Seattle Airport Guide

Seattle airport

While only the 29th-busiest airport in the world, as a large international airport it is the international gateway to Asia for Delta Air Lines, who took over most of NorthWest Airlines routes. The heritage still shows, but in recent years Delta has massively expanded it's presence to become a trans-Pacific hub.

The actual main terminal is surprisingly small, despite 50 million passengers a year passing through.

A new third runway allows landing in very low visibility, which is common in this state in winter.

You can use any of four TSA checkpoints: there is one main one, but queues are often shorter at the three smaller checkpoints.

Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Seattle Airport International Main Terminal

Seattle airport

The airport is composed of the Main Terminal, plus two satellites. You can walk throughout the main terminal, but you will need to take a train from concourse B to the South Satellite, and from concourse C to the North Satellite, although vast over runway bridges will soon connect the remote North Terminal area, which will soon have 20 gates, bringing the whole terminal within a 'one terminal' concept.

Seattle City Airport Pay in, First & Business Class lounges

Seattle Airport Terminal Map

Seattle Airport transport

Most people take the train to the airport. It is fast, cheap, and works reliably.

Seattle Airport train

Seattle airport

There is a fast, direct, light rail service which will take you right into the heart of Downtown Seattle, and just a fice minute walk from Pike Place Market.

The Central Link light rail service (tel: (888) 889 6368) operates from a station on the fourth floor of the airport. Alas trains only operate every 15 minutes, and the platform is windy, and cold. The journey time to downtown Seattle is about 40 minutes.

Link trains run every 6 to 15 minutes depending on the time of day. Trains start at 0500, with the last at midnight. Adult fares range from $2.25 to $3.25 depending on how far you travel. There is a ticket machine at the airport station, before you take the lift to the platform.

Seattle Airport shuttle bus services

There are a number of shuttle operators who run door-to-door services to Seattle. Shuttle buses leave from the Ground Transportation Center. Downtown Airporter (tel: (855) 556 3300;) operates shuttle buses between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and hotels in the city centre. One way fares start at US$14.50.

Seattle Airport taxi services

Taxis are available from the Ground Transportation Center. There is a flat fare of US$35 for transfers from city centre hotels to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, but this does not apply for the reverse journey.

Car Hire at Seattle Airport

A 23-acre (9.3 ha) consolidated rental car facility is located at the northeastern portion of the airport at the intersection of South 160th Street and International Boulevard South.

Seattle Airport Hotels

There no on-site hotels at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, however several options are located within a short distance, and if you feel like a walk are at best only a 15 minute stroll from the terminal.

The Hilton Seattle Airport and Conference Center is very close to the airport, at 17620 International Boulevard ( (206) 244 4800). It operates 24-hour courtesy shuttle service both to the terminal and the light rail station. The property has extensive meeting space, an on-site business center, fitness centre, outdoor pool and restaurant.

The Radisson Hotel Gateway Seattle-Tacoma Airport a is 204-room hotel is also within walking distance of the light rail link. At 18118 International Boulevard, (

Seattle Airport Left Luggage

Seattle airport luggage storage is handled by a company called Smarte Carte's Baggage Storage at Seattle. The Seattle Airport Left Luggage desk is

by Baggage Claim 9, (206) 433-5333 and charges $8 to store a carry on.

Luggage facilities at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport include a baggage and storage service in the reclaim area of the terminal building. There is a lost property office in the Main Terminal, up on the mezzanine level.

Car parking

Seattle airport car parking is quite good.

The covered airport car park is connected to the Main Terminal via skybridges and offers short- and long-term parking. Special rate 'general parking' is available on four floors of the garage and serves as the airport's long-term parking area. Valet parking is available. Call the Parking Office for more information (tel: (206) 433 5308)

From the north and south, take Interstate 5 to exits 154B and 154 respectively and drive west on SR518 to the airport exit. From the east, take Interstate 405, which turns into SR518, and then take the airport exit.

Seattle Airport Bars and Restaurants

The Africa Lounge

Seattle airport

The Africa Lounge is a bit of an oddity at Seatac.

Exotically decorated with an African motif, this lounge is furnished with leopard prints, hand-painted murals and a custom-crafted elephant head. The lounge also has surround-sound music and four televisions for viewing sports and the latest news.

Appetisers include super nachos, chicken wings, and hummus and pita. The St Louis Style Ribs is just one of the entrees and we feature a wide range of sandwiches. Dessert choices include cheesecake. All food items can be packaged for carryout on request.

Ballard Brew Hall

As a full service bar and restaurant, travelers are invited to relax over Ballard's roster of 8 tap handles featuring the finest beers in the Seattle region as well as the world. Serving all day parts, passengers can enjoy seasonal plates--from farmhouse eggs and skillet platters in the morning, to Dungeness crab cakes, pulled pork sandwiches, pan roasted chicken, warming soups, healthy salads and flatbreads served throughout the day. Ballard's menu is fresh-forward with on-trend, elevated plates made from the region's best, locally-sourced ingredients.

There is a vast range of beer, wine and cocktail options.

Mountain Room Bar

Seattle airport

Cozy, rustic lounge with a fire place and hand painted mural featuring Mount Rainier. Lounge has surround-sound music and three televisions for viewing sports and the latest news.

Several great breakfast items to choose from; and clam chowder, house salads, burgers and sandwiches are options for lunch. All food items can be packaged for carry out on request.

Tap & Pour

Tap & Pour brings a veritable hop heaven right to SEA! Putting the spotlight directly on local and regional independent breweries, Tap & Pour highlights some of the craft best brews in the country. Enjoy freshly pulled pints from Stone Brewing Co. at the South Satellite, Pyramid Brewing Co. on the A-concourse and Elysian Brewing at the Tap & Pour on the D-concourse. Besides these golden crafts, all Tap & Pour kiosks will feature a wide range of sandwiches, snacks and salads as well as hot drinks proudly poured by Peet's Coffee.

Floret Bar

Seattle airport

Floret by Cafe Flora is a full service restaurant and bar featuring sit-down and grab-and-go options. The menu features flavorful and creative vegetarian, vegan and gluten free dishes that utilize fresh and organic produce from local farms. Floret is committed to showcasing beloved local vendors through their partnerships with Stumptown Coffee Roasters, Rachel's Ginger Beer, Mystic Kombucha and Fran's Chocolates, among many others.

Seattle airport SEA: Seattle Airport Guide - Terminal map, airport guide, lounges, bars, restaurants & reviews with images Airport review with maps by loungeindex
Loungeindex rating: 6 out of 10
Seattle Airport Code: SEA
ICAO Code:	KSEA	Timezone:	UTC+26:08 (DST+29:08)
Elevation:	432 ft (132 m)	Runways:	3
Latitude:	47.450	Longitude:	-122.312