If you land late, there are several of you with lots of luggage, or you’re heading straight to a cruise ship, a taxi, Uber or Lyft can be worth the money, and they all pick up in the car park opposite the terminal. Here you’ll find every option with prices, journey times and exactly where to find them: light rail, the ORCA card, buses, taxis, Uber and Lyft, shuttle buses, transfers and hire cars. I also explain how to get on to the cruise terminals at Pier 66 and Pier 91 and to the Amtrak trains at King Street Station.

Quick overview: Seattle Airport to the city centre

• Link light rail (1 Line): $3 (around £2.25), about 40 minutes to Westlake, departures every 8 to 15 minutes from around 5am to 1am Monday to Saturday and from 6am to midnight on Sundays.
• ORCA card: $3 (around £2.25) for the card itself, but you can also simply pay with your contactless bank card or phone at the card reader.
• Buses: $3 (around £2.25), but none of them run directly to Downtown. They’re only useful if you’re going to Bellevue, Renton or south of the airport.
• Taxi: $50 to $70 (around £35 to £50) to Downtown, 25 to 40 minutes without traffic, from the 3rd floor of the car park.
• Uber and Lyft: about $40 to $70 (around £30 to £50) depending on demand, pick-up in the middle of the 3rd floor of the car park.
• Shuttle and transfer: shared shuttle buses from about $30 (around £22) per person and private transfers from about $37 (around £28) per person.
• Hire car: all the rental companies are based in a shared Rental Car Facility, which you reach on free shuttle buses around the clock. Great for Mount Rainier and Olympic, unnecessary in the centre.

How to find the transport at the airport

Sea-Tac has one large main terminal where all flights arrive, and whether you’re coming off a domestic flight or from Europe, you’ll end up in the baggage hall on the lowest level. The most important thing to understand is that almost all transport doesn’t stop in front of the terminal but in the big car park directly opposite. You get there via the skybridges, which are one floor above the baggage hall and one floor below check-in, and from there you just follow the signs.

If you’re taking the train, go up to the 4th floor, cross the skybridge to the car park and follow the Link light rail signs through the northern end of the building to SeaTac/Airport station. Allow 5 to 10 minutes’ walk with your suitcase, and if you’d rather ride, a free Train-to-Plane shuttle runs between the station and the middle of the car park from 5am to midnight. Taxis wait on the 3rd floor of the car park at the north and south kerbs, Uber and Lyft pick up in the middle of the same floor, and the hotels’ free shuttle buses stop at Islands 1 and 2 on the 3rd floor. The shuttle buses to the car hire facility, however, stop just outside the baggage hall at the north and south ends of the terminal. Step-by-step directions to the station are available from Port of Seattle, which runs the airport.

1. Link light rail (1 Line) to Westlake and Downtown

The light rail is the easiest and cheapest way to get from Seattle Airport to the city centre. The train is called Link and is run by Sound Transit, and the line from the airport is the 1 Line. From SeaTac/Airport station you head north through Tukwila, Rainier Valley and SODO, and after Stadium the train enters the tunnel under Downtown, calling at International District/Chinatown, Pioneer Square, Symphony and Westlake. The journey to Westlake takes about 40 minutes, and the train then continues to Capitol Hill, University of Washington, U District and on towards Lynnwood.

According to Visit Seattle, trains run every 8 to 15 minutes depending on the time of day, from 5am to 1am Monday to Saturday and from 6am to midnight on Sundays and public holidays. During engineering works, trains may run on a single track for a while or be replaced by buses on parts of the route, so check Sound Transit’s service alerts if you land late. There’s plenty of room for suitcases on board, and you can stand with your luggage by the doors if it’s busy.

Fares and tickets

A ride on Link costs 3 dollars (around £2.25) for adults, however far you travel, and children and young people aged 18 and under ride free. You pay before going up to the platform, and you don’t need to tap out when you get off. There are three ways to pay. The easiest for tourists is to hold your contactless Visa, Mastercard or American Express card, or your phone with Apple Pay or Google Pay, against one of the round ORCA-card readers at the entrance to the platform. Each person needs their own card or phone, and if you use the same card for your next journey within two hours, the transfer is free. It’s all explained in ORCA’s questions and answers about Tap to Pay.

The second option is the ORCA-card itself, the shared travel card for light rail, buses, streetcars and ferries across the whole Seattle-area. The card costs 3 dollars (around £2.25), and you buy and top it up at the ticket machines on the station mezzanine, which take cash, Visa and Mastercard. It makes most sense if you’re staying several days and will also be using the ferries or buses. The third option is Sound Transit’s Transit GO Ticket app, where you buy your ticket on your phone and show it if there’s an inspection. The machines also sell ordinary paper tickets for a single or return journey. Fares and payment methods are listed on Sound Transit.

Where should you get off?

International District/Chinatown: The first stop under Downtown and the station for you if you’re continuing on Amtrak from King Street Station, just a few minutes’ walk away. It’s also the easiest place to change to the 2 Line towards Bellevue and Redmond on the other side of Lake Washington. If you’re staying by the stadiums or want to sleep close to the railway station, you can see prices for Silver Cloud Hotel Seattle Stadium here, which is by the stadiums about a 10-minute walk from the station and has a rooftop pool.

Pioneer Square: The city’s oldest neighbourhood, with brick buildings, galleries and Smith Tower. From here it’s a short walk down to the waterfront and the ferries at Colman Dock. The area is pleasant during the day, but there are many homeless people on the streets around the station, so bear that in mind if you’re walking back alone late at night.

