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Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), or Sea-Tac, as it’s locally referred to, is the 11th busiest airport in the U.S. based on 2023 passenger numbers. Serving over 24 million passengers per year, it’s a busy airport considering it’s not that big at just 4 square miles.
The airport’s international network is growing, with 22 international airlines operating out of SEA. This growth has influenced the current redevelopment project to modernize and expand the airport.
Airport: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Terminals: 1 main terminal with 6 concourses — A, B, C, D, and north (N gates) and south (S gates) satellite terminals
Airport Address: 17801 International Blvd., Seattle, WA 98158
Distance from Seattle: 13 miles (21 km)
Website: portseattle.org
Phone Number: 800-544-1965
Destinations Served: 91 non-stop domestic and 28 non-stop international
Flight Information: Departures and arrival information can be viewed online
Concourse A
Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Delta Air Lines, Japan Airlines, JetBlue, United Airlines
Concourse B
Aer Lingus, Frontier, Southwest Airlines
Concourse C
Alaska Airlines (also operates from other concourses)
Concourse D
American Airlines
North Satellite
Alaska Airlines
South Satellite
Aeromexico, Air France, ANA (All Nippon Airways), Asiana Airlines, British Airways, Condor, Emirates, Eva Air, Hawaiian Airlines, Icelandair, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Volaris
The airport advises passengers to check boarding passes for the correct departure concourse for Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines, and Sun Country Airlines.
Seattle Airport’s layout is an “X” shape, with the Central Terminal in the center of the X and the departure concourses along each of the 4 legs.
Between the concourses are 2 satellite terminals. The airport road system and parking lots are located on the east side of the Central Terminal. Only once passengers have cleared a security checkpoint in the Central Terminal can they access the departure concourses and Satellite Transit System (STS).
The Central Terminal is located in the center of the airport and consists of multiple levels:
There are a few shops and restaurants in the Central Terminal outside of the secure area, with the majority located inside the concourses once you’ve passed through security.
The map above shows the airport layout clearly, but for accurate geographical positioning, the map above would be rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise. This is the positioning this article refers to when discussing the locations of the concourses.
Ticketing is on level 5 of the Central Terminal, a large semi-circle shape with international airlines located at the south end.
There are 5 security checkpoints positioned on the ticketing level. Although each checkpoint provides convenient access to a particular concourse or departure area, passengers can pass through any security checkpoint with a valid boarding pass.
Baggage claim is located on level 3 of the Central Terminal, and multiple bridges are available for passengers to access ground transportation services and the parking garage.
Concourse A is located in the southeast corner of the airport and is the longest of the 4 concourses. Security checkpoints 1 and 2 provide the quickest access to the 16 departure gates, A1 to A14, A20, and A21.
Concourse A has a good selection of shops and restaurants, a United Club, Delta Sky Club, and The Club at SEA Lounge.
Terminal Connections From Concourse A to:
Concourse B is the southwest leg of the “X” shape and has 17 gates numbered B1, B3 to B5, B5A, B6, B7, B7A, B8 to B12, B14, B15, B20, and B21.
Security checkpoint 3 is the closest to Concourse B. The Centurion Lounge is on the left as you enter the concourse.
Terminal Connections From Concourse B to:
Concourse C is located on the airport’s northwest side and operates mostly Alaska Airlines flights. The concourse comprises 10 gates numbered C2, C3, C9 to C11, C15 to C18, and C20.
Security checkpoints 3 and 4 are the closest to Concourse C, and just outside of the concourse entrance is an Alaska Lounge and another located at the top end of the concourse.
Terminal Connections From Concourse C to:
Concourse D is situated in the northeast area of the airport, with 19 gates numbered D1 to D11 and D20 to D26 (accessible from a connector bridge opposite gate D7.) Security checkpoints 4 and 5 are the most convenient for accessing the D gates.
An Alaska Lounge is opposite security checkpoint 4, and the concourse has a range of shops and a few food outlets.
Terminal Connections From Concourse D to:
This terminal has gates N1 to N20, and on the second floor is the largest Alaska Lounge in the system.
