Sea/Tac to Downtown
 

What is the best way to get to downtown Seattle for 4 people? Last year my husband & I used the shuttle OK going to downtown, but late picking us up & we had to take a taxi at last minute. I think I remember reading a reco. that hired car was as affordable for 4, but I couldn't find it.

I always just grab a taxi at the airport. From baggage claim, you go over the skybridge to the parking garage. You'll see signs for Ground Transportation. Unless you have a huge amount of luggage 4 people should fit comfortably. Depending exactly where in downtown you're headed should be about $35 and take about 25 mins.

Agreed. Take a taxi. The hired car industry in Seattle is not as established as it is in places such as NYC.

If cost is a consideration and you're not carrying much luggage, you could try the express Metro bus (#194). It's $1.50 per person and goes right downtown nonstop. Once downtown, the bus runs through an underground tunnel, with stations at the International District, Pioneer Square, University Street (under Benaroya Concert Hall), Westlake Center, and the Civic Center.

the bus is fine if you don't have a lot of luggage, otherwise take the taxi.

Right at the regular taxi stand there were also 'towncars' for hire as well.

suze,


Do you know the cost of the towncars?For Four it may be worth $$ for the room, plus we are in Seattle for 3 days and then going to cruise Alaska for 7 days. We will not have a lot of luggage ($cost), but will be traveling with LARGE bags.

I am not certain, but last time I came thru SeaTac I noticed them right at the same place as the taxis. I forget, but either someone said to me or there was a sign up saying something to the effect they were the "same price" as taxis. Since I was traveling solo, I didn't pay attention.

There is information about ground transportation options from SeaTac here: www.portseattle.org/seatac/ground

http://uptowntransit.com

http://www.shuttleexpress.com/index.html

I highly do NOT recommend Shuttle Express myself. I used to use them but always seemed to have to wait a long time, or be driving around dropping off other passengers. One time even had to give the driver directions to find the next address!

Not to mention, with 4 people together, it would also be more expensive than a taxi.

I have a similar question - regarding taxis in particular. I have been in a taxi approximately two times in my entire life, and I have heard stories of taxi drivers taking you the long way, etc. to increase their fees. It is out of the question if I mapquest the route from SeaTac to the rental car agency, just to be on the safe side that we're not getting the runaround? Or do you find this isn't the case in your area? Mapquest says the trip is 18 minutes/14.44 miles - so in your opinion how much would this cost?

There's also the Gray Line Airporter bus that goes from the airport to most major downtown hotels (and easily walkable from many others.) It's $11 one way or $18 round trip, vs. roughly $30 plus tip for taxis. With 4 persons you might need two cabs to be comfortable, so that would equal $60 plus tips, vs. $44 for the airporter. http://www.graylineseattle.com/

Taxis with permission to pick up at the airport are quite tightly regulated. I've never heard of anybody getting scammed. Frankly they make more money getting more trips than milking existing ones.

I have never heard of anything like that at the SeaTac airport or generally in Seattle. The route from the airport to downtown is straight up the I-5 freeway so there's really nothing to scam.

Sure if your luggage for 4 people)is so much it can't fit in a single taxi (the cars they use are pretty generous sized) then the various shuttle options might be better.

But a regular taxi is certainly large enough for 4 people with 1 suitcase each, so still cheaper than any shuttle in that scenario.

thank you suze! I think I read a previous post of yours saying the fare could be anywhere between $25-30?

Depend exactly where you're going. My cab fare from the airport is between $35-38 but my condo is on Capitol Hill (a bit outside downtown).

More like $35-40 these days with fuel surcharges and tip.

It's worth noting that the cab company that services the airport has a number of minivans in their fleet that would easily fit 4 people, so if there's not one available when you're in the taxi line, I would imagine the dispatcher could call for one.

Not long ago I was on the downtown end of a disappointed tourist's trip by cab from the airport in Seattle... and she said she was charged about $50 for the trip... so you might strongly consider that bus.

If it is daylight and you have a decent amount of time, just take the #194 bus for a max of $2.25 per person. It is quite quick, and the Seattle bus system is much better than most.

suze,
Looks like the Limo is about the same price as a taxi.

I hadn't thought about the possible over-charging specifically of tourists. I guess that may be possible.

Obviously since I live here, and they know I know the way home from the airport(!)... it's never been an issue for me personally.

That's why I think I'll print out directions so I know approximately the amount of time/mileage and what route I would take if I were driving it myself. Obviously that doesn't account for road closures or traffic, etc. but this way I won't be taken for a fool.