Seattle has two distinct cruise terminals, Pier 66 at downtown Bell Street and Pier 91 at Smith Cove which is 3 miles north and requires a transfer to get there.
Since Seattle is a “split port” it is very important to check your boarding pass before booking a hotel or taxi, as both piers are at a distance and serve different cruise lines.
With the iconic Mount Rainier and the Space Needle providing a fantastic backdrop, if you are boarding any of Alaska cruises from Seattle, this guide will help you reach your ship on time.
Whether you are sailing from Pier 66 or Pier 91, here is all the information you will need for a stress-free cruise vacation.
From SeaTac airport to the ship
All cruise lines operating out of Seattle offer both one way and round trip transfers from the airport to the cruise terminals.
These can be good value for money and convenient if you are traveling with a family, but can be costly for a large group.
For 2026, the Link Light Rail (1line) is the best budget way to reach downtown from the airport.($3, 38 minutes), but it doesn’t go directly to the piers. A short ride-share($10-$15) from Westlake Station will be needed to finish the trip.
The SeaTac airport is located about 15-18 miles south of the two cruise terminals. The journey takes running 30-40 minutes, but here is some information tourist guides won’t tell you-the real travel time.
- To Pier 66(Downtown)15 miles-approximately 25-35 minutes.
- To Pier 91(Magnolia) 18 miles,30-45 minutes.
- Saturday-add 30-40 minutes to any estimate. Better to stay near the terminal on Friday night or leave the airport by 8am for a Saturday sailing.
- Mariner or Seahawk game days-allow 50-70 minutes minimum between 7-9am and 4-6pm.
- If you are cruising near any of the FIFA World Cup dates in June and July 2026, you will be dramatically impacted by the increased crowds and crowded hotels. So make your flight, hotel and transportation reservations as soon as possible.
Pier 66 vs Pier 91-navigating the two pier trap
The two cruise terminals are not interchangeable. Showing up at the wrong one is more common than you’d think and many passengers make this mistake during cruise season.
Pier 91 handles the big ships and is located in the Magnolia neighborhood and not downtown.There are no hotels within walking distance and the terminal opens at 1030am for noon departures.
The best way to get there is to take 1-5 to Mercer Street exit, then follow Elliot Avenue North as GPS is not trustworthy in Magnolia and terminal signage is poor and entrance easy to miss.
On the other hand, Pier 66 is located bang on the downtown waterfront and is within walking distance from the Pike Place Market. While there are many hotels nearby, the ongoing construction may effect access routes.
A free port valet hands-free service has been introduced in 2026. On the last night before the cruise ends, your luggage is taken from the cabin, checked in at the airport and delivered straight to your final destination’s baggage claim. Which means you spend your final moments in Seattle luggage-free.
Moreover, the Seattle city has undergone a massive transformation in 2026, with the new “Overlook Walk” providing a direct elevated pedestrian connection to the waterfront near Pier 66 from the Pike Place Market.
Which terminal is less stressful?
Honestly, it has to be Pier 91 even though it’s further downtown. It has ample parking, better traffic flow and professional porters who know their job.
Pier 66 is convenient if you are staying in a downtown hotel, but vehicle access is a nightmare on busy days. Hopefully the new 2026 elevated walkway will solve this problem.