Symphony: The station in the middle of Downtown by the Benaroya Hall concert venue and Seattle Art Museum. From here it’s about a 5-minute walk down to the waterfront and Pike Place Market, so it’s a good stop if your hotel is on 1st, 2nd or 3rd Avenue between University Street and Pike Street.

Westlake: The stop most tourists need. You come up by the Westlake Center shopping centre and Westlake Park square in the heart of the shopping district, and from here it’s about a 5-minute walk to Pike Place Market. This is also where the monorail runs from Westlake Center to Seattle Center and the Space Needle for 4 dollars (around £3). Hotel Theodore is a few minutes’ walk from the station, and you can see prices for Hotel Theodore here. If you’re unsure which part of the city suits you best, read my guide to where to stay in Seattle, where I go through the areas and hotels in several price ranges.

Capitol Hill and U District: If you’re staying in Capitol Hill, with its cafés and bars, or near the University of Washington, just stay on the train. Capitol Hill is one stop after Westlake, and U District is about 50 minutes from the airport.

2. Buses from Seattle Airport

Let me say it straight away: there’s no regular bus from the airport directly to Downtown Seattle, as the light rail has taken over that role. The buses from the airport are regional routes that only make sense if you’re heading somewhere other than the centre. Most stop on International Blvd and S 176th St right by the light rail-station, so you take the same route through the car park and on down to the street.

King County Metro’s RapidRide A Line express bus runs south along International Blvd to Federal Way, and Sound Transit’s ST Express 560 runs via Renton to Bellevue. Alternatively, you can take the light rail into the city and change to the 2 Line towards Bellevue. If you’re going to Tacoma, take the 1 Line south to Federal Way and change to a bus there. Like the train, the buses cost 3 dollars (around £2.25) for adults, and you pay with an ORCA-card, contactless bank card, Transit GO Ticket or the exact amount in cash, as the driver doesn’t give change. If you’re not sure of the route, ask at the Ground Transportation-desk on the 3rd floor of the car park.

3. Taxi from Seattle Airport

Taxis wait on the 3rd floor of the car park at the north and south kerbs, and you get there by crossing the skybridge and going down one floor. Staff at the rank will direct you to a car, and there are nearly always enough taxis, even at night. Never accept offers from people who approach you inside the terminal, as they are unlicensed drivers.

Seattle has two types of airport taxi. Metered taxis have a three-digit vehicle number and are a single colour, and they charge by distance and time. Flat-rate taxis have a four-digit vehicle number and are two colours, and they charge a fixed fare based on the postcode you’re going to. So ask about the price before you set off. According to Visit Seattle, a ride between the airport and Downtown costs 50 to 70 dollars (around £35 to £50), plus a tip of 15 to 20 per cent, which is entirely normal in the USA. The journey takes 25 to 40 minutes without traffic, but in rush hour on I-5 it can easily take an hour.

Taxis accept cash, bank cards and most mobile payments. There are also vans seating 11 people and wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Honestly, a taxi is expensive compared with the 3-dollar train, so it makes most sense if there are three or four of you with lots of luggage, if you land after the last train, or if you’re going somewhere the light rail doesn’t come near.

4. Uber and Lyft

Uber and Lyft are popular in Seattle and often a little cheaper than a taxi. Pick-up is in the middle of the 3rd floor of the car park, the same floor as the taxis, and you follow the App Based Ride Share signs from baggage claim and across the skybridge. Only book once you have your luggage and are on your way across the skybridge, and wait until your car has stopped before you walk out to it. Only Uber Black picks up at a door outside baggage claim, which you choose in the app.

The fare depends on demand, so expect to pay around 40 to 70 dollars (around £30 to £50) to Downtown, and more late in the evening when lots of flights land at once, or if there’s a game on at the stadiums. Between 8 pm and midnight the arrivals area is often very crowded. The advantage is that you know the price before you get in, and you don’t have to explain the address. You tip in the app afterwards.

5. Shuttle and private transfer

A shared shuttle is a halfway house between the train and a taxi, where you share a minibus with other travellers heading to hotels in the same area. According to Visit Seattle, Premier Airport Shuttle runs to the hotels in Downtown from around 30 dollars (around £22) per person, and the company also runs scheduled transfers to the cruise ships. If you’re staying at one of the airport hotels, most run free shuttle buses, which stop at Islands 1 and 2 on the 3rd floor of the car park.

If you’re travelling further afield, Airporter Shuttle runs from Arrivals Drive at door 02 at the southern end of baggage claim north to places such as Bellingham and Anacortes, where the ferries to the San Juan-Islands depart, and east to Ellensburg and Yakima. The desk is at door 00. You’ll find an overview of the shuttle companies on the Port of Seattle website.

A private transfer is a pre-booked car with a driver who meets you at the airport and drives you straight to your hotel door for a fixed price. It’s a nice option if you’re travelling with children, landing in the middle of the night or simply don’t want to find your own way after a long flight from Europe. On GetYourGuide, prices start from around 37 dollars (around £28) per person to the city centre.

Book a private transfer from Seattle Airport here.

The transfer must be booked at least 10 hours in advance. Enter your flight number when you book so the driver can keep track of any delays, and remember that getting through passport control can take a long time when you land from Europe.

