Pier 91 to SeaTac airport transfer
Private taxi and car service from the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on disembarkation morning. Your car is booked for your time, your driver waits in the private vehicle area, and the price is set in advance, from $75 with taxes and tolls included.
How do I get from Pier 91 to SeaTac Airport?
Book a private car for after your scheduled disembarkation time. Your driver meets you in the private vehicle area of the Pier 91 ground transportation lot and drives you about 17 miles to SEA departures, usually 25 to 45 minutes. Prices start from $75 in an Economy Sedan and $125 in a Mini Van, taxes and tolls included. Taxis and rideshare also serve the terminal, but lines can be long on busy ship mornings.
How your Pier 91 to SeaTac transfer works
Ships usually return early in the morning, and disembarkation runs through the morning.
- Book for after you disembarkUse the disembarkation time from your cruise line, not the ship's arrival time. Add your flight home.
- Driver confirms by textYou receive your driver's details and the meeting point the morning of pickup.
- Walk off with your bagsCollect your luggage in the terminal and head to the ground transportation lot.
- Meet at the private vehicle areaYour driver waits in the private vehicle pickup area, separate from the rideshare lot.
- Non-stop to SEA departuresAbout 25 to 45 minutes, curb to curb, on the price you booked.
Pier 91 to SeaTac: every way back
How each option works on disembarkation morning.
| Private car with us | Taxi at the pier | Rideshare app | Cruise line transfer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | From $75 for the whole vehicle, set when you book | Meter, roughly $45 to $65 before tip | Can rise on busy ship mornings | Per person, set by your cruise line |
| Where you meet it | Private vehicle pickup area, driver waiting | Taxi area of the terminal lot, in line | Separate rideshare lot | Motorcoach area |
| Waiting | None: car booked for your time | Lines can be long when several ships are in | Match times vary | Departs on the coach schedule |
| Luggage | Vehicle sized to your suitcases | Varies by cab | Varies | Under your cruise line's rules |
| Best for | Families, groups, heavy luggage, early flights | Couples with light bags | Flexible timing | Travelers who booked it with the cruise |
Timing your flight home after the cruise
The most common disembarkation problem is a flight booked too early.
Leave a real buffer
Allow at least 3 to 4 hours between your scheduled disembarkation time and a domestic departure, and more for international flights.
Port Valet
The Port of Seattle's Port Valet service can send bags from participating ships straight to your airline at SEA. Eligibility depends on your cruise line and airline. With carry-ons only, a smaller vehicle may be enough.
Self-assist disembarkation
Carrying your own bags off early? Book the earliest pickup your cruise line allows for self-assist guests.
Running late off the ship
Text your driver. 15 minutes of waiting at the pier is free, then extra waiting is charged.
Not flying today?
We also drive from the pier to hotels and homes across the region.
Hotel transfers →Group on different flights
Book one car per flight time so nobody waits for the last flight of the day.
Pier 91 to SeaTac fares
Starting-from prices for the whole vehicle, one way. Cruise travelers usually pack one large suitcase each, so choose by suitcases, not just seats.
| Vehicle | Passengers | Checked bags | From | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Sedan Tesla Model 3, Toyota Prius or similar | Up to 2 | 2 | $75 | Solo travelers and couples |
| Standard Sedan Tesla Model Y, Chrysler 300 or similar | Up to 3 | 3 | $85 | Business travel, small families |
| Mini Van Toyota Sienna, Mercedes Metris or similar | Up to 4 | 4 | $125 | Families, car seats, extra luggage |
| Passenger Van Groups of 5 or more | 5+ | Group luggage | $200 | Groups and teams |
Included in every booked ride
No add-on needed.
- Private, non-stop ride for your party only
- Taxes and tolls on the route
- 15 minutes free waiting at the pier
- Drop-off at the SEA departures curb for your airline
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup
Extras, listed plainly
Added only if you choose them or need them.
- Meet and greet inside baggage claim: $50
- Car seats: $25 infant or toddler, $20 booster
- Pets in a carrier: $30. Service animals free
- Extra stops, paid parking and extra waiting time
- Gratuity is optional and chosen at checkout
The Smith Cove Cruise Terminal
Lines as listed by the Port of Seattle for the 2026 season. Your cruise line assigns the pier, so confirm it in your boarding documents.
Who sails from Pier 91
Carnival, Celebrity Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean.
Where it is
2001 W Garfield St, in Interbay at the foot of Magnolia, reached from Elliott Ave W over the Galer St flyover and Magnolia Bridge.
Drop-off
A ground transportation lot near the terminal entrance has the private vehicle drop-off and taxi area. Rideshare uses a separate lot.
No public transit
There is no public transit to the terminal; the nearest bus stop has been permanently closed. Plan on a car, taxi, rideshare or cruise line transfer.
Driving yourself
About 800 secure parking spaces from about $27 per day, with a shuttle to the terminal. Rates can change; reserve with the Port's parking operator.
Season
Seattle's 2026 Alaska cruise season runs from about May through October.
From Pier 91 to where you are going next
Approximate road distance and typical drive time from the terminal.
SeaTac Airport (SEA)
25–45 min
Departures curb for your airline
Downtown Seattle hotels
10–20 min
For a night or two after the cruise
SeaTac airport hotels
25–45 min
Before an early flight the next day
SeaTac airport hotels →Bellevue
20–40 min
Hotels and homes on the Eastside
Bellevue →Tacoma
45–75 min
Quoted for your address
Tacoma →Everett
40–65 min
Quoted for your address
Everett →How much is a taxi from Pier 91 to SeaTac?
Our private ride starts 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. A metered taxi from the pier is roughly $45 to $65 before tip at current King County rates.
What time should I book my pickup at Pier 91?
Book for after your scheduled disembarkation time from your cruise line, not the ship's arrival time. If you are carrying your own bags off early, book for your self-assist window.
Where do I meet my driver at Pier 91?
In the private vehicle pickup area of the Pier 91 ground transportation lot, separate from the rideshare lot. Your driver texts you the details.
How long is the drive from Pier 91 to SeaTac?
About 17 miles, usually 25 to 45 minutes. Morning traffic on I-5 southbound is the main variable.
Is there a bus or light rail from Pier 91 to the airport?
No. There is no public transit at the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal. Use a private car, taxi, rideshare or your cruise line's transfer.
What time flight should I book after my cruise?
Leave at least 3 to 4 hours between your scheduled disembarkation time and a domestic departure, and more for international flights, to cover disembarkation, the drive and airport security.
What if I get off the ship late?
Text your driver. Waiting at the pier is free for 15 minutes, and extra waiting is charged after that.
Book Pier 91 to SeaTac
Add your ship, disembarkation time and flight home. Exact price shown before you pay.