Getting to Seattle

Visitors destined for Seattle can choose from a variety of options for getting there, with arriving by air the most popular choice for those coming from abroad. Seattle Tacoma International Airport has regular services to domestic and major worldwide destinations. The road network is well developed and provides good opportunities for driving by private or hire car. Coach services from other North American cities also connect with Seattle and the efficient Amtrak railway network serves the city.

By car

Seattle can be reached from the east via Interstate 90, and from the north and south by Interstate 5.

By rail

Seattles train station is located at 303 S Jackson Street 4 and offers connections to and from key US destinations. From Portland, the journey can be made by train in 3 hours 40 minutes, while from Sacramento it takes 20 hours 30 minutes. It is also possible to travel from Vancouver in Canada, with a travelling time of 3 hours 45 minutes. For more information on schedules and services, visit the rail providers website at: www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/HomePage or call them on: +1 800 872 7245.

By bus

Seattle is connected to the extensive Greyhound coach network, serving most major US destinations. The Greyhound bus terminal is located at 811 Stewart Street.
Phone: +1 206 628 5526; website http://www.greyhound.com.

By air

The SeaTac airport serves as the main gateway hub for the Pacific Northwest, servicing many major airline carriers. The airport handles 30 million passengers a year and links destinations worldwide, including London, Amsterdam and Tokyo. Seattle Airport (SEA) is located about 12 miles to the south of central Seattle and around 20 miles to the north of Tacoma. It provides excellent passenger facilities and a good range of transport options to the city.

Seattle Tacoma International Airport

Seattle Tacoma Airport operates one main terminal building with four separate concourse areas on two levels. Concourses B and C, Main Terminal, serve domestic airlines. The South Satellite Terminal serves domestic and international airlines, while the North Satellite Terminal serves American and Canadian airlines. Two information desks can be found in the Main Terminal, near Starbucks. Other facilities include bureau de change centres, 24-hour cash point machines (ATMs), airport post boxes and a good selection of shops, such as newsagents, a florist, a museum shop, an art gallery and gift shops.

Seattle airport transportation

Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA) is served by regular buses that leave from the main terminal for the centre of Seattle. Buses are operated by Gray Line Express and run at 30 minutes intervals throughout the day. Shuttle buses, heading for destinations in and around Seattle, such as Portland, Tacoma and Vancouver, leave from outside of the main baggage reclaim area, by the kerb side and also from level three of the parking garage. Taxis are in ample supply at the airport and can be easily found on level three of the main parking area. To ensure safety and prevent overcharging, official Seattle SEA airport taxis should always be used.