Seattle info needed--light rail from airport to cruise terminal

[Karen G]

We'll be arriving in Seattle Friday morning, August 18, and want to go from the airport to the cruise ship terminal. On the trip planner on the website for light rail it shows taking the light rail to a destination (can't figure out if it's the Westlake Station or not) and then taking a bus or two from there.

Would it be best to go to Westlake Station and then get a taxi the rest of the way? Has anyone tried this?

 

[Passepartout]

We used a car service from Redmond (#1 DS's house), and it worked beautifully. But that said, I would NOT schlep luggage onto- and certainly not between city buses. UBER or Taxi for me.

My usual $.02 worth.

Enjoy the cruise!

Jim

 

[sue1947]

Which terminal? There are 2: Bell Street pier at Pier 66 (which is where they all used to come into) and the newer one at Smith Cove at Pier 91.
The Port of Seattle has a website with links to various transportation options:
https://www.portseattle.org/Cruise/Explore-Terminals/Pages/default.aspx

Sue

 

[Karen G]

Which terminal? There are 2: Bell Street pier at Pier 66 (which is where they all used to come into) and the newer one at Smith Cove at Pier 91.
The Port of Seattle has a website with links to various transportation options:
https://www.portseattle.org/Cruise/Explore-Terminals/Pages/default.aspx

Sue

We'll be going to Smith Cove Pier 91 to board the Celebrity Solstice.

 

[Passepartout]

Celebrity Solstice.

A little off topic, but if you haven't seen one, sign up early for one of the Corning Glass 'Hot Glass Shows' as soon as you get aboard.

 

[PigsDad]

We went on a cruise out of Seattle (Pier 66) last summer, and using the light rail from the airport was fine but be warned it is a long walk from the luggage carousel to the light rail terminal. No hills or stairs, but a long walk through a huge parking structure and walkways. The nice part is that the airport is the originating point for the light rail line, so there was no issue trying to get luggage on and find a seat.

If you are fine with that, then I would just take that to the closest light rail stop to your pier, and take an Uber or Lyft from there.

Kurt

 

[dsmrp]

The only practical way to get to the Pier 91 cruise port is by car or private shuttle.

I agree with PigsDad, you could take the light rail to the Westlake station, and then take taxi/Uber etc to the pier. You'd need to take elevator & escalator with your luggage up to the street level and flag down a taxi. Rail cost is about $5 and would take about 45-60 min; don't know cost for taxi/Uber. Taxi from Westlake area, without traffic, should only take about 15 min. I would not take a public bus to the pier.

Taxi from airport would cost at least $45-50 or more.
Again don't know about Uber, but others who have taken it from airport to their homes have said it costs much less.
Uber is only allowed to pick up at a certain level and location at the airport, so you might have to schlep your luggage
just a little bit if you decide to go that route.

 

[Luanne]

The only practical way to get to the Pier 91 cruise port is by car or private shuttle.

I agree with PigsDad, you could take the light rail to the Westlake station, and then take taxi/Uber etc to the pier. You'd need to take elevator/escalator with your luggage up to the street level and flag down a taxi. Rail cost is about $5 and would take about 45-60 min; don't know cost for taxi/Uber. Taxi from Westlake area, without traffic, should only take about 15 min. I would not take a public bus to the pier.

Has rail cost increased? A few years ago it cost me $2.50 to get from the airport into Seattle.

 

[vacationtime1]

We'll be going to Smith Cove Pier 91 to board the Celebrity Solstice.

A little off topic, but if you haven't seen one, sign up early for one of the Corning Glass 'Hot Glass Shows' as soon as you get aboard.

We just took the Solstice through the Alaska fjords; you will love it.

The Hot Glass Show is not be be missed -- but you don't need to sign up in advance.

You will definitely need a taxi, Uber, or Lyft to get to the cruise port.

 

[dsmrp]

Has rail cost increased? A few years ago it cost me $2.50 to get from the airport into Seattle.

No, it's about the same. I was figuring $5 for two people to compare against Uber or taxi costs
I'm guesstimating about $15-20 for taxi from Westlake to pier 91.

 

[lauramiddl]

Hi Karen. I live in Seattle. Have used a lot of different methods to get to the airport over the years. just poked around the internet.

Taxi to Magnolia (cruise terminal neighborhood) from SeaTac $65-75. Super Shuttle shared ride $22 pp. Lyft estimate (pick up Garage level 3)$29-40. Take a lyft i can't believe it's that cheap.

