Welcome to Seattle! You’ve just flown into Sea-Tac (SEA) Airport, and the only thing standing between you and the majestic Alaskan wilderness is a quick, seamless transfer to the waterfront.
We’re local Seattle transportation experts, and we know that landing in a new city—especially one famous for its unpredictable traffic and two distinct cruise terminals—can add unwanted stress to your vacation.
Our goal is simple: To cut the confusion, eliminate the traffic headaches, and deliver you and your luggage dockside, relaxed, and ready to sail. This is your definitive guide and best choice for dependable, private cruise transfers in Seattle.
When traveling from SEA-TAC to either Pier 66 or Pier 91, you have several choices. We believe in providing honest, local insight so you can choose the best option for your group, comfort level, and budget
| Option | Est. Travel Time (Peak Season) | Est. Cost (For 2 people) | The Local Truth & Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Executive Car Service |
30–45 Minutes |
Fixed Rate (Competitive) |
Best Choice for Comfort & Time. Direct, non-stop service. Dedicated luggage handling. We use local knowledge to bypass I-5 traffic bottlenecks. |
|
Taxi/Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) |
30–60 Minutes |
$50–$70 + surge |
Unpredictable. You must locate the designated rideshare zone (3rd floor of the parking garage). Surge pricing is highly common on busy sailing days (Fridays/Saturdays). |
|
Cruise Line Transfer |
45–75 Minutes |
$40–$60 per person |
The Waiting Game. You wait for the bus to fill up, and it runs on a rigid, often slow schedule. Less flexible if your flight is delayed. |
|
Public Transit (Link Light Rail + Bus/Taxi) |
1 hour + 20 minutes |
$3–$6 per person |
Not Recommended for Cruise Guests. Requires multiple transfers, a 40-minute train ride, and managing heavy luggage. A true luggage nightmare for first-time visitors. |
Why this wins
Best choice. Direct, door-to-port service with dedicated luggage handling. We know the side streets to bypass construction near Pier 91.
What to expect
The unknown. Possible long waits at the SEA Rideshare Zone (3rd floor garage). Surge pricing is common on busy sailing days.
Reality check
The waiting game. Buses leave only when full and are not flexible with flight delays. Often more expensive for groups.
Heads up
Luggage nightmare. Requires walking, transfers, and handling bags yourself. Not recommended for families or first-time visitors.
Seattle has two major cruise terminals, and each one serves different cruise lines. Choosing the correct terminal is the first step when planning your transportation
Location: North end of the Seattle waterfront, near the Magnolia neighborhood.
Major Cruise Lines: Primarily hosts Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity, Holland America, and Princess Cruises.
The Local Insight: Pier 91 is a dedicated industrial port—it is not centrally located. There are no shops, restaurants, or hotels within easy walking distance. A dedicated transfer (like ours) is essential for convenient arrival, as public transit is difficult and often requires two separate buses or a long, expensive taxi ride.
Location: Directly downtown on the main waterfront.
Major Cruise Lines: Primarily hosts Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Oceania Cruises.
The Local Insight: Pier 66 is the most convenient terminal, often within walking distance of downtown hotels and Pike Place Market. However, the traffic directly downtown is often the worst. We use precise drop-off routes to navigate the downtown grid and get you curbside faster.
If your cruise ticket doesn’t specify, check your cruise line above or look at the first page of your itinerary.
🛑 Never assume — Pier 66 and Pier 91 are 15–20 minutes apart, and passengers often go to the wrong one.
When you book with Executive Car Service, we always confirm your terminal beforehand.
Your luggage is our priority. Unlike rideshare services where trunk space is uncertain, we guarantee secure, dedicated space for all your cruise-sized bags. We load them, and you relax.
We only take cruise passengers on a direct route from the SEA Airport to your ship. No unnecessary stops at downtown hotels (unless you book our hotel package).
eattle's I-5 corridor is infamous. As local operators, we monitor traffic apps and utilize alternative routes and local side streets to ensure you beat the congestion and arrive with plenty of time to spare.
Delayed flight? No problem. We track your flight and adjust pickup time. Cruise line transfers stick to fixed schedules. With us, you are guaranteed service, even if you are delayed.
Executive Car Service maintains a diverse fleet of luxury vehicles to meet your cruise port transportation needs:
Perfect for airport transfers and business travel, our sedans offer comfort, style, and efficiency for up to three passengers with luggage.
Ideal for families or small groups, our SUVs provide spacious comfort and accommodate up to six passengers with ample luggage space.
Make a grand entrance with our classic stretch limousines, perfect for weddings, proms, and special celebrations with groups up to 10 passengers.
For larger groups or corporate outings, our premium vans offer luxury seating for up to 14 passengers without compromising comfort.
