How early should you leave for SeaTac?
When to leave home or your hotel for a flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, with drive times from around the region and when to book your pickup.
When should I leave for SeaTac Airport?
Plan to arrive at SEA 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight, then add your drive time and a traffic buffer. From downtown Seattle the drive is 25 to 45 minutes; from Bellevue 25 to 40; from Tacoma 25 to 45; from Everett 45 to 70. Book your pickup as soon as your plans are set, and at least the day before for early-morning flights.
Drive time to SEA from around the region
Typical ranges. Use the top of the range on weekday afternoons.
When to leave: worked examples
Domestic flight, arriving 2 hours before departure.
| Flight departs | From downtown Seattle | From Bellevue | From Everett |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6:00 a.m. | Leave about 3:30 a.m. | Leave about 3:30 a.m. | Leave about 3:00 a.m. |
| 10:00 a.m. | Leave about 7:15 a.m. | Leave about 7:20 a.m. | Leave about 6:50 a.m. |
| 5:00 p.m. | Leave about 2:15 p.m. | Leave about 2:20 p.m. | Leave about 1:50 p.m. |
| International, 1:00 p.m. | Leave about 9:15 a.m. | Leave about 9:20 a.m. | Leave about 8:50 a.m. |
When to book your pickup
Timing the booking, not just the ride.
As soon as plans are set
Especially for early mornings, holidays and cruise days, when cars book up.
At least the day before
For flights before 7 a.m., book the day before at the latest.
Free cancellation
Airport transfers can be cancelled free up to 24 hours before pickup.
Use the calculator
Our pickup time calculator works out the leave time for your area.
Pickup time calculator →Checking bags
Allow extra time if you are checking bags or traveling at peak holiday times.
Bags at the door
Free waiting at homes and hotels is 15 minutes. Be ready at the pickup time.
How Early to Leave for SeaTac questions
More answers on the full FAQ, or call us any time.
(206) 788-8851How early should I get to SeaTac for a domestic flight?
Plan to arrive 2 hours before departure, more at holidays or if you are checking several bags.
How early should I get to SeaTac for an international flight?
Plan to arrive 3 hours before departure.
When should I leave downtown Seattle for a 6 a.m. flight?
Around 3:30 a.m. Early-morning roads are quick, but security lines at SEA can already be long.
How far ahead should I book an airport pickup?
As soon as your plans are set, and at least the day before for early-morning flights.
Is traffic to SeaTac bad in the afternoon?
Weekday afternoons are the slowest. Use the top of the drive-time range.
Can I cancel my pickup?
Yes, free up to 24 hours before pickup for airport transfers.
More from Seattle Airport Taxi
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