How to Get from Sea-Tac Airport to the Seattle Cruise Terminals: The Complete Guide for Cruisers

Embarking on an Alaskan cruise or sailing out of Seattle’s bustling waterfront? Chances are, your journey begins at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac). Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or stepping aboard your first cruise, figuring out how to get from the airport to the cruise terminal can feel like a puzzle.

With multiple transportation options available—from budget-friendly rail lines to private transfers—it’s important to choose the solution that fits your style, group size, and comfort level. The good news? We’ve done the homework for you.

In this guide, we’ll explore every option in detail: Link Light Rail, taxis and rideshares, airport shuttles, rental cars, and cruise line transfer services. By the end, you’ll know exactly which path is best for your travel day.

Why Planning Your Airport-to-Cruise Transfer Matters

The excitement of boarding a cruise is unmatched—the anticipation of gliding out of Elliott Bay, the thought of seeing Alaska’s glaciers or the Pacific Northwest’s beauty. But before you can sip that first celebratory drink on deck, you need to handle the logistics of getting from Sea-Tac Airport to your ship.

Seattle has two main cruise terminals:

• Pier 66 (Bell Street Cruise Terminal) – Located in the heart of downtown Seattle, this terminal primarily serves Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises.

• Pier 91 (Smith Cove Cruise Terminal) – A bit farther north of downtown, this terminal handles ships from Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Princess, Holland America, and others.

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Travelers flying into Sea-Tac need a reliable way to cover the 14–20 miles between the airport and these terminals. The right choice can make your arrival stress-free, while the wrong one can add unnecessary headaches.

Option 1: Link Light Rail (Sound Transit)

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, solo cruisers, or those with light luggage.

Seattle’s Link Light Rail, operated by Sound Transit, offers an affordable and straightforward way to get downtown from the airport. For just a few dollars, you can be in the heart of Seattle in about 35 minutes.

How It Works:

• Follow the clearly marked signs in Sea-Tac to the Airport Station, connected via a pedestrian bridge.

• Purchase a ticket at the kiosk or use an ORCA card. The fare to downtown is around $3.25 per person.

• Ride north to Westlake Station, which drops you in the center of Seattle.

From there, you’ll need to grab a short taxi, rideshare, or shuttle to reach your cruise terminal. Pier 66 is just a few minutes away, while Pier 91 is about 10–15 minutes by car.

Advantages:

• Lowest cost option.

• Frequent service (every 6–10 minutes).

• No worries about traffic jams on I-5.

Challenges:

• Requires an extra step (transfer from Westlake to the cruise terminal).

• Not the most luggage-friendly choice if you’re hauling multiple bags.

Pro Tip: If you arrive early and want to explore downtown before your cruise, the Light Rail is an excellent way to sightsee and save money.

Option 2: Taxis and Rideshares (Uber & Lyft)

Best for: Families, groups with luggage, or anyone who wants door-to-door service.

Seattle’s rideshare and taxi network is well established, making this a go-to choice for many cruisers. The pickup zone is easy to find and clearly marked inside the airport.

How It Works:

• From baggage claim, follow signs to the third floor of the parking garage, where both taxis and rideshares (Uber, Lyft) pick up passengers.

• Request a ride in-app or queue for a taxi.

• Head directly to Pier 66 or Pier 91.

Cost & Timing:

• Average fare ranges from $40–$55, depending on traffic and which pier you’re headed to.

• Travel time is 20–30 minutes in normal traffic, but can stretch longer during rush hour.

Advantages:

• Fast and direct.

• Comfortable with luggage.

• Flexible—available 24/7.

Challenges:

• Fares fluctuate, especially during peak times or cruise rush hours.

• You’re at the mercy of Seattle traffic.

Pro Tip: If you’re traveling with three or more people, the per-person cost often becomes cheaper than shuttle or cruise line transfers.

Option 3: Airport Shuttles

Best for: Pre-planners who like booking in advance or small groups who want reliable service without the hassle of finding a cab.

Several companies run shuttle services from Sea-Tac directly to the cruise terminals. These range from shared rides (budget-friendly but slower) to private vans (faster and more personalized).

How It Works:

• Book ahead online or arrange after landing at the shuttle desks in baggage claim.

