If you’re setting sail on a cruise exploring Alaska or the Pacific Northwest this summer, the chances are that you’ll be departing from one of Seattle’s two cruise terminals—either Bell Street Pier (Pier 66) or Smith Cove (Pier 91).
What’s the best way to get to your port of departure?
That depends on a few different factors: Both which terminal you’re departing from, and whether you’re flying, driving, or are already located in Seattle impacts your choice.
Also, consider if you’d like to schedule extra time to sightsee in Washington state’s biggest city—after all, there’s plenty to do near each port.
With those options in mind, here are the most convenient ways to get to either Pier 66 and Pier 91. We will discuss driving directions, long-term parking, taxi and limousine service cost, and best hotels to stay in. We will wrap everything up with some tips on getting back to SeaTac after your cruise.
Getting to Seattle’s Pier 66: The Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal
The Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal is located near the center of downtown Seattle, taking up 11-acres along downtown city’s waterfront. Home to both Oceana Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, this port is the departure point for weekly cruises to Alaska.
1. Map & Driving Directions to Seattle’s Pier 66 Cruise Terminal
Navigating your way to Pier 66? Plug the following address for Seattle Pier 66 into your GPS or follow the directions below:
2225 Alaskan Way South, Seattle, WA 98121
If you’re coming from Interstate 5 Northbound:
Take Mercer St. westbound (Exit #167). Turn left on 5th Ave. N. Turn right on Broad St. Turn left on Alaskan Way and followed to Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal Pier 66.
If you’re coming from Interstate 5 Southbound:
Take Mercer St. westbound (Exit #167). Turn left on 5th Ave. N. Turn right on Broad St. Turn left on Alaskan Way and followed to Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal Pier 66.
2. Long-Term Parking at Seattle’s Pier 66 Cruise Terminal
There’s only one option for long-term parking near Seattle Pier 66, which is the Bell Street Pier Garage. Located directly across Alaskan Way from the cruise terminal, the Bell Street parking garage offers 1,500 spaces of covered parking. The garage can be found at: 9 Wall St., Seattle, WA 98121
Here’s what you need to know about Bell Street Pier Garage:
- The cost of parking at Bell Street Cruise Terminal Parking is available for $35 per day. However, prepay online and you can receive a discount of $1 per day.
- Hours of operation are Sunday through Thursday, 6 am to Midnight; Friday and Saturday, 6:30 am to 1 am.
- This parking garage is intended for passengers of Oceana Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line.
- Complimentary luggage and shuttle service are available in the designated cruise parking area after 11 am each day.
If you’ve arrived at Pier 66 with some time to spare, the marina area offers restaurants and a mini-mart with an ATM. Also, please note that the Bell Street Pier Garage has a height clearance of 6'6". If your vehicle is taller than this, the garage’s website asks that you park in the T91 parking facility and states that taxi vouchers are available for transportation to and from Pier 66.
3. Getting From Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to the Pier 66 Cruise Terminal
If you’re flying into SeaTac for your cruise, or simply don’t want to bother with the hassle and expense of parking, then there are plenty of alternate ways to get to the cruise terminal:
Taxis
The only company that is allowed to pick-up passengers that are not pre-booked is Seattle Yellow Cab. For a direct route from SeaTac airport to the cruise terminal, taxis charge approximately $60. That’s based on the ride, not per person. (Exact amounts will vary depending on the meter and traffic conditions.) For a party of three, a taxi comes out to approximately $17 per person.
Town Car & Limousine Service Rates From SeaTac to Pier 66
Our Seattle cruise transfer services can accommodate more passengers and luggage than your standard taxi, with the additional benefit of a seamless and stress-free airport pickup—meaning you don’t have to wait around in long taxi lines. View our rates below:
| Vehicle Type | Pier 66 |
| Town Car or Chrysler 300 service up to 2 passengers | $75-85 |
| Luxury SUV service up to 5 passengers | $115-125 |
| Van service up to 11 passengers | $295 |
These rates do not include 20% gratuity, applicable airport fees, port fees, tolls and waiting time.
If you are traveling with a group of three, the cost of a Starline town car is approximately $19 per person (or $38 round-trip)—that’s just $2 more per passenger than taxi.
Does your group include small children? Starline can provide safety seats for your small children, just be sure to make your request at the time of your booking.
Shuttle
Shuttle Express offers roundtrip cruise terminal transfers for $44 per person (that’s $22 each way). The shuttle runs on demand 24-hours a day for airport pickups. However, return journeys to the airport are limited to 7 am to 11 am, Friday to Tuesday.
These hours of availability synch with the large crowds departing from each cruise. However, depending on the day you return, the limited shuttle schedule might not allow you the flexibility of staying an extra night in Seattle, either to rest, explore the city, or catch a lower-priced flight back home.
