How to get from Seattle-Tacoma Airport to Pike Place Market

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Pike Place Market is easy: Link light rail drops you a short walk away, taxis and rideshares are door-to-door, and private cars work well for groups. Here’s how to choose, book, and connect smoothly.

At A Glance (Seattle-Tacoma Airport to Pike Place Market)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚇 Link Light Rail (SEA Airport Station → Westlake) + Walk	~36–40m train + 6–10m walk	Fast & cheapest, no traffic
🏷️ Cost: ~USD 3.25–3.50 adult (ORCA/contactless accepted) » official fares (Sound Transit)
🚖 Taxi / Rideshare (Door-to-door)	~25–45m (traffic)	Heavy luggage, late-night arrivals
🏷️ Cost: ~USD 45–65 + tip; rideshare varies with demand » SEA ground transport (official)
🚐 Private Transfer / Van (Meet & Greet)	~25–45m	Families, groups, guaranteed pickup
🏷️ Cost: ~USD 75–140 per vehicle » compare quotes | GYG transfers
🚘 Rental Car (Short stay or road trip)	~30–45m drive + parking	Pre/post sightseeing days
🏷️ Cost: ~USD 60–120/day + downtown parking » compare rentals

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest + cheapest: Link Light Rail to Westlake Station, then a short uphill walk to the Market.
• Most convenient with luggage or kids: Taxi or rideshare from the designated pickup areas at SEA.
• Best for groups & guaranteed pickup: Private transfer/van with meet-and-greet.
• If you’re planning day trips by car: Rent a car, but note downtown parking costs.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Paying fares: Link accepts ORCA cards and contactless bank cards/phones. Keep your card handy for TAP on/off.
• Luggage and timing: If hotel check-in is later, stash bags via Radical Storage Seattle and explore the Market.
• Tours at the Market: Consider a tasting or history walk; compare options on GetYourGuide or Trip.com activities.
• Weather note: The walk from Westlake is ~10 minutes and partly uphill; if raining or with heavy bags, consider a short rideshare for the last stretch.

🚇 Option #1 — Link Light Rail (Fast & Cheapest)

Budget Frequent (every ~6–10m) Short uphill walk

• Overview: From SEA’s Airport Station, ride the 1 Line to Westlake Station. Walk 6–10 minutes (mostly along Pine/1st Ave) to Pike Place Market.
• How to book (with price): No booking—buy a ticket or tap contactless. Expect ~USD 3.25–3.50 per adult. Official details: Sound Transit Link and airport access info via SEA Public Transit.
• Pros: Traffic-proof, frequent, inexpensive. Cons: Short uphill walk from Westlake; can be busy at peak times.

Step-by-step: Link Light Rail

1. From baggage claim, follow signs for Link Light Rail / Sound Transit across the skybridge to the Airport Station.
2. Buy a ticket or tap a contactless card/ORCA at the validator; board any train marked North to Northgate (via Downtown).
3. Ride ~36–40 minutes to Westlake Station; exit toward Pine St / 4th–5th Ave.
4. Walk ~700 m to Pike Place Market (use Pine St westbound to 1st Ave; Market entrance is well signed). If raining or carrying heavy bags, request a short rideshare for the last blocks.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Station & Westlake)

• SEA Airport Station: Connected by covered walkways and escalators/elevators from both main terminals.
• Westlake Station: Multiple exits; follow signs toward Pike Place Market / Pine St.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚖 Option #2 — Taxi / Rideshare (Door-to-Door)

Convenience 24/7 Traffic-dependent

• Overview: Official taxi stands and app-based rideshare pickup areas are steps from arrivals. Typical travel time is 25–45 minutes to Pike Place Market depending on I-5 traffic.
• How to book (with price): Metered taxis ~USD 45–65 + tip; rideshare varies by demand. See SEA’s official pickup locations on SEA Ground Transportation. For fixed-price rides, compare GetTransfer.
• Pros: No transfers, curb-to-curb. Cons: Pricey vs. Link; subject to traffic and surge pricing.

