Your Complete Seattle Cruise Transportation Guide
After years of driving cruise passengers to Seattle's terminals, we know exactly what makes the difference between a stressful rush and a smooth start to your vacation. This guide cuts through the confusion with practical advice you won't find elsewhere – because we've seen it all, from last-minute terminal changes to unexpected traffic jams on embarkation morning.
Getting from SeaTac Airport to Your Cruise Ship
Most cruise passengers fly into SeaTac Airport, located about 15-18 miles south of the cruise terminals. The journey typically takes 30-40 minutes, but here's what the tourist guides won't tell you: on Saturday mornings during cruise season, that same trip can take over an hour.
The Real Travel Times You Need to Know
- To Pier 66 (Downtown): 15 miles – normally 25-35 minutes
- To Pier 91 (Magnolia): 18 miles – normally 30-40 minutes
- Saturday Cruise Days: Add 20-30 minutes to any estimate
- Weekday Rush Hours (7-9am, 4-6pm): Allow 50-70 minutes minimum
- Mariners or Seahawks Game Days: Double your travel time (seriously)
Local Driver's Tip
If you're arriving on a Friday for a Saturday cruise, don't assume you can leisurely head to the terminal Saturday morning. I've seen too many close calls. Either stay near your terminal Friday night or leave the airport area by 8 AM Saturday. The later you wait, the worse it gets.
The Route from SeaTac: What to Expect
Your driver will take I-5 northbound through downtown Seattle. It's a straight shot until you hit the city, where things get interesting. For Pier 91, you'll exit near Seattle Center and wind through the Magnolia neighborhood. For Pier 66, you'll navigate through downtown to the waterfront.
Here's something most guides miss: construction on I-5 is perpetual. There's always something being fixed, especially in the summer cruise season. Your GPS might say 30 minutes, but experienced drivers know to check real-time traffic and have backup routes ready.
Know Your Terminal: Pier 91 vs Pier 66
Seattle has two cruise terminals, and they're not interchangeable. Showing up at the wrong one is more common than you'd think – we rescue panicked passengers from this mistake at least once a week during cruise season.
Pier 91 (Smith Cove Terminal)
Address: 2001 W Garfield St, Seattle, WA 98119
Who sails from here: Princess, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity
- Seattle's larger terminal – handles the big ships
- Located in Magnolia neighborhood (not downtown)
- Has actual parking if you're driving yourself
- No hotels within walking distance
- Terminal opens at 10:30 AM for noon departures
Getting there: Take I-5 to Mercer Street exit, follow Elliott Avenue north. Don't trust your GPS once you're in Magnolia – terminal signage is poor and the entrance is easy to miss.
Pier 66 (Bell Street Terminal)
Address: 2225 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121
Who sails from here: Norwegian, Oceania, Viking (new for 2025)
- Right on the downtown waterfront
- Walking distance from Pike Place Market
- Limited parking – seriously limited
- Lots of nearby hotels
- Ongoing construction affects access routes
Warning: The waterfront construction project has been "almost done" for three years. Access changes frequently. Have your driver call ahead or check current conditions.
Which Terminal Is Less Stressful?
Honestly? Pier 91. Yes, it's farther from downtown, but it has real parking, better traffic flow, and professional porters who know their job. Pier 66 is convenient if you're walking from a downtown hotel, but vehicle access is a nightmare on busy days.
Transportation Options: The Truth About Each
Let me break down your real options for getting to the cruise terminal, with the pros and cons we've observed over years of service.
Private Car Service (What We Do)
I'm biased, but here's why many passengers choose this option:
- Your driver monitors your flight and adjusts pickup time if you're delayed
- Help with luggage from curb to curb (those cruise bags are heavy)
- Direct route with no surprise stops
- Fixed price – no surge pricing on busy cruise days
- Vehicles that actually fit cruise luggage (more on this below)
The downside? You need to book in advance, especially for Saturday departures in July and August.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
The apps make it look easy, but here's what actually happens:
- Surge pricing on cruise mornings can double or triple the fare
- Many drivers cancel when they see cruise luggage
- Airport pickup can involve long waits during busy times
- No guarantee your luggage will fit (especially problematic for families)
If you go this route, order an XL vehicle even for 2-3 people. Trust me on this.