4. Hotels Near Seattle Pier 66
Once you’re aboard your cruise, it’s smooth sailing. But, ensuring that your entire group gets to the cruise terminal with plenty of time to spare can cause some serious stress—especially if you’re arriving by air.
To avoid potentially missing check-in due to flight delays, many cruise passengers choose to arrive the day before their cruise departs and check into a hotel near Seattle Pier 66. Here are some of the area’s top picks:
The Edgewater Hotel
- Pier 67, 2411 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA, 98121
- Rooms start at $229 a night for this 4-star hotel that’s located directly next to Pier 66
- Contact The Edgewater at 888-734-8507
Seattle Marriott Waterfront
- 2100 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA, 98121
- Family-friendly and 4-stars, this hotel is half a mile from Pier 66. Rooms at the Seattle Marriott Waterfront start at $309
- Contact at 888-724-6413
Four Seasons Hotel Seattle
- 99 Union St, Seattle, WA, 98101
- Located 0.6 miles from Pier 66 and 0.3 miles from Seattle’s city center, the Four Seasons is a 5-star luxury hotel with rooms starting at $499
- Contact at 888-950-5062
Kings Inn
- 2106 5th Ave., Seattle, WA, 98121
- A 2-star, budget-friendly option located 0.5 miles from Pier 66 and 0.4 miles from the city center
- Contact the Kings Inn at 888-724-6413
If you’re interested in staying closer to the airport, there are two hotels that offer cruise packages:
- Best Western Airport Executel ($144.00 - $249.00): Best for passengers who are driving in, this package includes seven days of parking and a free shuttle to SeaTac. However, transportation to Pier 66 must be arranged through a separate service, such as Starline or a metered taxi.
- Hampton Inn Seattle/Southcenter ($226.00 - $272.00): Includes one night of stay, two one-way cruise transfers to the pier of your choice, and breakfast on the morning of your departure. Offer expires October 2016.
Still need to get from SeaTac to your hotel or from your hotel to the pier? Starline can accommodate groups of every size in our luxury vans, SUVS, and town cars.
Getting to Seattle’s Pier 91: The Smith Cove Cruise Terminal
Pier 91, or the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal, is located along Seattle’s waterfront north of Pier 66. Approximately 20 miles from SeaTac airport and a four miles from Pike Place Market, Pier 91 is home to five cruise lines: Carnival, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International.
1. Map & Driving Directions to Seattle’s Pier 91 Cruise Terminal
If you’re driving to Pier 91, enter the following address for the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal into your GPS or follow the directions below:
2001 W. Garfield Street, Seattle, WA 98199
If you’re coming from Interstate 5 Northbound:
Use Mercer Street Exit from I-5 (exit #167). Continue on Mercer Street Westbound onto Elliott Ave. Follow signs to Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91.
If you’re coming from Interstate 5 Southbound, there are two options to arrive at Pier 91:
1. Use Mercer Street Exit from I-5 (exit #167). Continue on Mercer Street Westbound onto Elliott Ave. Follow signs to Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91.
2.Exit on Union St. (exit #165B), continue on Union St. to 4th Ave. Turn right on 4th Ave. Turn left onto Wall St. Turn right on Western Ave. and follow signs to Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91.
2. Long-Term Parking at Seattle’s Pier 91 Cruise Terminal
Parking at Seattle Pier 91 is operated by Seattle Cruise Parking, the same company that provides long-term parking near Pier 66. Located near the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal, Pier 91’s garage offers 1,100 covered parking spaces. Pier 91 Smith Cove Cruise Terminal Parking can be found at: 2001 West Garfield St., Lot D, Seattle, WA 98119.
Cruise passengers should note that the Smith Cove parking lot is a short distance away from the terminal building. This means that your group will have to take a shuttle from the parking area to the terminal building.
Here’s what else you need to know about Pier 91 Smith Cove Cruise Terminal Parking:
- The parking lot is available to all Carnival, Holland America line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity Cruises passengers.
General Parking is available for $21.31 (plus tax) per day up to 7 days. - You can receive a $1 per day discount if you prepay online. Reserving your parking in advance also guarantees your car a spot.
- This lot also provides overheight and RV parking for Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceana Cruise passengers.
- RV parking is available for $29.51 per day (plus tax). Note that RV parking must be reserved and prepaid online to guarantee a space.
- Friends and family who pick up or drop off cruise passengers can use the short-term parking or cell phone waiting lot while at the cruise terminal.
Pier 91 Smith Cove Cruise Terminal Parking hours of operation are 7 am to 4 pm all cruise days. Please note that, should you decide to remain parked in the garage past 4 pm, there is a $40.00 fee for all after-hours releases.
