About Seattle Airport
Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA), also called SeaTac, is one of the busiest airports in the US. SeaTac sees more than 49 million passengers every year. The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is between the cities of Seattle and Tacoma and close to the Pacific Ocean. Every year, it handles thousands of domestic and international commercial flights. As you will notice on the Seattle Airport map, there's one main terminal (with four concourses) and two satellites.
SeaTac Airport has nearly 12,000 parking spots. Most long-term parking is in a single big garage next to the Central Terminal. There are also plenty of cheaper offsite SeaTac parking spots near the airport.
All concourses and the North/South Satellite Terminals have transit train stations. Each of these concourses/terminals services many airlines and a wide range of destinations. The airport also has a wide selection of restaurants, bars, newsstands, and stores, so there'll be no shortage of things to do during a layover at Seattle Airport.
| Airport Name | Seattle - Tacoma International Airport |
| Seattle Airport Code | SEA |
| Terminals | 1 terminal, 2 satellite terminals (North & South), 6 concourses - A, B, C, D |
| Airport Address | 17801 International Blvd, Seattle, WA 98158 |
| Distance from Downtown Seattle | 14 miles approx. |
| Official Website | https://www.portseattle.org/sea-tac |
| Contact Number | (206) 787-5388 |
| No Of Destinations | 91 domestic destinations; 28 international destinations |
| Hub For | Alaska Airlines Delta Air Lines |
| Flight Status: Departures and arrivals | www.way.com/sea/flight-status |
| TSA Wait Times | www.way.com/sea/tsa-wait-times |
Seattle Airport Terminals
On the SeaTac Airport map, you can see that the airport is laid out like an "X," with the Central Terminal in the middle and departure concourses on each of the four legs. The airport roadway system and parking lots are on the east side of the Central Terminal, while two satellite terminals are positioned between the concourses. Passengers can only access the departure concourses and the Satellite Transit System after passing through a security checkpoint in the Central Terminal (STS). Here's more info on the terminals at Seattle Airport.
Central Terminal
The Central Terminal is located in the heart of the airport and has many levels:
- Satellite Transit System (STS) stations at Level 2
- Baggage claims at Level 3
- Skybridge connecting to ground transit and parking on Level 4
- Level 5 houses check-in and concourse access
- Mezzanine with meeting facilities on Level 6
Outside the secure area, there are a few stores and eateries in the Central Terminal, with the bulk housed inside the concourses once you've passed through security.
North Satellite Terminal or N Gates
The north terminal was recently remodeled and now boasts 20 gates, 255,000 in added square footage, and three times the dining and retail space. Compared to the earlier dreary terminal, this one has plenty of natural light from the 80-foot-high ceilings and large windows that allow people to see Seattle.
South Satellite Terminal or S Gates
As the name indicates, the South Satellite Terminal is located south of the Central Terminal, between Concourses A and B. S1-S12, S15, and S16 are the gate numbers.
Most foreign flights depart from the South Terminal, which also houses duty-free shopping. The British Airways Terraces Lounge, The Club at SEA, and a Delta Sky Club are also in this terminal.
How to get between the terminals at Seattle Airport
Satellite Transit System (STS) - Inside Security
The Satellite Transit System or STS is an automated people mover that connects the concourses to the North and South Satellite Terminals. Depending on where you need to go, three distinct lines run inside the guarded area:
- The blue line connects Concourse A, Concourse B, and the South Satellite Terminal in a circular ring.
- The green line connects Concourse C, Concourse D, and the North Satellite Terminal in a circular ring.
- The yellow line connects Concourse A with Concourse D.
Walking
You can stroll between Concourses A, B, C, and D once inside the secure area. The terminal is easy to navigate because it is laid out like an "X," and you'll have to return to the Central Terminal area each time to proceed to the next concourse. However, you must use the Satellite Transit System to get to the satellite terminals.
More information on SeaTac Airport
EV parking
SEA has 48 electric vehicle charging stations on levels 4 and 5.
