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Seattle–Tacoma International Airport

SeaTac · United States · Updated Apr 20, 2026

Code
SEA
Size
Major Hub
Passengers a year
50.9M / year
Terminals
6
To downtown
21 km
On this page
  1. Overview
  2. Getting to and from the airport
  3. Terminals and airlines
  4. Tips for travellers
  5. Good to know
  6. Climate, customs and advisory

Overview

Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA), also known as Sea-Tac, is the primary international airport serving Seattle and its metropolitan area in Washington, United States. Located in SeaTac, it is the busiest airport in the Pacific Northwest and a major hub for Alaska Airlines. The airport handles extensive domestic and international flights across multiple terminals and concourses.

Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is situated in SeaTac, Washington, approximately 13-14 miles south of downtown Seattle. It serves as the main gateway for the Seattle metropolitan area, accommodating 37 airlines to 96 domestic and 37 international destinations. The facility features a main terminal with four concourses (A, B, C, D), plus North and South Satellite terminals connected by the SEA Underground automated people mover. Owned by the Port of Seattle, it spans 2,500 acres with three parallel runways and 115 gates. SEA is undergoing sustainable master plan developments to handle growing passenger traffic.

Getting to and from the airport

  • Light Rail

    Sound Transit 1 Line from SeaTac/Airport station to downtown Seattle.

    35-40 minutes · $3-5

  • Taxi/Rideshare

    Direct to downtown Seattle.

    25-40 minutes · $40-60

  • Shuttle/Bus

    Various hotel and city shuttles from ground transportation level.

    30-50 minutes · $15-30

Light rail is the most efficient public option to downtown; taxis and rideshares are readily available curbside with flat rates to Seattle center. Rental cars are on-site with major agencies; parking garages connect directly to terminals. Allow extra time during peak hours for traffic on I-5.

Security wait: 15-30 minutes average

Onward connections

  • Uber

    Rideshare · SEA · SeaTac to Port of Seattle · Seattle · 25 min · 23 km

    Uber pickups are available at Sea-Tac and can take you directly to the cruise terminals at Pier 66 or Pier 91. The Port of Seattle lists app-based rideshares as one of the main airport-to-cruise-terminal options. Usually the most flexible on arrival day, but pricing can surge during peak cruise embarkation times.

  • Sound Transit Link light rail

    Public transit · SEA · SeaTac to Port of Seattle · Seattle · 45 min · 27 km · $4–$10

    Link light rail runs from SEA Airport to downtown Seattle’s Westlake Station, where travelers can switch to a taxi or rideshare for the final leg to the cruise terminal. The Port of Seattle lists this as an inexpensive option. Best for budget travelers with light luggage; from Westlake Station, Pier 66 is a short car ride or about a 20-minute walk, while Pier 91 is about a 15-minute car ride.

    Book with Sound Transit Link light rail (opens in a new tab)

  • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Taxi Service

    Taxi · SEA · SeaTac to Port of Seattle · Seattle · 25 min · 23 km

    Taxis are available at Sea-Tac and can take passengers directly from the airport to the Port of Seattle cruise terminals. The Port of Seattle notes that taxis and app-based rideshares are picked up from the airport parking garage. A good same-day option if you do not want to pre-book; fares will vary with traffic and meter time.

  • Shuttle Express

    Shuttle · SEA · SeaTac to Port of Seattle · Seattle · 25 min · 23 km

    Shuttle Express offers private sedans, SUVs, vans, and coach-style transfers from Sea-Tac Airport to the Port of Seattle cruise terminals. It is a pre-booked option designed for travelers who want a reserved vehicle rather than a shared shuttle. Pre-booked, pre-paid pier service is required; useful for groups or travelers with lots of luggage.

    Book with Shuttle Express (opens in a new tab)

  • Seattle Express

    Shuttle · SEA · SeaTac to Port of Seattle · Seattle · 45 min · 23 km · $30

    Shared cruise-transfer shuttles run between Sea-Tac Airport or nearby SeaTac hotels and the Port of Seattle cruise terminals, including Pier 66 and Pier 91. This is a common same-day arrival option for cruise passengers who want a direct transfer without renting a car. Pre-booking is recommended; lap children ride free.

    Book with Seattle Express (opens in a new tab)

  • Premier Airport Shuttle / Capital Aeroporter

    Shuttle · SEA · SeaTac to Port of Seattle · Seattle · 25 min · 23 km

    Scheduled shared and private cruise shuttles connect SEA Airport and downtown Seattle hotels with the Port of Seattle cruise piers. Service is timed for cruise days and is marketed as non-stop or limited-stop transportation. Check availability for your sailing date; the provider says departures run every 30 minutes on published cruise ship days.

    Book with Premier Airport Shuttle / Capital Aeroporter (opens in a new tab)

Terminals and airlines

  • Concourse A

    Refurbished with 14 gates; part of central terminal.

  • Concourse B

    Part of central terminal connected by SEA Underground.

  • Concourse C

    Part of central terminal.

  • Concourse D

    Alaska Airlines, American Airlines

    17 gates.

  • North Satellite

    Alaska Airlines

    20 gates, exclusive to Alaska Airlines.

  • South Satellite

    Delta Air Lines, Foreign carriers

    14 gates for international flights.

Airlines: Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines

Tips for travellers

  • Arrive early for security; use the consolidated central checkpoint in the Pacific Marketplace for access to all concourses.
  • Utilize the SEA Underground train for quick, free transfers between concourses and satellites within secure areas.
  • Link light rail from SeaTac/Airport station provides direct access to downtown Seattle and University of Washington.
  • Explore shopping and dining in the Pacific Marketplace before proceeding to gates.
  • Check gate assignments as North Satellite is Alaska Airlines exclusive, South Satellite for international flights.
  • Allow time for baggage claim; four new carousels handle arrivals efficiently.

Good to know

  • SEA Underground, operational since 1973, is one of the world's oldest airport people mover systems, connecting the main terminal's concourses to North and South Satellites with platform edge doors.
  • The airport is the primary hub for Alaska Airlines, headquartered nearby, and a key international gateway for Delta Air Lines.
  • In 2023, SEA served 50,887,260 passengers, approaching its all-time record from 2019.
  • The city of SeaTac was named after the airport's nickname, highlighting its central role in the region.
  • A sustainable master plan aims to make Sea-Tac the first U.S. hub with fully integrated sustainable features, targeting LEED Silver certification.

Amenities: Lounges, WiFi, Shopping (Pacific Marketplace), Dining, SEA Underground train

Climate, customs and advisory

Seattle experiences a marine west coast climate with mild, wet winters and cool, dry summers. Average highs range from 47°F (8°C) in winter to 76°F (24°C) in summer, with significant rainfall from October to April. Fog and overcast skies are common year-round.

Customs: International arrivals process through South Satellite; use Mobile Passport app if eligible for faster clearance. Expect standard U.S. customs checks including declarations; baggage claim follows immigration.

Sources (10)

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