How does Share Ride work?

Share ride means you “share a ride” with others going in your direction. Our service and fares are based on multiple stops -- because passengers arrive on different flights and times, we can’t offer instant share ride departures from the airport. Instead, we group guests going to the same area. Because you’re sharing a ride, you’re also sharing the cost, which helps keep our fares lower than taxi fare.

Here’s how it works:

• Our dispatchers create a “trip” when you check in at our Service Desk - your address is either added to an existing trip (you will probably leave quicker) or your address starts a new trip.
  
• A van may be held up to 20 minutes from when the first person is assigned to a trip. This allows us to group passengers arriving on different flights and times, keeping fares low.
  
• Dispatchers monitor the holding time of each trip, keeping times as low as possible for the guest, while grouping other passengers. 

Typically, 80% of our share ride guests leave the airport within 20 minutes. Sometimes it’s longer, especially if there is heavy traffic, weather issues or other factors out of our control. Pre-booked tickets from the airport help us estimate how many vans we’ll need at any given time.
If you prefer immediate service, try our outstanding private sedan service – we’ll take you home immediately, no sharing!

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How do I make a reservation?

You can book your ride online in the form to the right. You can also call our friendly, helpful reservation agents 24-hours a day at (425) 981-7000. Please note that we don't operate with reservations from the airport - we encourage you to pre-book your ride to save time and money, but a van won't be waiting for you at the airport because we're an on-demand service from SeaTac.

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What is your Flight Cost Guarantee?

You can depend on Shuttle Express to get you to the airport on time. We are so confident in our service that we offer a Flight Cost Guarantee--if you miss your flight because of our service we will pay for any extra charges you may incur to book the next flight to your destination. Unfortunately, we can't control inclement weather, poor road conditions and catastrophic events, so our guarantee does not apply under those circumstances.

When you book your ride, we will give you your pick-up time which is calculated to account for picking up other passengers and typical traffic patterns at that time of day. We aim to get you to the airport 90 minutes before your flight, (except during heavy travel times like the holidays, when we suggest up to two hours ahead). The Flight Cost Guarantee applies to any airport reservation that goes by our suggested pick up time. It does not apply if you choose to have us pick you up later than our suggested time.

NOTE: Please book any Hawaii-bound reservations as an International Flight to ensure you have enough time to make your flight!

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How much does shuttle service cost?

Our airport fares are based on the zip code you are traveling to or from and the number of people traveling in your party. With our share ride service, children 17 years old or younger ride free with a paying parent or guardian. For fare quotes, click the booking form on the right. You do not need to book a ride to get a fare quote.

We offer a $10 roundtrip discount between SeaTac Airport and anywhere in our share ride service area. Book roundtrip and save $10 off your second leg. Discount doesn't apply to our already discounted Scheduled Service.

Please note: Quotes are per party not per person. E-mail or call us if you need help with a zip code.

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Do you have special children's fares?

Yes! Kids 17 years and under ride free, one for each paying adult.

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How do I pay for shuttle service?

Share Ride: We accept cash, local check, credit/debit card or traveler's check on the day of travel. We accept all the major credit cards (Master, Visa, American Express, Discover and Diners). We also accept Mastercard and Visa debit cards. You can prepay with your credit card by calling our reservations department or by choosing the credit card option when making your online reservation.

Downtown Airporter and Scheduled Pier Service: We accept major credit cards (Master, Visa, American Express, Discover and Diners)and Mastercard and Visa debit cards. You can prepay with your credit card by calling our reservations department or by choosing the credit card option when making your online booking. We do not accept cash for these services.

Credit Card Policy

For reservations booked by phone, credit card will be charged when you book your ride. Please note that if you add a gratuity at the time of travel, you will see a separate charge for the tip on your credit card statement.

All web reservations require a credit card payment and are charged at the time of online booking. Please note that if you add a gratuity at the time of travel, you will see a separate charge for the tip on your credit card statement.

All luxury services (including limo and tours services) require a credit card and will be charged at the time of booking.

