Content produced by Steve Hiller

Seattle's SeaTac Airport is located 15 miles south of the city (about 30 minutes in normal traffic). There is only one "terminal" building that handles all arrivals and departures. If you’re coming in on United or Northwest you’ll land at a "satellite" building that is connected to the main terminal via subway trains that run every few minutes.

GrayLine Airport Express
626-6088 (800) 426-7505
Departures twice an hour, with service to and from major downtown Seattle hotels
Adult $8.50, R/T $14.00; Best combination of value/timeliness for trip to downtown.

Metro (city bus)
Yes, you can get to downtown using public transit. The price is right but it helps if you’re familiar with the airport and downtown. Route 194 Express or Route 174 both serve downtown Seattle. Buses arrive at and leave from the SeaTac Airport baggage claim area near door number 6. Departure times are shown on information signs at the bus stop. Depending on time of day, fares are $1.25 - $1.75. Exact fare required.

Shuttle Express
(800) 487-7433 (425) 981-7000
Shared ride,door-to-door service
Fares:  1-3 Adults $21; 4 @ $24; 5 @ $36; 6 @ $41; 7 @ $46
Also offers "express car" service at premium rates.

Car Rental
Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz and National have on-site rental stands; additional companies have off-site facilities with shuttles.

Airport Driving Directions

Taxi
To arrange for a taxi at the airport you may call 246-9999, use one of the curbside phones, information boards, or visit the ground transportation center, located on the third floor of the airport parking garage. Fare to downtown is approximately $28.00 - 32.00.

By car

Traffic Conditions
The State Department of Transportation’s web site has current information and links to a wealth of resources. You may also check traffic conditions by telephone at 368-4499.

Parking
Parking in downtown Seattle can be expensive, if your hotel doesn’t provide space or if you are staying in an outlying area. The Convention Center operates two parking garages. The entrance to the main garage is on 8th Avenue between Seneca and Pike Streets. The Freeway Park Garage is located next to the Convention with entrance at 1300 Hubbell Place (also between Seneca and Pike Streets).

Moving around the city

Metro Transit

Following are some special features of the county bus system, known as Metro Transit. Basic charge within the City of Seattle is $1.25 (except morning and evening rush hours when it is $1.50). Remember to ask for a transfer - they’re free and can be used on any Metro bus for up to 2 hours, including a return trip.

Ride Free Area allows you to move around the downtown area at no charge. \

Visitor passes at $5.00 per day allow unlimited travel, a bargain if you plan to explore Seattle’s many neighborhoods. See the website to order by telephone or mail.

The Metro Bus Tunnel has a stop at the Convention Center and provides quick service to the waterfront, the International District and historic Pioneer Square - all inside the ride free area.

It’s not free, but the Waterfront streetcar is included in the price of the visitor pass and lets you see the waterfront with its parks, shops, restaurants, aquarium and other attractions.

Taxicabs

Numerous companies serve the area including:

Yellow and Graytop 622-6500
Farwest 622-1717
Orange Cab 522-8800
Taxis can be difficult to hail on the street, so it's best to call or wait at the taxi stands at major hotels.

Seattle Monorail

The fun way to get to Seattle Center. A "leftover" from the 1962 World’s Fair, the monorail connects downtown (from the station at the Southeast side of the Westlake Mall) with the Seattle Center on the former world’s fair site, also the location of the Space Needle, Experience Music Project and many attractions. Round-trip fares are $3.00 for adults.

Side trips

Washington State Ferries (800) 843-3779
Washington has an extensive system of state-operated ferries connecting the city with nearby island and peninsular communities. The main terminal serving downtown Seattle is at Coleman Dock on the waterfront at Pier 52. If the day is nice (or even if it isn’t), hop on for a short trip to Bainbridge Island or slightly longer to Bremerton. The ferry turns right around for the trip back to Seattle, so you don’t even need to get off if you just want a nice cruise. Stunning views of Seattle from the water as well as the island dotted Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.

Back to GSIS Seattle 2003 Meeting Page

lej 10/01/03
last update: 01/18/04