Terminal Connections From the North Satellite Terminal to:
As the name suggests, the South Satellite Terminal is situated south of the Central Terminal, between Concourses A and B. There are 14 gates numbered S1 to S12, S15, and S16.
The South Terminal is where most international flights operate from, and it has duty-free shopping, The Club at SEA, and a British Airways Terraces Lounge.
Terminal Connections From the South Satellite Terminal to:
The STS is an automated people mover that transports passengers between the concourses and North and South Satellite Terminals. 3 different lines run inside the secure area, depending on where you need to travel to/from:
Once inside the secure area, it’s possible to walk between Concourses A, B, C, and D. As the terminal is shaped like an “X,” it’s easy to navigate as you will always need to return to the Central Terminal area to walk to the next concourse.
To reach the satellite terminals, passengers must ride the Satellite Transit System.
The Sea-Tac App is free to download for iOS and Android, enabling passengers to check security wait times, use the interactive airport map, and browse shopping and dining facilities.
The Central Terminal has 5 security checkpoints — 1 in the central area, 2 close to Concourses A and B (and the South Satellite Terminal), and 2 close to Concourses C and D (and the North Satellite Terminal).
Passengers can check estimated security wait times on the airport’s app.
SCROLL FOR MORESecurity checkpoint
Opening hours
Daily 4 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Daily 4 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Daily: 4 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Daily: 4 a.m. to 6 p.m.
SEA has TSA PreCheck lanes at checkpoints 1 and 4. There is also a TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center on the ticketing level of the Central Terminal, so you can arrange an interview for when you’re next at SEA.
Hot Tip:
TSA Precheck has also launched the ability to create a reservation for your screening time — thus further reducing your time spent in line.
SEA participates in Global Entry clearance for inbound passengers on international flights. The airport also has a Global Entry Enrollment Center on the mezzanine level of the Central Terminal, between checkpoints 2 and 3, open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
SEA also participates in Enrollment on Arrival, available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the South Satellite Federal Inspection Area.
Mobile Passport Control is accepted at SEA. Passengers can input their details into the app on arrival at the airport and present the instant receipt to a CBP agent.
CLEAR lanes are situated at every security checkpoint for expedited security clearance, and these are available daily from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. Checkpoints 2, 3, and 5 also have CLEAR enrollment.
Hot Tip:
Looking for things to do while you’re there? Check out these great Seattle activities.
There are 10 lounges at SEA, with a few offering day pass access (for a fee), including United Club, The Club at SEA, and all Alaska Lounges. Other lounges are exclusively for premium cabin passengers or elite-tier frequent flyer members.
SCROLL FOR MORELounge
Location
Opening Hours*
Day Pass Fee Per Person**
Concourse C, near gate C16A
Daily: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Concourse D, near gate D1
Daily: 4.30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
North Satellite Terminal, near gate N2
Daily: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
British Airways Terraces Lounge
South Satellite Terminal, near gate S9
Daily: First departure to the last departure
Concourse B, near gate B3
Daily: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The Club at SEA
Concourse A, near gate A11
South Satellite Terminal, near gate S8
Daily: 5:30 a.m. to 12:0 a.m.
Concourse A, near gate A1
Daily: 4:15 a.m. to 12:15 a.m.
Concourse A, near gate A9
Daily: 4:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
USO Lounge (Free for Active Military)
Central Terminal (outside of the secure area)
*Hours are subject to change without notice. Lounge access may be restricted at times due to capacity.
**Day Pass for any passenger. Lounges marked as N/A only allow entry for eligible passengers in their premium cabins, frequent flyer programs, or participating credit card programs.
Hot Tip:
Check out our article on the best credit cards for airport lounge access to avoid lounge entry fees.
Priority Pass holders can use their membership to receive $28 off their bill at Brewtop Social, Ninth and Pike, and Bambuza.
SCROLL FOR MORERestaurant
Location
Hours
Daily: 5 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Daily: 5:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Daily: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Hot Tip:There are about 50 restaurants, cafes, and grab-and-go food stations at SEA. The majority are located in the secure area, with few pre-security. This means you can check in, clear security, and grab a bite while you relax and wait for your flight.
