• Nothing Found

How to get from Seattle Airport to Tacoma

Positioned between Puget Sound and Mt. Rainier, Tacoma is a vibrant hub of Pacific Northwest culture. The city boasts a lively urban core, renowned glass art, and a stunning waterfront. Its diverse districts feature restaurants, music venues, museums, and art galleries, contributing to a rich cultural tapestry. Tacoma’s natural surroundings provide opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, with the scenic backdrop of Mt. Rainier inviting exploration.

For transportation from Seattle Airport to Tacoma, you have a couple of options. A taxi or private transfer offers a quick 30-minute ride, depending on traffic. Alternatively, for a budget-friendly choice, take a bus from the airport to Tacoma Dome Station, then hop on a local bus to downtown Tacoma. The total travel time is approximately 60 minutes, excluding any wait time between connections.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Seattle at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups €113 30min 24/7 Book
Book
Taxi €68.50 30min 24/7
Bus €9.60 60min 04:40–00:40

How to get from Seattle Airport to Tacoma by taxi

The quickest and easiest way to get from Seattle Airport to Tacoma is by jumping into a taxi or private transfer. Whether you book ahead or find one when you land, it’s the go-to choice for convenience and only takes about 30 minutes in normal traffic.

Taxi fare from Seattle Airport to Tacoma

In Seattle, taxis calculate fares using a taximeter based on time and distance to your exact location. A Seattle Airport to Tacoma shuttle typically costs $75 (€69). Note that this fare is for the city centre; the cab fare from Seattle Airport to Tacoma Port is slightly lower. Additional charges and tolls may also apply to destinations outside Seattle. For a flat fee at a competitive price, consider booking your transfer in advance with Welcome.

Cost

€68.50

Trip Duration

30 Min.

*Prices may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

Where do I get the taxi from?

For a Seattle Airport to Tacoma taxi, head to the designated taxi stands on the third floor of the north and south parking garages outside the Arrivals Hall.

Convenience

A taxi or private transfer is the quickest and most convenient way to get from Seattle Airport to Tacoma, and it’s the only direct option. A cab takes just 30 minutes to reach Tacoma and will drop you off right where you need to be, avoiding the hassle of waiting for buses or dealing with luggage. If the thought of a direct and stress-free private transfer to Tacoma sounds good, we recommend booking in advance.

Editor’s Note

Bring a jacket or umbrella in case you encounter Seattle's unpredictable rainy weather.

Useful Tips

Most taxis in Seattle accept card payments but always confirm with your driver before beginning your journey.
In Seattle, there are no price differences in taxi fares for day, night, or weekend trips.
If you're satisfied with the service, it's customary to tip your driver 15-20% of the fare.

How to get from Seattle Airport to Tacoma by bus

To travel by bus from Seattle Airport to Tacoma, you can hop on Sound Transit route 574. This route runs every 30 minutes during peak hours and every 60 minutes during off-peak hours throughout the week. It goes directly from the airport to Tacoma Dome Station and takes about 45 minutes.

If you are heading to downtown Tacoma, you will have to take a short 15-minute bus ride on any of the following local Pierce Transit lines: 41, 42, 500, or 501. They are all within walking distance from the station and have an average wait time of 30 minutes.

How much is the bus from Seattle Airport to Tacoma?

Going by bus from Seattle Airport to Tacoma is a budget-friendly option. A single ticket for the ST 574 bus from the airport to Tacoma Dome Station costs $3.25 (€3), and a ticket for one of the local PT buses from the station to downtown costs $2 (€1.80). The total ticket fare comes out to $5.25 (€4.80).

For your tickets, choose from one-way, return, or all-day options. Ticket machines accept cash and cards like Visa or MasterCard, and you can also use the convenient Transit GO ticket app on your phone.

Cost

€4.80

Trip Duration

60 Min.

The 547 bus service frequency differs between 30 and 60 minutes wait time depending on the time of day.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The 574 is operational from 04:40 to 00:40.

Where do I get the bus from?

The Sound Transit 574 bus stop is at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Terminal – Bay 2.

Convenience

Opting for the bus provides a budget-friendly option, although it is slower and less direct. The service hours are reasonable, with manageable waiting times. However, if your destination is downtown Tacoma, you’ll need to take a second bus, requiring careful coordination with local bus schedules. Despite being less convenient, this choice offers a cost-effective route to your destination.

Editor’s Note

For downtown Tacoma, catch a second bus, coordinating with local schedules.

Useful Tips

Buses are equipped to accommodate passengers with physical disabilities.
Free wi-fi is provided on most of the buses.
Once you reach Tacoma, you can walk or get a cab to your desired destination.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Seattle. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

Read more

Prices

DAYTIME
€113.0
NIGHTTIME
€135.6
Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Frequently asked questions

How can I get from Seattle Airport to Tacoma?

You can get from Seattle Airport to Tacome in about 30 minutes with a taxi or private transfer—the only direct option available. The estimated fare for this short ride is $75 (€69). If you prefer a more budget-friendly choice, you can catch the 574 bus from the airport to Tacoma Dome Station and transfer to a local bus for downtown Tacoma. While the journey by bus takes twice as long, not accounting for waiting time, tickets cost a total of $5.25 (€4.80) per person. 

How much is an Uber from Seattle Airport to Tacoma?

An Uber from Seattle Airport to Tacoma costs around $66 (€60), though prices often fluctuate based on time, traffic, and availability. This flexibility can be tricky to gauge, particularly during peak hours when surge pricing can hike up fares significantly. While ride-sharing is convenient, be mindful of potential driver cancellations, limited availability, and safety concerns compared to traditional taxis.

If you prefer a safe, reliable, and fixed-rate option, consider booking a private transfer in advance with Welcome

Is there a direct bus from Seattle Airport to Tacoma?

There is no direct bus from Seattle Airport to downtown Tacoma, but Sound Transit bus 574 offers a convenient option. Running every 30 minutes during peak hours and every 60 minutes off-peak throughout the week, the bus takes 45 minutes to reach Tacoma Dome Station. From there, you can catch a short 15-minute ride on local Pierce Transit lines—41, 42, 500, or 501—all with an average wait time of 30 minutes.

Was this helpful?

Pre-book online