Seattle Airport to Cruise Port: Pier 66 & Pier 91 Guide

Updated November 1, 2026

To get from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to your cruise ship, first confirm whether you depart from Pier 66 or Pier 91. A taxi, rideshare, cruise-line transfer or reserved private car can take you to the terminal. Link light rail reaches downtown Seattle, where you still need to complete the journey to the waterfront.

The Port of Seattle lists an approximate 30–40-minute airport drive on its Pier 66 and Pier 91 pages. Treat this as a driving estimate: baggage collection, customs if applicable, finding your pickup and terminal queues need extra time.

Planning a cruise pickup? Review our Seattle cruise transfers to Pier 66 and Pier 91, then request a quote with your date, pickup location, destination, passenger count and luggage details. You can also call (206) 779-3052 or prepare an airport-to-cruise quote on WhatsApp to discuss availability.

In this guide

• Distance and travel time from SEA
• Pier 66 or Pier 91: choose the right terminal
• Princess cruise terminal: airport distance and timing
• Compare your transportation options
• Taking light rail and completing the last leg
• Taxi, shuttle and private-transfer costs
• Plan your airport pickup
• Returning from your cruise to SEA

How far is Seattle Airport from the cruise port?

There is no single “Seattle cruise port” address. The Port of Seattle’s passenger FAQ places SEA about 15 miles from downtown Seattle. That is a general downtown reference, not an exact road distance to either cruise terminal. Pier 66 is on the downtown waterfront; Pier 91 is farther north at Smith Cove.

For a pier-specific starting point, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Seattle directions list about 14 miles from the airport to Pier 66. A Princess guide revised in 2016 lists about 17 miles from SEA to Pier 91. These are approximate published figures; actual road distance depends on the route and pickup point.

Use your specific terminal in a route planner and check traffic for your planned pickup time. The driving estimate above does not describe the full time from your aircraft landing to cruise check-in. Work backward from your cruise line’s required check-in time and leave room for delays.

Pier 66 and Pier 91 at a glance

Terminal	Airport travel planning
Pier 66 Bell Street	Downtown waterfront. The Port lists a 30–40-minute direct airport ride. From Westlake, allow about 6 minutes by car or a 20-minute walk.
Pier 91 Smith Cove	North of downtown. The Port lists a 30–40-minute direct airport ride. From Westlake, allow about 15 minutes by car; plan a separate terminal transfer.

These are approximate Port of Seattle travel estimates, not guaranteed journey times. They exclude collecting bags, waiting for transport and cruise check-in. Road distance depends on your terminal and selected route; the 15-mile downtown reference is not a pier-specific mileage figure.

Which Seattle cruise terminal do you need?

Pier 66: Bell Street Cruise Terminal

Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 is at 2225 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121, on the downtown waterfront. Its ground transportation area is in front of the terminal. Give your driver the terminal name and pier number, rather than only “Seattle port.”

Pier 91: Smith Cove Cruise Terminal

Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 is north of downtown at 2001 West Garfield Street, Seattle, WA 98119. Use the Port’s current terminal directions when arranging your transfer. It is a different destination from Pier 66, so confirm the pier on your cruise documents before requesting a ride.

Planning a 2027 Seattle cruise? The Port has published a preliminary 2027 cruise schedule, which can change. Check your ship, sailing date and terminal using the Port’s Find My Ship and Terminal tool, then confirm your cruise line’s latest arrival instructions before arranging transport.

How far is SEA Airport from the Princess cruise terminal?

Princess Cruises identifies Pier 91 as a Seattle terminal, north of downtown. Some in-transit Princess visits have used Pier 66; check the Port’s ship and terminal information for your specific sailing. A Princess port guide revised in 2016 lists approximately 17 miles between SEA and Pier 91; actual road mileage varies by route. The Port’s current Pier 91 guide gives an approximate 30–40-minute direct airport ride. Check a route planner and confirm the terminal for your specific sailing because assignments can change.

Transportation from SeaTac Airport to the cruise terminal

Reserved private car or van

A private transfer lets you discuss the pickup, passenger count and luggage before traveling. It can be a practical choice when your group wants to travel together or avoid changing vehicles downtown. Ask which vehicle can accommodate your full party and bags, and obtain written confirmation of the quote and pickup instructions.

Seaview Limo offers airport transfers and cruise terminal transportation. Review our fleet, then confirm the suitable vehicle and availability for your date.

