Seattle Tacoma Airport

Seattle Tacoma Airport sometimes called as Sea-Tac by locals, located around 20km south from Seattle and 40km from Tacoma and it is of the fastest growing airports in the United States in terms of passenger numbers. This, unfortunately, causes unpleasantly crowded terminals during peak times.

Currently, the airport serves direct flights to 91 domestic and 28 international destinations, including Canada and Mexico. It boasts of bookstores, gift shops, designer brands and local goods and planning to increase its dining and retail capabilities in 2020-2021.

At Sea-Tac airport, you will also find charging stations and power outlets, children’s play area, airport and airlines lounges.

It is one of the many bases to Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines.

Direct flights from London Heathrow are provided by Virgin Atlantic, British Airways or American Airlines for a standard price around £300. The journey takes 11 hours.

From Manchester and other major UK’s international airports, you can get to Seattle with Lufthansa, Air Lingus or for example British Airways on flights with 1 layover and prices under £400.

Seattle Tacoma Airport is open 24/7.

Seattle Tacoma Airport Transit

There are three large terminals at Sea-Tac Airport, which are connected to each other by a free airport train (for checked passengers only). In the case of a transfer in Seattle, with the exception of flights from Canada, you must always pick up your luggage and check it in again, therefore you must have an ESTA permit. The recommended time for an international transfer is at least 75 minutes. In the case of transfer on domestic flights, the recommended transfer time is 45 minutes.

Seattle Tacoma Airport Transfer

Airport – City (light train)

The fastest transport to the centre is provided by the “Central Link” high-speed tram. The SeaTac Airport station is connected to the 4th floor of the airport parking garage or on the walkway from International Boulevard. To access the garage from the terminal, use a sky bridge from the terminal..

The train runs to the airport from 05:00 to 00:50.
The journey to the city centre takes about 25 minutes.

There is also an electric shuttle car available at the terminal to get you and your luggage to the Airport station.

Fares
Single ticket
Between 2.25 USDcurrently £1.80
 and 3.25 USDcurrently £2.60

Seattle public transport

To travel around Seattle, buy an ORCA card (details here) at ticket vending machine which you can then top up and use during your stay, instead of buying single tickets repeatedly.

There are 2 different bus operators in Seattle (Sound Transit and King County), the ORCA Card, however, works with both of them.