If you’re planning a trip to the ‘Emerald City’ of Seattle, there are three main forms of transportation from Seattle International Airport to Downtown: a Seattle Airport taxi, the light rail train or a private transfer.
Taking a taxi from Seattle Airport to Downtown Seattle is easy and fast with door-to-door service. On the other hand, public transportation is cheaper if you’re traveling on a tight budget. A private Seattle Airport transfer is a guaranteed no-stress option to get to Downtown Seattle, offering convenience and 24/7 customer support.
The distance from Seattle Airport to Downtown is around 24 miles, so you can be at your hotel in just 15 minutes!
3 options to go from Seattle Airport to city center
Luggage storage is plentiful on the light rail, with overhead storage running the entire length of the carriage. If you have a backpack or carry-on you will be expected to put this on your lap or at your feet, not on the chair next to you, as the train can get very busy.
Save the article for later or share it with friends
The link is copied
How to get from Seattle Airport to Downtown by taxi
Hopping in a Seattle Airport taxi is a fast and efficient way to get to Downtown Seattle. Sea-Tac (Seattle-Tacoma International Airport) has taxis available 24/7.
Taxi from Seattle Airport to Downtown cost
The price for a taxi from Seattle Airport to downtown is set by the City of Seattle’s metered rate. Cabs use taximeters to determine a price based on the duration of your journey and the distance traveled. Currently, this rate is $2.70 (€2.50) per mile, with an additional pick-up fee.
However, some Sea-Tac taxis will offer a flat fare of around $40 (€37) for the trip Downtown.
If you’d rather have a set price in advance, so you can plan your budget accordingly and leave nothing to chance, you can pre-book a taxi with a popular company like Welcome Pickups.
Where do I get it from?
You can find the official Sea-Tac Airport taxi ranks on the third floor of the parking garage located at the airport’s north and south curb.
Convenience
If you’re traveling with heavy luggage and children, we recommend getting a taxi from Seattle Airport to Downtown Seattle. It’s quick, convenient, and comfortable!
Useful Tips
Though some Seattle cabs offer fixed rate prices to Downtown Seattle, all will use a taximeter to calculate their prices to other destinations.
Seattle taxis usually accept card payments and traveler's checks including Visa, American Express, and MasterCard, but you can always confirm with your driver to be on the safe side!
There are no price differences for day and night or for weekend trips in Seattle.
How to get from Seattle Airport to Downtown by train
You can take the Seattle airport train – the light rail – to Downtown Seattle if you’re looking for a cheaper mode of transportation. This is a great cost-effective way to get around, taking 38 minutes to reach the downtown Westlake Center Station.
How much is the train from Seattle Airport to Downtown?
A one-way adult ticket on the light rail train costs $3 (€2.78). You can purchase your ticket at any train station, or use the Transit Go Ticket app.
If you plan on staying in the city for a while, you could opt for an ORCA card and use it on your phone to tap on or off at the station. However, these are more expensive than a one-off ticket.
Cost
$3 (€2.78)
Trip Duration
38 Min.
The light rail runs every 8 to 10 minutes from SEA-TAC Airport to Downtown Seattle.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
The light rail is available Monday to Saturday from 05:00 to 01:00 and on Sundays and public holidays from 06:00 to 00:00.
Where do I get it from?
To get the light rail from Sea-Tac, you’ll need to head up to the fourth floor’s parking garage. From here, follow the signs on the walkway from International Boulevard and head across the sky bridges. This walk will take around 10 to 15 minutes.
Convenience
Getting from Seattle Airport to Downtown by train is cheaper than taking a taxi, but takes considerably longer than a taxi journey under regular traffic conditions – especially because the train is a little bit further away from the terminal. If you’re traveling solo and aren’t on a tight schedule, this is a good option for you. However, if you are traveling with a lot of luggage, you’ll have to still walk or find transportation to your hotel after getting off the station at Westlake Center.
Note that splitting the cost of a taxi between passengers is not much more than the cost of a one-way train ticket!
Timetables
Light Rail Schedule and Routes
Trip Planner
Useful Tips
The light rail provides discounted tickets for seniors, youth, and disabled passengers on the presentation of an identity card.
Children aged 5 and under ride for free with a fare-paying passenger.
The light rail's Security Desk is open 24/7, and you can contact them at 206-398-5268.
How to get from Seattle Airport to Downtown by private transfer
A Seattle Airport transfer is the most convenient, reliable and safe way to get from Seattle Airport to Downtown Seattle.
