfer, the cab also offers the advantage of traveling without sharing the vehicle with other passengers.

It is relatively fast, although it will always depend on the traffic in the city. The only major drawback of the cab compared to the private transfer is that you do not always get large cabs, so it can be a problem if you are traveling with a large family group and have several suitcases. Also, looking for a cab can be a bit stressful.

Therefore, it is best to book a cab from the city of Seattle to Sea-Tac Airport through the websites of the different companies, so you will avoid many headaches.

After arriving at your hotel, start planning your itinerary, remember that it is always advisable to begin to know a city aboard a tourist bus. Hiring a guided bus tour in Seattle you will be able to locate all the attractions and points of interest that Seattle has to offer.

Details of interest

  • Duration of the trip: approximately 40 minutes
  • Price: from 68 Euros
  • Advantages of using this method: it is fast and a few dollars cheaper than a private transfer.
  • How to book this transportation: You can look for a cab on the street or search on the web the different cab companies in Seattle. Here in the article I have left you two of the most important ones.
  • Recommended if you are traveling alone or with a small family group.

Travel to Seattle Tacoma Airport from the city by Link Light Rail (streetcar or light rail)

Link Light Rail Train| ©Atomic Taco
Link Light Rail Train| ©Atomic Taco

The Link Light Rail is definitely the most economical option of all. Tickets are priced at 2 Euros per adult, with reduced fares for children. It's a great way to get from Seattle Tacoma Airport to the city in no time. Of course, you will have to walk a bit and carry your own luggage.

As it is a public transport, of course you will travel with other passengers, that is, it is not private. The Link Light Rail has a frequency of approximately 10 minutes, and the total trip from the airport is about 40 minutes.

You can board at any of the following stations:

Westlake Center, Pioneer Square, the International District, Capitol Hill or University Street, among others. Once at the airport you have about a 10 minute walk.

Virtually all of these stations are points you should visit, and there is nothing better than doing it with a guided tour. There are many options depending on your interests, from gastronomic tours through Pike Place Market to options to discover a subway Seattle. Don't hesitate, taking a guided tour of Seattle is the best way to get to know the city.

Interesting details

  • Duration of tour: 40 minutes plus 10 minutes walking time
  • Price: 2 Euros per adult
  • Advantages of using this method: it is fast and economical.
  • How to book this transport: no reservations can be made, it is a public transport, you board at the stations along the route.
  • Recommended if you are on a tight budget, have little luggage and don't mind walking a bit.

Uber/Lyft transfer to Seattle Tacoma airport from the city

Ordering Uber| ©freestocks.org
Ordering Uber| ©freestocks.org

For those who know and have already used Uber or Lyft, this is a good way to get from the airport to the city of Seattle without overspending and traveling alone or with your family group.

A very similar option in price and performance to the cab, both Lyft and Uber are serious companies that will allow you to travel quickly and safely.

There are some options to keep in mind that may vary the price of your trip. With UberX you get an absolutely private vehicle that will pick you up and take you around the city of Seattle for a price that ranges between 36 and 45 Euros depending on how long it takes due to city traffic. Lyft has a rate of approximately 36 Euros and the trip can take about 30 minutes.

Finally, I recommend that you always check the airport website for possible changes to your flight or flight delays.

This is a way to make sure everything is going according to plan.

Once in Seattle, be sure to take a guided tour of the main gastronomic destinations in the city. One of the essential things to do if you visit the city of Seattle in 5 days, so you can get to know the local flavors from the hand of an expert guide on the subject.

Interesting details

  • Duration of the tour: approximately 30 minutes
  • Price: between 36 and 45 Euros
  • Advantages of using this method: it is fast and economical.
  • How to book this transport: through the app of the companies.
  • Recommended if you are used to use this type of transport.

Transfer by rental car to Seattle Tacoma airport from the city

Driving| ©M&W Studios
Driving| ©M&W Studios

Renting your own car in Seattle is a good way to manage your time and have the vehicle at your disposal, which you can choose according to the amount of luggage you plan to bring on your trip to Seattle.

If you choose to rent a car during your stay in Seattle, you will probably prefer to make the trip from the airport to the city of Seattle by driving yourself. Most car rental companies have the option of picking them up very close to the airport, in an area called Rental Car Facility.

A good option if you like driving, although I must say that this way you will not be able to enjoy the tour as if you were driven by someone else. Also, think that when you arrive to a city there are many things to take into account, such as passports and luggage, etc., so this option is not the best, besides it is the most expensive of all.

Although if you have a rental car you may be able to visit the regions near the city and explore a little. If you do not dare to do so much you can always hire a tour, for example, to Snoqualmie Falls or Mount Rainier National Park, you will not regret it.

Details of interest

  • Duration of the trip: approximately 30 minutes
  • Price: it will depend on how many days you have rented the car for.
  • Advantages of using this method: although it is the most expensive option, you can use the car during your stay in the city of Seattle and manage your schedule and itinerary.
  • How to book this transportation: through the car rental companies' websites.
  • Recommended if you enjoy driving and want to use the car to move around the city and its surroundings, maybe visit Washington DC.

Traveling from Seattle Tacoma airport to the city by bus

At Seattle Airport| ©Tarik Abdel-Monem
At Seattle Airport| ©Tarik Abdel-Monem

I've saved for last what is definitely the least practical mode of transportation of all. If you want to travel from the airport to the city of Seattle by bus, I regret to tell you that there is not a single line that makes the route directly, you will have to change buses in the middle of the route.

The ticket price is 2 Euros each bus, first you must get on Line 150 to Andover Park and Baker Boulevard, where you must wait for Line 156 which will drop you off in the city of Seattle.

In total, without taking into account the wait for both buses, the trip is about 60 minutes approximately. Actually, I think there are other much more practical options, such as the Link Light Rail, which is just as economical and not as complex.

Details of interest

  • Travel time: approximately 60 minutes
  • Price: 4 Euros
  • Advantages of using this method: it is really cheap
  • How to book this transport: no reservations can be made, it is a public transport, it is boarded on the street.
  • Recommended if you really can't find a better option

We compare the options

  • Private transfer
  • Duration: 30 minutes
  • Price: 78 Euros
  • In favor: practical
  • Against: not so economical
  • Shared transfer
  • Duration: 60 or 90 minutes
  • Price: 45 Euros
  • In favor: economical
  • Against: it takes a long time
  • Transfer by cab
  • Duration: 40 minutes
  • Price: 68 Euros
  • In favor: fast
  • Against: not very economical
  • Transfer by streetcar
  • Duration: 40 or 50 minutes
  • Price: 2 Euros
  • In favor: fast and cheap
  • On the downside: you carry your suitcase
  • Transfer in Uber or Lyft
  • Duration: 30 minutes
  • Price: between 36 and 45 Euros
  • For: fast
  • Against: not suitable for many suitcases
  • Transfer by rental car
  • Duration: 30 minutes
  • Price: depends on the number of days you rent the car
  • In favor: fast
  • Against: more expensive option
  • Transfer by bus
  • Duration: 60 minutes
  • Price: 4 Euros
  • In favor: economical
  • Against: impractical