6. Car hire from Seattle Airport

All the car hire companies at Sea-Tac are based in a shared Rental Car Facility at 3150 S 160th St north of the airport, so you don’t collect the car at the terminal. Free shuttle buses run round the clock from two stops just outside baggage claim at the northern and southern ends of the terminal, and it’s a short ride. In summer and late in the evening, when lots of flights land, there can be queues both for the bus and at the desks, so allow plenty of time. You can compare prices on car hire at Booking.com, and remember to check whether an additional driver and insurance are included in the price, as they often aren’t in the USA.

From the rental facility, you take SR 518 to I-5 and continue north to Downtown in 25 to 40 minutes without traffic. A car is excellent if you want to see Mount Rainier, the rainforest and coast in Olympic National Park, North Cascades or drive on down the West Coast, and if you want to combine Seattle with other places, I’ve rounded up the best cities and parks in my guide to where to stay in the USA. Inside Seattle, though, a car is more of a hindrance. Parking in Downtown often costs around 40 to 60 dollars (around £30 to £45) a day at the hotels, and traffic on I-5 is heavy for most of the day. My recommendation is therefore to stay in the city without a car and only pick it up on the day you leave town. To return the car, follow the Rental Car Return signs as you approach the airport.

Onwards to the cruise terminals at Pier 66 and Pier 91

Seattle is one of the biggest ports for Alaska cruises, and ships sail from two terminals. Bell Street Cruise Terminal on Pier 66 sits right on the Downtown waterfront close to Pike Place Market, and this is where Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania, among others, sail from. Smith Cove Cruise Terminal on Pier 91 lies north of the centre near Magnolia, and here you’ll find Holland America, Princess, Carnival, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean and Cunard, among others. Always check your ticket to see which terminal your ship departs from, as they are not within walking distance of each other.

If you’ve booked a transfer through the cruise line, head to baggage claim and follow the signs for the cruise bus, where the cruise line’s staff will direct you to the right coach. Otherwise, a taxi, Uber or Lyft from the 3rd floor of the car park is the easiest option, and according to Port of Seattle the journey from the airport to the terminals takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. The fare is usually a little higher than the trip to Downtown, especially to Pier 91.

The cheapest option is the light rail to Westlake and onwards from there. To Pier 66 it’s around a 20-minute walk downhill through Pike Place Market or about 6 minutes by car, and Pier 91 is roughly 15 minutes by car from Westlake. With large suitcases, I’d take a taxi or Uber for the last stretch. At Pier 91, taxis drop you at the terminal entrance, while Uber and Lyft stop about a 10-minute walk away, where a free shuttle runs.

If you land the day before departure, which I strongly recommend so you don’t risk missing the ship because of a delay, the easiest thing is to stay close to the terminal. Seattle Marriott Waterfront is right opposite Pier 66, and you can see prices for Seattle Marriott Waterfront here. Both terminals offer same-day luggage storage for $5 (around £4) per suitcase if you have a late flight home after your cruise, and bags must be collected by 3pm. If you’re flying home with Alaska, Delta, Southwest or United, you can sign up on board for the free Port Valet scheme and send your suitcases straight from the ship to the plane.

Onwards by Amtrak from King Street Station

Seattle’s long-distance trains depart from the beautiful old King Street Station with its clock tower on the southern edge of Downtown, right by Pioneer Square and the stadiums. From the airport, take the 1 Line to International District/Chinatown and walk a couple of minutes across the street to the station, so the whole journey takes under an hour. A taxi straight from the airport costs roughly the same as to the rest of Downtown. The station has a large waiting hall, and the Sounder commuter train to Tacoma and Everett also runs from here.

The most popular train for tourists is Amtrak Cascades, which runs north to Vancouver in Canada in about 4 hours and south to Portland in about 3.5 hours and on to Eugene. The route to Vancouver follows the coast for much of the way and is a lovely journey, and you go through passport control at the border, so have your passport ready. You’ll find timetables and tickets at Amtrak Cascades, and fares rise closer to departure, so book well in advance. If you’re heading across the border, I have a guide to where to stay in Vancouver.

The long-distance Amtrak trains also depart from King Street. The Coast Starlight runs all the way down the West Coast to Los Angeles, and the Empire Builder crosses the Rocky Mountains to Chicago, and both journeys take more than a day. See the routes and station opening hours at Amtrak. If you’re continuing south, you can read my guide to where to stay in San Francisco, and one on where to stay in Los Angeles.

Getting back to the airport

From Downtown, take the 1 Line southbound towards Federal Way from Westlake, Symphony, Pioneer Square or International District/Chinatown. Be careful not to board a 2 Line train towards Bellevue and Redmond, which runs from the same stations, so look for 1 Line and Federal Way on the sign. Get off at SeaTac/Airport after about 40 minutes and walk through the car park and across the footbridge to check-in. Allow an hour from your hotel in Downtown until you’re standing in the terminal.

The first train runs at around 5am on weekdays and 6am on Sundays, so if you have a very early flight, a taxi, Uber or Lyft is the safe option. Both can be booked in advance, and you’ll be dropped at the departures level. In the morning between 6am and 8am there’s often a queue at the drop-off, so give yourself extra time. If you’re returning a hire car, follow the Rental Car Return signs and then take the shuttle bus to the terminal, which can easily add 15 to 20 minutes.

Security at Sea-Tac can have long queues in the mornings and during the summer months, so arrive at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before a flight to Europe. If your flight is before 6am, it can be worth staying by the airport on your last night. Cedarbrook Lodge is set in a green area a few minutes from the terminal and has a free airport shuttle, and you can see prices for Cedarbrook Lodge here.

