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How long does light rail take from UW to airport?

By light rail Take one direct light rail from University of Washington Station to Seatac/Airport in Seatac: take the 1-LINE light rail from University of Washington Station station to Seatac/Airport Station station. The total trip duration for this route is approximately 48 min.



The Link light rail from University of Washington Station to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Station takes approximately 45–50 minutes on the 1 Line.

Here are a few key details:

  • Travel time: The schedule typically lists the trip as 46 minutes end-to-end, but it can vary slightly depending on time of day and any service alerts.
  • Stops: The train makes about 13 stops between UW and the airport, including downtown Seattle, SoDo, and Tukwila.
  • Frequency: Trains run every 8–10 minutes during peak hours and every 10–15 minutes during early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
  • Direct service: It’s a single-seat ride—no transfers needed.

Pro tip: Always check real-time status with Sound Transit before you go for any unexpected delays or service changes. You can use their website or app.

Safe travels!

People Also Ask

Travelers can ride light rail between the airport and downtown, and other light rail destinations. The SeaTac/Airport Station is connected to the fourth floor of the Airport Garage and a covered, level walkway connects to the airport terminal.

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With light rail's fast connections, you can ride from: Northgate to SeaTac in 49 minutes.

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In 2009, Sound Transit opened the 15.6-mile Link line from downtown Seattle to Sea-Tac Airport. This line also serves Seattle's SODO industrial area and the Beacon Hill and Rainier Valley neighborhoods. About 30,000 passengers ride the train every weekday.

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Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) is located approximately 20 miles south of the University of Washington and 15 miles south of Downtown Seattle.

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Yes. Many people take luggage on the light rail.

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Like other light-rail systems, Seattle's operates on an “honor system,” meaning people are expected to pay before they board, but there are no turnstiles to keep them from boarding if they don't pay.

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How much is taxi from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to downtown? A taxi ride from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to downtown Seattle typically costs between $40 and $50, depending on traffic and time of day.

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An Uber most likely will cost $25-35 from the airport to downtown depending upon demand. Helpful?

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Seattle-area trains on Sound Transit's 1 Line were involved in collisions 92 times in 2015-2021, about once per month, based on Federal Transit Administration (FTA) data. There were 21 injuries and deaths, placing Sound Transit 15th of 22 light-rail systems.

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One-way fare from SeaTac Airport to The University of Washington is $3.25. Tickets must be purchased prior to boarding. Fares are distance based. Round trip day passes from SeaTac Airport to the University of Washington are $6.50 and are valid for the date and all stations printed on the ticket.

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The airport is located about 15 miles south of SU. To get to SU from Sea-Tac airport: Take the Link light rail northbound to International District/Chinatown station (8 stops) and then take the Seattle Streetcar at 5th and S. Jackson, eastbound, getting off at Broadway & Marion stop for Seattle University.

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Here's our list of 10 things to do in and near Seattle Airport, to make your Seattle Airport layover a whole lot of fun.
  • Tuck into tasty food. ...
  • Find a watering hole. ...
  • Shop till you drop. ...
  • Enjoy great live music. ...
  • Get a dose of culture. ...
  • Surf the Web. ...
  • Enjoy a movie. ...
  • Relax and unwind.


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Link light rail Link travels from Northgate, the University of Washington, downtown Seattle, southeast Seattle, SeaTac Airport and Angle Lake, 20 hours a day, 7 days a week. Link trains run every 8, 10 or 15 minutes depending on the time of day.

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You can catch the Light Rail at SEA Airport and ride it to the Westlake Station in downtown Seattle.

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