All transactions more than $100.00 (one-way) are charged 72 hours before service. If booking falls within 72 hours of service, the card will be charged at the time of booking. Please note that if you add a gratuity at the time of travel, you will see a separate charge for the tip on your credit card statement.

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How do I tip my driver?

You can tip your driver at the time of service. Gratuity is not included in share ride, exclusive van, or sedan airport transfer fares. A tip for a job well-done is optional, and is greatly appreciated. The customary gratuity for this type of service is 15-20%.

Gratuity is included in bus airport transfers (15%), luxury limo reservations (20%), point-to-point and hourly charter services (15%).

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Do you provide car seats?

Yes, if you don't have your own, we keep a limited number of standard children's car seats (for children up to 4-years-old) available for our guests at SeaTac Airport. If you need a car seat, request one when you make your reservation.

We do not have Infant Car Carriers, or Booster Seats available. If you require an Infant Car Carrier, Booster Seat, or prefer to use your own car seat we can store them for you while you are in Seattle (or on your cruise) and will have them available to you when you are ready to return to SeaTac Airport.

(NOTE: Storing your car seat requires an Advance Round-Trip Reservation.)

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Do I need book in advance?

To The Airport
Pre-booked reservations to the airport are required. When you book your ride to the airport, our dispatching system calculates your pick-up time. You will be given a pick-up window of 20 minutes--you can expect your driver to arrive anytime within that window. This allows for extra traffic and weather conditions. So, for example, if your pick up time is 10 am, your pick up window may be any time between 10 a.m. and 10:20 a.m.

From the Airport
Service from the airport is on demand, meaning we don’t take reservations from the airport for our standard Share Ride or scheduled service. If you’d like a van waiting for you, you can reserve our exclusive van or sedan service. 

NOTE: For all Hawaii-bound reservations, please book as an International Flight to ensure you have adequate time to make your flight!

Non Airport: Shuttle Express offers private service with our exclusive sedans, limos, mini-coaches and vans. Please call our Guest Service Center at (425) 981-7000 for more information.

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How do I change or cancel my reservation?

If you made your reservation online, go to Online Reservations and choose the Confirm or Cancel button, then follow the prompts. You can also call our Reservations Center at (425) 981-7000 or e-mail sales@shuttleexpress.net. Please reference your confirmation number.

If you cancel less than 24 hours before your reservation, you may be billed the entire cost of your ride. If you need to cancel your reservation, please contact us at least 24-hours in advance.

I have a pre-paid reservation from the airport that I didn't use - can I use it later?

If you didn't use your pre-booked airport reservation, you can use it later, as long as it's within one year of booking. After one year, the reservation will be deleted.

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What do you mean by "20 minute pick up window"?

When you make a reservation for a trip to the airport, our computer system calculates your pick-up time. You will be given a pick-up window of 20 minutes--you can expect your driver to arrive anytime within that window. This allows for extra traffic and weather conditions. So, for example, if your pick-up time is 10 am, your driver may arrive anytime between 10 a.m. and 10:20 a.m.

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Where do you pick up at SeaTac Airport?

Our Guest Service Desk is located on the 3rd floor of the parking garage, inside the wind screens in the Ground Transportation Plaza. From baggage claim, follow the red and black signs directing you to ground transportation, which is located on the 3rd floor of the parking garage. Once in the parking garage, follow the ground transportation check-in signs to the third floor. Our desk is near the Ground Transportation Information Center. Please check in with our coordinators to activate your ticket or use our 24-hour check-in-by-phone hotline or touch-screen kiosks.

Will I have to wait for my van at the airport if I booked in advance?

Our Share Ride service is an on demand service from the airport, so we don't accept reservations from SeaTac and your van won't be waiting for you. Share ride means you “share a ride” with others going in your direction. Our service and fares are based on multiple stops -- because passengers arrive on different flights and times, we can’t offer instant share ride departures from the airport. Instead, we group guests going to the same area. Because you’re sharing a ride, you’re also sharing the cost, which helps keep our fares lower than taxi fare. We encourage you to pre-book your ride from the airport to save money and make check-in quicker, but it is not a reservation. If you prefer immediate service, try our outstanding private van and sedan service – we’ll take you home immediately, no sharing!

