Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) Airport to Downtown

Two ways from the airport to Downtown

The airport in our Seattle guide is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). To get Downtown you have two options: Link light rail, or a taxi or ride-hailing car.

Link light rail runs to Downtown stations without changes in about 40 min, for about US$3 (flat fare). A taxi or a car booked through a ride-hailing app takes about 25-40 min to Downtown and costs about US$45-70 plus tip.

When you buy your ticket, check that the arrival airport is shown as Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

• Full Seattle travel guide →
• Incheon → Seattle flights →

Link light rail: about 40 min to Downtown, no changes

From the airport, Link light rail takes you to Downtown stations without changes. The ride takes about 40 min and the fare is about US$3 (flat fare).

Link light rail runs north-south, linking the airport, Downtown and the university district. Check official information on payment. City buses use the same transit card as light rail.

Taxi or ride-hailing: about 25-40 min to Downtown

Taxis and cars booked through a ride-hailing app pick up at the designated area in the airport garage. The trip takes about 25-40 min to Downtown and costs about US$45-70 plus tip.

It is handy if you have a lot of luggage or arrive late at night. Tipping is customary for taxis, so budget for it on top of the fare.

Choosing an area: Downtown, Belltown, Capitol Hill, Fremont

Our guide covers four areas to stay. Light rail drops you at Downtown stations, so check in advance how you will get on from there to your neighborhood.

• Downtown & Pike Place (first visit, transport): close to the market, waterfront and light rail, with many hotels
• Belltown & Seattle Center (sights, dining): near the observation tower and parks, with plenty of restaurants and bars. The monorail links Downtown and Seattle Center in minutes
• Capitol Hill (cafés, nightlife): a lively neighborhood of cafés, bars and live venues, with a light rail station
• Fremont & Ballard (local vibe, slower pace): characterful northern neighborhoods with canals, parks and weekend markets, good for quieter stays

Arrival-day checklist: transit card, tips, tax

Link light rail and buses use the same transit card. Check official information on payment before you travel.

• The light rail fare is about US$3 (flat fare); check official information on how to pay
• Tipping is customary for taxis and hotel services; restaurants usually about 15-20% of the bill
• Shelf prices often exclude sales tax, which is added at checkout
• The city is hilly, so wear comfortable shoes
• Check official US government information on ESTA or visas you may need before you travel

At a glance

Times and fares are as given in our guide.

• Link light rail: to Downtown stations without changes, about 40 min, about US$3 (flat fare), check official information on payment
• Taxi or ride-hailing: designated area in the airport garage, about 25-40 min to Downtown, about US$45-70 plus tip, handy with luggage or late at night

• Seattle 3 nights, 4 days route →
• Full Seattle travel guide →

FAQ

Related reading

Itinerary · United StatesHow Many Days in Seattle? A 4-Day Route and How to Get AroundSeattle suits 4-5 days: light rail in, Pike Place Market, Seattle Center and Kerry Park,…ComparisonAirport to City: Train, Bus, Taxi or Transfer? A Practical ComparisonCompare the five ways to get from the airport into town, with tips for late-night…TipsTipping Culture by CountryTipping by country: where there is no tipping culture, where it's optional, where a…

All articles →