Taxis in Seattle: A Complete Visitor Guide
Seattle's licensed taxi trade is regulated by King County in partnership with the City of Seattle. Cabs are most useful at Sea-Tac Airport, around hotels in downtown and Belltown, and for late-night runs from Capitol Hill or Ballard. The taxi queue at Sea-Tac is fast and a flat-fare zone applies to downtown.
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Fare structure
Seattle taxis use a flag-drop plus distance and time metering. King County and the City of Seattle jointly set the rates. Flat fares can apply between Sea-Tac and downtown zones, and an airport pickup surcharge is added at the rank.
Quick fare estimator for Seattle. Enter your trip distance and approximate travel time. The result is a rough range based on typical meter rates - confirm with the driver or operator before you travel.
Airport transfers
Most visitors meet the Seattle taxi trade at the airport. Here is what to expect on the typical airport-to-city run:
| Airport | Distance | Time | Approx fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | 14 mi | 30 min | $50 flat to downtown Seattle |
| King County International (Boeing Field) (BFI) | 5 mi | 15 min | $25-35 metered to downtown |
| Paine Field (Everett) (PAE) | 27 mi | 35 min | $80-100 metered to downtown Seattle |
Tips for the airport run
- Sea-Tac has a published flat rate to downtown Seattle - around $50 plus tip.
- The Link light rail is a much cheaper way in from Sea-Tac at around $3.
- Late-night taxi service is reliable from Capitol Hill, Ballard and Belltown.
- Tip 15 to 20 percent.
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Booking and hailing
Below are the main licensed operators and apps used in Seattle. Booking through one of these is the safest option, and ensures the driver is properly insured and licensed:
- Yellow Cab Seattle
- Orange Cab
- Farwest Taxi
- Northend Taxi
Tipping in Seattle
Tipping norms vary between countries. In Seattle, a tip of 15 to 20 percent of the metered fare is customary - in line with US conventions. Tips on card readers usually offer quick-select buttons.
Common scams to watch for
Most licensed drivers in Seattle are honest, but the same handful of scams appear in every major city. Knowing them keeps you out of trouble:
- Drivers running the meter when a flat fare applies from Sea-Tac - confirm the flat rate.
- Approaches inside the terminal from unlicensed for-hire drivers.
- Refusing rides to outer neighbourhoods.
Getting to the main attractions
The most common taxi routes in Seattle go to and from the main visitor sights: the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Capitol Hill, the waterfront, Seattle Center, the University District. Distances within the central district are short and most fares run under $20 if there is no traffic - but bear in mind that journeys taking a long time in heavy traffic will rack up extra cost on the time-based portion of the meter.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a taxi from Sea-Tac to downtown Seattle?
Around $50 flat fare to downtown, plus tip. Outside the flat zone the meter applies.
Is the Link light rail cheaper than a taxi from Sea-Tac?
Much cheaper - the Link costs around $3 and runs every 10 minutes into downtown.
Can I get a taxi to a Seattle ferry terminal?
Yes, the downtown Coleman Dock and West Seattle terminal are common drop-offs.
Are Seattle taxis available 24/7?
Yes, with phone dispatch and app booking.
How much should I tip a Seattle cab driver?
15 to 20 percent of the fare is standard.
Do Seattle taxis take credit cards?
Yes, all licensed taxis accept credit cards.
Local taxi companies
The Seattle taxi trade is made up of dozens of licensed firms in addition to the major names listed above. If you operate a licensed taxi or private hire company in Seattle and would like to be listed in this section, you can submit your business for inclusion.
A note on accuracy: Taxi rates change. The figures above are intended as rough guides only. Always confirm the meter rate or flat fare with your driver before setting off, and refer to the King County - Records and Licensing Services (taxi licensing) for the official tariff.