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Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, also referred to as Sea-Tac Airport, is located about 24 km from the city center. There are a variety of transportation alternatives one can use to get to Sea-Tac Airport. Using the link Light Rail passengers can get to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in 40 minutes. Other methods of transportation include taxis, hotel shuttle services, rental cars, and bicycles, which is a great alternative for cyclists.   

Link Light Rail

The Link Light Rail system is the most commonly used means of public transportation in Seattle. These light rail trains are a great transportation alternative to get to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. These trains provide transportation from downtown Seattle directly to level 4 of the airport parking lot. Trains operate every 7.5 to 15 minutes and take about 40 minutes to get to the airport. Monday to Saturday the Link Light Rail operates from 5 am to 1 am and on Sundays it operates from 6 am to midnight. Tickets can be purchased from kiosks at the station with cash or credit card.

Bicycle

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport features various bicycle resources for passengers who want to access the airport by bike. There are over 50 bicycle rental stations throughout the city that are a part of the city’s bike share system. Fees start at 8 USD. You can conclude your rental duration by simply locking the bike at the station at the airport. You can get to the airport by following the special bike paths and shared roadways. The airport features bicycle assembly stations, bicycle parking areas, and long-term storage areas.  

Hotel Shuttle Services

Many hotels located in Seattle provide their guests with airport shuttle services. To take advantage of this service make sure to discuss it with the hotel you are staying at in advance. We recommend making a reservation for this service. Hotel shuttle services are an extremely practical and comfortable means of transportation but it can be a bit more expensive than taking a taxi. Depending on your location in the city it can take about 20 minutes to get to the airport.  

Taxi

Taxis are a very convenient transportation alternative to get to Sea-Tac Airport from the city center. Taxis are easily accessible from the city center. You can also ask your hotel to arrange a taxi for you according to your departure time. A taxi to the airport from the city center costs 50 USD on average and takes about 20 minutes if there’s no traffic.

Rental Car

Renting a car is another way to get to the airport from the city center. Renting a car is also a great option for getting around in the city during your trip. There are many rental car companies located in the city center. You can also ask your hotel to help you arrange a rental car. Depending on the traffic it takes about 20 minutes to get to Sea-Tac Airport from the city center by car. You can drop your rental car off at the Rental Car Facility at the airport. From there, there are shuttle bus services that provide transportation to the airport terminals 24 hours a day. 

Shuttle

There are various shared ride van and scheduled airporter services that provide transportation between the city center and Sea-Tac Airport. Each company has specific drop off and pick up locations. For more information on shuttle services to the airport and shuttle operators, please visit Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s website.

Airport Information

Located 24 km from the city center, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, also known as Sea-Tac Airport, is the city’s primary airport that welcomes millions of passengers every year. The airport operates passenger services out of one central terminal and two satellite terminals. Sea-Tac Airport features basic passenger services and amenities such as a lost and found, children’s play areas, ATMs, mail services, storage facilities, Wi-Fi, lounges, emergency services, currency exchange services, and business services. However, the airport also features services that are quite unique, such as pet relief areas, a conference center, an Art Walk, electric car charging stations, live music performances, and massage services.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport also contains a variety of delicious restaurants, bars, and cafes where passengers can enjoy a bite to eat or something to drink. With a rich range of venues, Sea-Tac aims to satisfy every palette. Eating and drinking venues at the airport include Anthony’s Restaurant, Dilettante Chocolates & Mocha Café, Freshens, Dish D’Lish, Ivar’s Seafood, Maki of Japan, Pallino Pastaria, Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, Wolfgang Puck Gourmet Express, Qdoba, Starbucks, Vino Volo, and Wendy’s.

Sea-Tac Airport features many stores where you can buy last minute gifts, souvenirs, clothing, electronics, and much more. Stores where you can go shopping include Dilettante Chocolates & Mocha Café, Discover Puget Sound, Dufry Duty Free, ExOfficio, Fireworks, Hudson, Made in Washington, Seattle Hats, and Wishing Stone.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is located in San Francisco California, 21 km from the city center. The airport is a major transit center for passengers, particularly those traveling from Asia. San Francisco International is the second busiest airport in California and one of the first major airports to have an automated baggage system in place.  

San Francisco International Airport is an important hub for United Airlines and Virgin America. There are a variety of transportation alternatives available to get to the city center from the airport. You can get to various parts of the city from San Francisco International Airport by taxi, bus, train, rental car, and personal car.

Train

There are two rail systems that you can use to get to the city center from San Francisco International Airport. The first is the BART, a rapid-rail system. The BART station is located in the international terminal at the airport. The BART starts running in the early hours of the morning, providing easy and fast transportation between the airport and the northern and southern parts of the city.

The other rail system that you can use to get to the city center from SFO is the CalTrain. This train departs on the hour, every hour, every day of the week, until 10 pm. This train provides transportation between SFO and San Francisco and San Jose.

Taxi

One of the most convenient and fastest transportation alternatives to get to the city center from SFO is by taxi. Taxi fares are calculated based on the kilometers traveled. A taxi from the airport to downtown San Francisco can cost between 42 and 62 dollars and takes about 20 minutes. Taxis are readily available at each terminal at the airport and depart from the taxi zones located on the arrivals/baggage claim level. For more information on taxi companies and their contact information please visit San Francisco International Airport’s website.

Bus

SamTrans buses provide transportation between San Francisco International Airport and the city center. These public buses are operated by San Mateo County and run between San Francisco International Airport and San Mateo and various parts of San Francisco. SamTrans lines KX, 292, 397, and 398 stop at the airport terminals. Buses stop at the arrivals and baggage claim level of Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 and at Level 1 of the International Terminal.

Rental Car

Renting a car is another transportation alternative to get to the city center. There are many rental car companies that have offices at the airport. Renting a car is also a great way to get around the city during your trip. The AirTrain Blue Line provides access to the Rental Car Center from the airport terminals and it operates 24 hours a day, every day of the week. Rental car companies that you can choose from include Alamo, Dollar, Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, National, Budget, Fox and Thrifty. If you are traveling between multiple places make sure to specify your vehicle pick up and drop off location.

Bike

San Francisco International Airport contains bike assembly stations and parking areas for those who are traveling with their bike or who want to leave their bike at the airport. The BART and SamTrans rapid rail systems provide passengers with bike/transit options and the airport features marked bicycle routes.