Seattle

Travel to Seattle

As a popular North American destination, there are plenty of flights to Seattle from the UK. The main airport in Seattle is Seattle Tacoma International, commonly known as Sea Tac, located in the south of the city. The Airport recently underwent considerable refurbishment and now boasts extensive retail and food outlets as well as a view of the runway.

On arrival in Seattle

Both public transport options and taxis are abundant at Seattle Airport. There is Sound Transit's Light Rail Link connecting the airport directly to downtown. The journey takes 40 minutes to reach the central business district and only costs $2.50. You can catch the train from the main terminal or a shuttle bus. They all take more or less the same amount of time. The shuttle bus is more expensive than the light rail link. Taxis cost about $30 and are the quickest way into town. Alternatively you can book car hire at Seattle Airport there are plenty of car hire companies, and you can arrange it before you go.

Getting around Seattle

Hiring a car is a popular way to see the city, especially if you want to explore further afield. Taxis all operate at the same rate and are in plentiful supply. Sound Transit Light Rail and Amtrak are the main train operators around the city. Another great way to get around the city is by bike. Make sure you wear a helmet though as you can be fined up to $30 if you are caught without one on!

Travelling further afield

Seattle is surrounded by water so what better way to get around than by boat. Washington State Ferries organise boat trips to Bremerton or Bainbridge Island (highly recommended trip during sunset). Other companies include Victoria Clipper, a slightly more expensive service operating between Seattle and Victoria BC (Canada) and to the San Juan islands. Hiring a car is probably your best bet for driving to the mountains or to places such as Snoqualmie Falls, Leavenworth and Roslyn. The famous Greyhound bus service connects Seattle with other cities such as Chicago and San Francisco and up to Vancouver.