How do I make a reservation?

You can make a reservation online in the form to the right. You can also call our friendly, helpful reservation agents 24-hours a day at (425) 981-7000.

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 make your reservation, 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 70 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

Return to Top

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 12 years old or younger ride free with a paying adult. With our scheduled hotel service children 5 or younger ride free when accompanied by a paying adult. For fare quotes, click the reservation form to the left. 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! 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.

Do you have special children's fares?

Yes! Kids 12 years and under ride free, one for each paying adult. Additional children will ride at the additional adult rate. So, for example, if you have two adults and two children (12 and under), the two children ride free. If you have one adult and two children, one of the children rides free, the other at the additional adult rate.

We also offer a child's rate for our scheduled Seattle City Tour--$35 per child, 12 and under. Adult fare is $56. .

Return to Top

How do I pay for shuttle service?

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.

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%).

Return to Top

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.)

Do I need advance reservations?

Reservations from the airport are highly recommended, although we do welcome walk-ups. Please note, reservations from the airport are not valid until activated. Trips are routed and vans are dispatched as guests activate their reservations.

Benefits of Advance Reservations

• Priority seating for reservations from the airport Guests who activate their advance reservations from the airport will have their vans dispatched before walk-up guests. If we are overbooked because of a high number of reservations, bad weather or road closures we may stop accepting walk-up reservations in order to accommodate our guests with advance reservations. Walk-up guests may be added to vans already going to certain areas, but their seats are not priority.
• Quicker Check-In -- Guests with advance reservations from the airport can go directly to the van loading area to check in, or they can use our self-check-in kiosk. Walk-ups must check availability and make reservations with our airport coordinators at our booth.
• Advance reservations enable our dispatchers to schedule the right number of vans each day and help us to efficiently group other share ride guests, which keeps your wait and travel time to a minimum.
• Booking a roundtrip in advance can also save you money! Book roundtrip between SeaTac Airport and anywhere in our service area, and we'll take $10 off your fare.

To SeaTac Airport: If possible, please make your reservation one or two days before your departure day. But, if you do not have that much notice, just call and we will do our best to accommodate you.

From SeaTac Airport: We offer discounted roundtrip reservations. Your reservation agent will be happy to take your return flight information over the phone or, you can make a roundtrip reservation online. If you don't have an advance reservation for your ride home, just go to our curb pick-up area on the 3rd floor of the parking garage and check in. Guests who book in advance have priority seating, but we do accept walk-ups based on availability.

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

Return to Top

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.

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 your pick-up may be anytime between 10 a.m. and 10:20 a.m.

Return to Top

Where do you pick up at SeaTac Airport?

Our booth is located on the 3rd floor of the parking garage. 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. Our booth adjacent to the Ground Transportation Information Center. Please check in at the curb with our coordinators, wearing red and black jackets or vests, 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 have advance reservations?

If you have a reservation:

Your reservation from the airport is an "open reservation." To activate your reservation, please check in at the self-serve check-in kiosk at the curb, with the courtesy phone, or with our coordinator. Once your reservation is activated, you will be added to a group going to your area. About 80% of our guests leave the airport within 20 minutes of activating their reservations.
Please note, an open reservation means a van will not be waiting for you. Because many flights are not on time and it takes some guests longer than others to get their luggage, we add you to a group going to your area when you activate your open reservation at our booth.  This allows you as much time as you need to get your luggage and get through the terminal.
Benefits of having an open reservation from the airport:

• Save $10 when you book roundtrip airport service.
• Priority seating--Walk-ups will be added to a group after those with open reservations, with seating based on availability and vans already going to their area
• Quicker check-in
• Helps us plan for passenger volume, keeping your wait/travel time to a minimum

If you don't have a reservation:

Reservations are recommended, but if you don't have one, that's ok! We welcome walk-ups. Just check in with our coordinator or pick up the courtesy phone to speak with a reservation agent.

Return to Top

How is my van assigned and trip routed?

