SeaTac taxi vs Uber vs Lyft
An honest comparison of metered taxis, rideshare apps and booked private cars at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: price, waiting, luggage, car seats and reliability.
Is a taxi, Uber or a booked car better at SeaTac?
Metered taxis at SEA charge King County rates, $2.60 to start and $2.70 per mile, with a $20 minimum, roughly $40 to $55 to downtown before tip. Uber and Lyft change price with demand and can cost more at busy times. Both pick up on the 3rd floor of the parking garage. A booked private car costs more for short trips, from $75, but the price is set in advance and the driver is waiting when you land. For a solo traveler with light bags, a taxi or app is usually cheaper; for families, groups, early flights and late arrivals, a booked car is usually better.
Taxi vs Uber vs Lyft vs booked car at SEA
Meter rates from the King County and City of Seattle rule, October 2024.
| Metered taxi | Uber or Lyft | Booked private car | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price model | Meter: $2.60 start, $2.70 per mile, $0.50 per minute in slow traffic | Set by the app, changes with demand | Set when you book, from $75 |
| Minimum from SEA | $20 | Set by the app | $75 |
| Pickup | 3rd floor, parking garage | 3rd floor, parking garage | Texted meeting point or inside baggage claim |
| Waiting for a car | Taxi line | Match time varies | None: driver already waiting |
| Car seats | Usually not available | Limited, not guaranteed | Reserved in advance, $20 to $25 |
| Vehicle size | Next cab in line | Choose a larger class at a higher price | Chosen in advance, sedan to passenger van |
Which is better for you?
It depends on your party and your timing.
Solo, carry-on, daytime
A taxi, app ride or light rail is cheapest.
Couple with two suitcases
Price both. An app ride at a quiet time is often cheaper; at peak times a booked car may match it.
Family with car seats
A booked car, because seats are reserved and fitted.
Group of 5 or more
A booked Passenger Van from $200, instead of two or three app rides.
Very early or very late
A booked car, because it is reserved for your time.
Business travel
A booked car for a set price and a receipt, or an app ride if your company prefers.
SeaTac Taxi vs Uber vs Lyft questions
More answers on the full FAQ, or call us any time.
(206) 788-8851Is Uber or a taxi cheaper from SeaTac?
It depends on demand. A metered taxi to downtown is roughly $40 to $55 before tip. App prices change with demand and can be lower or higher.
Where do Uber and Lyft pick up at SeaTac?
In the designated rideshare area on the 3rd floor of the parking garage.
Is there a minimum taxi fare at SeaTac?
Yes, $20 for metered taxis starting at SEA.
Are booked cars more expensive than Uber?
For short trips with one or two people, usually yes. For families, groups, car seats and odd hours, a booked car is often the better value.
Do Uber or Lyft provide car seats in Seattle?
Not reliably. If you need car seats, bring your own or book a car service that reserves them.
Which is most reliable for early flights?
A booked car, because the driver and vehicle are reserved for your pickup time.
More from Seattle Airport Taxi
Compare with your exact price
See your booked price before you decide. Taxes and tolls included.