Seattle International Airport (IATA: SEA), +1 206-787-5388, SEAcustomercare@portseattle.org. Commonly referred to as Sea-Tac, is situated between Seattle and Tacoma in the Puget Sound region of Washington state. It is the primary airport for the state and the United States' Pacific Northwest region, and is a hub for flights to Alaska, Asia, and the interior Northwest. It is the 10th busiest airport in the world. 2022-05-29
See also: Air travel in the United States
Sea-Tac is roughly midway between Seattle and Tacoma, about 15 miles (25 km) south of Seattle and 25 miles (40 km) north of Tacoma. It's the busiest airport in the Pacific Northwest region and one of the busiest in the nation, serving almost 47 million passengers in 2017. The airport consists of a huge central terminal, two satellite terminals, cargo facilities, and three parallel runways running north-south.
Alaska Airlines, despite its name, has its largest hub at Sea-Tac, with frequent daily services to Anchorage, Alaska. Delta Air Lines also maintains a northwestern hub, with numerous destinations in Asia, Europe, and the United States (including Hawaii and Alaska).
All passengers check in and enter security in the Central Terminal, which contains four concourses. There are also two satellite terminals, accessible by train after entering security. The North Satellite (or N Gates, used by Alaska Airlines including their departures to Mexico) is connected by train to C and D Gates. The South Satellite (or S Gates, used by Delta Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and all foreign flag carriers (departures and arrivals)) is connected by train to A and B Gates. All international arrivals (except those from cities with U.S. customs pre-clearance such as major Canadian airports) use the South Satellite.
For domestic flights that arrive at the North Satellite or South Satellite, ride the train to the Central Terminal to claim your baggage and exit the airport.
For international flights, all immigration, baggage claim, and customs declaration processes are conducted at the lower level of the South Satellite. Sea-Tac Airport is equipped with Global Entry and Mobile Passport Control express lanes. After clearing customs and immigration, if you're continuing on another flight, you must re-check your checked luggage and clear security in the South Satellite to return to the gates; allow about 15-30 minutes for this process alone, plus the time at the immigration, baggage claim and customs. If you're exiting the airport, an isolated side of the train will take you to Central Terminal's baggage claim; you can either bring your luggage with you, or deposit it to be taken to the Central Terminal at carousel #1. If your baggage is not returned to you at the carousel, call the Port of Seattle (the owner & operator of the airport).
Check-in and security screening for all flights are conducted at the Central Terminal. While you may check the waiting times of all 5 security checkpoints at the TV screen, checkpoint 3 in the middle, the largest of the bunch, is usually the fastest despite long lines, particularly when detection dogs are being used. But, if you see a very short line at one of the other checkpoints, it may indeed be quicker.
Seattle is the main gateway to Asia, Alaska, Europe, and Hawaii from the Northwestern United States. Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines operate many daily flights to destinations all across the United States and around the world. Seattle is the main jumping-off point to Alaska, with numerous daily flights to Anchorage, Fairbanks, Ketchikan, and Juneau. Alaska Airlines, Delta, and Hawaiian all fly several daily flights between Seattle/Tacoma and the islands of Hawaii, especially Honolulu. Near-hourly flights serve Portland, Boise, Spokane, and daily regional flights fly to smaller cities in Washington, Montana, Idaho, and Oregon. There are also frequent flights from Seattle/Tacoma to major cities on the western half of the continental US Denver, Phoenix, Houston, Chicago, San Francisco, and the Los Angeles area. Transcontinental flights to the East Coast are also increasingly common.
International flights connect Seattle to major west Coast cities and Toronto in Canada, Mexico City and Guadalajara in Mexico, many major European and East Asian cities, and Dubai in the Middle East.
Nearly all ground transportation means are located within the Airport Parking Garage across from the Central Terminal.
The Central Link light rail is the easiest and cheapest way to get to major areas of Seattle.
