Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

International passengers disembark at the S Gates or International Arrivals Facility, moving through US passport control, baggage claim, and customs inspection before reaching the public arrivals area.

• Follow signage from the arrival gate towards US Customs and Border Protection (Passport Control).
• Present passport, valid visa, or ESTA approval to the immigration officer for processing.
• Collect checked baggage from the assigned international reclaim carousel.
• Proceed through customs clearance; declare any agricultural items, food, or currency exceeding $10,000 USD.
• Exit into the main arrivals hall to access local transport links and ground transportation.

• Train

  Link Light Rail (1 Line)

  Operated by Sound Transit. The airport station is connected to the main parking garage via a covered pedestrian skybridge.

  Time:

  Roughly 35–40 minutes

  Typical cost:

  Typically $3.00–$3.50

• Ride-hailing

  Taxi / Rideshare

  Pick-up zones for app-based services (Uber, Lyft) and licenced taxis are located on Floor 3 of the central parking garage.

  Time:

  Roughly 25–45 minutes depending on traffic

  Typical cost:

  Typically $40.00–$65.00

• Train

  Public Bus (King County Metro)

  Local bus routes pick up at the southern end of the airport terminal near the baggage claim level.

  Time:

  Roughly 45–60 minutes

  Typical cost:

  Typically $2.75–$3.25

• Car rental

  Car Rental

  A dedicated off-site rental car facility is served by continuous 24-hour shuttle buses operating from outside baggage claim.

  Time:

  Roughly 25–45 minutes to central Seattle

  Typical cost:

  Varies by provider and duration

Airside transfers are made via the SEA Underground automated train network or connected walkways.

• The SEA Underground links Concourses A, B, C, D, and the North/South Satellites without exiting the secure zone.
• Passengers arriving on international flights who need to connect must collect their baggage, clear customs, and drop bags at transfer counters.
• Allow a minimum of 90 to 120 minutes for international-to-domestic transfers.

Free Wi-Fi access is provided throughout all concourses and terminal facilities.

• Select the official wireless network named 'SEATAC-Wi-Fi'.
• Accept the terms of service on the automatic pop-up page to connect.
• No local phone number or advance registration is required.

Cash machines and foreign exchange counters are located landside and airside.

• ATMs accepting major international bank cards are distributed across all concourses.
• Currency exchange services are available in the Central Terminal and International Arrivals area.
• Payment cards are universally accepted across transport options, shops, and restaurants.

A wide variety of food outlets, coffee shops, and restaurants are located across all terminal areas.

• The Central Terminal features a large central food court overlooking the airfield.
• Options include quick grab-and-go kiosks, regional coffee chains, and full-service dining.
• Dining options are available both before security landside and inside all airside concourses.

Airline-specific and open-access lounges are distributed throughout the secure concourse areas.

• The Club at SEA provides independent pay-per-use lounge access in Concourse A and the South Satellite.
• Major carriers including Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines operate dedicated member lounges.
• Entry can be obtained using airline status, premium tickets, or day pass purchases depending on availability.

Numerous hotels are located adjacent to the airport perimeter, offering short transfer times.

• An off-site hotel is accessible via a direct pedestrian skybridge across the main highway.
• Free hotel shuttle buses pick up passengers outside the baggage claim area on the ground floor.
• Dedicated hotel direct-dial phones are located near the baggage claim carousels.

Baggage reclaim carousels are located on the lower level of the Main Terminal.

• Baggage belts 1 to 16 serve domestic and arrived international flights, with flight numbers displayed on overhead screens.
• Short-term baggage storage and left-luggage services are available on the baggage claim level.
• Luggage trolleys are located near reclaim carousels for a small rental fee.

Dedicated amenities for families travelling with children are provided in the main terminal.

• Private nursing suites and family restrooms are situated throughout all concourses.
• A children's play area is situated near Concourse A.
• Lifts and wide ramps ensure full stroller accessibility across all terminal levels and transit links.

• Service animal relief areas
• Nursing suites
• Interfaith prayer room
• Baggage storage
• Water bottle refill stations
• Sensory room

Local emergency number: 911

• In any life-threatening emergency, dial 911 from any mobile or landline phone.
• Uniformed Port of Seattle Police officers and airport staff can assist with emergency situations inside the terminal.
• For lost passports, contact your national embassy or consulate immediately after notifying local airport security.

• Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
• Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
• Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
• Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
• Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
• Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
• Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
• Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

• Port of Seattle - Seattle-Tacoma International AirportOfficial airport source
• US Customs and Border ProtectionGovernment source
• Sound TransitOfficial transit source
• Centers for Disease Control and PreventionGovernment source