Taxi or rideshare

The Port’s passenger guidance directs airport taxi pickups to the third floor of the airport parking garage. The Port’s ride-app pickup guidance places Lyft and many Uber pickups on the same level, while premium Uber rides such as Uber Black meet at the passenger-selected baggage-claim-level door. Follow current airport signs and your provider’s instructions. Check that the vehicle size works for both your passengers and cruise luggage before accepting the ride.

Cruise-line or hotel shuttle

Ask your cruise line or travel agent about an airport-to-ship transfer. The Port’s terminal guide lists cruise-line motorcoach transfers as an option. Confirm eligibility, operating dates, meeting point, luggage allowance and departure schedule before buying.

If you are staying at a hotel, ask specifically whether its shuttle serves your cruise pier. An airport shuttle is not automatically a cruise-terminal shuttle. Confirm the route, reservation requirements and price directly with the hotel.

Can you take light rail from Seattle Airport to the cruise port?

Yes, for the airport-to-downtown portion. Sound Transit lists about 38 minutes between SEA and central Seattle on its airport travel guide. Follow airport signs to SeaTac/Airport Station and take a downtown-bound train to Westlake. Walking to the station, waiting and the final transfer add time.

As checked on October 5, 2026, the adult one-way Link fare is $3 for ages 19–64. This covers the train, not a taxi or rideshare onward to the pier. Check current fares and service information before traveling.

• For Pier 66: the Port estimates about 6 minutes by car or a 20-minute walk from Westlake. Consider luggage, weather and your comfort with the walking route.
• For Pier 91: the Port estimates about 15 minutes by car from Westlake. Its Pier 91 guide says there is no direct public transit to the terminal. Plan the final car transfer instead of assuming the train reaches the ship. The Port also reports that the Magnolia Bridge and Pier 91 bus stop is closed and the north-side pedestrian staircase is unavailable. Check the current terminal access guidance and discuss any mobility equipment and the meeting point with your transportation provider.

How much does transportation to the cruise port cost?

Compare the total cost for your party and luggage, including the final leg to the terminal. Apart from the published Link fare above, obtain a current price for your route and travel date:

• Taxi: ask the operator how the fare is calculated and which airport or other charges apply.
• Rideshare: review the current in-app price and vehicle size before requesting pickup.
• Cruise-line or hotel shuttle: confirm whether the price is per person and whether luggage is included.
• Private transfer: request a quote covering the date, terminal, passenger count, bags and any extra stops. Ask about waiting time, changes and cancellation terms.

For Seaview Limo pricing, request a cruise pickup quote. Share your date, pickup location, destination, passenger count and bags so availability, vehicle and fare can be confirmed.

Seaview Limo airport-arrival waiting: For domestic and international airport arrivals, we track your flight and include 60 complimentary minutes of waiting from the actual landing time. Airline arrival delays before landing are not charged. Waiting beyond the included hour may be subject to additional charges. Inside airport meet and greet is available upon request and may include additional charges. Review our airport waiting and cancellation policies before requesting your SEA-to-Pier 66 or Pier 91 transfer. For a pickup after your cruise, confirm the pier waiting allowance separately.

What to confirm before your airport pickup

• Flight: arrival date, airline and flight number, plus whether you must clear customs.
• Cruise: ship name, sailing date, pier and the cruise line’s assigned arrival window and check-in deadline.
• Party and luggage: adults, children, large suitcases, carry-ons and any mobility equipment. Discuss child seats or accessibility needs before booking.
• Meeting point: obtain your provider’s airport pickup instructions and contact number.
• Schedule: allow for getting off the plane, collecting bags, reaching the vehicle, traffic and terminal processing.

Pre-booking helps organize these details, but it cannot remove flight or traffic delays. If flying on embarkation day, review the cruise line’s flight-arrival guidance before committing to a transfer time. Consider arriving the day before if your schedule permits.

Getting from the cruise terminal back to SEA

Plan the return journey around your expected disembarkation and baggage collection, not just the ship’s arrival time. Confirm the pickup location for your pier and share changes with your driver. Allow enough time for the drive, airline bag-drop requirements and airport security.

Traveling to SEA on the day your cruise ends? The Port of Seattle offers complimentary Port Valet luggage transfer for eligible cruise passengers with a same-day flight. Check current eligibility with your cruise line and airline; applicable airline baggage fees still apply. Port Valet handles eligible checked luggage, not passenger transportation. Arrange your ride separately and tell Seaview how many bags will travel with you.

Need a cruise pickup? Explore Seaview Limo’s Seattle cruise pickup information or request a quote. Include your ship, pier, pickup date and time, destination, passenger count and luggage details. Wait for confirmation of availability and the meeting point before finalizing your plans.