Transportation to Downtown Seattle
 

Hello,

We will be visiting Seattle in a few days and wanted to know what would be the best way to get to downtown Seattle from the airport? Are there Uber driving in? Do you think taking the train is better in terms of cost? And if train is recommended, which train line should I take and to what station? Your responses is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

There's a light rail station at the airport that runs downtown. Cost is about $3. As for what's "best," that depends on your definition. If it's just about cost, taxi or Uber will probably run you about $40 (rough guess).

The train is fine, depending on where you're going in the city. At the airport, the station is roughly a 15 min. walk through the parking garage. The trip to the downtown area takes 35 - 40 min. <i>depending on where you're going.</i> And that's the issue: if your hotel is very close to the (few) stops downtown, and you're okay with managing your luggage, possibly in the rain, from the station to your hotel, then fine. If your hotel isn't within a block or two of the station, different story.

The main station in the downtown core, with the most hotels within short walking distance, is Westlake Station. Hotels like the Mayflower Park, Westin, Hyatt Grand, a a couple of others, are close by. Other hotels may look close but be more complicated due to hills - we're a very hilly city.

Uber from the airport will cost around $40; the Uber pickup is in a "rideshare" section of the parking garage. A private limo service will cost $5 - $10 more, and if booked in advance, will meet you at the baggage claim level.

Both the Uber and limo services (also taxis, around the same cost) will get you downtown in 20 min., vs. nearly an hour for the train counting everything (walk to the train, wait for the train, ride the train.)

I would echo the fact that the train station at the airport is a bit of a walk. Didn't bother us, but could be a problem if someone was of limited mobility. Also, FWIW if applicable you could extend further using the monorail (upstairs) or the nearby street trolley (forgot its local name).

Gardyloo as usual has excellent details. From the perspective of a visitor - I took the light rail for this trip last year and it was easy as pie (and cheap). Note that I had just a carryon suitcase + laptop bag, am perfectly mobile and was staying about a five-minute walk from Westlake Station, so anything that is different about your situation might mean another choice is better. But if it makes sense, the light rail was great.

>> ...or the nearby street trolley (forgot its local name). <<

South Lake Union Streetcar, although a lot of people still use its former initials, those for South Lake Union Trolley. ;-)

I always use a taxi coming from SeaTac airport to my home on Capitol Hill in Seattle.

LightRail is another option but required a bit of walking and is not the most practical depending on your luggage situation.

Isn't there a taxi flat rate to downtown from SeaTac? Those of us who live here likely don't use it, but I'm sure I read of it somewhere. Googling just turned up lots of trash.

I always wanted one of those T-shirts that read "I rode the S.L.U.T."

I heard this is changing soon, but only Yellow Cab has the airport concession. Their current 'flat rate' is $45 to downtown hotels.

<Those of us who live here likely don't use it>

Why not, Kathie? Why wouldn't I use a taxi from the airport?

The flat rate is FROM the downtown hotels TO the airport; you're on the meter coming FROM the airport.

Hmmm... I thought there was a flat rate both directions.

We don't use taxis to/from the airport. If it's a short trip, we drive ourselves. If it's a 3 or 4 week trip, we use a car service.

thanks for all your input, question though...my hotel is hyatt palace in downtown, if I take the train, what station do I get off?

Westlake. But if that's where you're staying, it would be easier to just do the taxi option. I'm an enthusiastic walker but that's enough of a trek that you'd want to catch a taxi from west lake anyway.

Cool. thanks again! By the way, if any of you live in Seattle right now, what is the temperature? I know I can check online, but of course, it's better to hear it from the people who actually experience it versus from the forecast. :)

52 right now. Feels warm- or at least I'm not cold today. It's been drizzly but not bad. And weather forecast is in 60s this week so I think you'll be lucky! Bring a rain jacket and don't count on sandal weather...but that's what I'd say for about 11 months of the year, so situation normal:)

The Hyatt Place is located between Downtown and Seattle Center. I agree with mm that it would make more sense to take a taxi.

Today is supposed to be beautiful for this time of the year, cloudy but no rain, temps in the 50s. I plan to get outside and work in my garden, as today and tomorrow are supposed to be dry.

60 degrees (Pioneer Square 10:30 Thursday morning) partly cloudy, some sun breaks. Pretty day.

And yes, I agree, you get off LightRail at the Westlake stop which is in the central retail core of downtown Seattle. But you've still got a ways to go to get to your hotel (too far to walk).

Thanks again all! Have an awesome day!