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How is my van assigned and trip routed?

Here’s how it works:

• Our dispatchers create a “trip” when you check in at our Service Desk - your address is either added to an existing trip (you will probably leave quicker) or your address starts a new trip.
  
• A van may be held up to 20 minutes from when the first person is assigned to a trip.This allows us to group passengers arriving on different flights and times, keeping fares low.
  
• Dispatchers monitor the holding time of each trip, keeping times as low as possible for the guest, while grouping other passengers. 

Typically, 80% of our share ride guests leave the airport within 20 minutes. Sometimes it’s longer, especially if there is heavy traffic, weather issues or other factors out of our control. Pre-booked tickets from the airport help us estimate how many vans we’ll need at any given time.
If you prefer immediate service, try our outstanding private van and sedan service – we’ll take you home immediately, no sharing!

If I'm late for my private vehicle, do you charge me extra?

We provide a 15 minute grace period if a guest is late for their private service. After 15 minutes, you will be billed for an hour of service.

How much luggage can I bring on share ride?

Baggage will be limited to two standard-sized checked pieces of luggage (each piece not to exceed 70 pounds and/or 62 inches total dimensions) and two carry-ons (not to exceed 45 inches total dimensions per fare-paying guest). Additional luggage or over-sized pieces may be subject to an extra seat charge. Please provide an accurate baggage count when booking your ride.

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Do you operate when it snows or the roads are icy?

Shuttle Express will make every effort to safely provide service to our guests. During inclement weather or catastrophic events that make roads and driving difficult or hazardous, we will implement service changes, including offering alternate pick-up/drop-off locations for our guests. For detailed information on what to expect during these times, visit our Storm Operations page.

Do you offer service to and from Canada?

Shuttle Express does provide private, charter service to Canada if the trip begins in the United States.We are prohibited by Canadian law from providing any service that originates in Canada. We partner with Quick Shuttle, a shuttle and charter service based in Vancouver, BC. If you would like daily, shared transportation between Vancouver, BC, and Seattle, please contact Quick Shuttle directly at 1-800-665-2122.

Can I bring a pet on your service?

Small pets are allowed on shared ride and private service when in an appropriate container with outside dimensions not to exceed 27" long x 20" wide x 19" high that can fit at your feet in the vehicle. We must be notified at time of booking. If your medium carrier does not fit at your feet, it can be put in the back. This will count as one of your checked pieces of luggage. Guests with large kennels exceeding 27" long x 20" wide x 19" high will need to book a private exclusive van.

Exceptions: Service animals, including Seeing Eye, Hearing Impaired and certified Search dogs, when properly harnessed or leashed, will be carried free of charge. The dogs will not be permitted to occupy a seat, but must lie at the owner's feet.

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Cruise Transfers/Tours

Do you provide service to the cruise terminals?

Yes, Shuttle Express offers scheduled, shuttle service to/from SeaTac Airport and the cruise terminals and downtown hotels, for a per person fare. Reservations are recommended, but we do accept walk ups at the piers, if seats are available. Credit card payment only for walk-ups at the pier.

We also offer exclusive service in our sedans, 10 passenger vans and luxury limos. Exclusive means it's a private service, just for your party. Your destination can be to and from SeaTac Airport, the Seattle Cruise Terminals, or wherever your group needs to be transported.

How do I find Shuttle Express at the cruise terminals?

At Pier 66 (Bell Street Pier)
After leaving the Customs Inspection area, turn right and proceed south past the bus area to the sidewalk along the street. Look overhead for the Skybridge. (Do NOT cross the Skybridge.) Our Coordinators, wearing fluorescent green jackets, are located just beyond the Skybridge and the Conference Center entrance. Click to see map.
(NOTE: If it is after 11 a.m. on the day your ship arrives, you may need to call our Reservation Center at 425-981-7000 to arrange for your pick up.)