3. Getting From Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to the Pier 91 Cruise Terminal
Searching for a ride to the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal? The same transportation options are available from SeaTac to Pier 91, with just a few differences in cost:
Taxis
As we mentioned above, the only company that is allowed to pick-up passengers that are not pre-booked is Seattle Yellow Cab. For a direct route from SeaTac Airport to the Pier 91, taxis charge approximately $60. (This can change depending on the meter and traffic conditions.) For a party of three, a taxi comes out to approximately $20 per person.
Town Car & Limo Service Rates From SeaTac to Pier 91
Our professional, courteous drivers help you avoid taxi lines with a timely pick-up, then chauffeur your group to Pier 91 in a clean and spacious luxury town car, van, or SUV. View our rates below:
| Vehicle Type | Pier 91 |
| Town Car or Chrysler 300 service up to 2 passengers | $80-95 |
| Luxury SUV service up to 5 passengers | $120-135 |
| Van service up to 11 passengers | $295 |
These rates do not include 20% gratuity, applicable airport fees, port fees, tolls and waiting time.
If you are traveling with a group of three, Starline offers exceptional service in chauffeured town car for the same price a Yellow Cab. Do you have a larger group? Starline’s luxury SUV can transport a group of five for just $18 per person. Just a reminder that Starline can provide safety seats for your small children as long as you make your request at the time of your booking.
Shuttle
Shuttle Express offers roundtrip cruise terminal transfers for the same price for both piers—$44 per person (that’s $22 each way). However, the same restrictions apply: Return journeys to the airport are limited to 7 am to 11 am, Friday to Tuesday.
4. Hotels Near Seattle Pier 91
Because Pier 91 is approximately four miles north of the city center, which hotel to stay in depends on if you’d like to explore Seattle’s landmarks or simply tuck in and rest before your cruise check-in the following day.
If you choose a hotel closer to the Space Needle or the South Lake Union area, cabs are available for $10-$13 to transport you to Pier 91. Alternately, Starline can arrange for transportation from both SeaTac to your hotel, and then from your hotel to the cruise terminal, for one bundled price.
Interested in staying closer to Pier 91? The area is limited in hotels—even the closest choices being a mile away:
Ginosi Queen Anne Apartel
- 512 5th Ave West, Seattle, WA, 98119
- Located 1.1 miles to Seattle Cruise Ship Terminal 91 and 1.6 miles to the city center, this six-room boutique hotel offers rates starting at $208 per night
- Contact at 888-724-6413
MarQueen Hotel
- 600 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109
- Located 1.4 miles to Seattle Cruise Ship Terminal 91 and 1.4 miles to the city center, the MarQueen Hotel receives 4/ 5-stars from Travelocity members. Rooms start at $199 per night
- Contact at 888-950-5062
Space Needle Condos by Barsala
- 2720 4th Ave, Seattle, WA, 98109
- Want to stay closer to Seattle’s most recognizable building? The Space Needle Condos offer luxury accommodations with a rooftop terrace, fitness center, and garden. The view doesn’t come cheap, however, with rooms starting at $536 per night
- Contact at 888-950-5062
Hyatt Place Seattle Downtown
- 110 6th Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109
- The area's top-listed option for family-friendly lodging, the Hyatt Place Seattle Downtown still requires transportation for the two-mile journey to Pier 91. However, with a rating of 4.3/ 5-stars, and over 160 rooms, the convenience of this location might outweigh the trouble of an extra trip
- Contact at 888-675-8872
What’s the Best Way to Get to SeaTac After Your Cruise?
Since both Pier 66 and Pier 91 cruises disembark at scheduled times, your group will be able to flag down a taxi for transportation to the airport in the marked loading areas—just be prepared to wait in line.
Don’t want to risk ruining your hard-won relaxation once it’s time to depart? Instead of worrying about catching shuttle departures or a cab, you can pre-schedule your Starline pickup for curbside service.
For Pier 66 arrivals, our drivers will pick up your group along Alaskan Way.
If you’ve arrived at Pier 91, your Starline driver will pick you up at the designated load/ drop-off zone with posts which are numbered (much like the airport.)
For both piers we ask our passengers to call us at (206) 261-1191 during several points of departure to ensure smooth pick-up:
- Once you know the assigned disembarking time.
- Approximately 45 minutes before your are getting ready to leave the room.
- Approximately 5 minutes before your leave the port (past customs).
Please note that all Starline services require a reservation.
Ready to start your trip off with a comfortable limousine cruise transfer from SeaTac to your hotel, Pier 66, or Pier 91?
For all of Starline’s SeaTac to Cruise Pier services call (206) 261-1191 to speak with a reservation agent who will assist you with any questions about transportation during your trip.
Header image credit: Ivan T., Wikipedia