Seattle Airport Transfers

If you're planning a trip to Seattle, here are the different ways you can get from the airport to the city.

Nicolas Reffray

Nicolas Reffray

9 min read

Seattle Airport Transfers

Seattle Airport | ©Kev Cook

There is truly so much to see and do in Seattle that I have no doubt you'll have an amazing time. Seattle is the largest city in the state of Washington, and it's only 24 kilometres to Seattle Tacoma Airport. There are many ways to make this journey, and in this article I will tell you about each of them, so you can choose the option that suits you best.

From shared transfers in vans, private transfers, taxi, rental car, bus or even light rail, the city of Seattle is really very well connected with its airport, so it won't be difficult to find the best way to make this journey.

Private transfer to Seattle Tacoma Airport from the city

Private Transfer| ©dalaman marmaris
Private Transfer| ©dalaman marmaris

This is definitely the best and most comfortable way to make this journey between Seattle Tacoma International Airport and the city of Seattle. By hiring a private transfer you avoid any kind of delays or problems with your luggage, besides, having a professional driver you can be sure that he will not take long to pick you up.

Arrivals and departures from a city can be very stressful, one must take into account many details, passports, luggage, that each of the members of the family is ready to leave and that no one forgets anything. Add to all this having to go out into the street to find a free taxi that will fit all your luggage and you can end up exhausted, which is why booking a private car to pick you up when you decide is an excellent idea. Then all you have to do is enjoy your trip.

If you are travelling with your family, let me tell you that there are many things to see and do in Seattle with children, from guided tours around the city to excursions in nearby regions or boat trips, Seattle will fascinate them.

Interesting details

  • Travel time: approx. 30 minutes, depending on traffic
  • Price: from 78 Euros
  • Advantages of using this method: You don't have to worry about anything, it is booked in advance and all you have to do is enjoy the ride.
  • How to book this transfer: Below you can book your private transfer from Seattle to Seattle Tacoma International Airport directly.
  • Recommended if you are travelling with your family and have a lot of luggage, as you can relax while the driver takes care of everything.

Book your private transfer to Seattle airport

Shared transfer to Seattle Tacoma Airport from the city

Shared Shuttle| ©BigOwen
Shared Shuttle| ©BigOwen

Another way to do this tour is with a shared shuttle. This type of transport, which can be a minibus or van, is usually much cheaper than a private transfer, as you will be travelling with other people.

A good option if you are on a tight budget. Keep in mind that it can take a long time to pick up other travellers, carry their luggage and get to the various hotels in Seattle. This option saves you from having to walk to the Link Light Rail station, and for a relatively low price you can get to the city.

This type of transfer, also known as an airport shuttle, is even cheaper than a taxi or an Uber, but it is, however, rather impractical. Yes, of course you save a few bucks, but ultimately you lose a lot of time and don't travel very comfortably. Waiting for the van or minibus to fill up can make even the calmest person impatient, and for a short 30-minute ride you can end up taking 60-90 minutes.

Once in Seattle, you can't miss out on one of the amazing guided tours available. Whether your trip lasts several days or just a few, the boat tours, for example, or the Mount Rainier hike are recommended even if you' re visiting Seattle for 3 days.

Details of interest

  • Duration of the trip: Depends on the number of passengers to be picked up by the shuttle.
  • Price: from 45 Euros
  • Advantages of using this method: Cheaper than a private transfer
  • How to book this transport: At the counters of the different companies that offer this service, inside the Seattle airport.
  • Recommended if you are on a tight budget and don't mind the journey taking more than 60 or 90 minutes.

Taxi transfer to Seattle Tacoma airport from the city

Seattle Taxi| ©teekay72
Seattle Taxi| ©teekay72

Booking a taxi is a great way to get between the airport and the city of Seattle. With a fixed fare that is slightly cheaper than a private transfer, the taxi also offers the advantage of travelling without sharing the vehicle with other passengers.

It is relatively quick, although it will always depend on traffic in the city. The only major disadvantage of taxis compared to private transfers is that you don't always get large taxis, which can be a problem if you are travelling with a large family group and have several suitcases. Also, looking for a taxi can be a bit stressful.

So, the best thing to do is to book a taxi from Seattle to Sea-Tac Airport through the different taxi companies' websites to avoid a lot of headaches.

After arriving at your hotel, start planning your itinerary, remembering that it is always advisable to start getting to know a city on board a tourist bus. By hiring a guided bus tour of Seattle you will be able to locate all the attractions and points of interest that Seattle has to offer.

Interesting details

  • Duration of tour: approximately 40 minutes
  • Price: from 68 Euros
  • Advantages of using this method: it's quick and a few dollars cheaper than a private transfer.
  • How to book this transport: You can look for a taxi on the street or search on the web for the different taxi companies in Seattle. Here are two of the most important ones in the article.
  • Recommended if you are travelling alone or with a small family group.

Travel to Seattle Tacoma Airport from the city by Link Light Rail (tram or light rail)

Link Light Rail train| ©Atomic Taco
Link Light Rail train| ©Atomic Taco

The Link Light Rail is definitely the cheapest option of all. Tickets are priced at 2 Euros per adult, with reduced fares for children. It's a great way to get from Seattle Tacoma Airport to the city in no time. Of course, you'll have to walk a bit and carry your own luggage.

As it's public transport, you'll of course be travelling with other passengers, so it's not private. The Link Light Rail has a frequency of about 10 minutes, and the total journey time from the airport is about 40 minutes.