Seattle Airport to the city centre: which option should you choose?

Here’s my recommendation based on where you’re staying and when you land:

Downtown, Pike Place Market and Belltown: Take the light rail to Westlake or Symphony for $3 (around £2). You’ll be there in about 40 minutes and can walk to most hotels. Belltown is a 10 to 15-minute walk from Westlake.

Pioneer Square and the stadiums: Light rail to Pioneer Square or International District/Chinatown in about 35 minutes, and you’re there.

Capitol Hill and U District: Stay on the 1 Line after Westlake. It’s far cheaper than a taxi, which can easily cost around $60 to $80 (around £45 to £60) that far north.

Cruise from Pier 66 or Pier 91: With lots of luggage, a taxi or Uber straight from the airport is easiest. If you’re travelling light, the light rail to Westlake followed by a short taxi ride or the walk to Pier 66 is the cheapest.

Onwards by Amtrak: Light rail to International District/Chinatown and a couple of minutes’ walk to King Street Station.

If you land at night: The last train runs at around 1am Monday to Saturday and around midnight on Sundays. If you land later, a taxi, Uber or Lyft from the 3rd floor of the car park are your realistic options.

3 to 4 people with lots of luggage: Here a taxi at $50 to $70 (around £35 to £50) can easily pay off compared with four train tickets, and you won’t have to drag your suitcases through the car park.

Road trip: Take the shuttle bus to the Rental Car Facility and drive straight out of the city, or wait to pick up the car until you’ve finished with Seattle.

Practical tips for getting from Seattle Airport to the city centre

Pay for the train with your bank card. You don’t need to buy an ORCA card for a short holiday. Tap your contactless card or your phone on the card reader before you go up to the platform, and use the same card throughout your trip to get free transfers within two hours. If you have problems with a UK card, buy a ticket from the machine instead.

Think car park, not terminal. Taxis, Uber, Lyft, hotel shuttles and the route to the train all go through the car park opposite the terminal. The only exception is the shuttle buses to the car hire centre, which stop just outside baggage claim.

Expect queues at passport control. If you’re landing from Europe, you’ll have to go through US passport control, and that can take anything from 15 minutes to over an hour. So don’t book a tight onward connection with Amtrak or a cruise the same afternoon, and remember that you need an approved ESTA before you fly.

Remember to tip. In the US, people tip taxi drivers and shuttle drivers 15 to 20 per cent, and with Uber and Lyft you tip in the app. This isn’t included in the prices you see on the taxi meter.

Don’t go with strangers. People offering you a ride inside baggage claim are not authorised drivers. Head to the pick-up area on the 3rd floor, and only get into the Uber or Lyft whose number plate matches the one in the app.

Check for match days. If there’s a game or concert at Lumen Field or T-Mobile Park, the trains and roads around Stadium and International District/Chinatown fill up, and Uber prices go up. If you have a flight the same evening, set off in good time.

The post Seattle Airport to the City Centre – Transport Guide appeared first on Destination Well Known.

The city is hilly and broken up by lakes, so where you stay in Seattle matters a lot. Do you want to walk everywhere, have a view of the water or stay where the locals go out? Here are my six suggested areas and three hotels in each, from luxury to budget.

Where to Stay in Seattle: The Best Areas

• Downtown - best area for first-time visitors and shopping
• Pike Place Market & Waterfront - best area for foodies and views over the water
• Belltown - best area for nightlife and couples
• Queen Anne & Seattle Center - best area for families and the Space Needle
• South Lake Union - best area for modern hotels and quiet nights
• Capitol Hill & First Hill - best area for young travellers, cafés and LGBTQ+

Below, I go through the areas one at a time with a map, transport, price level and three hotels in each. The prices come from a search for a weekend in April for two people, and from May to September they rise noticeably, because the cruise ships to Alaska sail from Seattle. $1 is roughly £0.75.

1. Downtown - best area for first-time visitors and shopping

• Distance to the centre: You’re right in the centre. From Westlake Center it’s about a 10-minute walk to Pike Place Market and 20 minutes to Pioneer Square.
• Transport: The Link 1 Line light rail stops at Westlake, Symphony and Pioneer Square, and the monorail runs from Westlake Center to Seattle Center.
• Time from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: About 40 minutes on the Link directly from the airport to Westlake, and 25 to 40 minutes by taxi depending on traffic.
• Price level: $$ to $$$$. The three hotels below cost around $170 to $310 (around £125 to £230) per night when I searched for a weekend in April.
• Safety: Safe during the day, with plenty of people on the streets. Third Avenue around Pike Street and Pine Street has a lot of homeless people and drug users, so it’s better to walk along Fourth or Fifth Avenue in the evening.

Downtown is Seattle’s business and shopping centre, between Pike Place Market and the I-5 motorway. Around Westlake Center and Pine Street you’ll find the big department stores and chain shops, and on First Avenue stands Seattle Art Museum, with the large black figure Hammering Man outside the entrance. If you want to see the city from above, the observation deck at Columbia Center is the highest in the city, and a ticket to Sky View Observatory costs from around $28 (around £21).

South of the tall office buildings lies Pioneer Square, the city’s oldest neighbourhood, with brick buildings from the period after the Great Fire of 1889. This is also where you’ll find Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, where the National Park Service tells the story of the gold rush that made Seattle rich. A little further south, the Seahawks and the Mariners play at Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park.

See hotels in Downtown here.

