SeaTac to Seattle: taxi vs light rail
Which is faster and which is cheaper between SeaTac Airport and Seattle: Link light rail, a metered taxi or a booked car, by time of day and where you are going.
Is a taxi or light rail faster from SeaTac to Seattle?
Light rail is cheaper: $3 versus roughly $40 to $55 for a metered taxi or from $75 for a booked car. Speed depends on the time of day: light rail takes about 38 minutes to Westlake whatever the traffic, while a car takes 25 to 45 minutes door to door. At weekday rush hour, light rail often wins; late at night or to a hotel far from a station, a car wins. Light rail runs from about 5 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Taxi vs light rail from SeaTac
Taxi price is an estimate at current King County meter rates.
| Link light rail | Taxi or booked car | |
|---|---|---|
| Price to downtown | $3 per person | Taxi roughly $40 to $55 before tip; booked car from $75 for the whole car |
| Time to downtown | About 38 min to Westlake, plus walking | 25 to 45 min door to door |
| Traffic | Not affected | Rush hour adds time |
| Hours | About 5 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Sundays 6 a.m. to midnight | 24/7 |
| Luggage | Carry your own on and off | Loaded for you |
| Group of 4 | $12 total | One car for the group |
When light rail wins, and when a car wins
Rules of thumb.
Light rail wins
Weekday rush hour, light bags, hotels near Westlake, Symphony or Pioneer Square stations.
Car wins
After 1 a.m., heavy luggage, car seats, groups, hotels far from a station, and trips to Bellevue, Tacoma or Everett.
Four people
Four light-rail fares are $12. A car may still be worth it with suitcases.
Eastside
Light rail to Bellevue or Redmond needs a change to the 2 Line, about an hour or more.
Bellevue hotels →North Seattle
Light rail runs north to the University District, Northgate and Lynnwood without a change.
Seattle light rail stations for visitors
From SEA Airport station, the 1 Line runs north through the Rainier Valley and SoDo into downtown, stopping at Pioneer Square, Symphony and Westlake, then continuing to Capitol Hill, the University District, Northgate and Lynnwood.
The adult fare is $3. Pay with an ORCA card or a mobile ticket app. Trains run every 8 minutes at weekday peaks and every 10 to 15 minutes at other times.
SeaTac to Seattle: Taxi vs Light Rail questions
More answers on the full FAQ, or call us any time.
(206) 788-8851Is light rail cheaper than a taxi from SeaTac?
Yes. Light rail is $3. A metered taxi to downtown is roughly $40 to $55 before tip.
Is light rail faster than a taxi from SeaTac?
At weekday rush hour, often yes. Outside rush hour, a car door to door is usually faster.
How long is light rail from SeaTac to Westlake?
About 38 minutes.
What time does light rail stop at SeaTac?
Around 1 a.m. Monday to Saturday and around midnight on Sundays and holidays.
Can I take luggage on light rail?
Yes, but you carry it yourself on and off the train and to your hotel.
Does light rail go to the cruise terminals?
No. Pier 66 is about a mile from Westlake station, and there is no transit to Pier 91.
More from Seattle Airport Taxi
Need a car instead?
Book a private car door to door, taxes and tolls included.