Best transportation from SeaTac to Seattle hotels
How visitors reach their hotels from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: downtown, waterfront, Bellevue and airport hotels, with the best option for each.
How do visitors get from SeaTac to their hotels?
It depends on where your hotel is. Airport hotels: use the free hotel shuttle if it runs. Downtown hotels near a station: Link light rail for $3 if you travel light. Waterfront hotels sit about 100 feet below downtown, so most travelers with luggage take a car. Bellevue hotels need a light rail transfer, so a car is simpler. A booked private car to any hotel starts from $75 with taxes and tolls included and drops you at the entrance.
Best option by hotel area
Distance from SEA, and the option that usually works best.
SeaTac airport hotels
Hotel shuttle first
Free shuttles for most hotels; a car for groups or odd hours
SeaTac airport hotels →Downtown Seattle hotels
Light rail or car
Light rail if near a station and traveling light; a car with luggage
Downtown Seattle hotels →Waterfront hotels
Car
About 100 feet below downtown; a car avoids the hill
Waterfront hotels →Pike Place Market hotels
Car or light rail
Drop-off on 1st Ave; Westlake a few blocks away
Pike Place Market hotels →Bellevue hotels
Car
Light rail needs a transfer to the 2 Line
Bellevue hotels →Conference hotels
Car for groups
Arrival lists and vans for events
Conference hotels →SeaTac to your hotel, compared
Honest options.
| Booked private car | Link light rail | Taxi | Rideshare app | Hotel shuttle | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | From $75, set before you ride | $3 | Meter | Changes with demand | Often free |
| Drop-off | Hotel entrance | Nearest station | Hotel entrance | Hotel entrance | Airport hotels only |
| Luggage | Loaded for you | Carry your own | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Best for | Families, groups, Bellevue, waterfront, late arrivals | Light packers near a station | Unplanned trips | Flexible timing | Airport hotel stays |
Hotel arrival tips
For a smooth first hour in Seattle.
Early check-in
Arriving before check-in? Book hourly, keep your bags in the car and see the city.
Hourly car service →Hotel entrance
Some downtown hotels have two entrances. Tell your driver which one.
Most downtown hotels have no airport shuttle
Plan for light rail, a taxi, rideshare or a car.
SeaTac to Seattle Hotels questions
More answers on the full FAQ, or call us any time.
(206) 788-8851What is the best way from SeaTac to a downtown Seattle hotel?
Light rail if you travel light and the hotel is near a station; a car if you have luggage, children or arrive late.
Do Seattle hotels have airport shuttles?
Airport-area hotels often do. Most downtown and Bellevue hotels do not.
How far are Bellevue hotels from SeaTac?
About 17 miles, usually 25 to 40 minutes by car.
How much is a car from SeaTac to my hotel?
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.
Can I take light rail to a waterfront hotel?
You can reach downtown by light rail, but the waterfront is about 100 feet below, so it is a downhill walk with bags.
Can my driver drop me at the hotel entrance?
Yes. Tell us the hotel and which entrance.
More from Seattle Airport Taxi
Book your hotel ride
Add your hotel and flight. Exact price shown before you pay.