Is Seattle Accessible for Your Alaska Cruise? Let’s Find Out!

Are you dreaming about setting sail on an Alaska cruise out of Seattle, Washington?  One of the first questions you might be asking yourself is: “Will Seattle be easy for me to get around, especially if I need accessibility?”

The short answer: yes, Seattle is wonderfully accessible—but there are a few things you’ll want to know before you go. My husband and I just returned from our own Alaska adventure, and I’m excited to share what we discovered along the way.

Getting from SEA-TAC Airport to Downtown Seattle

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA-TAC) is about 14 miles from the cruise port and downtown. There are several ways to get there, and the “best” option really depends on your accessibility needs. Here are some options we explored:

1. Seattle Yellow Cab

   •  Cost: $55–70

   •  Old school, but reliable! You can order an accessible cab in advance of your arrival. These vans are equipped for one wheelchair or scooter.

   • Insider Tip: This isn’t well-advertised online. When I booked, we needed room for two scooters. Because ours folded down, the driver was able to fit both scooters plus our luggage—super helpful!

       Seattle Yellow Cab

     
     

2. Uber

   •  Cost: $63–95 (varies by vehicle)

   •  You can reserve a ride ahead of time. The tricky part? You won’t know what size vehicle you’ll get. For us, needing space for two scooters made this option a little stressful.

   
   

3. Lyft

   •  Cost: $63–95

   •  You can’t reserve in advance. You’ll need to order once you land, which means no guarantee of the vehicle size until it arrives.

   
   

4. Sound Transit Link Light Rail

   •  Cost: $2.25–3.50 (one way)

   •  Runs every 8–10 minutes.

   •  Fully accessible! Stations have level boarding, space for mobility devices, ramps, handrails, and intercoms.

   • If you’re traveling light and your mobility needs are supported, this is the most affordable option.

A Note About Seattle’s Hills

One thing you’ll want to prepare for: Seattle is famously hilly. 

While the city has invested heavily in accessibility features (ramps, elevators, and crosswalks), the steep inclines can still be challenging—especially for someone manually pushing a wheelchair. Areas around Pike Place Market and the streets leading down to the waterfront are particularly sloped.

Here’s what that means for your trip:

• Power mobility devices help a lot. If you use a scooter or power chair, the hills are much less of a concern.

• Manual wheelchair users may want assistance. Having a companion to help navigate steep spots will make exploring easier.

• Take advantage of elevators and ramps. The Overlook Walk and other pathways were designed to bypass some of the steeper climbs, connecting the market to the waterfront smoothly.

The good news is, with a little planning, you can still enjoy the best of Seattle without the hills slowing you down.

Exploring the Seattle Waterfront

Before you board your cruise, make sure to enjoy some time at the Seattle Waterfront. It’s been newly redeveloped and is now a hub of fun: think the Seattle Great Wheel, fresh seafood restaurants, the Aquarium, and a beautiful new Waterfront Park.

Best of all—it’s highly accessible:

• Elevators connect you to the city.

• Crosswalks are wide, with accessible pedestrian signals and tactile wayfinding.

• ADA-compliant ramps make moving around easy.

• The Overlook Walk provides a smooth, level pathway from Pike Place Market straight down to the waterfront without dodging traffic.

Whether you’re rolling, strolling, or walking, this area makes everyone feel included.

Pike Place Market: A Must-See

No trip to Seattle is complete without a stop at Pike Place Market.  Yes, it’s known for flying fish and fresh flowers, but it’s also very doable for travelers with accessibility needs:

• Most shops and buildings are wheelchair and scooter friendly.

• Multiple elevators connect to the market from Alaskan Way, Western Avenue, and the parking garage.

• From here, you’ll also find accessible routes that connect back down to the waterfront.

It’s busy and bustling, but with elevators and ramps in place, you won’t miss out on the iconic Seattle experience.

Pro Tips for an Accessible Seattle & Cruise Departure

• Reserve Accessible Transportation Early – If you’ll need a wheelchair- or scooter-accessible taxi, book in advance. Seattle Yellow Cab is your best bet.

• Foldable Mobility Devices Make Life Easier – If you use a scooter or wheelchair that folds down, it opens up more options for taxis and rideshares.

• Watch Out for Hills – Seattle’s slopes are no joke. If using a manual chair, bring a travel buddy or plan routes with elevators and ramps.

• Allow Extra Time at Pike Place Market – Crowds can be thick, but elevators and ramps make it manageable. Plan to go at a slower pace to really enjoy it.

• Pack Light if Taking the Train – The Link Light Rail is affordable and accessible, but it’s best for those without a ton of luggage.

• Enjoy the Waterfront Before You Sail – The Overlook Walk and new Waterfront Park are beautiful, smooth, and accessible—perfect for a pre-cruise outing.

Final Thoughts

Seattle really impressed me with its accessibility. From the airport to the waterfront to Pike Place Market, it’s clear that the city has invested in making travel smoother for everyone.

So if you’re considering an Alaska cruise out of Seattle—go for it! You’ll not only enjoy the breathtaking journey up to Alaska but also get to explore a departure city that welcomes travelers of all abilities.

Let’s Plan Your Stress-Free Cruise!

If an Alaska cruise is on your bucket list but you’re unsure about the accessibility details, you don’t have to figure it out alone. I specialize in helping travelers with mobility needs plan unforgettable, worry-free vacations. From accessible transfers to the perfect cruise cabin, I’ll take care of the details so you can simply relax and enjoy the adventure.

tholt@moderntravelpros.com  

267-993-9980  

Meet Tammy Holt