Travelers arriving at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) have several ways to get downtown, including light rail, taxis, rideshare, and pre-booked airport shuttle and car service.
Downtown Seattle is about 14 miles up I-5, or 30 to 45 minutes by car depending on traffic, and GO Airport Shuttle can get you there by shared ride or private car service.
Check your fare and book your ride
Ways to get from SeaTac to downtown Seattle
- Light rail: Light rail runs from SeaTac/Airport Station to downtown Seattle in about 35 to 40 minutes, with a flat adult fare of $3. The station connects to the fourth floor of the airport parking garage by a covered walkway, and trains run from early morning until about 1 AM. Light rail stops at downtown stations, so you will need to walk or arrange another ride to your hotel.
- Taxi: Taxis pick up on the third floor of the parking garage. SEA has both metered taxis and flat-rate taxis, which are priced by destination ZIP code.
- Rideshare: App-based rideshare pickups are also on the third floor of the parking garage. Fares change with demand, and pickups can be delayed when airport traffic is heavy on weekends, holidays and during the summer.
- Scheduled airport shuttles: Some shuttles run a fixed route between the airport and select stops and set times. It’s a line-run operation. You get dropped at a point and have to either or walk or book another transfer to your final destination. GO Airport Shuttle operates shared ride differently. We group passengers heading in a similar direction together and make a few stops along the way, but we drop every passenger at their destination – whether that’s a private residence, hotel, or cruise port terminal. It’s a true door-to-door airport shuttle service. Learn more about how our shared ride shuttle works.
- GO Airport Shuttle: We provide pre-booked, door-to-door shared ride, private car and private van service from SeaTac. Fares are set when you book and include all taxes and fees. We track your flight and take you directly to your hotel, office or home.
Rates shown are starting fares and are subject to availability and change. Enter your exact pickup or drop-off address to see current pricing and book your trip.
How much does it cost to get from SeaTac to downtown Seattle?
Our shared ride service from SeaTac to downtown Seattle starts at $38.99 per person. Private car service is priced per vehicle and starts at $161.73 for a sedan. All fares include taxes and fees, and private fares also include gratuity. These rates apply to hotels and attractions throughout downtown, including Pioneer Square, the Waterfront, Pike Place Market and Seattle Center.
| Option | Where you board at SEA | Where it drops you | How it is priced | Book ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light rail | Station via the 4th floor of the parking garage | Downtown stations | $3 flat adult fare | No |
| Taxi | 3rd floor of the parking garage | Your door | Metered, or flat rate by ZIP code | No |
| Rideshare | 3rd floor of the parking garage | Your door | Changes with demand | Varies |
| Scheduled airport shuttle | Varies by service | Set stops on the route | Fixed per person | Varies |
| GO Airport Shuttle | 3rd floor Ground Transportation Plaza; sedans and SUVs may meet curbside | Your door | Fixed at booking, shared ride from $38.99 per person | Yes |
Rates shown are starting fares as of October 2026 and are subject to availability and change. Enter your exact pickup or drop-off address to see current pricing and book your trip.
Shared ride service
Our shared ride airport shuttle from SeaTac to downtown Seattle starts at $38.99 per person. You’ll share the ride with other passengers heading in a similar direction, so there may be a few stops before yours. Each passenger can bring two standard suitcases and one carry-on. Shared ride is a good option for solo travelers and couples, and if three or more of you are traveling together, a private vehicle may cost about the same per person.
Private car service
Our private airport car service from SeaTac to downtown Seattle starts at $161.73 for a sedan and $266.08 for an SUV. The vehicle is reserved for your party only and goes directly to your destination with no other stops. Private sedans and SUVs meet you on the third floor of the parking garage or curbside on the lower Arrivals Drive, and your confirmation will tell you where.
Private van service for groups
Our private van service keeps groups of 6 or more together in one vehicle with room for luggage. We offer 7, 10 and 14 passenger vans, with fares starting at $307.02. A private van often costs about the same per person as booking everyone on a shared ride, and for groups of 10 or more it can cost less.
How long does it take to get from SeaTac to downtown Seattle?
The drive takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. I-5 is busiest on weekday mornings and from about 3 to 7 PM, and shared rides can take longer because of stops for other passengers. Our fares are fixed, so traffic does not change the price.
Where to meet your driver at SeaTac
We track your flight and adjust your pickup if you land early or late. After you land, you’ll receive a text with your meeting point and driver details.
Shared ride and private van passengers check in on the third floor of the parking garage at the Ground Transportation Plaza. From baggage claim, cross Skybridge 3 to the garage and follow the “Door-to-Door Vans” signs.
Private sedans and SUVs may meet you curbside on the lower Arrivals Drive. For more details, see our Seattle airport shuttle and car service page.
Your return trip to SeaTac
You can book your return trip in the same reservation. Shared ride pickups are usually scheduled 2 to 3 hours before your flight. For private service, our system recommends a pickup time based on your flight time, traffic and TSA wait times. Reservations can be cancelled at no charge up to 24 hours before pickup.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a shuttle from SeaTac to downtown Seattle? GO Airport Shuttle’s shared ride service from SeaTac to downtown Seattle starts at $38.99 per person, including taxes and fees.
How much is a private car from SeaTac to downtown Seattle? Private sedans start at $161.73 and private SUVs start at $266.08. Fares are per vehicle and include taxes, fees and gratuity.
What is the best way to get from SeaTac to downtown Seattle with a group? For groups of 6 or more, a private van keeps everyone together with room for luggage. Private vans start at $307.02 for up to 7 passengers. A 10 passenger van starts at $349.06, which is less than booking 10 shared ride seats.
Can I take light rail from SeaTac to downtown Seattle? Yes. Light rail runs from SeaTac/Airport Station to downtown in about 35 to 40 minutes for $3. It stops at downtown stations rather than hotels, so travelers with a lot of luggage or a hotel away from a station often book door-to-door service instead.
Where do taxis and rideshare pick up at SeaTac? Taxis and app-based rideshare both pick up on the third floor of the airport parking garage.
Do GO fares change with traffic or demand? No. Fares are set when you book and do not change with traffic, time of day or demand.
Can I book a late-night ride from SeaTac? Yes. We operate 24 hours a day at SeaTac. Advance reservations are required.
Can you take me from SeaTac to my hotel and then to the cruise terminal? Yes. You can book your ride from SeaTac to your downtown hotel and your transfer from the hotel to Pier 66 or Pier 91 in one reservation.
Do I need to tip the driver? Gratuity is included in all private sedan, SUV and van fares. Additional driver gratuity may be added at booking.
Book your ride from SeaTac to downtown Seattle
GO Airport Shuttle has provided airport transportation since 2007 and serves more than 85 airports. You can book your ride to the airport at home and your ride from SeaTac to downtown Seattle in one reservation.