Seattle airport transportation, every option
Light rail, taxis, rideshare, hotel shuttles, rental cars and private car service at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, compared on price, time and convenience, so you can pick the right one for your trip.
What is the best way to get from Seattle airport to downtown?
For one or two travelers with light bags heading downtown in the daytime, Link light rail is the cheapest: $3 and about 38 minutes to Westlake. For families, heavy luggage, early or late flights, or anywhere off the rail line, a private car from $75 with taxes and tolls included goes door to door in about 25 to 45 minutes. Taxis and rideshare pick up on the 3rd floor of the parking garage.
Seattle airport transportation compared
From SEA to downtown Seattle. Taxi meter figures are estimates at current King County rates.
| Private car service | Link light rail | Metered taxi | Rideshare app | Hotel shuttle | Rental car | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price to downtown | From $75, set before you ride | $3 | Roughly $40 to $55 before tip | Changes with demand | Often free, airport hotels only | Daily rate, plus parking downtown |
| Where at SEA | Meeting point texted, or inside baggage claim | SEA Airport station, a walk from the terminal | 3rd floor, parking garage | 3rd floor, parking garage | Check with your hotel | Rental car facility, by airport shuttle bus |
| Hours | 24/7 by reservation | About 5 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Sundays about 6 a.m. to midnight | 24/7 | 24/7 | Set by each hotel | Varies by company |
| Time to downtown | 25 to 45 min, door to door | About 38 min to Westlake, plus walking | 25 to 45 min, plus the taxi line | 25 to 45 min, plus the match wait | Airport-area hotels only | 25 to 45 min, plus pickup and parking |
| Luggage and car seats | Sized to your group, seats reserved | Carry your own | Varies | Varies, seats not guaranteed | Varies | Your own car |
| Best for | Families, groups, luggage, odd hours, the suburbs | Light packers going downtown | Short unplanned trips | Light luggage, flexible timing | Airport hotel stays | Multi-day trips with driving |
Which Seattle airport transportation fits your trip
Quick rules of thumb.
Traveling light to downtown, daytime
Take Link light rail. $3 and about 38 minutes to Westlake.
Family with car seats or lots of luggage
Book a Mini Van from $125 with seats reserved.
Airport transfers →Landing after midnight
Light rail stops around 1 a.m., so book a car before you fly or use the taxi line.
24 hour car service →Going to Bellevue or the Eastside
Light rail needs a transfer to the 2 Line. A car goes direct in about 25 to 40 minutes.
SeaTac to Bellevue →North to Everett or south to Tacoma
Neither has light rail from SEA yet. A car is the direct option.
All routes →Need a car for several days
Rent at the rental car facility, reached by airport shuttle bus.
Popular routes from Seattle airport
Distance and typical drive time from SEA by car.
Seattle
25–45 min from SEA
SeaTac to Seattle →Bellevue
25–40 min from SEA
SeaTac to Bellevue →South Lake Union
25–45 min from SEA
SeaTac to South Lake Union →Capitol Hill
25–45 min from SEA
SeaTac to Capitol Hill →Redmond
30–50 min from SEA
SeaTac to Redmond →Kirkland
30–50 min from SEA
SeaTac to Kirkland →Renton
12–20 min from SEA
SeaTac to Renton →Federal Way
15–30 min from SEA
SeaTac to Federal Way →Tacoma
25–45 min from SEA
SeaTac to Tacoma →Everett
45–70 min from SEA
SeaTac to Everett →Lynnwood
35–55 min from SEA
SeaTac to Lynnwood →SeaTac hotels
5–10 min from SEA
SeaTac airport hotels →Private car fares from Seattle airport
Starting-from prices for a one-way private ride. Your exact fare 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 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
- 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
Seattle airport transportation questions
More answers on the full FAQ, or call us any time.
(206) 788-8851How much is light rail from Seattle airport?
The Link light rail adult fare is $3. Trains run from SEA Airport station to downtown Seattle in about 38 minutes.
What time does light rail stop at SeaTac?
Link runs from about 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday to Saturday, and about 6 a.m. to midnight on Sundays and holidays. Check Sound Transit for the latest schedule.
Where do Uber and Lyft pick up at Seattle airport?
On the 3rd floor of the parking garage, the same level as the taxis.
Is there a shuttle from Seattle airport to downtown hotels?
Many airport-area hotels run free shuttles, but most downtown hotels do not. Downtown travelers usually take light rail, a taxi, rideshare or a private car.
How do I get from SeaTac to Bellevue?
By light rail, take the 1 Line north and transfer to the 2 Line to Bellevue. By car, it is about 17 miles and 25 to 40 minutes door to door.
What is the cheapest way to get from Seattle airport to downtown?
Link light rail at $3. It is the best value for light packers going downtown during service hours.
What is the easiest way with kids and luggage?
A private car with car seats reserved. A Mini Van from $125 fits up to 4 passengers and 4 checked bags.
More from Seattle Airport Taxi
Need a car from SEA?
Book a private car with your flight number. Exact price shown before you pay.