SeaTac to Pier 91 cruise transfer
Private taxi and car service from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal. Your driver tracks your flight, waits after baggage claim and drives you non-stop to the terminal, from $75 with taxes and tolls included.
How do I get from SeaTac Airport to Pier 91?
Book a private transfer before you fly. A car from SeaTac Airport to Pier 91, the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal, starts from $75 in an Economy Sedan and $125 in a Mini Van for 4 with cruise luggage, taxes and tolls included. The drive is about 17 miles and 25 to 45 minutes. There is no public transit to Pier 91, so most passengers arrive by private car, taxi, rideshare or cruise line transfer.
The Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91
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.
SeaTac to Pier 91: every way there
Prices and pickup points, compared honestly. Taxi figures are estimates at current King County meter rates.
| Private car with us | Taxi from SEA | Rideshare app | Cruise line transfer | Public transit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | From $75 for the whole vehicle, set before you ride | Meter, roughly $50 to $65 before tip | Changes with demand | Per person, set by your cruise line | Not available to Pier 91 |
| Pickup at SEA | Driver waiting, flight tracked | Taxi curb, 3rd floor of the parking garage | 3rd floor of the parking garage | As your cruise line instructs | None |
| Drop-off at Pier 91 | Private vehicle drop-off at the terminal | Taxi area of the terminal lot | Rideshare lot | Motorcoach area | No transit stop at the terminal |
| Luggage | Vehicle sized to your suitcases | Varies by cab | Varies, larger cars cost more | Under your cruise line's rules | Carry your own |
| Best for | Families, groups, heavy luggage, tight timing | Couples with light bags | Flexible timing, light bags | Travelers who booked it with the cruise | Not an option |
How your SeaTac to Pier 91 transfer works
Boarding times are set by your cruise line. Use your check-in time when you choose your flight.
- Book with your flight and shipAdd your airline, flight number, ship name and pier. Choose the vehicle by suitcases.
- Flight trackedYour driver follows your arrival, early or delayed. 30 free waiting minutes start at landing.
- Meet after baggage claimCurbside with a texted meeting point, or inside baggage claim with a name sign for $50.
- Non-stop to the pierAbout 25 to 45 minutes from SEA, depending on traffic.
- Terminal drop-offAt the private vehicle drop-off, with help unloading your bags for the porters.
SeaTac to Pier 91 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
- Flight tracking and 30 minutes free waiting at SEA
- Help unloading at the terminal drop-off
- 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
Cruise luggage and vehicle size
Most cruise problems at the curb are about bags, not seats.
Economy Sedan, from $75
Up to 2 passengers and 2 large suitcases. Right for couples.
Standard Sedan, from $85
Up to 3 passengers and 3 large suitcases.
Mini Van, from $125
Up to 4 passengers and 4 large suitcases. The usual pick for families and two couples.
Passenger Van, from $200
Groups of 5 or more with their luggage, such as multi-family cruises and wedding parties.
Limits are enforced
Too many bags for the booked vehicle can mean service is refused for safety. If unsure, book one size up.
Car seats
Reserve infant or toddler seats ($25) and boosters ($20) when you book.
Pier 91 from other places
Approximate road distance and typical drive time to the terminal.
SeaTac Airport (SEA)
25–45 min
Flight tracked, driver waiting
SeaTac Airport (SEA) →Downtown Seattle hotels
10–20 min
Pike Place, waterfront and convention center hotels
Downtown Seattle hotels →Pier 66
10–20 min
The other Seattle cruise terminal
SeaTac airport hotels
25–45 min
International Blvd hotels
SeaTac airport hotels →Bellevue hotels
20–40 min
Downtown Bellevue via SR 520
Bellevue hotels →Tacoma
45–75 min
Longer trips quoted for your address
Tacoma →Pier 91 transfer tips
From drivers who run this route every cruise season.
Fly in the day before if you can
A delayed flight on embarkation day can mean missing the ship. A night in Seattle removes that risk.
Hotel to cruise terminal →Match your flight to your check-in time
Leave enough time after landing for bags, the drive and your cruise line's check-in window.
Book the return at the same time
A round trip locks in your disembarkation ride before cruise mornings book up.
Pier 91 to SeaTac →Busy turnaround days
When several ships turn around on the same day, terminal roads slow down. Allow the top of the range.
See Seattle on the way
Arriving early? Book by the hour, keep your luggage in the car, and finish at the pier.
Hourly car service →Porters and luggage
Cruise line porters and luggage services are separate from your transfer and its price.
How much is a taxi from SeaTac to Pier 91?
Our private transfer starts from $75 in an Economy Sedan, $85 in a Standard Sedan, $125 in a Mini Van and $200 in a Passenger Van, for the whole vehicle with taxes and tolls included. A metered taxi from SEA is roughly $50 to $65 before tip at current King County rates.
How far is Pier 91 from SeaTac Airport?
About 17 miles by road, usually 25 to 45 minutes depending on traffic on I-5 and SR 99.
Which cruise lines use Pier 91?
For the 2026 season the Port of Seattle lists Carnival, Celebrity Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean at Pier 91. Your cruise line assigns the pier and can change it, so check your boarding documents.
Can I take light rail or a bus to Pier 91?
No. There is no public transit to the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal, and the nearest bus stop has been permanently closed. Use a private car, taxi, rideshare or your cruise line's transfer.
Where will my driver drop me at Pier 91?
At the private vehicle drop-off in the ground transportation lot near the terminal entrance. Your driver helps unload your bags for the cruise line porters.
What vehicle do I need for cruise luggage?
Count suitcases. An Economy Sedan fits 2 large suitcases, a Standard Sedan 3, a Mini Van 4, and the Passenger Van carries groups of 5 or more with their luggage.
Can I fly in on embarkation day?
Many travelers do, but a delayed flight can mean missing the ship. Choose a morning arrival and add your flight number so your driver tracks it. Flying in the day before is the lower-risk option.
Can I book the return from the pier at the same time?
Yes. Choose Round Trip and add your ship's return date. Each leg can be cancelled free up to 24 hours before pickup.
Book SeaTac to Pier 91
Add your flight and ship, choose your vehicle by suitcases, and see your exact price.