At Pier 91 (Smith Cove Cruise Terminal)
After you leave the customs inspection area, the Shuttle Express check in areas are located directly outside the terminal and at the end of the covered walkway near parking slots “S” and “T”. Our coordinators wearing fluorescent green jackets will check you in or help create a new reservation and escort you to your vehicle when you are assigned.Click to see map.
(NOTE: If it is after 11 a.m. on the day your ship arrives, you may need to call our Reservation Center at 425-981-7000 to arrange for your pick up.)

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Will my van be waiting for me when I disembark?

No, you must check in with one of our Shuttle Express Coordinators at our cruise terminal pick-up point to activate your reservation. Your check-in time must be no later than one hour before your scheduled reservation pick-up time. Our pier coordinators will assign you to a van or bus as soon as one is available for your group. Passengers normally will be assigned to a vehicle in the order that they check in (although passengers with reservations will be given priority loading over those that "walk-up" that morning without reservations).

Most passengers will be assigned to a vehicle departing from the cruise terminal before their scheduled reservation pick-up time. Your chances of departing before your scheduled time are much greater the earlier you can get off of the ship and check in. This is because of the volume of passengers coming off of the ship, as well as limitations by the Cruise Terminal operators as to the number of vehicles we can bring into the pickup area at one time.

If you arrive at our Check-In at 10:00 a.m. or later, you may have to wait a full hour between your check-in time and the time we are able to provide a vehicle for you. Once again, we will get you to your destination as quickly as we can. Our coordinators will remain at the cruise terminal until Customs has closed and all guests that have checked in have departed.

Do I need advance reservations to/from the cruise terminals?

Advance reservations from the airport and cruise terminals are highly recommended, although we do accept walk-ups for our scheduled service. Exclusive services must be booked in advance, except exclusive service in our standard 10-passenger vans. Although we strongly recommend making booking these in advance, these vans usually can be reserved when you arrive at either SeaTac Airport or Cruise Terminals. To book an advance reservation, go to Online Reservations or call us at 425-981-7000 and one of our reservations agents will happily assist you. We look forward to seeing you in Seattle.

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Do you offer tours and activities before/after cruises?

Yes, we offer several options to fit your schedule:

Private Seattle City Tour: Our 3.5 hour tour introduces you to our beautiful city, visiting many can't-miss viewpoints. We'll show you our historic Pioneer Square, we'll drive through Seattle's famous Pike Place Market, provide an extended stop at the Seattle Center (location of the 1962 World's Fair and the Space Needle), visit the Ballard Locks and many other highlights of our city.
Click here to learn more on our City Tour page.

Wine Tasting Tour: Washington State's wine industry has flourished over the past several decades, producing wines recognized around the world for excellence and winning many awards competing against well-known California and French wine producers. We partner with Barrel Wine Tours to provide a 5-hour Wine Tasting Tour takes you to 4-5 of these award-winning wineries in Woodinville, just east of Seattle. All-day or overnight tours to some of the largest and most famous Washington vineyards in the Yakima Valley and Walla Walla (east of the Cascade Mountains) can also be arranged for your group.
Click here to learn more on our Wine Tour page.

Specialty Tours: Special tours and excursions are limited only by your imagination. Examples include visiting a coffee roasting plant, microbreweries, public gardens, and museums. Been to Seattle before and already seen the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and Pioneer Square? How about arranging for your group to visit the Ballard Locks and Fish Ladder, or Seattle's famous Museum of Flight.

If you have more time, we'll take your group to Snoqualmie Falls (they're 100 feet higher than Niagara Falls), or to Mt. Rainier. Let us know what you would like to see and we'll do our best to make it happen. Email us or call (425) 981-7000 to speak with a reservation specialist for information and to book your tour.

Where do we store our luggage during the tour?

For our Post-Cruise City Tour, we will load your luggage in your Tour Van and carry it with us as we travel around Seattle. At the end of your tour, we'll take you directly to SeaTac Airport, where your driver will unload your luggage at the curb near the entrance door closest to your airline on the Departure Level at SeaTac.

