How to get from SeaTac to downtown Seattle
Every way from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to downtown Seattle, compared on price, time and convenience, and which one to choose for your trip.
What is the best way from SeaTac to downtown Seattle?
Downtown Seattle is about 14 miles from SEA. Link light rail is the cheapest: $3 and about 38 minutes to Westlake, from about 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. A metered taxi is roughly $40 to $55 before tip, and rideshare changes with demand; both pick up on the 3rd floor of the parking garage. A booked private car starts from $75 with taxes and tolls included and goes door to door in 25 to 45 minutes. Choose light rail if you travel light, and a car for families, groups, heavy bags or late arrivals.
SeaTac to downtown Seattle: every option
Taxi figure is an estimate at current King County meter rates.
| Link light rail | Metered taxi | Rideshare app | Booked private car | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $3 | Roughly $40 to $55 before tip | Changes with demand | From $75, taxes and tolls included |
| Time | About 38 min to Westlake, plus walking | 25 to 45 min | 25 to 45 min, plus the match wait | 25 to 45 min, door to door |
| Where at SEA | SEA Airport station, a walk from the terminal | 3rd floor, parking garage | 3rd floor, parking garage | Meeting point texted, or inside baggage claim |
| Hours | About 5 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Sundays 6 a.m. to midnight | 24/7 | 24/7 | 24/7 by reservation |
| Best for | Light packers going downtown | Unplanned trips | Flexible timing | Families, groups, luggage, late arrivals |
Which option should you choose?
A quick decision guide.
One or two people, light bags, daytime
Take Link light rail. It is the cheapest and avoids I-5 traffic.
Family with car seats
Book a Mini Van with seats reserved. Trains and most rideshares do not provide car seats.
Kids guide →Landing after midnight
Light rail stops around 1 a.m. Book a car before you fly or use the taxi line.
Night guide →Weekday afternoon arrival
Traffic on I-5 northbound is heavy. Light rail time does not change with traffic.
Taking a booked car from SeaTac to downtown
What happens after you land.
- Book with your flight numberYour driver tracks the flight and adjusts for delays.
- Land and collect your bags30 free waiting minutes start at your actual landing time.
- Meet your driverCurbside at the texted meeting point, or inside baggage claim with a name sign for $50.
- Ride to your doorAbout 25 to 45 minutes to your downtown hotel, office or home.
SeaTac to Downtown Seattle questions
More answers on the full FAQ, or call us any time.
(206) 788-8851How far is SeaTac Airport from downtown Seattle?
About 14 miles by road, usually 25 to 45 minutes by car.
How long does light rail take from SeaTac to downtown?
About 38 minutes from SEA Airport station to Westlake, with trains every 8 to 15 minutes.
How much is a taxi from SeaTac to downtown Seattle?
Roughly $40 to $55 before tip at current King County meter rates, more in heavy traffic. Private cars with Seattle Airport Taxi start from $75 in an Economy Sedan, $85 in a Standard Sedan, $125 in a Mini Van and $200 in a Passenger Van, with taxes and tolls included.
Where do I catch light rail at SeaTac?
At SEA Airport station, a covered walk from the terminal past the parking garage. Follow the signs for Link light rail.
What is the fastest way from SeaTac to downtown?
At rush hour, often light rail, because it avoids I-5 traffic. Outside rush hour, a car door to door is usually faster.
Is a private car worth it to downtown Seattle?
For one person with a carry-on, usually not. For families, groups, heavy luggage, early mornings or late nights, a booked car is often the better value.
More from Seattle Airport Taxi
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Exact price for your address, taxes and tolls included.