Our experienced dispatchers determine the best routes. Trips are created when our guests activate their reservation upon check-in, so your reservation is either added to an existing trip (in which case your wait time will be less than 20 minutes) or your address starts a new trip (in which case we try to make your wait no longer than 20 minutes).  The wait time of each trip is monitored and our around-the-clock dispatchers work to ensure airport waits do not exceed 20 minutes from the time the trip's first reservation was created. 

When vans are delayed coming back to the airport because of traffic or weather, or there is more business than what we anticipated, we occasionally run behind.  Wait times may exceed 20 minutes for any given trip when this occurs.  When our guests reserve roundtrips, we are better able to determine the number of vans needed.  However, this is simply an educated estimate because of all the potential changes and factors that can effect the travel time for both our guests and our vans.

Advance reservations from the airport are highly recommended because those guests will be assigned vans first, before walk-up guests. Walk-ups will be added to existing trips as seats are available. If we are overbooked, we may not be able to accept walk-up guests.

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.

Return to Top

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.

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.

Return to Top

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.

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)
As you leave the Customs Inspection area, the Shuttle Express Check-In area is located to the right, inside the terminal lobby (not outside). Our coordinators, wearing fluorescent green jackets, will check you in and escort you to your vehicle. 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.)

Return to Top

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.

Return to Top

Do you offer tours and activities before/after cruises?

Yes, we offer several options to fit your schedule:

Seattle City Tour: This 2.5 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. Our 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.

Our flight departs mid-day, is there time to take a city tour after our cruise?

Yes, we offer a special Post-Cruise City Tour which departs from either of the Seattle Cruise Terminals and lasts about 2.5 hours. Available Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May through October. After the tour, we'll drop you off at SeaTac Airport.

The tour takes you through Pike Place Market, historic Pioneer Square, several viewpoints around Seattle, and the Seattle Center and Space Needle.

An advance reservation for the tour is strongly recommended to ensure a seat is available when your cruise ship returns to Seattle. Please check in with our coordinators at the Cruise Terminal by 9:15 am on the day of your tour (pick up 9:30 am).

Rates
Adult $56 (includes airport transfer fee)
Child (12 and under) $35

To reserve your seat for our Post-Cruise City Tour, or any of our other tours and services, call our Reservation Center at (425) 981-7000.

Return to Top

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.

Return to Top

Wine Tours

How large are your wine tours?

Our public tours are typically up to 12 guests to ensure a comfortable experience for everyone. Many of the wineries we visit are "boutique" wineries with limited space for tasting, so a smaller group is best.

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.

Return to Top

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%.

Return to Top

What vehicles do you use for wine tours?

We use our luxury line of limo vans and coaches for our public tours. Occasionally we use a van or stretch limo, depending upon tour size.

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?

Public Saturday Tours: We pick up in downtown Seattle, at all major hotels. We also pick-up at downtown Bellevue. Call for specific times.

11:15

Amtrak Station, 303 South Jackson St., Seattle
Marriott Waterfront - 2100 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121, guests meet in lobby

11:30

2200 Westlake Lot
2200 Westlake Ave, Seattle, WA 98121, ph # (206) 340-6177 -- guest should wait at the corner of Westlake & Denny, inside the parking lot

Westlake Center Mall
400 Pine Street, downtown Seattle, WA 98101 -- guests should meet at the front door on Pine Street side

Seattle Convention Center Tunnel
800 Convention Place, Seattle, WA 98101 -- guests should meet at the tunnel area, which is on the back side where all the buses go.

11:45
Renaissance, 515 Madison Street, Seattle, WA 98104 -- guests meet in lobby

Private Tours: We pick up at your requested location(s) at your requested time.

Return to Top

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 hearty meal before your tour. It's important not to taste wine on an empty stomach! We do offer a boxed lunch option if you'd like to have something during the tour. Or, feel free to bring your own lunch, we do have room for small coolers.
• 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.

Should I have lunch before my wine tour?

Yes, please plan to have a good meal before your tour, since it's important not to taste wine on an empty stomach. You can bring your own lunch or snack if you like. We provide bottled water on all tours.

We offer boxed lunches for under $13 each, if ordered and purchased at least three days before your tour. Your reservation specialist will take your order. Visit our wine tour info page for our lunch offerings.

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.

Return to Top