Link Light Rail provides fast, affordable service from the airport directly to downtown Seattle.

About Downtown Seattle (Westlake)

Downtown Seattle's Westlake area is the commercial and retail epicenter of the Pacific Northwest's largest city. Westlake Park and the adjacent Westlake Center form a central gathering point where the monorail (connecting to Seattle Center and the Space Needle) meets the Link Light Rail and numerous bus routes. Pine Street and Pike Street extending east lead to the legendary Pike Place Market.

Pike Place Market, founded in 1907, is America's oldest continuously operating farmers' market and Seattle's most beloved institution. The multilevel maze of stalls sells fresh Pacific Northwest salmon, Dungeness crab, artisan cheeses, flowers, and crafts. The original Starbucks store is here, along with the famous fish-throwing vendors and Rachel the Piggy Bank. Below the main market, the lower levels reveal antique shops, comic book stores, and hidden restaurants.

The downtown waterfront along Elliott Bay has been dramatically reimagined following the removal of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, with new public parks, a rebuilt Pier 62, and the Seattle Aquarium expansion. The Seattle Art Museum on First Avenue, the vibrant Pioneer Square neighborhood (Seattle's oldest), and the International District (Chinatown) with its excellent dim sum and ramen restaurants are all within walking distance of Westlake.

Nearby Landmarks

Pike Place Market Space Needle Seattle Art Museum Pioneer Square Waterfront

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $45-55
Time 25-45 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $35-50
Time 25-45 minutes

Level 3, outer drive (arrivals)

Train (Link Light Rail 1-Line)

Cost $3
Time 38 minutes
Frequency Every 6-10 minutes, 5 AM - 1 AM

Step-by-Step Directions

Take Link Light Rail from SeaTac/Airport Station (Level 4, parking garage) to Westlake Station downtown.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $45-55 25-45 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $35-50 25-45 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train $3 38 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The Link Light Rail runs until approximately 1:00 AM on weekdays and weekends. After that, taxis and rideshare (Uber/Lyft) are available at SEA, costing $35-50 to downtown. Downtown Seattle has active nightlife, particularly around Capitol Hill and Pioneer Square, keeping rideshare available.

Luggage Tips

Link Light Rail has open floor areas for luggage and is comfortable for travelers with bags. The airport station is directly connected to the terminal via walkway. Westlake Station has escalators and elevators. Downtown Seattle is hilly — Pike Place Market is a steep walk down from Westlake, and Pioneer Square is relatively flat.

Accessibility

SEA airport and all Link Light Rail stations are fully ADA accessible with elevators and level boarding. Downtown Seattle has a free shuttle (First Hill Streetcar) and well-maintained sidewalks. Pike Place Market has accessible routes through its main levels, though some lower shops involve stairs.