• Look for companies advertising cruise transfers specifically.

• Shared rides may involve waiting for other passengers and multiple stops before the cruise terminal.

Cost & Timing:

• Shared rides: ~$20–$40 per person.

• Private vans: ~$60–$80 per vehicle.

• Travel time: 30–45 minutes depending on traffic and number of stops.

Advantages:

• Cruise-specific options are available.

• More luggage-friendly than Light Rail.

• Middle-ground cost option.

Challenges:

• Shared shuttles can be slow and involve waiting.

• Less flexible than a taxi or rideshare.

Pro Tip: If you’re traveling in a small group, booking a private shuttle often costs about the same as three shared fares—but saves a ton of time.

Option 4: Rental Cars

Best for: Travelers planning pre- or post-cruise sightseeing in the Seattle area.

While not the most efficient choice for a straight airport-to-cruise transfer, a rental car can be a smart option for travelers extending their vacation.

How It Works:

• From Sea-Tac, take the free shuttle to the Rental Car Facility, which runs 24/7.

• Rent your vehicle and drive to the cruise terminal.

• Either park in the long-term lots at the pier or arrange to return the car at a downtown location.

Cost & Timing:

• Rental cost: $50–$80/day depending on vehicle type.

• Parking: $20–$40 per day at cruise terminals.

• Travel time: 20–30 minutes depending on traffic.

Advantages:

• Maximum flexibility for sightseeing, day trips, or exploring before/after your cruise.

• Good for families who want to stock up on supplies before boarding.

Challenges:

• Parking costs add up quickly.

• Extra step of shuttling to the rental facility.

• Overkill if you’re only going straight to your cruise.

Pro Tip: If you only need a rental for a short period, consider booking with a downtown Seattle branch instead of the airport to save on time and fees.

Option 5: Cruise Line Transfer Services

Best for: Travelers who want everything handled seamlessly by the cruise line.

Nearly all major cruise lines—Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Carnival, Holland America, and others—offer motorcoach transfers between Sea-Tac Airport and the cruise terminals. These are designed to make embarkation day as simple as possible.

How It Works:

• Transfers must be booked in advance through the cruise line or your travel advisor.

• Upon arrival at Sea-Tac, cruise line staff meet passengers in baggage claim, assist with luggage, and direct you to your motorcoach.

• Bags are often handled directly from the airport to the ship.

Cost & Timing:

• Cost: ~$30–$40 per person, one way (varies by line).

• Travel time: 30–45 minutes depending on traffic.

Advantages:

• Peace of mind—the cruise line manages everything.

• If your flight is delayed, the cruise line is aware and adjusts accordingly.

• Luggage is often transferred directly to your stateroom.

Challenges:

• Less flexible—transfers operate on cruise line schedules.

• More expensive per person compared to splitting a taxi or rideshare.

Pro Tip: For solo travelers or couples, cruise transfers are a stress-free solution. For families of four or more, rideshares often work out cheaper.

Which Option Is Right for You?

Choosing the best transportation depends on your travel style:

• Budget-Friendly Adventurers: Take the Link Light Rail and add a short rideshare.

• Families & Groups with Luggage: Book a taxi, rideshare, or private shuttle for comfort and convenience.

• Pre/Post-Cruise Explorers: Rent a car to explore Seattle or the Pacific Northwest.

• Stress-Free Seekers: Opt for cruise line transfer services for a smooth, worry-free start.

Final Thoughts: Making Your Arrival Seamless

Your vacation should begin the moment you land in Seattle. By planning your transfer in advance, you’ll avoid last-minute stress and step aboard your cruise ship relaxed and ready for adventure.

Seattle is a vibrant city with so much to offer—from the iconic Pike Place Market to sweeping views of Puget Sound. Whether you want to dive right into your cruise or spend an extra day exploring, there’s a transportation option that fits your budget, group size, and comfort level.

At Cool Panda Travel, we help our clients choose the right option and even pre-arrange transfers when possible. Because for us, it’s not just about getting you from point A to point B—it’s about making sure your journey is smooth, stress-free, and full of excitement from start to finish.

So pack your bags, grab your boarding pass, and get ready. Your cruise adventure from Seattle awaits!