Written by Dobrina Zhekova | Last updated: February 23, 2026
Jump to: At a Glance | Bus | Light Link Rail | Shuttle | Ride Share Apps | Taxi | Car Rental | Reserved Private Car Service | Conclusion
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is one of the Pacific Northwest’s main travel hubs. There are several practical ways to get between SEA and Seattle, Bellevue, and the surrounding area, and the right choice is usually determined by a handful of details.
Start with these: your luggage, your group size, your arrival or departure time, and the level of predictability you want. The airport is roughly 12 miles from downtown Seattle, but the total trip can vary widely depending on traffic, time of day, and whether your option is truly door-to-door.
Below is a practical comparison of the major ground transportation options, including what each is best for and what to expect upon arrival.
Comparison at a glance
| Transportation Option | Best for | Main tradeoff |
| Bus | Lowest cost | Slowest option and often involves walking and transfers |
| Link Light Rail | Downtown Seattle trips | Not door-to-door, and Eastside connectivity depends on current service patterns |
| Shuttle (shared van) | Door-to-door service at a moderate cost | Shared ride with fixed routing, and many providers work best with advance reservations |
| Ride share apps | App convenience and quick availability | Prices change with demand (surge pricing), plus airport pickup logistics |
| Taxi | Simple departure from the airport and no surge pricing | Higher cost than transit, and fare depends on the fare rules, fees, and traffic |
| Car rental | Multiple stops, day trips, and full flexibility | Insurance, parking costs, and city driving |
| Reserved private car service | Highest predictability, luggage help, and professional consistency | Higher cost than public transit and most shared options |
Bus
Sound Transit and King County Metro operate several bus routes that serve SEA and connect to various locations in Seattle and nearby areas (you can check out detailed bus maps here).
What to expect:
- This is often the most budget-friendly option. Tickets cost $3.25 for Sound Transit's express bus and $2.75 for a one-way trip on King County Metro.
- The main tradeoff is time and convenience. Depending on your destination, the trip can take 45 minutes or more, and it may still include a walk with luggage to your hotel or meeting/conference spot.
- Overnight service is limited. If you are arriving very late or leaving very early, confirm the specific route schedule for the day you travel.
Where to go at the SEA Airport:
King County Metro bus stops serving SEA are located on International Boulevard (State Highway 99) and South 176th Street, by the SeaTac/Airport Link light rail station.
Light Link Rail
Link light rail is one of the most popular public transit options for getting between SEA and downtown Seattle.
What to expect:
- To reach the station, follow signs from baggage claim and walk across the covered walkway toward the SeaTac/Airport Station area.
- The ride between SEA and downtown Seattle takes about 38 minutes.
- Trains depart every 8 to 10 minutes
- Adult fares range from $2.25 to $3.25 (seniors over 65 pay $1). Fares and discount programs change over time, so check the current fare before you ride.
If you are headed to Bellevue or the Eastside:
Eastside light rail connections are actively evolving. As of this update, the Seattle-to-Bellevue light rail segment is scheduled to begin service on March 28, 2026. If you are traveling around that time, check current service maps and trip planners before your trip so you know whether you will have a direct ride or a transfer.
Where to go at SEA Airport:
- From baggage claim, head up to the fourth floor and cross the skybridge to the parking garage level, then follow the signs to the SeaTac/Airport Station.
- If you prefer not to walk the full distance, grab a free Train-to-Plane shuttle that runs between the terminal area and the light rail station.
Shuttle
Shared shuttles can be a useful middle option when you want a ride that is more direct and faster than a bus, but generally lower cost than a private vehicle.
What to expect:
- Coverage varies. Some providers focus on central hotel zones, which can be convenient if you are staying in a downtown or hotel district.
- Expect to share the van with other passengers, and many shuttle providers work best with advance reservations.
- Pricing usually starts at $50 per person and varies widely by provider, time of day, and destination. This option can be cost-effective for solo travelers, but less so for larger groups when comparing per-person costs.
- If you are traveling with a lot of luggage or oversized items, notify the shuttle company ahead of time so they can plan for space and the appropriate vehicle type.
Where to go at SEA Airport:
For shared van service, use the airport’s Ground Transportation area and follow on-site signage for shuttles and door-to-door vans. The Port lists approved door-to-door operators under Door-to-Door transportation.
Ride share apps
Ride share apps like Uber and Lyft are available at the SEA airport and can be convenient when you want a direct ride to your destination.
What to expect:
- Pickups for Uber and Lyft are on the 3rd floor of the airport parking garage. Follow airport signs for Ground Transportation and the rideshare pickup area.
- If you are using a premium Uber option, such as Uber Black, pickup procedures may differ. In some cases, it meets at the baggage claim level door selected by the passenger in the app.
- The biggest downside is price variability. Rates can change with traffic, time of day, and demand, so the same trip can cost very different amounts across the day. In general, expect to pay at least $65–$85 for a transfer to downtown Seattle or Bellevue, plus fees (e.g., a booking fee if you reserve your ride in advance).
- Another practical consideration is consistency. Vehicle type, trunk space, and pickup experience vary from ride to ride (speeding, unprofessional behavior, or an old and untidy car). If you have lots of luggage, a car seat, or a tight timeline, choose the appropriate ride class and confirm you can fit everything comfortably.