A stress-free start to your trip is guaranteed with:
Meet and greets Trained English-speaking drivers Flight monitoring Guaranteed fixed fares 24/7 customer support Flexible cancellation
With a popular provider like Welcome Pickups, you can rest knowing your driver will be waiting for you when your plane hits the runway. With all your personalized touches and requests catered to, all you have to do is sit back and relax as you head to your hotel.
What's the cost of a private transfer from Seattle Airport to Downtown?
By pre-booking private transfers from Seattle Airport to Downtown Seattle, you can get a great fixed-rate fare in advance. This way, you can have peace of mind that there will be no hidden costs, no extra charges, and no unwanted surprises!
Private taxis start at €75 for up to three passengers. If you’re traveling in a large group, you can book a spacious minivan for up to 12 people for €200.
Cost
€75
Trip Duration
15 Min.
*Booking your private transfer in advance is the best way to ensure a seamless experience.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
Private transfers are available 24/7 from Seattle Airport.
Where do I get a transfer from?
Our fleet of professional drivers will have all the latest flight arrival data. So, even if your flight is delayed, they’ll know when and where to be waiting for you.
Your driver will meet you outside the Arrivals gate and will be holding a sign with your name on it. They will help you with your luggage, escort you to your pre-selected vehicle, and give you local tips while you make your way around Seattle.
Convenience
Although local taxis are fast, private transportation from Seattle Airport to Downtown will provide you with an unbeatable and smooth door-to-door service. Whether you’re in Seattle for vacation or you’re on a business trip, a stress-free start is guaranteed.
Useful Tips
Your driver will monitor your flight and adjust the pickup time in case there is a delay so you don't need to worry about missing your transfer.
Before your transfer, you will receive an email including your driver's name, contact information, photo, and vehicle information so that you know who to expect on the day.
You can download the Welcome Pickups app to keep useful information about your transfer handy or contact your driver.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to get from Seattle Airport to Downtown?
The best way to get from Seattle Airport to Downtown Seattle is to take a taxi or a private transfer for a stress-free journey. That way, you’ll get there fast with a flat-rate price and a friendly driver.
How do I get from the airport to Seattle Downtown?
There are three transportation options from Seattle Airport to Downtown. You can take a taxi or private transfer, taking just 15 minutes, or the airport’s light rail metro train, taking 38 minutes. There is no Seattle airport shuttle to downtown service available yet.
How much is a taxi from Seattle Airport to Downtown?
Currently, the taxi from Seattle airport to downtown cost is around €35 – excluding the customary tip. However, if you like planning, consider pre-booking your Seattle airport transfer with Welcome for a friendly, reliable, top-rated service!
Is there a train from Seattle Airport to Downtown?
Yes, you can take the Seattle airport metro shuttle to Downtown in 38 minutes. While this is inexpensive at just $3 (€2.78), there is a 15 minute walk to the station from the airport, so bear that in mind if you’re planning on getting the train.
Hopping in a Seattle Airport taxi is a fast and efficient way to get to Downtown Seattle. Sea-Tac (Seattle-Tacoma International Airport) has taxis available 24/7.
Taxi from Seattle Airport to Downtown cost
The price for a taxi from Seattle Airport to downtown is set by the City of Seattle’s metered rate. Cabs use taximeters to determine a price based on the duration of your journey and the distance traveled. Currently, this rate is $2.70 (€2.50) per mile, with an additional pick-up fee.
However, some Sea-Tac taxis will offer a flat fare of around $40 (€37) for the trip Downtown.
If you’d rather have a set price in advance, so you can plan your budget accordingly and leave nothing to chance, you can pre-book a taxi with a popular company like Welcome Pickups.
Where do I get it from?
You can find the official Sea-Tac Airport taxi ranks on the third floor of the parking garage located at the airport’s north and south curb.
Convenience
If you’re traveling with heavy luggage and children, we recommend getting a taxi from Seattle Airport to Downtown Seattle. It’s quick, convenient, and comfortable!
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreYou can take the Seattle airport train – the light rail – to Downtown Seattle if you’re looking for a cheaper mode of transportation. This is a great cost-effective way to get around, taking 38 minutes to reach the downtown Westlake Center Station.
How much is the train from Seattle Airport to Downtown?
A one-way adult ticket on the light rail train costs $3 (€2.78). You can purchase your ticket at any train station, or use the Transit Go Ticket app.