I’d stay here if it’s your first trip to Seattle and you don’t have a car. The light rail runs directly from the airport, and a journey costs $3 (around £2.25) for adults, however far you travel. Also see my guide on how to get from Seattle Airport to the city centre if you land late or have a lot of luggage.

The downside is that Downtown goes quiet once the shops and offices close, and a few streets feel unsafe in the evening. Parking costs $50 to $70 (around £35 to £50) per night at the big hotels, so only pick up your hire car on the day you leave the city. Many of the big hotels also add a daily fee on top of the price, so check the total cost before you book.

Hotels in Downtown

Fairmont Olympic Hotel - five-star grand hotel with an indoor pool

Fairmont Olympic is on University Street in the middle of Downtown, about a 10-minute walk from Pike Place Market and Seattle Art Museum. It’s a classic grand hotel with an indoor pool, spa and restaurant, and one of the few five-star hotels in the centre. The hotel adds a daily fee on top of the price, which several guests are unhappy about, and parking costs $50 (around £35) per night or $70 (around £50) with valet.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Lovely hotel. The bedroom and living area in the suite were excellent.”

See photos and book Fairmont Olympic here.

Crowne Plaza Seattle - renovated hotel with no resort fee

Crowne Plaza is on Sixth Avenue in the eastern part of Downtown, about a 10-minute walk from Westlake Center and a few minutes from the Convention Center. The hotel has been renovated, there’s a restaurant and gym, and it has no resort fee, which is rare in the centre. On the other hand, there’s only valet parking at $63 (around £45) per night, and that’s the biggest complaint among guests.

From one review: “The location was perfect.”

See photos and book Crowne Plaza Seattle here.

Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA - simple hotel within easy reach of everything

Coast Seattle Downtown is on Sixth Avenue by Union Street, about a 5 to 10-minute walk from Westlake Center. There’s a restaurant and gym, no resort fee, and it was the cheapest of my three suggestions in Downtown when I searched. The rooms are simple, and parking costs $56 (around £40) per night.

One guest highlights: “The hotel is central, and lots of places are within walking distance.”

See photos and book Coast Seattle Downtown here.

2. Pike Place Market & Waterfront - best area for foodies and views over the water

• Distance to the centre: Pike Place Market sits on the western edge of Downtown. It’s around a 10-minute walk to Westlake Center and 5 minutes down to the waterfront.
• Transport: The nearest Link stations are Westlake and Symphony, around a 10-minute walk uphill. Ferries to Bainbridge Island leave from Colman Dock further south.
• Time from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: Around 40 minutes on the Link to Westlake followed by a 10-minute walk, or 25 to 40 minutes by taxi.
• Price level: $ to $$$$. The three hotels below cost around $95 to $390 (around £70 to £290) per night when I searched for a weekend in April.
• Safety: Safe and bustling during the day. In the evening it goes quiet once the market closes, and there may be homeless people around First Avenue and Third Avenue.

Pike Place Market is the heart of Seattle. The market opened in 1907 and has since been one of the oldest public markets in the USA, with fishmongers, farmers, bakeries and small restaurants spread over several levels down the hillside. At Pike Place Fish Market they throw salmon through the air, in Post Alley the walls are covered in chewing gum, and on Pike Place you’ll find the original Starbucks, where the queue often stretches out into the street. If you want to taste your way through it all, you can join a food tour of Pike Place Market with a chef from around $75 (around £55).

Below the market, the waterfront has been transformed into a long park since the old elevated motorway was torn down. The new Waterfront Park has a promenade along Elliott Bay, and the Overlook Walk takes you straight from the market down to the water and Seattle Aquarium. This is also where the boats leave for a harbour cruise with a local guide from around $43 (around £30).

See hotels in Pike Place Market here.

I’d stay here if you’re travelling for the food, or if you want to wake up to views over Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains. You have the market for your morning coffee before the cruise passengers arrive, and you can walk to both Downtown and Belltown. In the evening, the restaurants in Post Alley and along First Avenue are good places to end the day.

The downsides are the prices and the crowds. The hotels close to the market are among the most expensive in the city, and the streets are packed during the day. The hills are steep, so if you’re dragging a heavy suitcase from Westlake, your legs will feel it.

Hotels in Pike Place Market & Waterfront

Inn at the Market - boutique hotel with a roof terrace right in the market

Inn at the Market is on Pine Street just above the market, and several of the rooms look out over Elliott Bay. There’s a roof terrace with views and a restaurant, and it has the highest rating of all the hotels in this guide. Guests find the price high, and parking costs $59 (around £50) per night.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Perfect location.”

See photos and book Inn at the Market here.

The State Hotel - design hotel one block from the market

The State Hotel is on the corner of Second Avenue and Pike Street, one block from the entrance to Pike Place Market. There’s a restaurant and bar on the ground floor, and the rooms are modern. The hotel charges a daily amenity fee of $25 (around £19), and there’s no on-site parking, only a nearby car park at $28.50 (around £21) per 24 hours.

From one review: “The location close to Pike Place Market. The choice was limited, but the food was very good.”

See photos and book The State Hotel here.

Green Tortoise Hostel Seattle - popular hostel right opposite the market

Green Tortoise is on Pike Street right opposite the market’s main entrance, and it’s by far the cheapest place in this guide. It’s a hostel with shared bathrooms, a communal kitchen and breakfast, and there are events in the evenings. The biggest complaint is noise from other guests, and parking costs $26 (around £19) in a car park away from the hostel.