If you want to plan where to eat, then you can check out the available restaurants at SEA.
Free Wi-Fi is available within all public areas at SEA. To connect, select the network “SEATAC-FREE-WIFI.”
Charging Stations: Power outlets are under selected seats at almost every gate at all concourses.
SEA has a lost and found office located above checkpoint 3 on the mezzanine level. It’s open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Passengers can visit the office or call 206-787-5312 if they have lost their property at the airport.
If an item is left at security, the lost and found office will receive this the next business day. If an item is left on an airplane, the passenger must contact the appropriate airline.
SEA has a children’s play area between the Central Terminal and Concourse A, across from Seattle Tap Room.
Hot Tip:
Explore the most kid-friendly U.S. airports and see why SEA was one of the top airports on our list.
There are 8 nursing rooms throughout the airport, located near gates A9, C10, N2, D10, D23, on the mezzanine level of the South Terminal, and near the Concourse D station.
There are 3 pet relief areas at SEA located:
Duty-free shopping is available in the Central Terminal and South Satellite Terminal.
SEA is a smoke-free zone, apart from 2 designated areas:
SEA has live music performances 7 days a week throughout the airport.
ATMs are located in all terminal and concourse areas.
Bag storage is available in the baggage claim area of the Central Terminal. For more information, call 206-433-5333.
General Inquiries: 800-544-1965
Parking: 206-787-5308
SEA Lost and Found: 206-787-5312
Ground Transportation Booth: 206-787-5906
SEA has a light rail station connected to the fourth floor of the parking garage, adjacent to the Central Terminal. The light rail service connects Sea-Tac to the University of Washington (via downtown), departing every 6 to 15 minutes. Train fares are $2.25 to $3.25, depending on your journey.
Private ride and shared-ride shuttles are available to book in advance or arrange on arrival into SEA. The airport recommends these shuttle operators. Some hotels offer courtesy shuttle services, so be sure you check when booking.
You can pick-up a metered or flat rate taxi from level 3 of the parking garage at the north and south curb. A flat rate from SEA to downtown is around $40.
Lyft, Uber, and Wingz are all approved to operate to/from SEA with drop-offs on the departure; arrivals drives and pick-ups are dependent on the type of vehicle you order with instructions presented in the app.
Hot Tip:
If you’re planning on using public transport quite a bit in Seattle, it’s worth getting an ORCA card that you can preload with cash or purchase $8 unlimited travel day passes. These are valid on public buses, trains, some ferries, and water taxis. ORCA cards can be purchased at the airport and are useful for buses where exact change is otherwise required for payment.
Arriving From the North on I-5
From I-5, use the right 2 lanes to take exit 154B and merge onto WA-518 west towards Burien/Sea-Tac/Airport.
Arriving From the South on I-5
From I-5, use the second from the right lane to take exit 154 for WA-518 west towards Sea-Tac. Merge onto I-405 south and keep left to continue on WA-518 west. Use the right 2 lanes to take the exit towards Sea-Tac Airport and continue onto the Airport Expressway.
There are over 12,000 parking spaces at SEA, and unlike many other airports where long-term parking lots are a shuttle/train ride from the terminal, SEA’s parking is housed in 1 large garage that is adjacent to the Central Terminal.
Short-Term Parking
Short-term or “Terminal Direct” parking is on level 4 with the quickest walk to the terminal through 1 of the 6 connector bridges. Fees are:
Long-Term Parking
General parking is available in the same parking lot on levels 1 to 3 and 5 to 8. Fees are:
Over-Height Parking
The airport parking garage has a maximum height clearance of 6 feet 10 inches so any vehicles exceeding this will need to use an alternative parking lot. Follow signs from the Airport Expressway for “Over-Height Parking” which is also walking distance from the terminal. Rates are the same as general parking above.
Electric Vehicle Parking
SEA has 48 electric vehicle charging spaces that are available on levels 4 and 5.
Cell Phone Waiting Lot
SEA has a cell phone waiting lot that friends/family can use when picking up passengers. The lot is located across from the S. 170th Street exit of the Airport Expressway, and visitors can wait for free for up to 20 minutes until passengers are ready for collection from the baggage claim curbside.
