SEA receives domestic and international flights until late in the evening. If your flight lands after 22:00, here is what to expect for getting into the city.
Light Rail last train
The Link Light Rail runs until approximately 1:00 AM, with the last departure from the airport station varying slightly by day of the week. If your flight lands before midnight and you clear baggage claim quickly, you can still catch the train. At $3.00, it is the cheapest option and takes about 40 minutes to downtown. Check the current schedule for your specific travel date, as there can be service changes.
After the last train, there is no rail option until approximately 5:00 AM.
Taxis after hours
Taxis operate 24 hours from the third floor of the parking garage. The $40 flat rate to downtown Seattle applies regardless of the hour. Availability may be reduced very late at night, but you should find a taxi without an excessive wait. This is the most reliable late-night option that does not require advance planning.
Ride-hailing late at night
Uber and Lyft are available around the clock, but driver supply drops significantly between midnight and 5 AM. Wait times of 10-20 minutes are common. Surge pricing is unpredictable — it can be minimal at 2 AM or elevated if there is a concert or event letting out. Check the estimated fare in the app before requesting.
The airport overnight
SEA is not the most comfortable airport for overnighting. The terminal remains open, but seating is limited and not designed for sleeping. If you have a very early connection the next morning and arrive late, there are a few hotels near the airport (walking distance or short shuttle) that might be worth considering instead of trying to sleep on a terminal bench.
Pre-booked transfers
For guaranteed transport regardless of arrival time, a pre-booked transfer removes the uncertainty. Your driver tracks your flight, adjusts for delays, and is there when you walk out. At 1:30 AM after a cross-country flight, not having to think about transport logistics has real value.
The late-night advantage
I-5 traffic — the bane of daytime airport commutes in Seattle — essentially disappears after 21:00. A drive that might take 60 minutes at 5 PM takes 20 minutes at midnight. If your transport is sorted, a late arrival actually means the fastest possible drive into the city.