One guest highlights: “Incredible location, great atmosphere and fantastic staff.”

See photos and book Green Tortoise Hostel here.

3. Belltown - best area for nightlife and couples

• Distance to the centre: Belltown lies just north of Pike Place Market. It’s about a 10-minute walk to the market and 15 minutes to the Space Needle.
• Transport: Buses run along First, Second, Third and Fourth Avenue, and Westlake Link station is a 10 to 15-minute walk away.
• Time from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: Around 25 to 40 minutes by taxi, or 40 minutes on the Link to Westlake followed by a bus or a walk.
• Price level: $$ to $$$. The three hotels below cost roughly 175 to 245 dollars (around £130 to £185) per night when I searched for a weekend in April.
• Safety: Lively and mostly safe in the streets where the bars are. Around Third Avenue there can be trouble late at night, so take a taxi back if you’ve got a long way to go.

Belltown is the old harbour district between Pike Place Market and Seattle Center, and today it’s the city’s busiest neighbourhood for cocktail bars, restaurants and small music venues. Most places are on First Avenue and Second Avenue, and the streets are full of people in the evening. If you’re wondering where to stay in Seattle for a good night out, this is also where you’ll find some of the city’s best seafood restaurants serving fish and shellfish from Puget Sound, and it’s easier to get a table than near the market.

Down by the water is Olympic Sculpture Park, a free sculpture park with large artworks and views across Elliott Bay towards the Olympic Mountains. The park belongs to the Seattle Art Museum, and from here the waterfront path continues north to Myrtle Edwards Park. From Belltown you can walk to the Space Needle and the museums at Seattle Center in about a quarter of an hour, so you have both the market and Seattle Center within walking distance.

See hotels in Belltown here.

I’d stay here if you’re a couple who want to go out for dinner and have a drink afterwards without needing a taxi back. The hotels are also slightly cheaper than near the market, and you’re still close to most things. For a three or four-day trip without a car, Belltown is one of my favourite choices. If you’re arriving by cruise ship, the terminal at Pier 66 is at the end of Bell Street.

The downside is the noise. On Fridays and Saturdays the bars can be loud until late into the night, so ask for a room on a high floor or away from the street. The streets near Third Avenue are also more run-down than the rest of the area.

Hotels in Belltown

Ändra Hotel Seattle, MGallery Collection - Scandinavian design hotel with a high rating

Ändra Hotel is on Fourth Avenue in the southern part of Belltown, about a 10-minute walk from both Pike Place Market and Westlake Center. The décor is Nordic with pale wood and wool, there’s a restaurant and a gym, and its rating is one of the highest in this guide. Valet parking costs 65 dollars (around £50) per night, and some guests complain about fees they hadn’t expected.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Perfect location for everything, and very comfortable.”

See photos and book Ändra Hotel here.

Warwick Seattle - large hotel with an indoor pool

Warwick is on Lenora Street between Belltown and Downtown and has an indoor pool and hot tub, which is rare in the area. There’s also a restaurant and a bar. The hotel charges a daily resort fee of about 29 dollars (around £22), parking costs 39 dollars (around £29), and its rating is lower than the other two suggestions.

From a review: “Warwick Seattle offers an excellent stay in the Emerald City.”

See photos and book Warwick Seattle here.

Belltown Inn - simple hotel with a roof terrace and free bikes

Belltown Inn is on Third Avenue at Bell Street in the middle of the neighbourhood, about a 10-minute walk from Pike Place Market. There’s a roof terrace and you can borrow bikes for free, and it was the cheapest of my three Belltown suggestions when I searched. Parking costs 35 dollars (around £26), and guests mention noise at night and disturbances on the street outside.

One guest highlights: “Fantastic location and a lovely hotel.”

See photos and book Belltown Inn here.

4. Queen Anne & Seattle Center - best area for families and the Space Needle

• Distance to the centre: Seattle Center is about 2 km north of Downtown. It’s a 20 to 25-minute walk to Pike Place Market.
• Transport: The monorail runs from Seattle Center to Westlake Center in just a few minutes, and several buses run along Queen Anne Avenue and Fifth Avenue North.
• Time from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: Around 30 to 45 minutes by taxi, or take the Link to Westlake and then the monorail.
• Price level: $$ to $$$. The three hotels below cost around $195 to $285 (roughly £145 to £215) a night when I searched for a weekend in April.
• Safety: One of the safer areas close to the centre. Lower Queen Anne is lively in the evening, and up on the hill it’s completely quiet.

Seattle Center was built for the 1962 World’s Fair, and the Space Needle stands in the middle of the park. From the observation deck 605 feet (184 metres) above the city you look out over Puget Sound, Lake Union and Mount Rainier, and The Loupe has a glass floor that rotates. Right next door is Chihuly Garden and Glass, with glass art in huge, colourful sculptures, and a combined ticket for the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass costs from around $78 (about £60). You’ll also find the music museum MoPOP, the children’s museum and Climate Pledge Arena here.

Queen Anne is the neighbourhood on the hill north of Seattle Center. Lower Queen Anne, at the foot of the hill, has cafés, bars and restaurants, while the residential area of Upper Queen Anne sits up on top. From little Kerry Park on West Highland Drive you get the classic postcard view of the Space Needle with the skyscrapers and Mount Rainier behind it, and it’s worth heading up there at sunset.

See hotels in Queen Anne here.

