Seattle

To get to Seattle you will most likely fly into Seattle‑Tacoma International (SEA). This is the main airport. Other small options include Boeing Field (BFI) but it handles mostly general aviation.

Typical round‑trip airfare from major US cities (prices can vary)

• Los Angeles (LAX) $150‑250
• San Francisco (SFO) $180‑300
• Denver (DEN) $180‑260
• Chicago (ORD) $200‑350
• New York (JFK) $250‑400
• Atlanta (ATL) $250‑400
• Dallas (DFW) $200‑350
• Miami (MIA) $300‑500

Ground transport from SEA to downtown

• Taxi or rideshare (Uber, Lyft) costs about $35‑45 and takes 20‑30 minutes depending on traffic
• Public transit: Link Light Rail from the airport station to Westlake Station runs every 6‑10 minutes. A one‑way fare is $2.75 with an ORCA card. The ride takes about 35 minutes.
• Bus routes 50, 55, and 60 also go to downtown. A single bus ride is $2.75

Train options

• Amtrak Cascades runs from Portland to Seattle. The trip lasts about 3.5 hours and a one‑way ticket is $30‑50 if you book early.
• Amtrak also serves Vancouver, BC with a similar travel time and price range.
• Driving from Portland takes about 3 hours via I‑5. Expect to spend $30‑40 on gas for a round trip. From Spokane the drive is about 5 hours, from Boise about 6 hours.

Getting around the city

• Stay in Capitol Hill if you like nightlife and cheap eats. Neighborhoods like Fremont and Ballard have a mix of cafes and bars.
• Try the original Starbucks on Pike Place for a coffee, price $3‑5.
• Eat fresh oysters at Pike Place Market, $12‑18 per half‑dozen.
• Have salmon at a waterfront restaurant in the waterfront area, $25‑35 for a main.
• Sample pho in Chinatown, $10‑15 per bowl.
• Grab a taco in Ballard, $3‑5 each.

Must‑see spots

• Space Needle, $35 for a ticket to the observation deck.
• Chihuly Garden and Glass, $25 for admission.
• Museum of Pop Culture, $30 for entry.
• Kerry Park for a classic view of the skyline, free.
• Alki Beach for a sunset walk, free.

Using transit

• Purchase an ORCA card for buses, light rail, and ferries. A 24‑hour pass is $13.
• The light rail connects the airport, Capitol Hill, and the stadium district.

Tips

• Book flights at least 4‑6 weeks ahead for the best price.
• Use a rideshare app to compare taxi versus Uber/Lyft rates.
• Check traffic on the I‑5 corridor before heading out by car.
• Bring a rain jacket; Seattle weather can change quickly.