SeaTac to Ballard taxi & car service
Private rides between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Ballard: Old Ballard and Ballard Ave, Market St, the Ballard Locks, Golden Gardens, Shilshole Bay Marina and the homes of Crown Hill and Loyal Heights. From $75 with taxes and tolls included, priced before you ride, with your flight tracked and your driver waiting.
How much is a taxi from SeaTac to Ballard?
A private car from SeaTac Airport to Ballard with Seattle Airport Taxi starts from $75 in an Economy Sedan, with taxes and tolls included and the price set before you ride. Central Ballard is about 19 miles and 30 to 50 minutes away. There is no light rail to Ballard yet, so transit means light rail to downtown plus the RapidRide D Line, about an hour or more.
Taxi and car service prices, SeaTac to Ballard
Starting-from prices for a one-way private ride. Your exact fare depends on your Ballard address and is shown before you pay.
| 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 SeaTac to Ballard ride
No add-on needed.
- Private, non-stop ride for your party only
- Taxes and tolls on the route
- Flight tracking and 30 minutes free waiting at SEA
- 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
Car service vs taxi vs rideshare vs light rail and bus
Four ways from SEA to Ballard, compared honestly.
| Seattle Airport Taxi car service | Metered taxi | Rideshare app | Light rail and bus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | From $75, set before you ride | Metered, changes with traffic | Changes with demand | $3 light rail fare, plus bus fare |
| Time to Ballard | 30–50 min, door to door | 30–50 min | 30–50 min plus pickup wait | About an hour or more, with a transfer downtown |
| At the airport | Driver waits, flight tracked | Wait in the airport taxi line | Wait for a match, then pickup zone | Walk to SEA/Airport station |
| Luggage and car seats | Sized to your bags, seats reserved | Varies | Varies, seats not guaranteed | Carry your own |
| Late night and early morning | 24/7 by reservation | Usually available | Usually available | Limited overnight service |
| Best for | Families, luggage, business, early flights | Unplanned trips | Light luggage, flexible timing | Light packers near 15th Ave NW |
Taxi from SeaTac to Ballard
Land, collect your bags, and ride straight to your hotel, home or office.
- Book with your flight numberYour driver follows the flight, early or delayed.
- Land and collect your bags30 free waiting minutes start at your actual landing time.
- Meet your driverCurbside with a text giving the meeting point, or inside baggage claim with a name sign for $50.
- Ride non-stop to BallardAbout 30 to 50 minutes to central Ballard, on the price you booked.
Taxi from Ballard to SeaTac Airport
Book your ride to the airport from any Ballard home, apartment, hotel or marina, including early-morning pickups. Your driver drops you at the departures curb for your airline.
When should I leave Ballard for SeaTac?
Pick your area, flight type and departure time.
SeaTac to Ballard streets, parks and waterfront
Approximate road distance and typical drive time from SEA. See all 50+ service areas.
Old Ballard and Ballard Ave
30–50 min from SEA
Restaurants, bars and shops in the historic core
Market St and 15th Ave NW
30–50 min from SEA
Ballard's main shopping streets and apartments
Ballard brewery district
30–50 min from SEA
Taprooms and businesses east of 15th Ave NW
Swedish Ballard
30–50 min from SEA
Hospital campus in central Ballard
National Nordic Museum
30–50 min from SEA
Museum on NW Market St
Ballard Locks
30–50 min from SEA
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks and botanical garden
Salmon Bay and Fishermen's Terminal
30–50 min from SEA
Working waterfront along the Ship Canal
Crown Hill
30–50 min from SEA
Homes and businesses north of Ballard
Loyal Heights and Sunset Hill
30–55 min from SEA
Hilltop homes with Sound views
Golden Gardens and Shilshole Bay Marina
30–55 min from SEA
Beach park and marina on Puget Sound
What affects the drive between SeaTac and Ballard
The usual route
Most rides use SR 99 or I-5, then Elliott Ave W and 15th Ave W over the Ballard Bridge. Any toll on the route, including the SR 99 tunnel, is included in your price.
Ballard Bridge openings
The Ballard Bridge is a drawbridge that opens for boats outside rush hours. An opening can add a few minutes; your driver will route around it when possible.
Weekday rush hours
15th Ave W, Elliott Ave W and Leary Way are slowest on weekday mornings and late afternoons. Allow the top of the 30 to 50 minute range.
Sunday market and festivals
The Sunday farmers market closes part of Ballard Ave, and summer festival weekends crowd central Ballard. Confirm your pickup spot.
Marina pickups
For Shilshole Bay Marina, tell us the dock or gate so your driver meets you at the right entrance.
Weekend nights
Ballard Ave is busy on weekend nights. Add a cross street to your booking so your driver finds you quickly.
How much is a taxi from SeaTac to Ballard?
With Seattle Airport Taxi, a private Economy Sedan from SeaTac Airport to Ballard starts from $75, with taxes and tolls included. A Standard Sedan starts from $85, a Mini Van from $125 and a Passenger Van from $200. Your exact price for your address is shown before you pay.
How far is SeaTac Airport from Ballard?
Central Ballard is about 19 miles north of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport by road. Golden Gardens, Shilshole and Loyal Heights are about 21 miles.
How long does it take to get from SeaTac to Ballard by car?
Usually 30 to 50 minutes. Weekday rush hours on 15th Ave W and the occasional Ballard Bridge opening push the trip toward the top of that range.
Can I take transit from SeaTac to Ballard?
Yes, but there is no light rail to Ballard yet. Take Link light rail into downtown for $3, then the RapidRide D Line north to Ballard. Allow about an hour or more. A private car goes door to door with your luggage.
Is the price fixed from SeaTac to Ballard?
We quote a set price for your exact pickup and drop-off before you book. It does not change with traffic once booked. Extras such as waiting beyond 30 free minutes or added stops are charged separately.
Can I book a taxi from Ballard to SeaTac for an early flight?
Yes. We run 24/7, including 3 and 4 a.m. pickups from Ballard homes, apartments and hotels. Use the pickup time calculator on this page to choose when to leave.
Can you pick me up at Shilshole Bay Marina?
Yes. Tell us the dock or gate when booking and your driver will meet you at that entrance. Boaters with a lot of gear should choose a Mini Van or Passenger Van.
Where do I meet my driver at SeaTac?
For curbside pickup, your driver texts you the meeting point after you land and collect your bags. With meet and greet for $50, your driver waits inside baggage claim with a name sign.
Are tolls included from SeaTac to Ballard?
Yes. Any toll on the route, including the SR 99 tunnel if your driver uses it, is included in your quoted price.
Book SeaTac to Ballard in two minutes
Enter your Ballard address for your exact price, taxes and tolls included, in every vehicle class.