If you plan on staying in the city for a while, you could opt for an ORCA card and use it on your phone to tap on or off at the station. However, these are more expensive than a one-off ticket.
The light rail is available Monday to Saturday from 05:00 to 01:00 and on Sundays and public holidays from 06:00 to 00:00.
Where do I get it from?
To get the light rail from Sea-Tac, you’ll need to head up to the fourth floor’s parking garage. From here, follow the signs on the walkway from International Boulevard and head across the sky bridges. This walk will take around 10 to 15 minutes.
Convenience
Getting from Seattle Airport to Downtown by train is cheaper than taking a taxi, but takes considerably longer than a taxi journey under regular traffic conditions – especially because the train is a little bit further away from the terminal. If you’re traveling solo and aren’t on a tight schedule, this is a good option for you. However, if you are traveling with a lot of luggage, you’ll have to still walk or find transportation to your hotel after getting off the station at Westlake Center.
Note that splitting the cost of a taxi between passengers is not much more than the cost of a one-way train ticket!
Timetables
Light Rail Schedule and Routes
Trip Planner
Useful Tips
A Seattle Airport transfer is the most convenient, reliable and safe way to get from Seattle Airport to Downtown Seattle.
A stress-free start to your trip is guaranteed with:
Meet and greets
Trained English-speaking drivers
Flight monitoring
Guaranteed fixed fares
24/7 customer support
Flexible cancellation
With a popular provider like Welcome Pickups, you can rest knowing your driver will be waiting for you when your plane hits the runway. With all your personalized touches and requests catered to, all you have to do is sit back and relax as you head to your hotel.
What's the cost of a private transfer from Seattle Airport to Downtown?
By pre-booking private transfers from Seattle Airport to Downtown Seattle, you can get a great fixed-rate fare in advance. This way, you can have peace of mind that there will be no hidden costs, no extra charges, and no unwanted surprises!
Private taxis start at €75 for up to three passengers. If you’re traveling in a large group, you can book a spacious minivan for up to 12 people for €200.
Private transfers are available 24/7 from Seattle Airport.
Where do I get a transfer from?
Our fleet of professional drivers will have all the latest flight arrival data. So, even if your flight is delayed, they’ll know when and where to be waiting for you.
Your driver will meet you outside the Arrivals gate and will be holding a sign with your name on it. They will help you with your luggage, escort you to your pre-selected vehicle, and give you local tips while you make your way around Seattle.
Convenience
Although local taxis are fast, private transportation from Seattle Airport to Downtown will provide you with an unbeatable and smooth door-to-door service. Whether you’re in Seattle for vacation or you’re on a business trip, a stress-free start is guaranteed.
Useful Tips
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to get from Seattle Airport to Downtown?
The best way to get from Seattle Airport to Downtown Seattle is to take a taxi or a private transfer for a stress-free journey. That way, you’ll get there fast with a flat-rate price and a friendly driver.
How do I get from the airport to Seattle Downtown?
There are three transportation options from Seattle Airport to Downtown. You can take a taxi or private transfer, taking just 15 minutes, or the airport’s light rail metro train, taking 38 minutes. There is no Seattle airport shuttle to downtown service available yet.
How much is a taxi from Seattle Airport to Downtown?
Currently, the taxi from Seattle airport to downtown cost is around €35 – excluding the customary tip. However, if you like planning, consider pre-booking your Seattle airport transfer with Welcome for a friendly, reliable, top-rated service!
Is there a train from Seattle Airport to Downtown?
Yes, you can take the Seattle airport metro shuttle to Downtown in 38 minutes. While this is inexpensive at just $3 (€2.78), there is a 15 minute walk to the station from the airport, so bear that in mind if you’re planning on getting the train.
Was this helpful?
Transfer Options in Seattle
Taxi Seattle - Prices and Useful Tips for Taxis in Seattle
Seattle Airport Taxi: Compare All SEA Taxi Options & Prices
✈ How to get from Seattle Airport to Vancouver | Welcome Pickups
✈ How to get from Seattle Airport to Leavenworth | Welcome Pickups
How to get from Seattle Airport to Bellingham | Welcome Pickups
How to get from Seattle Port to Seattle Airport | Welcome Pickups
✈️ Seattle Airport to Bellevue: Top Transfer Options | Welcome Pickups
How to get from Seattle Airport to Tacoma | Welcome Pickups
✈️ Seattle Airport to King Street Station - Top Transfer Options | Welcome
✈ Directions from Seattle Airport to Port of Seattle - Welcome Pickups