Where to go at SEA Airport:
- Uber and Lyft ride app pickup is on the 3rd floor of the airport parking garage.
- Premium Uber rides, like Uber Black, meet at the baggage claim level door the passenger selects in the app.
See Also: How Does Uber Compare to Limo Service in Seattle?
Taxi
Taxis are a straightforward option when you want to leave the airport without coordinating an app pickup. You walk to the taxi stand, get in line, and go.
You will see two pricing styles: flat-rate (zone-based) and metered. SEA has a minimum fare of $20 for taxi trips that originate at the airport. Metered taxis have a three-digit vehicle number and are painted in a single color, while flat-rate taxis have a four-digit number and are painted in two colors.
What to expect:
- If you’re going downtown Seattle, choose a flat-rate taxi, which will take you to your destination for $60. For Bellevue's hotel district, the flat rate is $72. Flat rates are not universal, and they depend on the dispatch agency and the destination zone. Before you get in, ask one simple question: “Is this a flat-rate trip to my destination, and what is the total?”
- Get in a metered cab if your final destination is out of the way, and you prefer to be dropped off at the exact destination. The flat pickup rate is $2.60, $2.70 per mile, plus an additional gas surcharge. Other fees or surcharges may apply (e.g., for waiting in traffic or additional passengers).
- Because pricing can vary by company and traffic, confirm how the fare will be calculated before you depart. If congestion is heavy, ask the driver what they expect the trip to cost and how traffic may affect your total.
Where to go at SEA:
- Taxis are stationed on the 3rd floor of the parking garage on the north and south curbs.
- If you are in a wheelchair or have limited mobility, you may request curbside pick-up on the baggage claim level.
See Also: Why Seattle Travelers Prefer Limo Service Over Taxis
Car rental
Renting a car can make sense if you will be in the Seattle area for a few days and plan to move around frequently, especially if you are doing multiple stops or day trips.
What to expect:
- Car rental companies are located off-site. A complimentary shuttle takes passengers from the terminal area to the rental facility.
- Shuttles are available to passengers 24 hours a day. Currently, 12 car rental companies are available, each offering a fleet of vehicles at different price points.
- Plan for added time since this option includes a shuttle leg before you are on the road.
- When you compare costs, include insurance, gas, tolls, and parking. Parking in downtown Seattle can be expensive or inconvenient, and most hotels charge daily parking fees.
Where to go at SEA Airport:
- Rental car shuttles pick up on the lower drive on the baggage claim level.
- There are two passenger pick-up areas, one at the north end and one at the south end of the terminal, and shuttles take passengers to the rental car facility in a short drive.
Reserved private car service (chauffeured / black car)
Reserved private car service is the most enjoyable and predictable option when you want a consistent pickup experience and a direct ride that does not depend on surge pricing or driver availability.
This option tends to fit best when luggage is heavy, timing is tight, or you want a calmer, more managed pickup process.
When it makes the most sense:
- You are traveling with lots of luggage, oversized bags, or multiple suitcases.
- You are traveling with kids and need car seats or extra time at pickup.
- You are hosting a client or VIP, and timing and presentation matter.
- You have an early flight, a late arrival, or a tight schedule.
- You want clear pickup instructions and a consistent, professional standard.
What to compare between companies:
- Reputation and track record (how long they’ve operated, consistency of reviews, and whether the company has a real dispatch/operations team you can reach).
- Flight tracking and how wait time is handled after landing (what’s included, what triggers extra charges).
- Pickup method and communication (where you meet, how they coordinate, and what happens if your phone dies or baggage runs long).
- Driver standards (background checks, licensing/insurance, training requirements).
- Pricing structure (is the quote flat and all-in; what fees exist; what’s the cancellation/change policy).
- Vehicle sizing guidance (how they match vehicle type to passenger count and luggage so you’re not cramped).
Tradeoffs:
- It usually costs more than public transit and shared options.
- For short trips with light luggage and easy timing, you are still paying a premium price. However, if you want a premium experience, privacy, and a more managed pickup, it can still be worth it even on a short ride.
Where to go at SEA Airport:
- Curbside pickup at baggage claim (pre-arranged pickup at the terminal curb).
- Ground Transportation Plaza pickup (3rd floor of the parking garage). This is where many commercial ground transportation services stage, and it is also the same general level used for ride apps and taxis.
- Meet and Greet. Pre-arranged limousine meet-and-greet typically starts at baggage claim, where your driver meets you inside, helps with luggage, and then walks with you to the Ground Transportation Plaza on the 3rd floor of the parking garage, where pre-arranged limousines stage in designated limo stalls.
If you decide that a reserved private car service is the right fit, visit our airport transportation page to learn more.
In conclusion
SEA Airport offers transportation options for every trip, from the lowest-cost public transit to fully managed private service. If you want the simplest decision path, start with your luggage and your timing.
Light rail and buses are strong picks when cost matters and your destination is transit-friendly. Taxis and ride shares work well when you want a direct ride and are comfortable with the pickup process and its variability. If you want the most consistent experience, especially with luggage, kids, or tight schedules, reserved private car service is typically the most predictable option.
Before you travel, it is worth checking the airport’s current ground transportation guidance and any real-time service updates, as pickup areas and operating details can change due to construction and seasonal demand.