You can board at any of the following stations:

Westlake Center, Pioneer Square, the International District, Capitol Hill or University Street, among others. Once at the airport, it's about a 10-minute walk.

Virtually all of these stations are must-visits, and there's nothing better than a guided tour. There are many options depending on your interests, from food tours of Pike Place Market to options to discover an underground Seattle. Don't hesitate, taking a guided tour of Seattle is the best way to get to know the city.

Interesting details

  • Duration of tour: 40 minutes plus 10 minutes walking time
  • Price: 2 Euros per adult
  • Advantages of using this method: it's quick and economical.
  • How to book this transport: no reservations can be made, it is a public transport, you board at stations along the route.
  • Recommended if you are on a tight budget, have little luggage and don't mind walking a bit.

Uber/Lyft transfer to Seattle Tacoma airport from the city

Ordering Uber| ©freestocks.org
Ordering Uber| ©freestocks.org

For those who know and have used Uber or Lyft, this is a great way to get from the airport to the city of Seattle without overspending and travelling alone or with your family group.

A very similar option in price and performance to taxis, both Lyft and Uber are serious companies that will allow you to travel quickly and safely.

There are a few options to consider that may vary the price of your ride. With UberX you get an absolutely private vehicle that will pick you up and take you around the city of Seattle for between 36 and 45 Euros depending on how long it takes due to city traffic. Lyft has a fare of approximately 36 Euros and the ride can take about 30 minutes.

Finally, I recommend that you always check the airport website for possible flight changes or flight delays.

This is a way to make sure everything is going according to plan.

Once in Seattle, be sure to take a guided tour of the city's top foodie destinations. One of the must-do things to do if you visit Seattle in 5 days, so you can get to know the local flavours from an expert guide.

Interesting details

  • Duration of the tour: approximately 30 minutes
  • Price: between 36 and 45 Euros
  • Advantages of using this method: it's fast and economical.
  • How to book this transport: via the companies' app
  • Recommended if you are a regular user of this type of transport.

Transfer by rental car to Seattle Tacoma airport from the city

Driving| ©M&W Studios
Driving| ©M&W Studios

Renting your own car in Seattle is a good way to manage your own time and have the vehicle, which you can choose according to the amount of luggage you plan to bring on your trip to Seattle.

If you choose to rent a car during your stay in Seattle, you will probably prefer to make the journey from the airport to the city of Seattle by driving yourself. Most car rental companies have the option of picking up your car very close to the airport, in an area called the Rental Car Facility.

A good option if you like driving, although I must say that you won't be able to enjoy the journey as if you were being driven by someone else. Also, think that when you arrive to a city there are many things to take into account, such as passports and luggage, etc., so this option is not the best, and it is also the most expensive of all.

Although if you have a rental car you may be able to visit the regions near the city and explore a little. If you're not up for that, you can always book a tour, for example, to Snoqualmie Falls or Mount Rainier National Park - you won't regret it.

Interesting details

  • Duration of tour: approximately 30 minutes
  • Price: will depend on how many days you have rented the car for.
  • Advantages of using this method: although it is the most expensive option of all, you can use the car during your stay in Seattle and manage your own schedule and itinerary.
  • How to book this transport: through the websites of the car rental companies
  • Recommended if you enjoy driving and want to use the car to get around the city and its surroundings, perhaps visiting Washington DC.

Getting from Seattle Tacoma Airport to the city by bus

At Seattle Airport| ©Tarik Abdel-Monem
At Seattle Airport| ©Tarik Abdel-Monem

I've saved for last what is definitely the least practical mode of transport of all. If you want to travel from the airport to the city of Seattle by bus, I'm sorry to say that there is no single line that makes the journey directly, you will have to change buses in the middle of the journey.

The fare is 2 Euros per bus, and you must first get on the 150 bus to Andover Park and Baker Boulevard, where you will wait for the 156 bus which will drop you off in the city of Seattle.

In total, without taking into account the wait for both buses, the trip takes about 60 minutes. In truth, I think there are much more practical options, such as Link Light Rail, which is just as economical and not as complex.

Interesting details

  • Journey time: approximately 60 minutes
  • Price: 4 Euros
  • Advantages of using this method: it is really cheap
  • How to book this transport: no reservations can be made, it is a public transport, you board it on the street.
  • Recommended if you really can't find a better option

We compare the options

  • Private transfer
  • Duration: 30 minutes
  • Price: 78 Euros
  • In favour: practical
  • Against: not so economical
  • Shared transfer
  • Duration: 60 or 90 minutes
  • Price: 45 Euros
  • For: economical
  • Against: takes a long time
  • Transfer by taxi
  • Duration: 40 minutes
  • Price: 68 Euros
  • In favour: fast
  • Against: not very economical
  • Transfer by tram
  • Duration: 40 to 50 minutes
  • Price: 2 Euros
  • In favour: fast and cheap
  • On the downside: you have to carry your suitcase
  • Transfer by Uber or Lyft
  • Duration: 30 minutes
  • Price: between 36 and 45 Euros
  • For: fast
  • Against: not suitable for many suitcases
  • Transfer by rental car
  • Duration: 30 minutes
  • Price: depends on the number of days you rent it for
  • In favour: fast
  • Against: more expensive option
  • Transfer by bus
  • Duration: 60 minutes
  • Price: 4 Euros
  • In favour: economical
  • Against: impractical