Shared Shuttle Services
The budget option that isn't always budget-friendly:
- Multiple hotel stops can add 45+ minutes to your journey
- Fixed departure times don't adjust for flight delays
- Limited to 2 bags per person (cruise passengers average 3)
- Often drops at Pier 91 first, then Pier 66 (or vice versa)
Best for solo travelers with minimal luggage and flexible timing.
Rental Car
Seems logical if you want to explore Seattle, but consider:
- Pier 91 parking: $30-40 per day for a week
- Pier 66 parking: Good luck finding any
- One-way rental fees from airport to downtown
- Navigating Seattle traffic in an unfamiliar car
Only worthwhile if you're staying several days pre-cruise and sightseeing.
Public Transit
Technically possible, practically painful:
- Light rail to downtown, then bus to terminals
- No direct routes to either pier
- Managing cruise luggage on crowded buses
- Total time: 90+ minutes if everything aligns
I've rescued too many exhausted families who tried this. Just don't.
Timing Your Arrival: When to Really Leave for Your Ship
Cruise lines say arrive 90 minutes before departure. Airport shuttles claim 30-minute trips. Here's the reality check you need.
The Timeline That Actually Works
- 3.5 hours before sailing: Leave SeaTac Airport
- 2.5 hours before: Arrive at terminal (ideal for smooth check-in)
- 2 hours before: Still comfortable, but no room for delays
- 90 minutes before: You're now in risky territory
- 60 minutes before: Pray the check-in line is short
- 30 minutes before: They're closing the gangway
Why so early? Because everything takes longer on cruise day. The terminal drop-off is congested. The porters have a line. Check-in has a line. Security has a line. And 3,000 other passengers are doing exactly what you're doing.
The Saturday Morning Reality
Most Alaska cruises depart Saturday at 4 PM. This means everyone arrives between 11 AM and 1 PM. The terminals become zoos. The Port of Seattle suggests arriving before 11 AM or after 1:30 PM to avoid the worst congestion. Early birds really do have it easier here.
Pre-Cruise Hotels: Location Really Matters
Staying near the airport or downtown the night before? Your choice dramatically affects your cruise day morning.
Hotels Near Pier 66 (Downtown)
If you're sailing from Pier 66, downtown hotels put you within walking distance:
- Marriott Waterfront: 2-minute walk to Pier 66 (can't get closer)
- The Edgewater: 5-minute walk along the waterfront
- Thompson Seattle: 10-minute walk through Pike Place Market
- Inn at the Market: Charming choice, 10-minute walk
Pro: Roll your luggage to the ship. Con: Downtown prices and limited parking.
Hotels for Pier 91
There are NO hotels within walking distance of Pier 91. Your closest options:
- Staypineapple Maxwell: 1.2 miles (need transportation)
- Mediterranean Inn: 1.4 miles (budget-friendly)
- Downtown hotels: 3-4 miles (many offer shuttle packages)
Airport Area Hotels
Convenient for late arrivals but require morning transportation:
- Most offer airport shuttles, NOT cruise terminal shuttles
- Allow 45-60 minutes to reach terminals on cruise mornings
- Book your terminal transportation the night before
The Hotel Shuttle Myth
Many hotels advertise "cruise shuttle service." What they mean is they'll call you a taxi or have a list of shuttle companies. Very few hotels run their own shuttles to cruise terminals. Always verify what "shuttle service" actually means when booking.
Embarkation Day: What Really Happens
Let me walk you through what actually happens when you arrive at the terminal, so you know what to expect.
The Drop-Off
Both terminals have covered drop-off areas (thank goodness for Seattle rain). At Pier 91, it's organized chaos but it works. Porters grab your bags, you tip them ($5-10 is standard), and they disappear with your luggage. You won't see those bags again until they appear at your cabin.
At Pier 66, the drop-off is tighter. If it's busy, your driver might need to circle while you unload. This is where having a patient professional driver beats a hurried rideshare.
Check-In Process
Modern cruise lines push online check-in hard, and for good reason. Do it. Complete every form, upload every document. The "express" line for completed online check-ins moves 3x faster than the "we'll do it at the port" line.
- Have your boarding documents printed AND on your phone
- Passports for everyone (yes, even for closed-loop cruises)
- Credit card for onboard account (same one you used online)
- Any medical forms or special needs documentation
The Embarkation Day Secret
Want to know when the absolute best time to arrive is? When they first open the terminal at 10:30 AM. You'll walk through an empty terminal, check in immediately, and be having lunch on the ship while others are still in line. The ship's pools and restaurants open as soon as you board – why wait in the terminal when you could be starting your vacation?
