Seattle–Tacoma International Airport

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the primary airport serving the Seattle metropolitan area and the Pacific Northwest region. Located approximately 14 miles south of downtown Seattle in the city of SeaTac, the airport handles over 50 million passengers annually and serves as the major hub for Alaska Airlines.

The airport has one main terminal building with four concourses (A, B, C, D) plus two satellite terminals:

• Concourse A: Southwest Airlines, JetBlue
• Concourse B: Delta Air Lines hub operations, Alaska Airlines
• Concourse C: Alaska Airlines (primary), Horizon Air
• Concourse D: Alaska Airlines, international carriers
• North Satellite (N Gates): Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, international flights
• South Satellite (S Gates): Alaska Airlines, American Airlines

The main terminal and satellites are connected by the Satellite Transit System, an underground automated train. All concourses are connected airside - you do not need to re-clear security when transferring between any gates.

SEA is located approximately 14 miles south of downtown Seattle. Travel times vary significantly based on traffic and time of day:

• Downtown Seattle: 25-50 minutes
• Capitol Hill/University District: 35-60 minutes
• Bellevue: 30-55 minutes
• Tacoma: 25-40 minutes

The most reliable option is Link Light Rail, which runs directly from the airport to downtown Seattle and beyond with no traffic delays. The station is located on the 4th floor of the airport parking garage, accessible via skybridge from the main terminal.

Uber and Lyft are available at SEA. The pickup location is on the 3rd floor of the parking garage:

1. From baggage claim, follow signs to "App-Based Rideshare"
2. Take the skybridge or elevator to the parking garage
3. Go to the 3rd floor
4. Request your ride from the designated pickup zones

Typical fares (2024-2025):

• Downtown Seattle: $40-55
• Capitol Hill: $45-60
• Bellevue: $55-75
• University District: $50-65

Wait times average 5-10 minutes but can extend during peak travel periods and after late-night flight arrivals.

Taxis are available on the 3rd floor of the parking garage. Fares are metered (not flat rate):

• Downtown Seattle: $45-55
• Bellevue: $60-80

A $5 airport fee is added to all taxi fares departing from SEA.

Link Light Rail is the fastest and most affordable way to reach Seattle:

• Fare: $3.25 one-way to downtown Seattle
• Travel time: 38-42 minutes to Westlake Station (downtown)
• Frequency: Every 6-15 minutes depending on time of day
• Hours: 5 AM to midnight daily (reduced service overnight)

How to Ride Link Light Rail

1. From baggage claim, follow signs to "Link Light Rail"
2. Take the skybridge or elevator to the 4th floor of the parking garage
3. The station is at the end of the skybridge
4. Purchase an ORCA card at the vending machines ($3 for the card) or use a contactless credit card to tap and pay
5. Board the northbound train toward University of Washington or Lynnwood
6. For downtown, exit at University Street, Pioneer Square, or Westlake stations

Key stations and travel times from airport:

• Rainier Beach: 15 min
• Columbia City: 20 min
• Stadium (sports venues): 32 min
• Pioneer Square: 36 min
• University Street (downtown core): 38 min
• Westlake (shopping, transit hub): 40 min
• Capitol Hill: 45 min
• University of Washington: 52 min

Tip: Link Light Rail operates one of the longest light rail tunnels in North America. Service is very reliable regardless of traffic conditions.

Sound Transit Express Buses

Several express buses serve the airport for destinations not on the Link line:

• Route 560: Bellevue, West Seattle ($3.25, every 15-30 min)
• Route 574: Tacoma, Lakewood ($3.25, every 30 min)

SEA offers multiple parking options:

Lot	Daily Rate	Notes
General Parking (Garage)	$39/day	Connected to terminal via skybridge
Express Parking	$49/day	Quick in/out, limited spaces
Doug Fox Parking	$25-30/day	Off-site, free shuttle
MasterPark Lot A	$18-25/day	Off-site, free shuttle

Budget tip: Off-site parking lots along International Boulevard offer rates from $10-18/day with free shuttle service. Book in advance online for the best rates.

Cell phone lot: Free parking for up to 1 hour while waiting for arriving passengers. Located on the airport's perimeter with direct access to the terminal loop.

SEA has invested heavily in local Pacific Northwest food options, featuring many Seattle-area favorites:

Central Terminal (Pre-Security):

• Starbucks: Seattle's hometown coffee chain (multiple locations)
• Bambuza Vietnam Kitchen: Vietnamese pho and banh mi

Concourse A:

• Floret by Cafe Flora: Vegetarian and vegan options
• Lucky Louie Fish Shack: Sustainable seafood

Concourse B:

• Beecher's Handmade Cheese: Famous mac and cheese from Pike Place Market
• Dungeness Crab Bar: Fresh Pacific Northwest crab

Concourse C:

• Bambuza Vietnam Kitchen: Vietnamese cuisine
• Pallino Pastaria: Fresh pasta and Italian dishes

Concourse D:

• Anthony's: Pacific Northwest seafood
• Caffe D'arte: Local Seattle coffee roaster

North Satellite:

• Rel'Lish Burger Lounge: Craft burgers
• Lucky Louie Fish Shack: Sustainable seafood

South Satellite:

• Beecher's Handmade Cheese: The airport's most popular dining spot
• Bambuza Vietnam Kitchen: Vietnamese pho and banh mi
• Dish D'Lish: Comfort food from a local Seattle chef

Local favorites: Don't miss Beecher's mac and cheese (made with their flagship cheese from Pike Place Market) or a fresh Dungeness crab dish. For coffee, seek out Caffe D'arte or Storyville rather than the ubiquitous Starbucks.

