Dan G

I want to go back to the Amtrak train suggestion. First as you've discovered it is very scenic and totally avoids the issues with the border. Second there are seldom delays as the train starts in Seattle however lets assume the absolute worse case scenario and the train was cxl'd. They put you on a bus which takes 2 hrs to the border and perhaps another 90 minutes to downtown Vanc with a stop at the border. Either way you get to Vanc in plenty of time. The train station to Canada Place is maybe a $10-15 cab ride.

if you look on seattle forum for Tripadvisor.com on top right you will see a top question that gives you all options to get from Seattle to Vancovuer. Quick shuttle leaves from Seatac so is logistically the easiest but not my favorite as it takes a long time and makes a lot of stops. Amtrak train would be my first choice followed by Amtrak Bus (no stops) or Bolt Bus --a few quick stops.

I travel pretty often to SF and UBER has some options in SF that aren't offered elsewhere. I've been using Uber Pool which gives you a flat rate of about $14 from SFO to Fishermans Wharf. I've used it three times. They may pick up one additional passenger however the $14 is for one or two people so its cheaper than a shuttle.

what makes you think I'm suggesting they walk? Following the link provided I'd assume there are either a direct route into downtown or perhaps a route which allows them to transfer at the transit center. Its not the best but its not an impossible area to get to downtown from.

I have taken this free shuttle to the marina area but have also ridden all the way to Santa Monica. Its a great deal. This is an older article however you should be able to verify the info pretty easy. Here is the link:

http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/kgrenfell/how_to_get_from_lax_to_santa_m.html

the location can work especially if you can get to the Northgate Transit center as the express bus #41 leaves there every 10-15 minutes. That route goes right on the freeway and makes no stop until in the downtown Bus Tunnel. There are some express buses that run on Lk City Way. Its not the most convenient location for sightseeing but it is doable.

I see the last post did correct incorrect info on flat rates FROM Seatac. Towncars and limos operated by the Port of Seattle by STILA are always a flat rate and a very good deal. You will find a telephone with hotel ads in baggage claim. Go to it and push 'ground transportation' and request a towncar or limo from STILA and they will pick you up at the door closest to you in /baggage claim. Couldn't be easier.

wow, I'd really love to see a prius hold 3 adults and 6 large cases. Even a Lincoln Towncar couldn't hold 6 but I guess you've done this?

Since Stila is regulated by the Port of Seattle any other towncar either you have to call and let them know where you are, or you pay extra to have a meet and greet person however they then have to go get the car and bring it around so overall STILA is the easiest. That stands for Sea Tac International Limo Assoc.

there are skycaps but they are few and far apart. For a group they seem to be around but generally you can find one, however not many people use them. The cabs are really easy to get to but the STILA towncars are for sure the easiest.

4 people with luggage will not fit in almost any cab. You can use

seattleexpress.com

which offers a shuttle for about $12 pp, otherwise a towncar from the airport is the easiest. It may be about $55-65 to pier 91. Just call STILA touwncars which are stationed in the seatac garage. No need to pre reserve. Use the phone in baggage claim to call ground transportation.

you may wish to read the forum on Seattle on tripadvisor. On the top right you will see 'Ways to get into downtown Seattle.

. Not sure what else you need to know about STILA. It is an assoc of towncars that have the exclusive contract at Seatac. Just like the cabs the Port of Seattle regulates towncars. They are based in the garage and are always available without a reservation. While you may get 100's of independent 'town car guys' the only ones staged in the airport garage will be STILA or Shuttleexpress.com which also has towncars at a higher rate.

in baggage claim you find a bank of phones with hotel ads etc. Go to the phone and push 'ground transportation'. Ask for a town car and you will be charged a flat $45 to downtown. They will pick you up at the door closest to where you are in baggage claim. It couldn't be easier.

Tours NW does a great post cruise tour. I'd recommend it, and they will drop you and luggage off at the airport. Better than the cruise shuttle.

I would not rent a car. Seatac is very busy and you will need every bit of 2 hrs to get thru security and check in luggage. Just get off late and get to Seatac. If you have extra time they have Pacific Mktplace with lots of shops and food at 'street' pricing.

Does anyone know the STILA rate for an SUV to downtown? could not find it anywhere.

 

Also, as we are getting in at 5:00 on a Friday afternoon, will we have a significant wait for STILA if we call from the airport? Just wondering if we would be better off using a pre-reserved service.

 

Thanks.

There is no wait with stila as the cars are all based at the airport. Other companies would have to come from off site, so STILA should be fastest and less expensive without the need to reserve. I do believe the base rate is the same for up to 4 and $10 more for more than 4 pax.

Quck coach leaves from vanc dock to Seatac. If you take the express with no stops that would be the best choice. If its not the express and it makes lots of stops then Amtrak train, Bus or Bolt bus would be preferred. All buses will stop in downtown Seattle so if you want to get to Seatac Qucick Shuttle is the most logistically easy, however its not always the fastest or cheapest.

Hotel 1000 while newer is a bit removed from the heart of downtown so location would favor the Andra. I can't speak to the quality of the rooms but location would favor the Andra.

look at using

vancouvertours.com

its part of Landsea tours. I'd expect the cost to be hundreds of dollars as most companies charge about $80-100 dollars an hour.

May I suggest you put the city in your title so we know which downtown?

Seattle is a very safe city and downtown Seattle is one of the fastest growing areas so lots of people live and work downtown. There are short sections of only a few blocks which you may wish to avoid. The Grand Hyatt is around 9th and Pine. The get to the Pike Place Market walk down Pine vs Pike and its very safe. There is one block on 3rd ave between Pike and Pine I'd avoid but honestly if you deal with seeing a homeless person you should be fine.

if you look at tripadvisor.com on seattle forum on top right you can read 'cruises from Seattle'

try

seattlesouthside.com

Uber X is currently not allowed to pick up at Seatac so you'd have to walk off site before they could pick you up. This may change later in the summer but for right now no.

the Doubletree is also very walkable to the light rail station. The Coast Gateway hotel is also directly across from airport and less than one block to light rail. These should also be considered. The Sleep Inn seems nice but its very isolated with only an IHOP in walking distance. No airport hotel is filled with amenities and generally good for short stays or pre cruise but the general area is pretty devoid of restaraunts and atmosphere.

there a line up of cabs and for such a short distance I'd just taxi. You could take a bus but its not worth the hassle with luggage.

shuttle express.com and ask for an exclusive van. Another new service is

speedi shuttle.com and you can price a private van online. You can also call

bayview limosine as they have vans and do this all the time.