Seattle is one of the busiest home ports for Alaska cruises. The 2026 season set a record: 330 ship calls and nearly two million passengers, many of them flying in through Sea-Tac. That means busy airport curbs, busy waterfront streets and a lot of luggage. Here’s how to get to your ship without stress.
Seattle’s two cruise terminals
Pier 66: Bell Street Cruise Terminal
2225 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121. On the downtown waterfront, between the Seattle Aquarium and the Olympic Sculpture Park, with one cruise berth. Drop-off is in the curb lane on Alaskan Way, right in front of the terminal, where a security officer directs traffic. Pike Place Market and the Space Needle are close by, so it’s easy to pair a pre-cruise night downtown with a short ride to the ship.
Pier 91: Smith Cove Cruise Terminal
2001 W Garfield Street, Seattle, WA 98119. On the north waterfront near Magnolia, with two cruise berths. Cars reach it from Elliott Avenue W over the W Galer Street flyover, then follow the signs to the cruise terminal and passenger drop-off.
Which pier is yours? Ships are assigned by sailing, not just by cruise line, so check your cruise documents for the terminal. Tell us your ship and sailing date and we’ll confirm it for you.
Getting from Sea-Tac to your ship
The drive from Sea-Tac to either pier usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, longer at weekday rush hour or when several ships are in port. If you fly in on sailing day, leave a buffer: most cruise lines give you a check-in window, and missing the ship is far more expensive than an earlier flight. Many cruisers fly in the day before and stay downtown, then take a short ride to the pier in the morning.
A pre-booked car takes the guesswork out of it. We track your flight, meet you at the airport, load your luggage and take you straight to the terminal’s passenger drop-off. There are no shuttle stops on the way.
Getting home on disembarkation day
Ships usually dock early in the morning and passengers leave in waves. We time your pickup to your disembarkation group and include 30 minutes of complimentary wait time at the cruise terminal, then $1 per minute, so a slow luggage hall doesn’t cost you. From the pier we can take you to Sea-Tac, your hotel, or home anywhere in Greater Seattle.
Flying out the same day? Ask your cruise line whether the Port’s free Port Valet service is offered on your sailing. It checks your bags from the ship straight through to your airline at Sea-Tac, so you can enjoy the morning and ride to the airport with just a carry-on.
Groups and families: private van or shared shuttle?
Cruise parties often travel together, with two or three suitcases each. A shared airport shuttle charges per seat, runs on its own schedule and stops for other passengers. A private van with your own chauffeur:
- carries up to 14 passengers per van, with more vans for bigger parties
- leaves when your group is ready, not on a fixed timetable
- tracks your flight and waits for the whole group
- is one flat, all-inclusive price from $250, with no per-seat or extra-luggage charges, which often costs less in total than buying shuttle seats for everyone in a large party
Smaller parties travel just as comfortably in a first-class SUV with room for luggage.
What a cruise transfer costs
Every cruise transfer is a flat, all-inclusive rate with taxes, fees and gratuity included, and no charge for luggage. Starting prices by vehicle:
- Executive Sedan (1–3 passengers, about 3 bags): from $120
- Executive SUV (1–6 passengers, about 6 bags): from $144
- First Class Sedan or SUV: for VIP guests and special occasions
- Sprinter van (up to 9, or up to 14 at full capacity, per van): from $250, with more vans for bigger groups
Your exact rate depends on your pickup point, such as Sea-Tac, a downtown hotel or your home, and the vehicle, and you see it before you book. If your group stops on the way, for example to collect friends from a second hotel, each extra stop is $20.
Hotel to pier, and home to pier
Not every cruiser starts at the airport. If you spent the night downtown, near Sea-Tac or on the Eastside, we pick you up at the hotel lobby and take you straight to the passenger drop-off at Pier 66 or Pier 91. Locals sailing from home get the same door-to-pier service from anywhere in Greater Seattle, so nobody has to leave a car at the port for a week.
Traveling with children or older relatives
Cruise days are long for little ones and for anyone who finds airports tiring. Child safety seats are available on request: tell us each child’s age and weight when you book and the seat is included in your quote. Your chauffeur handles every suitcase, from the airport curb or hotel lobby to the terminal drop-off, and an Executive SUV gives a family plenty of room for bags and car seats.
Make a day of it: a tour before you sail
With a few hours before boarding, or after you come ashore, our private 4-hour Seattle city highlights tour takes in the waterfront, Pike Place Market, Seattle Center and the Kerry Park viewpoint, with your luggage kept in the vehicle the whole time. We finish at the pier or at Sea-Tac. Admission tickets and meals are paid by you.
Tips for a smooth cruise day
- Book early in peak season. Saturdays and Sundays in summer are the busiest days at both piers.
- Count your bags, not just your people. Tell us how many suitcases you have so we send the right vehicle.
- Keep documents and medications in your carry-on. Checked luggage goes to your stateroom later in the day.
- Plan a pre-cruise night. A night downtown or near the airport removes flight-delay risk entirely.
- Book both directions together, so your return pickup is locked in at a flat rate too.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Sea-Tac from the Seattle cruise terminals?
About 14 miles to Pier 66 and 17 miles to Pier 91. The drive usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic and how many ships are in port.
Can you take a large group to the cruise terminal?
Yes. Our Sprinter vans carry up to 9 or up to 14 passengers per van, and we send more vans for bigger parties or lots of luggage.
What if my ship is late to disembark?
Your pickup includes 30 minutes of free wait time at the terminal, and your chauffeur stays in touch by phone or text until you’re out.
How much is a car to the cruise port?
Rides start from $120, all-inclusive, depending on your pickup point and vehicle. You’ll see your flat rate before you book.
Can I cancel my cruise transfer?
Yes. Cancellation is free more than 24 hours before pickup, which helps if your sailing or flight changes.
Do you have water and Wi-Fi in the car?
Every vehicle has premium bottled water. Wi-Fi is available on request when you book, as not every vehicle has it.
Sailing from Seattle? Book your cruise transfer online or call (425) 470-2972, 24/7. More on our Seattle cruise transportation.
2026 season figures: Port of Seattle, October 2026.