Free WiFi is available throughout SEA:

• Network name: _Free SEA Wi-Fi
• Cost: Free, unlimited
• Quality: Recently upgraded and generally reliable for browsing and email

To connect:

1. Select "_Free SEA Wi-Fi" from available networks
2. Open your browser - you'll be redirected to a login page
3. Accept the terms and optionally provide an email
4. Connection activates automatically

For faster speeds, airline lounges offer premium connectivity. The Alaska Lounge WiFi is notably fast.

SIM cards are available at:

• InMotion Entertainment (Central Terminal, Concourse B, Concourse C) - prepaid SIM cards and travel tech
• iStore (Central Terminal) - SIM cards and Apple products

Major U.S. carriers available:

• T-Mobile prepaid: Starting around $30 for talk/text/data
• AT&T prepaid: Starting around $35

Alternative: T-Mobile and Verizon offer eSIM activation through their apps for compatible phones - no store visit required.

ATMs are located throughout the airport:

• Central Terminal (near security checkpoints and baggage claim)
• Each concourse (typically near the center)
• Both satellite terminals

Major banks represented include Bank of America, Chase, and US Bank. Most ATMs charge $3-5 for out-of-network withdrawals.

Currency Exchange:

Travelex operates currency exchange locations at:

• Central Terminal (near international arrivals): 6 AM - 10 PM daily
• Concourse A: Limited hours

Note: Airport exchange rates include significant markups. Using a no-foreign-fee bank card or Wise is more economical for international travelers.

Duty-Free (International departures area):

• DFS Duty Free - spirits, cosmetics, luxury goods

Throughout the Airport:

• Hudson News: Books, magazines, travel essentials (all concourses)
• InMotion: Electronics and travel tech
• Made in Washington: Local Pacific Northwest products and souvenirs
• Sub Pop: Seattle's famous indie record label merchandise (Central Terminal)
• Pike Place Fish Market: Smoked salmon and local seafood to go

The Central Terminal has the best retail selection. For uniquely Seattle souvenirs, check out Made in Washington for local products or Sub Pop for music-related items.

Alaska Lounge

Alaska Airlines operates two lounges at SEA:

• Concourse C (near Gate C16): The original and larger location with runway views
• Concourse D (near Gate D1): Newer location, often less crowded
• Concourse N (North Satellite): Renovated space

Access requires:

• Alaska Lounge membership ($550/year)
• Alaska MVP Gold 75K status
• First Class ticket on Alaska Airlines
• Oneworld Sapphire/Emerald status on eligible tickets

Amenities include hot food, full bar, espresso, showers (limited), and solid WiFi.

Delta Sky Club

• Location: Concourse A (near Gate A4) and South Satellite
• Access: Delta Sky Club membership, Delta One ticket, Delta Reserve Amex, or Delta Diamond/Platinum status

The Club at SEA

• Location: Concourse A (near Gate A11)
• Access: Priority Pass, Diners Club, day pass purchase (~$50)
• Hours: 5 AM - 10 PM daily

This is the primary Priority Pass lounge at SEA. It can get crowded during peak hours.

Credit Card Lounges

• American Express Centurion Lounge: SEA does not currently have a Centurion Lounge (as of 2025)
• Chase Sapphire Lounge: Not available at SEA

Day Passes

The Club at SEA sells day passes for approximately $50 when space is available.

On-Site/Connected:

• Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center: Connected to the main terminal via skybridge on the 4th floor. The only hotel with direct terminal access. Soundproofed rooms, 24-hour room service.

Near Airport with Shuttle:

• Seattle Airport Marriott: Full-service hotel, 5-minute shuttle ride
• DoubleTree by Hilton Seattle Airport: Reliable option with free cookies
• Crowne Plaza Seattle Airport: Business-focused hotel
• Red Lion Hotel Seattle Airport: Budget-friendly option
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: All-suite hotel

Budget Options:

Hotels along International Boulevard (Highway 99) offer rates from $80-120/night with free airport shuttles.

For early morning departures, the Hilton Seattle Airport is the only hotel with direct skybridge access to the terminal - you can be at security in 5 minutes.

Seattle and the Pacific Northwest offer world-class attractions:

Downtown Seattle (40 min via Link Light Rail):

• Pike Place Market: Iconic public market, the original Starbucks. Free to explore.
• Space Needle: Seattle's landmark observation tower. Adults $35-40.
• Chihuly Garden and Glass: Stunning glass art museum. Adults $32.
• Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP): Music, sci-fi, and pop culture exhibits. Adults $30.

Neighborhoods Worth Exploring:

• Capitol Hill (45 min via Link): Seattle's arts and nightlife district
• Fremont: Quirky neighborhood with the Fremont Troll sculpture
• Ballard: Breweries, seafood restaurants, Ballard Locks
• Pioneer Square: Historic district, underground tours

Day Trips:

• Mount Rainier National Park: 2-2.5 hours by car. Stunning volcanic scenery.
• San Juan Islands: Ferry from Anacortes (2 hours north). Whale watching, small-town charm.
• Olympic Peninsula: Rainforests and rugged coastline (2-3 hours)
• Snoqualmie Falls: 30-minute drive east. Free viewing of 270-foot waterfall.

Getting Around Seattle: Link Light Rail covers downtown, Capitol Hill, and the University District. For Ballard, Fremont, and other neighborhoods, rideshare or the local bus system (King County Metro, $2.75) works well. Seattle is relatively walkable in the downtown core.

Weather Note: Seattle's reputation for rain is somewhat exaggerated - it rains frequently but usually lightly. The driest months are July and August. Always bring a light jacket regardless of season.