The rail station is connected by a bridge to the parking garage, which is in turn connected to the Central Terminal by several bridges. Be warned: it's about a 5- to 10-minute walk from the Central Terminal to the rail platform. From Baggage Claim, follow signs for "Link Light Rail."
The light rail operates M-Sa 5AM-1AM, Su 6AM-midnight and runs every 6-15 minutes. Fares are $2.25-3.25 depending on distance ($1.50 for children under 18). A ride to Downtown Seattle costs $3.00 and takes about 40 minutes. The train also stops in Tukwila, South Seattle, SoDo, and the International District before reaching Downtown, and continues past Downtown to Capitol Hill and the University of Washington. The train also travels south to Angle Lake Station.
For travel to Everett, there are two options that connect through Link Light Rail. Both are accessed by taking Link Light Rail northbound to International District/Chinatown Station, head upstairs to ground level and walk west towards King Street Station (the brick building across 4th Ave). Then your choices are:
The Sounder train is also a possibility for getting to Tacoma, but besides similar limitations in its commuter-oriented schedule, going by bus is 30 minutes faster.
The easiest way to get from the airport to Lakewood, Tacoma, West Seattle, and Bellevue is from the airport bus stop on the arrivals level at the south end of the Central Terminal (follow signs from Baggage Claim for "ST 560/574"). Both routes stop at Door 02 of the Central Terminal, just outside Baggage Carousel 1.
King County Metro is more useful if your final destination is within the vicinity (up to 10 miles) from the airport. Metro's airport bus stop is on International Blvd, downstairs from the Link Light Rail station. - Route 156 will take you northbound to Tukwila's Southcenter Mall or southbound to Highline College - Route 180 goes westbound to Burien Transit Center, southbound to the towns of Kent and Auburn. - The RapidRide Line A travels to Federal Way to the south along International Blvd/Pacific Hwy (Hwy 99). RapidRide Line 'A' continues to its northern terminus at the Tukwila International Blvd Station, which is also the next stop north for Link Light Rail train. From there, passengers can transfer to RapidRide Line 'F', 124 and 128 bus.
You can catch a bus from Downtown Seattle to Albany, Olympia, Bellingham, Portland, Vancouver BC, Spokane or to other points in Central and Eastern Washington. Greyhound's depot is easily accessible from the Stadium Light Rail Station on S Royal Brougham and 'Busway', south of downtown Seattle, near T-Mobile Field.
Jefferson Transit Rt #7 & Kitsap Transit Rt #390 provide public transportation from Port Townsend through Poulsbo and Bainbridge Island where travelers take the ferry into downtown Seattle. Jefferson Transit do provide a printable schedule and directions on using public transportation from Port Townsend to SeaTac on their website . They also have arrangements with Coast Gateway Hotel (see below under 'sleep') to offer discounts, to those who used this option to get to SeaTac and have to stay overnight for an early flight.
Most of these shuttle services pick up passengers from the bus terminal at the southern end of the main terminal building at door 00, outside Baggage Carousel 1. However, some shuttles (namely the ShuttleExpress, Speedi Shuttle, Downtown Airporter, hotel shuttles and off-site parking shuttles) pick up from the third floor of the parking garage, across from the central terminal.
All taxis and rides can be hailed at the third floor of the parking garage.
The ride-hailing services Uber and Lyft are by far the cheapest and easiest option; a ride to downtown or Capitol Hill would generally cost $40 plus an airport surcharge of $5 (Jan 2023). Go down to level 3 of the parking lot to the pickup area, then request a ride using the app.
The taxi situation is a bit of a mess. Only one company has the honor to park its taxis at the airport, although it's a "for-hire", not a taxi (their cars have no meters; you agree on a price up front). Despite having many regulations, taxis at Sea-Tac will try to overcharge. Be sure to confirm the fixed rate otherwise they'll use their meter which will end up costing more.
