Seattle-Tacoma International Airport at a Glance

Most travellers know it simply as Sea-Tac. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the main gateway to the Pacific Northwest, handling domestic and long-haul international traffic from a single terminal complex in the city of SeaTac, Washington.

The airport opened in 1944 and today covers a large site with three parallel runways. It is a hub for both Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines, which gives Seattle a wide spread of nonstop routes across North America and beyond.

Where Sea-Tac Sits in Relation to Seattle

You will find the airport roughly 23 km south of downtown Seattle and about 29 km north of downtown Tacoma. That position between the two cities is where the name comes from, and it makes the airport practical for trips to either end of the Puget Sound region.

Terminal and Concourses at Seattle-Tacoma Airport

Everything runs through one main terminal building. Concourses A, B, C and D sit off the main terminal, while the North and South Satellites are reached by the SEA Underground, an automated train that runs beneath the airfield.

• Main terminal: check-in, security and Concourses A to D
• North and South Satellites: extra gates linked by the underground train
• International Arrivals Facility: a dedicated hall for passengers clearing US customs and immigration

Look out for the airport's public art collection, which is spread through the concourses and makes a long wait more pleasant.

Airlines Flying from Seattle

With Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines both running hubs here, Sea-Tac offers frequent flights to major US cities and a good choice of routes to Asia, Europe and elsewhere. Many other domestic and international carriers also serve the airport, so it pays to compare options for your dates.

Getting Between Sea-Tac and Seattle City Centre

The simplest option for many visitors is the Sound Transit 1 Line. SeaTac/Airport station is linked to the terminal through the parking garage, and trains run to downtown Seattle in under 40 minutes. A free shuttle between the station and the terminal helps if you have heavy bags.

• Link light rail: frequent trains to downtown and on to northern neighbourhoods
• Buses: King County Metro and Sound Transit regional routes
• Taxis, ride-hailing and rental cars: available from the terminal and nearby facilities

Things to Do Near Seattle

Downtown Seattle rewards a visit with Pike Place Market, the waterfront and the Space Needle at Seattle Center. Further afield, Mount Rainier and the islands of Puget Sound make popular day trips from the city.

Travel Tips for Seattle-Tacoma Airport

Security lines can build up at busy times, so give yourself plenty of time, particularly for international departures. Check which concourse or satellite your gate is in before you pass security, because the satellites need a short train ride.

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