If your group would like to explore the Pike Place Market, Seattle Center, Pioneer Square, or the Downtown Shopping District on your own, we can drop you off and arrange to pick you up later in the day to get you to SeaTac Airport in time for your outbound flight. If you would like to do this, plan ahead and have your luggage sent on to the airport (contact your cruise line) because Shuttle Express has no luggage storage capabilities.

Do you offer services to/from Vancouver, BC from the cruise terminals?

We partner with Quick Shuttle, a Vancouver-based bus service that provides transportation between the Vancouver and the Seattle areas. Quick Shuttle can deliver you directly to either one of the Seattle Cruise Terminals on your southbound trip.

When your cruise returns to Seattle, look for our Shuttle Express Coordinators at either one of the Cruise Terminals. Quick Shuttle guests must check-in with one of our Coordinators no later than 10:00 am the morning your ship docks in Seattle. We'll transport you and your luggage to Quick Shuttle's downtown Seattle pick-up location in time to meet their northbound motor coach. (There is no additional charge for this service as long as you have a reservation with Quick Shuttle.)

If you have any questions, please contact Quick Shuttle directly at 1-800-665-2122.

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Wine Tours

How large are your wine tours?

Our public tours are typically up to 28 guests to ensure a comfortable experience for everyone.

Our private tours vary from one to 32. Private groups contact wineries themselves, and often make appointments and special arrangements for larger groups.

How many wineries do you visit?

Typically, our public tour visits 4-5 wineries in an afternoon, spending 30-40 minutes at each, with travel time in between.

If you book a private tour, you are welcome to choose your wineries, or we will help plan your itinerary if you'd like. wineries visited depends upon tour duration and guest preference. Tasting experts recommend visiting no more than 5 wineries, since your taste buds get overwhelmed with too many tastings.

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Do I pay tasting fees?

No, our public tasting tours include tasting fees in the per person rate. Private tours do not include tasting fees. Most wineries waive the fee with wine purchases, however.

What is your cancellation policy for wine tours?

Public Tours: If your plans change and you must cancel your public tour reservation, please let us know at least three days in advance (by Wednesday 12 pm) for 100% refund. If you cancel within three days of your tour, we will give a refund, less a $15 cancellation fee. No shows will be billed 100%.

Private Tours: If you cancel your private tour reservation, please let us know at least three days in advance for a 100% refund. If you cancel within three days of your tour, we will give a refund, less a $100 cancellation fee. If you cancel after your vehicle has been dispatched or are a "no show," you will be billed 100%.

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What vehicles do you use for wine tours?

We use our Executive Coach for all public wine tours.

If you book a private tour, you choose the vehicle you'd like -- stretch limo, town car, luxury limo van, luxury limo coach ("party bus"), mini-coach or standard van.

View our luxury fleet here.

Where are your pick-up locations for the public tour?

We pick up at three hotels in Downtown Seattle, the Renaissance, Sheraton, and Westin, and one hotel in Downtown Bellevue, the Hyatt Regency.

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I've never taken a wine tour before. What can I expect?

Wine tours are a terrific way to learn about wine and taste a variety of options, while we do the driving! Here are some things to note:

• Please have a good breakfast before your tour. It's important not to taste wine on an empty stomach! A three to four course meal is included in your wine tour.
• After boarding the luxury coach, it's a 45-minute drive to Woodinville, where we'll stop at 4-5 wineries. We spend about 30-40 minutes at each winery, tasting several wines at each.
• At the time of booking, each guest is asked to review and sign a short agreement concerning conduct--if a guest drinks too much and causes a disruption, the guide will stop the tour, escort the guest off the coach and call alternate transportation for the guest at his/her expense. Then, the tour will continue. We want everyone to enjoy the tour!
• If you like the wine at a particular winery, you are encouraged to buy their wine! Many wineries will ship your purchases for you if you are from out of town. Your guide will store your purchases in the back of the coach--although in warm weather, this may be too warm for the wine, so shipping is encouraged.

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Can I ship wine to my home?

Yes, many wineries will ship your purchases for you. They are prohibited from shipping to some states, however.

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