Other taxis and "for-hires" can drop you off, but to leave the airport you have to arrange a pick-up rather than flagging one down.
Limos and towncars can be competitively priced with taxis, making them good value for a bit of extra space and comfort.
It takes roughly 30 minutes to drive to Downtown Seattle, Tacoma, and Bellevue in normal traffic; however, it can take well over an hour during busy commute periods.
Parking is provided in a single building that can accommodate 13,000 cars, the largest of its kind under one roof in the world. All spots are eligible for short-term or long-term parking. Level 4 has the easiest access to the terminal, as all the skybridges are on that level, but levies different fares compared to floors 2-3 and 5-8. The level 4 parking rates are $4 per hour, $35 daily. Other floors are $3 per hour, $28 daily, $130 for 7 days. Discounts may apply for all charges if you use a parking card. If you can't find a suitable parking spot in the airport parking garage, you still have other secure options for cheap SeaTac Airport Parking, including the off airport parking lots and the free Cell Phone Lot if you are meeting arriving passengers.
The rental car facility is located off-site; a free shuttle service operates 24 hours a day between the central terminal and the rental car facility. Stops for this shuttle are located at the far ends of the central terminal, outside Baggage Carousels 1 and 16. All of the major companies are at the car rental facility, where you can compare prices and pick up your car. The car rental facility is also the same place to return your car, directly accessible from SR 518.
Renting from the airport will incur an 11% "airport tax" surcharge. You can avoid this fee by renting from a downtown or other non-airport location, which may save a bit of money on the rental, but those savings would be offset somewhat by the expense and hassle of getting yourself and your luggage to the rental location.
The airport is easily accessible from both I-5 and I-405 for travel from Seattle, Tacoma, and Bellevue. If travelling via I-5 from Seattle or Tacoma, take exit 154B for SR 518 westbound. Coming from I-405, just go straight ahead. From there on, the way to the airport is clearly marked.
Alternatively, if I-5 from Seattle is crowded, as has been always the case during the rush hour, you can take the Alaskan Way Viaduct (SR 99), then bear right onto SR 509. Exit to SW 148th Street and turn left for SR 518, then follow signs to the airport.
In a city as bike-friendly as Seattle, it's no surprise that there are facilities for biking to the airport and flying with your bike, whether you rode there or brought your bike on public transit. A bike assembly station near baggage claims 9 and 10 has tools and air pumps. Short term bike racks are available, and there is long-term storage near baggage claims 12 and 13.
You can walk between concourses if you are within the Central Terminal. If you are going to the North Satellite or South, you must take the train, but you can still go back and forth. The so-called Satellite Transit System has 3 lines: a loop line between Concourse A, B, and South Satellite; another loop line between Concourses C, D, and North Satellite; and from Concourse A to Concourse D.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport presents live music every day at some point in the terminal. Seattle's famous music scene attracts local Northwest artists to perform frequently at the busiest hour of flights for entertainment (mostly 10AM-1PM). Even the airport announcements are conducted by local famous artists, such as Quincy Jones, Macklemore and Sir Mix-A-Lot.
There are over 100 permanent and rolling art masterpieces created by 85 local artists throughout the airport, most at the ticketing centers and then scattered throughout the whole area. Some of them may be unnoticeable enough to be seen though, such as at the supporting columns, on walls towards the restroom, on the ceiling, even at the supporting wall of the runway. Most of the main attractions though, is along the walk from the Center Terminal towards Concourse A.
For the kids, there is a dedicated playing area for them between the Central terminal and Concourse A. There is also a big and satisfactory mother's room inside.
Through the Eat, Shop & More theme, the airport tries to enhance the dining and shopping experience. Most of the good restaurants are clustered in or near the Central Terminal, while the concourses have limited and generally mediocre offerings; only the standouts are listed here. However, due to construction several favorite restaurants have closed, and choices for quality food are even more limited.