Step-by-step: Taxi / Rideshare

1. Follow signs from baggage claim to Taxis / App-Based Rides on the 3rd-floor parking garage (for rideshare) or the designated taxi queue.
2. Enter destination as Pike Place Market (85 Pike St). Confirm pickup zone letter/row in your rideshare app.
3. Upon arrival, ask your driver to drop near the Main Arcade entrance on 1st Ave for easiest access.

Getting to the main embarking points (SEA Pickup Zones & Market)

• SEA pickups: Look for color-coded zones in the parking garage; signage and staff can help direct you.
• Pike Place drop-off: 1st Ave at Pine/Pike usually offers convenient curb space (follow local signs).
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #3 — Private Transfer / Van (Meet & Greet)

Group-friendly Direct to Market/Hotel Prebook required

• Overview: A driver meets you in the arrivals hall and escorts you to a sedan/SUV/van for a nonstop ride to Pike Place or your hotel nearby.
• How to book (with price): From ~USD 75–140 per vehicle depending on size/time. Compare on GetTransfer (Seattle) or browse GetYourGuide transfers.
• Pros: Stress-free with kids/elderly; guaranteed pickup even if your flight is delayed. Cons: Higher cost vs. Link/taxi at off-peak.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer

1. Prebook with flight number, party size, and luggage details; request child seats if needed.
2. On landing, connect to Wi-Fi/cell and confirm the meeting point with your driver (usually arrivals hall).
3. Ride directly to Pike Place Market or your downtown hotel; agree on the exact drop-off corner for easiest access.

Getting to the main embarking points (Arrivals Meet Area & Market)

• Meet-and-greet: Most providers wait at the arrivals area with a name sign; some coordinate curbside—follow provider instructions.
• Market access: Streets are busy; a nearby hotel curb on 1st Ave may be the smoothest drop point.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚘 Option #4 — Rental Car (Only if You’re Touring First)

Flexibility Day trips Parking costs

• Overview: Pick up a car at SEA’s Rental Car Facility, drive I-5 north to downtown, park near the Market, and return the car later if you don’t need it in the city.
• How to book (with price): Expect ~USD 60–120/day plus fuel/parking (downtown garages can be USD 10–20/hour). Compare on Booking.com Car Rental or Trip.com Car Hire.
• Pros: Handy for regional sightseeing (Snoqualmie, Mount Rainier). Cons: Not needed for downtown; traffic/parking add cost and stress.

Step-by-step: Rental Car

1. From arrivals, take the Rental Car Facility shuttle (signed outside baggage claim) to pick up your vehicle.
2. Drive I-5 North ~14–16 miles to downtown; exit toward Downtown / Convention Center.
3. Park in a garage near Pike Place Market (check rates/hours); walk a few minutes to the Main Arcade.

Getting to the main embarking points (SEA Rental Car Facility & Market Garages)

• SEA Rental Car Facility: 24/7 shuttle from terminals; follow signs for “Rental Cars.”
• Market garages: Consider the Public Market Garage on Western Ave or nearby lots on 1st Ave (rates vary).
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Seattle-Tacoma Airport to Pike Place Market)

How long should I allow from landing to the Market?
International arrivals: ~2–2.5 hours (immigration/bags ~45–75m, Link/taxi ~30–45m). Domestic: ~1–1.5 hours is typical.

Can I pay for Link with a credit card?
Yes—tap contactless (or ORCA card) at the station validators before boarding.

Is the walk from Westlake Station to Pike Place steep?
It’s a mild uphill of ~700 m. If it’s raining or you have heavy luggage, take a short rideshare for the last few blocks.

Do rideshares pick up at the terminal?
Yes—use the app to find the exact garage level/zone. There are staff and signs to guide you.

Where can I store luggage near the Market?
Use Radical Storage partner shops or ask your hotel about holding bags before check-in.

Any tours worth booking at Pike Place?
Food and history tours help you sample more in less time—compare options on GetYourGuide.