When planning your trip through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and considering transportation, especially if you’re thinking about a cruise after your flight, one key question might pop up: Does National Rental Car Have A Cruise Shuttle at SEA? Navigating airport transportation can be stressful, so understanding your options beforehand is crucial. Let’s dive into the details of rental car shuttles at Seattle Airport and clarify how they connect with your travel plans, including cruises.
Understanding Rental Car Shuttles at Seattle-Tacoma Airport
First and foremost, it’s important to know that all rental car companies operating at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, including National Rental Car, are located at an off-site rental car facility. This means you won’t find their counters directly inside the terminal. To reach your rental car or to return it, you’ll need to use a dedicated shuttle bus service.
These rental car shuttles are free of charge and operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are designed to efficiently transport passengers between the airport terminal and the rental car facility. This system ensures a streamlined process for picking up or dropping off your rental vehicle.
Getting to the Rental Car Facility from the Terminal
Upon arrival at SEA and after collecting your luggage, proceed to the baggage claim level (lower drive). You’ll find two passenger pick-up areas for the rental car shuttles:
- North end of the terminal (near Alaska Airlines)
- South end of the terminal (near international airlines)
Look for signs directing you to the rental car shuttle pick-up. Once you’re at the designated area, simply board the next available shuttle. The ride to the rental car facility is short, typically around five minutes. The shuttles are equipped to handle luggage, making the transfer convenient.
Returning to the Terminal from the Rental Car Facility
When it’s time to return to the airport from the rental car facility, the process is equally straightforward. Rental car shuttles pick up passengers right outside the rental car facility building, near the customer service counters.
Depending on your airline and terminal, you can board either a North or South terminal shuttle bus. These buses will take you back to the airport terminal, dropping you off on the lower drive outside of baggage claim at either the north or south end, mirroring the pick-up locations. Again, expect a quick five-minute ride.
Wheelchair Accessibility on Rental Car Shuttles
Accessibility is a priority at SEA Airport. All rental car shuttles are wheelchair accessible. They are equipped with ramps and securements to safely transport passengers using wheelchairs. Each shuttle can accommodate at least one wheelchair. Priority seating is also available.
If you require wheelchair services beyond the shuttle ride, inform the shuttle driver. They will contact Prospect Airport Services to arrange for a wheelchair assistant to meet you at the shuttle drop-off area. You can also find more information on wheelchair services on the SEA Airport website.
Cruise Shuttles and National Rental Car at SEA: Clearing Up Confusion
Now, back to the original question: Does National Rental Car have a dedicated “cruise shuttle”? While National Rental Car at SEA does not operate a specific shuttle directly to cruise ports, their regular airport shuttle service plays a crucial role in connecting you to onward cruise transportation.
Think of the process in two steps:
- Utilize the National Rental Car Shuttle to reach the SEA Airport Terminal: Whether you are picking up your rental car upon arrival before heading to the cruise port, or returning your rental car after your cruise, the standard National Rental Car shuttle will take you between the rental facility and the airport terminal.
- From the SEA Airport Terminal, Access Cruise Transportation: Once you are at the airport terminal (thanks to the rental car shuttle), you can then access various cruise transportation options. These might include:
- Dedicated Cruise Shuttles: Many cruise lines offer their own shuttle services from SEA Airport to the cruise terminals. You can usually book these in advance through your cruise line.
- Taxis and Ride-sharing Services: Taxis and services like Uber or Lyft are readily available at SEA and can take you directly to the cruise terminals.
- Public Transportation: Depending on the cruise port and your luggage situation, public transportation might be an option to consider.
In summary, while National Rental Car doesn’t have a direct cruise shuttle, their efficient airport shuttle service is the first step in connecting you to cruise port transportation from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. It gets you conveniently to the airport terminal, which is the central hub for accessing all onward travel options, including those heading to cruise ports.
Directions to the Rental Car Facility for National (and all other companies)
For drivers heading directly to the rental car facility, here are directions from various points:
| Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Rental Car Facility Address: 3150 S. 160th St., SeaTac, WA 98188 |
| FROM DOWNTOWN SEATTLE (VIA INTERSTATE 5): Take I-5 south to exit 154B/SR 518 west. Take the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport exit and follow signs for Rental Car Return to International Blvd / SR 99 south. Follow Rental Car Return signs to the right-hand entrance into the rental car facility. |
| FROM SEATTLE / BURIEN (VIA STATE ROUTE 509/STATE ROUTE 518): From Seattle, take SR 99 south to the First Avenue South Bridge (which becomes SR 509). Follow SR 509 south to the SR 518 exit (Burien/Seattle-Tacoma International Airport). Take the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport exit and follow signs for Air Cargo Rd. Take the Air Cargo Rd exit. Turn right on S 170th St, then right on Air Cargo Rd, then right on S 160th St. Follow Rental Car Return signs to the left-hand entrance into the rental car facility. |
| FROM DOWNTOWN TACOMA (VIA INTERSTATE 5): Take I-5 north to exit 154A/SR 518 west. Take the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport exit and follow signs for Rental Car Return to International Blvd / SR 99 south. Follow Rental Car Return signs to the right-hand entrance into the rental car facility. |
| FROM DOWNTOWN BELLEVUE (VIA INTERSTATE 405): Take I-405 south. Merge with SR 518 west toward Burien. Take the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport exit and follow signs for Rental Car Return to International Blvd / SR 99 south. Follow Rental Car Return signs to the right-hand entrance into the rental car facility. |
By understanding the rental car shuttle system at SEA, you can confidently plan your transportation, whether you’re just renting a car or connecting to a cruise. Remember to factor in the shuttle time when planning your arrival or departure to ensure a smooth travel experience.
