Getting Around Seattle
Seattle Airport information
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), located just 12 miles south of downtown Seattle, is one of the busiest and fastest-growing airports in the U.S. It serves as the main hub for Alaska Airlines and a major base for Delta and American Airlines. With 90+ nonstop domestic routes and nearly 30 international connections to cities like London, Paris, Tokyo, and Vancouver, SEA makes Seattle easily accessible worldwide.
Travelers enjoy art installations, local dining outlets, shopping, and wellness services within the airport. Ground transport options include:
1. Taxis & Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): 25–30 minutes to downtown, costing approx. $20–$55.
2. Shuttles & Buses: Several private and shared services operate almost 24/7, including connections to downtown hotels and nearby cities.
3. Link Light Rail: Located at the airport station with direct service to downtown (details below).
4. Popular domestic carriers: Alaska, Delta, United, Southwest, American.
5. Popular international carriers: Air Canada, Emirates, ANA, British Airways, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, and more.
Travelers enjoy art installations, local dining outlets, shopping, and wellness services within the airport. Ground transport options include:
1. Taxis & Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): 25–30 minutes to downtown, costing approx. $20–$55.
2. Shuttles & Buses: Several private and shared services operate almost 24/7, including connections to downtown hotels and nearby cities.
3. Link Light Rail: Located at the airport station with direct service to downtown (details below).
4. Popular domestic carriers: Alaska, Delta, United, Southwest, American.
5. Popular international carriers: Air Canada, Emirates, ANA, British Airways, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, and more.
Seattle Travel by Rail
Seattle’s rail network offers both urban mobility and long-distance travel:
1. Link Light Rail (Sound Transit): Runs from Angle Lake through SEA Airport and downtown Seattle, up to Northgate. Trains run every 6–15 minutes, with a 40-minute ride between the airport and downtown’s Westlake Station. Major expansions are underway, extending routes north, south, and east.
2. Sounder Commuter Rail: Connects King Street Station with suburbs between Everett (north) and Lakewood (south of Tacoma). It’s ideal for commuters and day trips.
Amtrak Services from King Street Station:
1. Amtrak Cascades – Seattle to Vancouver, BC; Portland; and Eugene.
2. Coast Starlight – Scenic route to Los Angeles via Portland.
3. Empire Builder – Cross-country route linking Seattle to Chicago.
4. Rocky Mountaineer – Luxury train between Seattle, Vancouver, and the Canadian Rockies.
1. Link Light Rail (Sound Transit): Runs from Angle Lake through SEA Airport and downtown Seattle, up to Northgate. Trains run every 6–15 minutes, with a 40-minute ride between the airport and downtown’s Westlake Station. Major expansions are underway, extending routes north, south, and east.
2. Sounder Commuter Rail: Connects King Street Station with suburbs between Everett (north) and Lakewood (south of Tacoma). It’s ideal for commuters and day trips.
Amtrak Services from King Street Station:
1. Amtrak Cascades – Seattle to Vancouver, BC; Portland; and Eugene.
2. Coast Starlight – Scenic route to Los Angeles via Portland.
3. Empire Builder – Cross-country route linking Seattle to Chicago.
4. Rocky Mountaineer – Luxury train between Seattle, Vancouver, and the Canadian Rockies.
Seattle Public Transportation
Seattle offers a wide mix of public and private transport options, making it easy to move around the city without a car:
1. Buses (King County Metro): A large network covering local and regional routes, integrated with the Link Light Rail. The Transit GO Ticket app is recommended for easy mobile ticketing.
2. Monorail: The Seattle Center Monorail connects downtown Westlake Center to Seattle Center (home of the Space Needle).
3. Shuttles: Free hotel shuttles operate at SEA, plus paid shared-ride options to downtown and cruise terminals.
4. Taxis & Rideshare: Metered taxis, Uber, and Lyft are widely available across the city and at airport pickup zones.
5. Biking & Scooters: Seattle supports bike lanes, rentals, and electric scooters for short city trips.
1. Buses (King County Metro): A large network covering local and regional routes, integrated with the Link Light Rail. The Transit GO Ticket app is recommended for easy mobile ticketing.
2. Monorail: The Seattle Center Monorail connects downtown Westlake Center to Seattle Center (home of the Space Needle).
3. Shuttles: Free hotel shuttles operate at SEA, plus paid shared-ride options to downtown and cruise terminals.
4. Taxis & Rideshare: Metered taxis, Uber, and Lyft are widely available across the city and at airport pickup zones.
5. Biking & Scooters: Seattle supports bike lanes, rentals, and electric scooters for short city trips.
