The four-star rated Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEATAC) is a very large travel hub serving over 45 million passengers annually. The recurring best airport in North America is a great place to travel. However, this quality and popularity come at a cost.
With so many passengers moving through the hub, there’s a high demand for on-site parking. This makes good spots harder to come by and drives up the price. Many travelers dealing with this issue want to explore alternative airport parking at SEATAC but don’t know where to start.
That’s why we’ve compiled everything you need to know about your SEATAC parking options to help you decide which one is the right fit for your needs.
Exploring Your SEATAC Parking Options
Navigating your different parking options at SEATAC can be quite a challenge. There’s a lot of information out there. We’ve sifted through it all for you to help make the process easier and more convenient. We’ve distilled everything down into five easy-to-understand sections containing all the most important information you’ll need to make your choice.
1. Understanding On-Site Parking at SEATAC
First things first, let’s discuss the on-site airport parking solutions. It’s important to assess them and see if they’re worth considering or if you’d be better off going with off-site parking at SEATAC instead.
What are the on-site options for SEATAC parking? There are two basic on-site parking options with more specific parking options in each category. Let’s break them down.
General Parking
General parking is available on seven different floors of the parking garage. This is the option with the most available spots. This area is available for short- and long-term parking. Keep in mind that general parking spots will likely require at least a bit of a walk to get to your terminal. It will vary depending on where exactly you’re parked.
How much does general parking at SEATAC cost?
- Hourly: Parking is currently $6 per hour, soon to be $8 starting on the first of June.
- Daily: General parking will cost you $34 today, raising to $37 in June.
- Weekly: If you’ll be gone for a week or more, weekly parking is going for $169 right now, though that is also set to increase in June to $222.
Terminal Direct Parking
Terminal Direct parking, available exclusively on the fourth floor of the parking garage, provides direct access to the main terminal. This means parking here gives you the shortest route to your terminal. It is available for short- and long-term parking as well. Due to the added convenience of Terminal Direct parking, the rates are also higher, though not always by much.
What does it cost to use Terminal Direct parking at SEATAC?
- Hourly: The current rate is $7 per hour. However, Terminal Direct parking rates are also set to rise on June 1st, so it’s soon to be $10 per hour.
- Daily: Terminal Direct parking costs $42, set to be $47 in June.
- Weekly: For longer-term parking in this area, weekly parking is available for $294, and $329 starting in June.
Additional Options and Details
There are some other options and situations to consider when looking into SEATAC parking. These include:
- Pre-Booked Parking: Booking your parking spot in advance is required when parking for 30 days or more and is optional for everyone else. When you pre-book parking at SEATAC you get a better rate which will be displayed on the page when you enter your specifics.
- Accessible Parking: Accessible parking is available on floors four (Terminal Direct) and five.
- Over-Height Parking: Vehicles over 6’10” must park in the over-height parking lot. You may want to book in advance as they fill up quickly.
- Motorcycle Parking: Stalls for motorcycle parking are available on the third floor (rows U and W) at the same cost listed above.
- Electric Vehicle (EV) Parking: There are 94 EV stalls available with free charging. These clearly marked spots are first-come, first-serve.
- Passport Parking: Passport parking is available for frequent flyers looking to have Terminal Direct parking available whenever they travel for a monthly cost of $425. This price won’t change in June.
2. Off-Site Parking Solutions
Now that you know the airport parking solutions available on-site, it’s time to look at some of your options for alternative airport parking at SEATAC. Here are some popular options.
- Private Lots: There are many private lots available dedicated to alternative airport parking at SEATAC. Many of them are very close by and offer shuttle service to and from the airport to make travel easy. Prices start as low as only $10.99 per day.
- Hotel Parking: Many travelers may prefer to park at a hotel. This option allows you to stay overnight in comfort if you like and shuttle to the airport, reducing travel time and stress. It also gives you a place to stay if your flight should be delayed. Parking can also be much cheaper when you bundle it with your hotel stay.
- Parking Rental Services: There are platforms and services made to match people or businesses that have unused parking spots with the people who need them. The advantage of using this method is the substantial discount. You can often get a monthly parking spot through a service like this for less than the cost of two or three days in General airport parking.
3. Advantages of Off-Site Parking
The main benefits of using off-site parking at SEATAC are the cost and the convenience. The cost can be a fraction of what you’d pay for on-site parking, and if you travel a lot, that cost adds up fast. Plus, there’s the convenience of the additional services offered like shuttle service, or all the benefits of a hotel stay.
4. Utilizing Platforms Like Neighbor.com
Platforms like Neighbor.com offer a matchmaking of sorts between people with parking spaces they don’t need, and the people who do. One advantage of this over the others is flexibility. Whatever your unique needs are, you can find the right solution.
If you have an expensive car that you’d prefer to keep in a covered garage space away from the elements and other possible sources of damage, you’ll be able to find a parking option that meets your needs for much less than you’d pay in a dedicated lot.
If, on the other hand, you just need somewhere to keep your car and you don’t care about it getting rained on, there are a lot of uncovered spaces for unbelievably cheap. This can be a great way to save money while still getting exactly what you need, nothing more, nothing less.
5. Tips for Booking SEATAC Parking
When utilizing alternative airport parking at SEATAC, there are some tips for traveling that can help you save time, money, and hassle. Make sure to give yourself as much time as possible before your trip.
Start doing your research on off-site airport parking solutions early and compare your options. Look over what options are available and compare the price and accommodations to get the best deal for your needs.
Make sure you think carefully through every angle. Is the location convenient? How will you get to the airport from there? Is it safe to leave your car in this area? Look into reviews and do some research to make sure it’s safe.
Now that you know what option you’re going with, book your spot ASAP. Don’t wait until it’s closer to the trip date. The sooner you book your spot, the better deal you’ll usually get. Many options have special discounts that increase the more time there is between when you book and when you need it. You don’t want to be left scrambling at the last minute.
Park Smarter with Alternative Airport Parking at SEATAC
Traveling can be stressful. However, parking doesn’t have to be. You can make it easier by exploring all your options and finding the best one for you. There are many options out there, each with its own unique pros and cons. You just have to find the one with the right balance for you.
To find affordable and convenient local parking options wherever you are, search Neighbor.com to find the ideal spot to fit your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s address some of the most common questions people have about alternative airport parking at SEATAC.
What are the parking options at SEATAC?
On-site SEATAC parking options include General and Terminal Direct parking at hourly, daily, weekly, or even monthly rates. Options for off-site parking at SEATAC include dedicated parking lots, hotel parking, and parking rental services and platforms.
Where can I find affordable SEATAC parking?
The most affordable SEATAC airport parking solutions are off-site. Generally, the more convenience is offered, the higher the price. That’s why hotels and dedicated lots with shuttle services tend to cost much more than a parking rental service or platform like Neighbor.com.
How does Neighbor.com work for airport parking?
Using Neighbor.com for parking is quick and easy. You simply search for available options in the area, reserve the space with the host and choose a protection plan, then schedule your dates.
What are the benefits of off-site airport parking?
Convenience and savings are the main benefits of off-site airport parking. You can get a shuttle to the airport or convenient long-term parking that’s quick and easy to book and save as much as 50% or more.
How can I save on SEATAC parking?
The best way to save is to do your research, find the best option with the best price, and book early for extra discounts.