Light rail involves a long walk across the seatac parking garage then confusion on the other end with all the crowds. You don't want to be at Westlake center with all your luggage. It's one thing if you're headed to a hotel nearby, but to save a few bucks in your case it's not worth the trouble and time. Your taxi/lyftshould travel along the edge of downtown and avoid all the congestion. (Tell them to take 509/99 to Western Ave)

 

[lauramiddl]

It is possible to walk to the terminal from downtown (about two miles). Google Elliot Bay bike trail. When you get near the cruise pier it gets confusing (lots of security fencing and not pedestrian friendly) but it's doable. I once met a couple on the trail doing it but they were very light packers (just small roller bags) and enthusiastic walkers.

 

[MULTIZ321]

Hi Karen. I live in Seattle. Have used a lot of different methods to get to the airport over the years. just poked around the internet.

Taxi to Magnolia (cruise terminal neighborhood) from SeaTac $65-75. Super Shuttle shared ride $22 pp. Lyft estimate (pick up Garage level 3)$29-40. Take a lyft i can't believe it's that cheap.

Light rail involves a long walk across the seatac parking garage then confusion on the other end with all the crowds. You don't want to be at Westlake center with all your luggage. It's one thing if you're headed to a hotel nearby, but to save a few bucks in your case it's not worth the trouble and time. Your taxi/lyftshould travel along the edge of downtown and avoid all the congestion. (Tell them to take 509/99 to Western Ave)

+1 for Lauramiddl's comments

 

[sue1947]

Light rail involves a long walk across the seatac parking garage then confusion on the other end with all the crowds. You don't want to be at Westlake center with all your luggage. It's one thing if you're headed to a hotel nearby, but to save a few bucks in your case it's not worth the trouble and time. Your taxi/lyftshould travel along the edge of downtown and avoid all the congestion. (Tell them to take 509/99 to Western Ave)

Agree with the above. Pier 99 is a bit convoluted to get to from downtown so the light rail is more trouble than it is worth. The link to the Port of Seattle cruise terminal page included a link about a cruise shuttle from the airport; check that one out. Otherwise, I would go with one of the options to go directly from the airport to the cruise terminal via Hwy 509/99. Note that the terminal at Pier 99 is relatively new and Lyft or Uber drivers may not be familiar with how to get there. If you go with that option, print out directions to hand to the driver to make sure they are heading to the correct pier. It's not just up the road a bit, but up and around.
In addition, what time of day will you be making the trip? Traffic makes a big difference.

Sue

 

[dsmrp]

Agree with the above. Pier 99 is a bit convoluted to get to from downtown so the light rail is more trouble than it is worth. The link to the Port of Seattle cruise terminal page included a link about a cruise shuttle from the airport; check that one out. Otherwise, I would go with one of the options to go directly from the airport to the cruise terminal via Hwy 509/99. Note that the terminal at Pier 99 is relatively new and Lyft or Uber drivers may not be familiar with how to get there. If you go with that option, print out directions to hand to the driver to make sure they are heading to the correct pier. It's not just up the road a bit, but up and around.
In addition, what time of day will you be making the trip? Traffic makes a big difference.
Sue

The cruise line shuttles from the airport are convenient in that you check in with them, and don't have to worry as much about your luggage. Maybe not as bad as compared with taxi fares.
The cruise lines all used to pick up passengers from the southernmost baggage claim area.

Yes I live in greater Seattle area too, and don't go to cruise terminal area all that often. Last year we missed the turn-off coming from downtown, and turning around there was NO convenient way to get on the right roadway without having to do another turnaround on dead-end side streets. The roads & ramps are quite convoluted getting to that pier .

It is possible to walk to the terminal from downtown (about two miles). Google Elliot Bay bike trail. When you get near the cruise pier it gets confusing (lots of security fencing and not pedestrian friendly) but it's doable. I once met a couple on the trail doing it but they were very light packers (just small roller bags) and enthusiastic walkers.

It's a nice trail for those visiting Seattle to see the waterfront. When I walked it, we were trying to get to the marina next to the cruise terminal. The trail went far past the piers and then made a U. The security fencing all around forced you to follow the trail.

 

[seagila]

I agree with the concerns about traffic in downtown Seattle during morning rush hour. If you plan on being in or near downtown Seattle between 7 am - 10 am, best be prepared for the congestion and know your options.