This is where I’d stay with children. Seattle Center has playgrounds, fountains and museums, and you can walk back to the hotel when the little ones are tired. The monorail from 1962 is an experience in itself, and a single ticket costs $4 (around £3) for adults, so you’re in Downtown in no time. In summer there are concerts and festivals in the park, and the Artists at Play playground is right by the Space Needle.

The downside is the distance to Pike Place Market and the hills up to Upper Queen Anne. When there are concerts or games at Climate Pledge Arena, hotel prices go up and the streets get packed.

Hotels in Queen Anne & Seattle Center

MarQueen Hotel - historic hotel in Lower Queen Anne

The MarQueen is on Queen Anne Avenue North in Lower Queen Anne, about five minutes’ walk from Seattle Center and Climate Pledge Arena. The hotel has a restaurant, a bar and a small spa with a hairdresser and beauty treatments, and the rooms have recently been renovated. There’s no pool, and parking costs $40 (around £30) plus tax per night, valet only.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Beautifully decorated hotel, and very comfortable.”

See photos and book the MarQueen Hotel here.

Staypineapple, The Maxwell Hotel - colourful hotel with an indoor pool

The Maxwell is on Roy Street just north of Seattle Center, and it has the highest rating of the hotels in the area. There’s an indoor pool, a restaurant, a bar and family rooms. The hotel charges an amenity fee of around $30 (about £22) plus tax per night, parking costs $42 (around £31), and several guests were surprised by the fees at check-in.

From one review: “Perfect central location. Helpful, cheerful staff and comfortable beds.”

See photos and book The Maxwell here.

Hampton Inn & Suites Seattle-Downtown - chain hotel with free breakfast by Seattle Center

The Hampton Inn is on Fifth Avenue North on the east side of Seattle Center, about 10 minutes’ walk from the Space Needle. Breakfast is included in the price, some rooms have a kitchen, and parking costs only $25 (around £19) a night. There’s no restaurant or pool, and guests find the breakfast selection limited.

One guest highlights: “Good location within easy walking distance of the main sights.”

See photos and book the Hampton Inn here.

5. South Lake Union - best area for modern hotels and quiet nights

• Distance to the centre: South Lake Union sits between Downtown and Lake Union. From Lake Union Park it’s about a 25-minute walk to Westlake Center.
• Transport: The South Lake Union Streetcar runs along Westlake Avenue to Westlake Center, and buses continue on to Fremont and Queen Anne.
• Time from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: About 30 to 45 minutes by taxi, or take the Link to Westlake and the streetcar from there.
• Price level: $$ to $$$. The three hotels below cost around $160 to $190 (roughly £120 to £140) per night when I searched for a weekend in April.
• Safety: Safe and tidy, with new buildings and lots of offices. In the evenings and at weekends there are few people on the streets.

South Lake Union was once an area of warehouses and workshops. Today it’s Amazon’s home turf, full of glass buildings and new apartment blocks, and just south of the neighbourhood stand Amazon’s round greenhouses, The Spheres. It’s the newest neighbourhood in Seattle, and you notice it in the hotels, which have almost all been built in recent years and come with modern rooms and gyms.

At the end of the neighbourhood lies Lake Union, with houseboats, sailing boats and seaplanes taking off and landing in the middle of the city. In Lake Union Park you can hire a kayak or paddleboard, and the old naval building by the water houses the city’s history museum, MOHAI, with exhibitions on Seattle’s history from the first settlers and the gold rush to the present day. A path runs along the water around the lake, and on the far side is Gas Works Park, with views back towards the skyline. Kenmore Air seaplanes take off from the lake for the San Juan Islands and Victoria in Canada.

See hotels in South Lake Union here.

I’d stay here if you want a new hotel at a lower price than in Downtown, or if you’re in the city for work. The hotels often have cheaper parking, so it’s also a good choice if you have a hire car, and it’s a short trip to both Seattle Center and the I-5 out of the city.

The downside is that the neighbourhood is built for office workers. In the evenings and at weekends many of the lunch spots close, and it’s a long way to the market and the bars. You end up taking the streetcar or a taxi every evening.

Hotels in South Lake Union

Astra Hotel Seattle, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel - new four-star hotel with a rooftop bar

Astra is on Terry Avenue North in the heart of South Lake Union, about a 10-minute walk from Lake Union Park. The hotel has a rooftop bar, a restaurant and a gym, and its rating is the highest of the three hotels in the neighbourhood. Breakfast isn’t included, valet parking costs $65 (around £50) per night, and a few guests complain about the staff in the rooftop bar.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Everything was perfect.”

See photos and book Astra Hotel here.

Staybridge Suites Seattle Downtown, Lake Union - suite hotel with kitchens and breakfast

Staybridge Suites is on Mercer Street in the northern part of the neighbourhood, a few minutes’ walk from Lake Union. All rooms have a kitchen and breakfast is included in the price, making it a good choice for families and longer stays. Parking costs $45 (around £35) per night, and guests complain that there are too few spaces.

From one review: “The location is good, and everything we wanted to see was within walking distance.”

See photos and book Staybridge Suites here.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Seattle Downtown, Lake Union - affordable chain hotel with breakfast

Holiday Inn Express is on Dexter Avenue North in the western part of South Lake Union, about a 10-minute walk from the Space Needle. Breakfast is included, parking costs just $25 (around £20) per night, and it was the cheapest of my three suggestions here when I searched. The rooms are simple, and its rating is the lowest of the three hotels in the neighbourhood.

One guest highlights: “The hotel had the perfect location for the transfer to our cruise.”