Choosing the Right Vehicle for Your Group
Here's something Uber won't tell you: cruise passengers average 2.5 bags per person, and those bags are bigger than normal luggage. A sedan that "fits four" doesn't fit four cruise passengers.
For Families and Small Groups (Up to 6 passengers)
For Larger Groups or Extra Luggage (7+ passengers)
Vehicle Selection Advice
For 4 people with cruise luggage, book an SUV, not a sedan. For 5-6 people, you need a full-size SUV or van. More than 6? You definitely need our van. I've seen too many groups try to squeeze into small vehicles – it doesn't work, and starting your vacation stressed isn't worth the small savings.
Your Questions Answered
How far is SeaTac Airport from the cruise terminals?
Pier 66 is 15 miles (typically 25-35 minutes), and Pier 91 is 18 miles (typically 30-40 minutes) from SeaTac. However, these times can double during rush hours or on busy cruise days. I always tell passengers to plan for the worst-case scenario – it's better to be early and relaxed than cutting it close.
Is there a shuttle from the airport to Pier 91?
Yes, several companies operate shared shuttles. They run about every 30-45 minutes during cruise season and cost $25-40 per person. The catch? They make multiple hotel stops and won't wait if your flight is delayed. For groups of 3 or more, a private car is often the same price and much more convenient.
Which terminal is better for avoiding stress?
Hands down, Pier 91. It has better vehicle access, more space, professional porters, and actual parking. Pier 66 is convenient if you're already downtown, but the limited drop-off area and ongoing construction make it challenging on busy days.
What happens if my flight is delayed?
This is where your transportation choice matters. Private car services monitor flights and adjust pickup times. Shared shuttles leave on schedule regardless. Rideshares require you to request a new ride. If you're cutting it close, call the cruise line – they can sometimes expedite your check-in if they know you're coming.
Can I store luggage somewhere if I arrive early?
At Pier 91, porters will take your bags even if you arrive before official check-in opens. At Pier 66, it depends on staffing. Neither terminal has a formal luggage storage area. If you're super early, consider exploring Pike Place Market (Pier 66) or Fishermen's Terminal (Pier 91) and returning closer to boarding time.
Should I book round-trip transportation?
Absolutely. Your ship will return early morning (usually 6-7 AM) and you'll clear customs by 8-9 AM. Having pre-arranged transportation eliminates the stress of finding a ride when 3,000 other passengers are doing the same thing. Plus, most services offer a discount for round-trip bookings.
What about transportation between downtown hotels and Pier 91?
It's about 3-4 miles, which sounds close but isn't walkable. Options include hotel shuttles (if offered), taxis ($15-25), rideshare ($12-20), or pre-arranged transportation. On cruise mornings, pre-arranged is most reliable – I've seen the taxi line at downtown hotels stretch around the block.
Final Insider Tips for Cruise Success
After years of cruise transfers, here are the things I wish every passenger knew:
- The terminal confusion is real. I keep a photo of each terminal on my phone to show uncertain passengers. Double-check your documents the night before.
- Saturday traffic is no joke. If your ship leaves Saturday afternoon, don't trust Friday night arrival unless you're staying very close to the terminal.
- Pack a day bag. Your checked luggage might not reach your cabin until evening. Medications, documents, and swimsuits should stay with you.
- The "arrive by" time is serious. Ships have left passengers behind. They have schedules to keep and tides to catch.
- Porters are your friends. Tip them well ($5-10) and they'll ensure your bags get priority handling.
- Download your cruise line app before you arrive. Terminal WiFi is overloaded on embarkation day.
- Consider travel insurance. One missed connection can mean missing your entire cruise.
Ready for Stress-Free Cruise Transportation?
We've been helping passengers reach their ships on time since 2010. Our drivers know every route, monitor your flight, and handle your luggage with care. Book your Seattle cruise transfer today and start your vacation the moment you land.
One Last Thing...
Your cruise vacation starts the moment you leave for the airport. Don't let transportation stress steal those first precious hours. Whether you choose our service or another option, book something reliable in advance. I've seen too many vacations start with unnecessary panic in the back of an Uber, racing against time.
Safe travels, and enjoy your cruise! Alaska is incredible – you're going to love it.
P.S. From Your Driver
If you see whales on your cruise, think of us. We see them sometimes from the terminal while waiting for ships to arrive. It never gets old. Have a wonderful voyage!