Light Rail from SeaTac Airport

A bit of a walk from baggage claim to the light rail station, but very doable if you're up for it and can manage with your luggage in tow.

See the route you'll walk (in blue) -

A video of the walk here (watch the video in the Directions to Link light rail section)-

https://www.portseattle.org/Sea-Tac...ound-Transportation/Pages/Public-Transit.aspx

Get off at Westlake Station in downtown Seattle. There are signs you can follow to get to the exit above ground that you want. I suggest going to the Westlake Center exit to catch a taxi/Uber/Lyft to Pier 91. 3rd Ave is a bus-only zone from 6am - 9am on weekdays, so other vehicles won't be able to pick you up from that side.

Bus Option from Westlake Station

If you really want to save on your fare to the pier, it's just one bus ride from Westlake Station. You can take Bus Route 24 to W Magnolia or Bus Route 33 to E Magnolia. Either one will take you to Pier 91. You can catch either bus on 3rd Ave and Pine St. Follow the signs to 3rd Ave and Pine St exit when you get off at Westlake Station from light rail.


Taxi/Uber/Lyft from SeaTac Airport

Take 509/99 route suggested above, but instead of taking the Western Avenue exit from the viaduct, I suggest taking one of the street exits (Thomas St or Harrison St) after the Battery Street Tunnel, then head SOUTH on Dexter Ave N (right turn from Thomas or Harrison), and then head WEST on Denny Way (right turn from Dexter). Denny Way will take you to Western Ave after several stop lights. Western Ave will take you to Elliott Ave W, which will take you to the exit (W Garfield St/Magnolia Bridge) for the pier. Follow the signs to your cruise terminal.

I suggested the alternate route because Western Ave exit is usually very backed up during morning rush hour, which may substantially increase your fare. If not too backed-up, I would take that exit and it's a straight shot to Elliott Ave W from Western Ave.

Hope these help.

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

Hi Karen -

Reiterating comments made above, to me the key issue is schlepping luggage. Not so much of an issue at SeaTac, as you can always just get a SmartCart for your luggage, and use that to haul your luggage to the light rail station. The tougher logistics are when you get to Westlake, where you would exit the train.

If the luggage management is doable, then light rail is feasible, if you couple that with taxi or Uber/Lyft from Westlake to Pier 91. Unless you are only taking one light carry-on each, I wouldn't even consider using a bus.

The other option I would consider is Uber/Lyft from SeaTac to Pier 91. Simple, fast, and relatively inexpensive. I would use UberX. A bit more money, but UberX is point-to-point with no other passenger pickups. Meaning that you will have the entire vehicle to yourselves and their should be adequate space for luggage.

As others have noted, the train station is across the parking structure from the air terminal. The station actually is on International Boulevard, in front of the airport. There is a golf-cart type shuttle that does operate between the walkway closest to the train station (the first walkway you cross under if you come in on Arrivals level). Might have to wait for it a bit, and I'm not sure it operates at all hours.

There is generally good space on the train. SeaTac is the second stop on the line on the way into Seattle. The first stop is primarily a commuter stop with park-and-ride, so there shouldn't be many people getting on there except during morning commute hours.

+++++++

If you take Uber/Lyft from the airport, the pickup area is on the third level of the parking structure - the same level as the walkways from the terminal. It's located near the middle of the third level.

 

[musterstation]

Here's the best resource that I've found for Uber costs from all airports to cruise ports.

This is the quote for Seattle:

Seattle
Mobile Cruise Port Address: 2001 West Garfield St. Seattle, WA 98119

TO PORT: How much does an Uber cost from Seattle Airport to Seattle Cruise Port?

• UberX: $39.00
• UberXL: $61.50

FROM PORT: How much does an Uber cost from Seattle Cruise Port to Seattle Airport ?

• UberX: $35.00
• UberXL: $65.00

 

[MULTIZ321]

So Karen, after you do your trip - give us an update on how you did it and how it went.

Enjoy your cruise. Bon Voyage!


Richard

 

[Karen G]

So Karen, after you do your trip - give us an update on how you did it and how it went.

Enjoy your cruise. Bon Voyage!


Richard

We've decided to take the Shuttle Express from the airport to Pier 91. It's only $22/person for a shared van and it seemed like the most efficient way to get to the pier. We do like the light rail system, though, and may take it upon our return as we're spending the night in Seattle and visiting with our daughter & son-in-law.