What It Costs to Get from Sea-Tac to Bellevue
About This Route
Bellevue is the largest city on Seattle's Eastside, home to major tech campuses for Meta, Microsoft (nearby Redmond), T-Mobile, and a booming downtown of its own with high-rise hotels and The Bravern shopping district. SeaTac Airport is about 17 miles southwest of Bellevue, and the ride takes 20-40 minutes via I-405 or the I-5/I-90 interchange. Rideshare fares run $43-$59, reflecting the cross-lake distance. The Sound Transit 2 Line light rail extension now connects the Eastside, though a transfer at International District station is needed from the airport line.
Surge Pricing Alert
Weekday evenings are the trouble spot for Eastside rides. Commuter demand across the lake stacks on top of airport traffic between 4 and 7 PM, and a fare that normally tops out at $59 can climb as high as $117. PAX West over Labor Day weekend has the same effect. The light rail costs $3 no matter what the apps are charging.
Travel Tips
- 01I-405 is the most direct route from SeaTac to Bellevue, but it's also one of the most congested highways in the region during rush hours (3-7 PM). The I-5 North to I-90 East route is sometimes faster.
- 02The Sound Transit Link 1 Line from SEA connects to the 2 Line at International District/Chinatown station for service to Bellevue. Total travel time is about 55-65 minutes for $3 with a free transfer.
- 03If you're heading to Microsoft campus in Redmond, continue on the 2 Line past Bellevue — it extends to Redmond Technology station.
- 04Express toll lanes (ETL) on I-405 can save time during rush hour, but some rideshare drivers avoid them. You can request the toll lane route — expect $1-$15 in tolls added to your fare (dynamic pricing varies with congestion).
- Travel time
- 20-40 minutes depending on traffic and route
- Best time to travel
- Mid-morning (9-11 AM) on weekdays or weekend mornings. Avoid weekday evenings when I-405 and I-90 eastbound are heavily congested.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Uber cost from SeaTac to Bellevue?
UberX from SeaTac Airport to Bellevue typically costs $43-$59. The 17-mile trip crosses Lake Washington via I-405 or I-90 and takes 20-40 minutes depending on traffic. Rush hour fares tend toward the higher end.
Can I take the light rail from SeaTac to Bellevue?
Yes. Take the Link 1 Line from SEA to International District/Chinatown station, then transfer to the 2 Line eastbound to Bellevue. The total trip takes about 55-65 minutes and costs $3 with a free transfer.
Should I stay in Bellevue or Seattle when visiting the area?
If you're visiting tech companies on the Eastside (Microsoft, Meta, T-Mobile), Bellevue saves commute time. For tourism (Pike Place, Space Needle, Capitol Hill), Seattle is better. Both are accessible from SeaTac — Bellevue is slightly farther and pricier by rideshare.