See photos and book Holiday Inn Express here.

6. Capitol Hill & First Hill - best area for young travellers, cafés and LGBTQ+

• Distance to the centre: Capitol Hill sits on the hill east of Downtown. From Pike/Pine it’s about a 20-minute walk down to Westlake Center.
• Transport: The Link 1 Line stops at Capitol Hill Station on Broadway, and it’s just one stop to Westlake. The First Hill Streetcar runs along Broadway to Pioneer Square.
• Time from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: About 45 minutes on the Link straight to Capitol Hill Station with no changes, or 25 to 40 minutes by taxi.
• Price level: $$ to $$$$. The three hotels below cost around $180 to $380 (around £135 to £285) per night when I searched for a weekend in April.
• Safety: Lively and mostly safe around Broadway and Pike/Pine. Cal Anderson Park can feel unsafe at night, so avoid the park after dark.

Capitol Hill is Seattle’s neighbourhood for young people, students and creatives, and Visit Seattle calls it the city’s LGBTQ+ hub. Around Pike Street and Pine Street you’ll find bars, music venues, vintage shops and some of the city’s best coffee shops, while Broadway is lined with cheap places to eat that stay open late. Elliott Bay Book Company is one of the largest independent bookshops in the US and a great place to hide when it rains.

At the northern end of the hill lies Volunteer Park, designed by the Olmsted brothers, home to the Volunteer Park Conservatory glasshouse and the Seattle Asian Art Museum. South of Capitol Hill is First Hill, with hospitals, Seattle University and a few historic hotels, and from here it’s a slightly shorter walk down to Downtown. Both neighbourhoods sit high up, so you often get views over the city between the buildings. On Sundays there’s a farmers’ market on Broadway by Seattle Central College.

See hotels in Capitol Hill here.

I’d stay here if you’re young, travelling for the nightlife, or if you’d like to stay where the locals live. The light rail runs directly from the airport to Capitol Hill Station, so there are no changes, and it’s only one stop to Westlake. The hotels in First Hill are quieter and a good compromise if you want the nightlife close by without sleeping right in the middle of it.

The downside is that there are few hotels on Capitol Hill itself, and many places to stay are apartments or small bed and breakfasts. The hill is steep, and on Fridays and Saturdays it can be noisy until late around Pike/Pine.

Hotels in Capitol Hill & First Hill

Hotel Sorrento - historic luxury hotel on First Hill

Hotel Sorrento is on Madison Street on First Hill, about a 15-minute walk from both Pike/Pine and Downtown. It’s an old Italian-style hotel with the Dunbar Room restaurant, a bar and room service, and there’s regularly live music in the evenings. Valet parking costs $65 (around £50) plus tax per night, and some guests feel the hotel is a little worn and not always clean enough.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Beautiful historic hotel! Friendly staff and lovely facilities.”

See photos and book Hotel Sorrento here.

Silver Cloud Hotel Seattle Broadway - mid-range hotel with large rooms on Broadway

Silver Cloud is on Broadway on the border between First Hill and Capitol Hill, right opposite Seattle University and by the First Hill Streetcar. The rooms are large, and there’s a restaurant, bar and gym. Parking costs $40 (around £30) before tax per night, and that’s what guests complain about most.

From one review: “Large room and great housekeeping staff.”

See photos and book Silver Cloud Broadway here.

The Boylston Hotel Capitol Hill - small hotel in the heart of the nightlife

The Boylston is on Boylston Avenue, a few minutes’ walk from Pike/Pine and about 10 minutes from Capitol Hill Station. It’s a small hotel with a lounge, quick check-in and check-out and luggage storage, and it was the cheapest of my three suggestions here when I searched. There’s no lift, and Booking.com doesn’t mention any parking, so it suits you best if you’re travelling light and without a car.

One guest highlights: “Such a lovely hotel on Capitol Hill, and the room was super clean.”

See photos and book The Boylston here.

Where not to stay in Seattle?

I wouldn’t stay by the airport in SeaTac to save money. The hotels along International Boulevard are about 40 minutes from the centre, and there’s nothing to walk out to in the evening, so they only make sense before a very early flight. The same goes for the motels along Aurora Avenue North, which are cheap but sit on a noisy main road, and in several places the area feels bleak and unsafe at night.

In Downtown you need to look at the exact address. The cheapest hotels around Third Avenue between Pike Street and Pine Street are where the city has the most problems with drugs and disorder, and it’s not pleasant walking back in the evening. Bellevue, on the other side of Lake Washington, is fine for business trips, but for a tourist it’s a long way from everything you’ve come for.

If it’s your first trip to Seattle, I’d stay in Downtown or by Pike Place Market and walk to most things. Belltown is for couples who want to go out for dinner and drinks, Queen Anne and Seattle Center are my choice for families, and South Lake Union gives you the newest hotels for your money. Capitol Hill is for you if you want to stay among the locals and enjoy the nightlife.

If you want to head out to Mount Rainier or Olympic National Park, a car is the easiest option, and you can compare prices on car hire at Booking.com. Many people combine Seattle with Vancouver, about 230 km to the north, and here you can read where to stay in Vancouver. If you’re carrying on south along the West Coast, I’ve also written about where to stay in San Francisco, and if you’re planning a bigger road trip, you’ll find the best places across the whole country in my guide to where to stay in the USA.

The post Where to Stay in Seattle? The 6 Best Areas & Places to Stay appeared first on Destination Well Known.