SeaTac to South Lake Union taxi & car service
Private rides between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and South Lake Union: tech and biotech offices, hotels, apartments and the Lake Union seaplane terminal. 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 South Lake Union?
A private car from SeaTac Airport to South Lake Union with Seattle Airport Taxi starts from $75 in an Economy Sedan, with taxes and tolls included and the price set before you ride. The trip is about 15 miles and 25 to 45 minutes. By transit, Link light rail to Westlake is $3, then a streetcar ride or a 10 to 15 minute walk into the neighborhood.
Taxi and car service prices, SeaTac to South Lake Union
Starting-from prices for a one-way private ride. Your exact fare depends on your South Lake Union 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 South Lake Union 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 streetcar
Four ways from SEA to South Lake Union, compared honestly.
| Seattle Airport Taxi car service | Metered taxi | Rideshare app | Light rail and streetcar | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | From $75, set before you ride | Metered, changes with traffic | Changes with demand | $3 light rail fare, plus streetcar fare if used |
| Time to South Lake Union | 25–45 min, door to door | 25–45 min | 25–45 min plus pickup wait | About 50 min, with a streetcar ride or walk from Westlake |
| 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 who do not mind a transfer |
Taxi from SeaTac to South Lake Union
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 South Lake UnionAbout 25 to 45 minutes to South Lake Union, on the price you booked.
Taxi from South Lake Union to SeaTac Airport
Book your ride to the airport from any South Lake Union office, hotel or apartment, including early-morning pickups. Your driver meets you at the building entrance and drops you at the departures curb for your airline.
When should I leave South Lake Union for SeaTac?
Pick your area, flight type and departure time.
SeaTac to South Lake Union offices, hotels and Lake Union
Approximate road distance and typical drive time from SEA. See all 50+ service areas.
South Lake Union core
25–45 min from SEA
Westlake Ave and Terry Ave offices, hotels, apartments
Amazon campus and the Spheres
25–45 min from SEA
Denny Triangle and South Lake Union office buildings
Denny Triangle
25–45 min from SEA
Offices and hotels between downtown and SLU
Lake Union Park and MOHAI
25–45 min from SEA
Museum of History and Industry, waterfront park
Kenmore Air seaplane terminal
25–45 min from SEA
Lake Union terminal on Westlake Ave N
Fred Hutch and UW Medicine SLU
25–45 min from SEA
Research and medical campuses on the east side of the lake
Eastlake
25–45 min from SEA
Eastlake Ave, houseboats, medical offices
Cascade
25–45 min from SEA
Fairview Ave and Minor Ave offices and apartments
Westlake waterfront
25–45 min from SEA
Offices, marinas and restaurants along Westlake Ave N
Seattle Center
25–45 min from SEA
Space Needle, Climate Pledge Arena, just west of SLU
What affects the drive between SeaTac and South Lake Union
The usual route
Most rides use I-5 north to the Mercer Street exit. Drivers can also take SR 99 through the tunnel, whose north exit is next to South Lake Union. Any toll is included in your price.
Mercer Street
The Mercer Street corridor between I-5 and SLU is the slowest part of the trip at rush hour. Allow the top of the range for weekday afternoons.
Commute peaks
Weekday mornings into South Lake Union and late afternoons back toward the airport are busiest, matching office hours.
Events at Seattle Center
Concerts and games at Climate Pledge Arena slow Mercer Street and the streets around Seattle Center. Leave earlier on event nights.
Office pickups
Tell us the building and entrance in your booking notes. Your driver texts on arrival and meets you at the lobby door.
Seaplane connections
Flights to the San Juan Islands and Victoria leave from Lake Union. Allow a generous buffer between your SEA arrival and the seaplane departure.
SeaTac to South Lake Union questions
More on SeaTac airport transfers and the full FAQ.
(206) 788-8851How much is a taxi from SeaTac to South Lake Union?
With Seattle Airport Taxi, a private Economy Sedan from SeaTac Airport to South Lake Union 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 South Lake Union?
South Lake Union is about 15 miles north of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport by road, just north of downtown Seattle.
How long does it take to get from SeaTac to South Lake Union?
Usually 25 to 45 minutes. Weekday rush hours and traffic on Mercer Street push the trip to the top of that range; late-night and early-morning rides are fastest.
Can I take transit from SeaTac to South Lake Union?
Yes. Take Link light rail from SEA Airport station to Westlake for $3, then ride the South Lake Union Streetcar or walk 10 to 15 minutes. Allow about 50 minutes in total. A private car goes door to door to your building.
Can you take me from SeaTac to the Lake Union seaplane terminal?
Yes. We drive between SEA and the Kenmore Air terminal on Lake Union. Add your arriving flight number so we track it, and leave a generous buffer before your seaplane departure, since we cannot guarantee a connection if your flight is late.
Can I book a car from South Lake Union to SeaTac for an early flight?
Yes. We run 24/7, including early-morning pickups from SLU offices, hotels and apartments. Use the pickup time calculator on this page to choose when to leave.
Can South Lake Union companies book rides for employees and visitors?
Yes. Companies can book airport rides for staff, candidates and guests through a corporate account, with confirmations to both booker and passenger and receipts stored in one place.
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 South Lake Union?
Yes. Any toll on the route, including the SR 99 tunnel if your driver uses it, is included in your quoted price.
Other SeaTac airport routes
Book SeaTac to South Lake Union in two minutes
Enter your South Lake Union address for your exact price, taxes and tolls included, in every vehicle class.