Onsite parking
On the Seattle Airport parking map, you'll notice that Terminal Direct parking is on the fourth floor of the parking garage, while General Parking is on floors 1-3 and 5-8.
Oversized parking
The onsite airport parking garage has a maximum height clearance of 6 feet 10 inches. Vehicles that are higher than this will have to look at offsite parking lots near SeaTac Airport. You can follow signs on the Airport Expressway for "Over-Height Parking," which is also walking distance from the terminal.
Accessible parking
There is accessible parking on level 5 of general parking and level 4 of terminal direct parking. Passengers who want wheelchair assistance can contact 206-246-1550.
Pet relief areas
There are four pet relief areas at SeaTac Airport. You'll find them
- Near the Concourse B entrance/exit
- In the South Satellite Terminal's STS level (level 2)
- In the North Satellite Terminal's STS level (level 2)
SeaTac Security and Customs
The Central Terminal includes five security checkpoints: one in the center, two near Concourses A and B (as well as the South Satellite Terminal), and two near Concourses C and D. (and the North Satellite Terminal).
How to get to SeaTac Airport
Train
SEA has its own light rail station, which connects to the fourth level of the parking garage near the Central Terminal. The light rail service runs every 6-15 minutes from Sea-Tac to the University of Washington (via downtown). Train tickets range from $2.25 to $3.25, depending on the length of your travel.
Bus
King County Metro Bus: Buses run from International Boulevard near the light rail station, and customers may walk there via Skybridge 6. Route 180 (Burien/Auburn), Route 156 (Southcenter/Des Moines), and Rapid Ride A line all service the airport (Federal Way).
Sound Transit Bus: Express buses depart from the Central Terminal's lower roadway on the south end. Route 574 travels south to Lakewood, linking passengers to Federal Way and Tacoma along the way, while route 560 travels north to Bellevue, Burien, and Renton.
Shuttle
Private and shared-ride shuttles can be reserved in advance or arranged upon arrival at SEA. These shuttle companies are recommended by the airport. In addition, some hotels have complimentary shuttle services, so make sure to inquire when making your reservation.
Taxi
You can hail a metered or flat-rate taxi from the north and south curbs on level 3 of the parking garage. A one-way ticket from SEA to downtown costs roughly $40.
Rideshare
Lyft, Uber, and Wingz have all been permitted to operate to/from SEA with departure drop-offs; arrival drives and pick-ups depend on the kind of vehicle you request, with instructions in the app.
Driving directions to Seattle Airport
Arriving on I-5 from the North
Using the right two lanes on I-5, take exit 154B and merge onto WA-518 west towards Burien/Sea-Tac/Airport.
Arriving on I-5 from the South
Take exit 154 off I-5, the second from the right lane, for WA-518 west towards Sea-Tac. Proceed on WA-518 west after merging onto I-405 south. Use the exit towards Sea-Tac Airport and continue onto the Airport Expressway using the right two lanes.
Frequently asked questions
Does Seattle airport have shuttles?
Yes, Premier Airport Shuttle provides airport shuttles to various locations across Seattle, Tacoma, Federal Way, Bellevue, Kent, etc.
How much does it cost to get from Seattle airport to downtown?
The light rail will cost you $3 and take 35 minutes; a cab will cost $45 and take 15 minutes, while an Uber/Lyft will cost you $25 - $45 depending on surge prices, traffic, etc.
Is Seattle airport the same as SeaTac?
Yes, it is. SeaTac stands for Seattle Tacoma Airport.
How do I get from Seattle airport to the ferry terminal?
You could take the light rail from Seattle Airport to Pioneer Square Station. From there, you can either walk or take a cab to the ferry terminal.
What is the cheapest parking at SeaTac Airport?
The cheapest parking at SeaTac Airport costs $34/day. However, if you're okay with parking offsite, you can find SeaTac parking for as low as $7/day.