The world famous coffee chain originating from Seattle, Starbucks, has a coffee shop at all areas but Concourse D and South Satellite, where their sister chain Seattle's Best Coffee takes a turn.
There are only a couple of restaurants available outside of security.
Anthony's. Daily 5:30AM-10PM. A mockup of what you would expect from its base at Seattle harbor, less the ocean view. Premium fish and seafood products from the Pacific Northwest. Try the Puget Sound oysters on the half shell, Alaskan King Salmon, and its signature dish, Wild Mountain Blackberry Cobbler. Accompany with a glass of Washington wine, fine china and silverware.
Dilettante Chocolates & Mocha Café. Daily 24 hours. Treat yourself to a mocha, hot chocolate, and other confections, or buy a gift box to take home.
Starbucks. Daily 4AM-11PM; Central Terminal location: 24 hours. The Seattle-based coffee chain has small kiosks throughout the airport. All but one are open only from 4AM to 11PM; the location next to Vino Volo are open 24 hours. 2018-05-05
Vino Volo. M-F 7AM-11PM, Sa Su 8AM-11PM. A wine house, a wide range of wine to taste and shipped home by the bottle (they must not be opened yet if you bring it onboard your flight). The limited food menu is very good, but is essentially just appetizers which are mostly too small to make a meal of. Glass of wine $8-26, tasting flight $10-21. Bites (olives, nuts, etc.) $3-5, small plates $8-17 2018-01-16
Options at D gates are paltry. Eat at the Central Terminal or other gates instead.
South Satellite has few restaurants, and even fewer that are worth a visit. If you have time, search out food in the Central Terminal or gates before heading to the Satellites.
Currency Exchange (Travelex) have numerous locations at the ticketing Level (one on the south esplanade and one on the north) and Baggage Claim, on Concourse A and in the South Satellite.
For shopping options, more varieties can be found at the Central Terminal or Concourse C.
There is a reliable Wi-Fi service throughout the airport and the service is free for all devices. It can also be used as a guide for the gate your flight departs at and guide to your destination city, as well as nearby concessions depending on where you are. Alternatively, you can also rent an Internet-enabled phones for 35 cents a minute (minimum $5) at spots around the airport.
Device charger outlets can be found under the seat on all concourses, but they are spotty. If you are lucky enough to depart from gate B4, there are 25 outlets under the seats. If you find none, there are dedicated charging booths at some point within the airport except the satellite terminals.
Mail services are offered at Baggage Storage (USPS, FedEx, and UPS), plus copying/fax and notary. There are also "Send-It-Home" kiosks near every security checkpoint: in case you accidentally packed a small prohibited item (like a pocketknife), you can buy a bubble envelope and mail it to yourself. U.S. $12, Canada $18, international $25. You can also purchase stamps from any ATM in the airport, and drop your letter or postcard in one of the U.S. mailboxes found throughout the airport.
A meditation room and chapel can be found within the ticketing area at the Mezzanine Level.
There is only one shop for baggage storage, provided by Smarte Carte, but its facility is complete. It is also one of the only two airports in the U.S. that offers frozen storage. You can also rent a car seat, stroller, and wheelchair here; and buy locks, cases, pet kennels, and rifle cases. Vehicle battery jumper service.
There is a free children's play area (Near gate A1). For nursing mothers, there are several nursing stations, with at least one near each concourse.
By and large, the airport is safe enough to sleep in, but you may want to avoid that for comfort reasons. While there is no hotel within the airport property, there are plenty of hotels and motels lined up along International Blvd (Hwy 99) with some located across the street and next to the airport grounds along the same side of the street, within walking distance of the Link Light Rail station. Most of these hotels are cheap by Seattle standards. Therefore, to save money, many visitors to Seattle had opted to stay in this area and commute by car, bus or train (Link Light Rail) into Seattle to do their sightseeing, eating, bar hopping, shopping, etc., during the day and come back here to sleep at night:
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