Without an economy parking lot, a daily rate of $37 is the cheapest option available, which is quite expensive for an airport. If you’re looking for more affordable parking, remote parking lots or hotels will offer better rates. These lots tend to be only a few miles from the airport and provide shuttle services to/from the terminal.
Airportparkingreservations.com is a good place to check prices and lot locations, with daily rates starting from $10.
Accessible parking is available on level 5 of general parking and level 4 of terminal direct parking. Passengers can arrange wheelchair assistance by calling 206-246-1550.
General parking inquiries: 206-787-5308
Extended stay parking (over 30 days): 310-646-2911
Car rental companies operate from an off-site facility northeast of the airport. Courtesy shuttle buses operate 24 hours a day transporting passengers between the airport and rental center. These pick-up from the north and south ends of the arrival area outside baggage claim. The following rental car companies operate at SEA:
There are a number of credit cards with rental car insurance provided as a benefit (and even elite status). You can then use these cards to avoid paying for expensive insurance through the rental provider.
There’s a good selection of hotels located 2 miles or less from Seattle Airport. Hotels range from 2 to 4 stars, and many offer courtesy shuttle services to and from the airport.
Check out the nearest hotels below, arranged by distance from the airport.
SEA Airport Hotels
SCROLL FOR MOREHotel
Address and Phone Number
Star Rating
Distance From the Airport (Miles)
Seatac Crest Inn
Hotel
Address and Phone Number
Star Rating
Distance From the Airport (Miles)
Point Redemption Cost
The Seattle Airport Marriott features modern guestrooms, meeting space, and an atrium, along with complimentary 24-hour shuttle service to and from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Guests can enjoy local fare and specialty drinks at Aqua Terra Restaurant and Bar or a cup of morning coffee at Consummate Grind café. The Seattle Airport Marriott has free nights from 40,000 points per night.
The Crowne Plaza Seattle Airport is located across the sky bridge from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and adjacent to the train station. Guests have access to 7 different meeting rooms, a fitness center, and on-site dining options. Free nights at the Crowne Plaza Seattle Airport are from 35,000 points or 1 free night certificate.
The Hilton Seattle Airport and Conference Center is a perfect business hotel that is just steps from the airport. Guests have access to a 24-hour airport shuttle, fitness center, whirlpool, and outdoor pool. Hilton Honors Gold/Diamond members can save money each morning by enjoying a free breakfast. Hilton no longer publishes an award chart, but a free night will cost from 50,000 points.
Seattle Airport has experienced a substantial growth in passenger traffic over the last number of years and is planning for the future. Billions are being invested in over 100 different projects to modernize facilities, increase capacity, and create more sustainable operation.
Featured Image Credit: Port of SeattleTo reach the ferry terminal from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, you can ride the light rail to Pioneer Square Station and walk for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, you could take a taxi for around $40 or organize a shared ride shuttle.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is the primary commercial airport in Seattle, located about 13 miles from downtown Seattle. It serves 90+ domestic and 20+ international flight routes.
Uber’s price estimator calculates a trip from Sea-Tac to downtown Seattle to cost around $40 for a private car. A shared Uber costs around $25.
There are several options to get from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to downtown Seattle including a public bus, taxi, or shuttle bus. However, the easiest and most cost-effective way is to ride the light rail from the airport’s station to Pioneer Square or University Street Station.
Passengers can remain airside overnight at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. It’s possible to find a padded bench to sleep on inside the airport. Come prepared with an eye mask and ear plugs as lighting remains on and other passengers may be moving around.
The following airlines operate out of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport:
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has 1 main terminal referred to as the Central Terminal. Once you have cleared security the departure area is made up of Concourses A, B, C, D, and the North and South Satellite Terminals.
Spirit Airlines is based in the Central Terminal for check-in and advises passengers to check their boarding pass for the departure concourse.
The airport states that typically it takes passengers 30 to 60 minutes to clear customs on arrival at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
There is no set time for how long it takes passengers to get through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, as this is easily impacted by congestion at check-in or a security checkpoint. Getting to the airport 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight is recommended.
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Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.
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