Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Near Port of Seattle
Getting from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Port of Seattle — 25 min, 15 miles
Transfer Options
Hotel Shuttle Services
Several downtown hotels offer scheduled shuttles to the cruise terminals during Alaska season (May-September). The Mayflower Park Hotel, Hyatt House, and Seattle Marriott Waterfront all offer shuttle service. Quality and frequency vary.
Book your shuttle spot when you reserve the hotel — they fill up. The Mayflower Park Hotel runs shuttles to both terminals at $15/person. The Marriott Waterfront is literally across the street from Pier 66. Ask about park-and-cruise combos for the best value.
Uber/Lyft
Rideshare is widely available throughout Seattle. Both terminals have designated drop-off areas. Traffic on I-5 can be unpredictable, especially on weekend mornings.
Embarkation day Saturdays can see surge pricing, especially from the airport. Check prices early in the morning when rates are lowest. Pier 66 is easier for drivers to find since it's on the main waterfront road. For Pier 91, make sure the driver follows GPS to 2001 W Garfield Way.
Link Light Rail + Rideshare Combo
The most budget-friendly option from the airport. Take Link Light Rail from SEA to Westlake Station ($3, 40 min), then grab a short rideshare or walk to Pier 66. For Pier 91, you'll need a rideshare from Westlake.
The train runs every 8-15 minutes. You can bring luggage on board — there's space. Westlake Station is about a 15-minute walk to Pier 66 through the waterfront area. For Pier 91, you'll want to grab a rideshare from downtown — the walk is too far with luggage.
Cruise Line Shuttle Services
Some cruise lines offer airport-to-terminal shuttle transfers that can be booked through your cruise booking. Holland America and Princess are known for reliable Seattle transfer options.
Book through your cruise line's website or travel agent. Shuttles are timed to your ship's boarding schedule. Not the cheapest option, but the most worry-free — they'll get you to the right terminal at the right time.
From Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
SEA is about 15 miles south of the cruise terminals — roughly 25-40 minutes by car depending on I-5 traffic. This is the closest major airport and where the vast majority of cruise passengers arrive.
Take the Link Light Rail from SEA to Westlake Station downtown ($3, about 40 min) and then grab a short Uber/Lyft to the terminal — it's significantly cheaper than rideshare from the airport. For Pier 66 cruisers, you can even walk from Westlake to the terminal in 15 minutes.
Driving & Port Parking
Both terminals have on-site parking. Pier 91 (Smith Cove) has an 800-space lot at $27/day. Pier 66 (Bell Street) has a 1,700-space covered garage at $33/day with a sky bridge to the terminal. From I-5, take the Mercer St exit for Pier 91 or the Seneca St exit for Pier 66.
Pier 91 parking requires online reservation and prepayment — don't show up without booking. Pier 66 is first-come, first-served but rarely fills up. Credit cards only at both. If you want to save, off-site lots along Elliott Ave offer cheaper rates with shuttle service.
Cost Comparison
| Option | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Shuttle Services | Free to $15/person depending on hotel. Often included in cruise packages. | Cruisers who want a stress-free embarkation morning |
| Uber/Lyft | Downtown to Pier 66: $10-15. Downtown to Pier 91: $12-18. Airport to either terminal: $40-65. | Flexibility and door-to-door convenience |
| Link Light Rail + Rideshare Combo | Light rail: $3/person. Short rideshare from Westlake: $8-15. | Budget-conscious travelers, especially Pier 66 cruisers |
| Cruise Line Shuttle Services | $30-50/person depending on cruise line | Cruisers who want the simplest possible transfer |
| From Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) | Uber/Lyft: $40-65 depending on traffic and surge. Shared shuttle: $20-30/person. Private car service: $80-120. | Most cruisers flying in for an Alaska cruise |
| Driving & Port Parking | Pier 91: $27/day. Pier 66: $33/day. Off-site lots: $15-20/day with shuttle. | Cruisers driving from the Pacific Northwest |
Local Tip
From SEA airport, the cheapest route to the cruise terminals is the Link Light Rail to Westlake Station for $3 per person (about 40 minutes), then a short Uber from there -- the whole trip costs around $11-18 total versus $40-65 for a rideshare straight from the airport. If you're heading to Pier 66, you can actually walk the 15 minutes from Westlake Station along the waterfront. For Pier 91, you'll need a rideshare from downtown since public transit doesn't go there.
Once you arrive, find your terminal:
Want the complete Port of Seattle cruise guide?
Restaurants, activities, hotels, terminal tips, parking, packing lists, and boarding advice — all in one page.
View Full GuideMore Port of Seattle Guides