Boeing Field King County International Airport
Airport guide 2026

Boeing Field King County International Airport BFI

United States

Boeing Field/King County International Airport, just 4 miles from downtown Seattle, is among the busiest non-hub airports in the country, with an important role as UPS Airlines' cargo hub and base for general aviation, as well as a limited number of commercial passenger flights.

Alternative gateway to Seattle, historically linked to Boeing and the birth of the city's aerospace industry.

Content verified on 06/09/2026
Official source: kingcounty.gov/airport

How to get to Boeing Field King County International Airport

Seattle city center is approximately 4 miles (6 km) from the airport: transfer takes approximately 20-30 minutes by King County Metro bus.

By Car

Those arriving by car reach downtown Seattle in approximately 15-20 minutes, traffic permitting.

By Train

There is no railway station at the airport: the Seattle Link Light Rail network does not have a direct stop at Boeing Field.

By Bus

Various King County Metro bus lines (including lines 36, 60, 107, and 124) serve the airport area, with connections to downtown Seattle in approximately 28-40 minutes; fare $3 USD.
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Tips Boeing Field handles predominantly cargo traffic (UPS hub), general aviation, and charter/private flights: carefully verify whether your specific airline actually operates from here, given the limited number of commercial airline flights.

Average travel time to BFI

TrainNot available (Link Light Rail has no Boeing Field stop)
Shuttle bus28-40 minutes (3 USD, King County Metro)
Taxi / Private hire15-20 minutes (25-35 USD)

Parking near Boeing Field King County International Airport

Parking is currently free for both short- and long-term stays; paid parking fees, originally scheduled for October 1st, 2026, have been suspended with no new activation date set.

How to get to Seattle from BFI

By Train

There is no railway station at the airport; Link Light Rail does not have a direct stop at Boeing Field.

By Bus

Multiple King County Metro routes (36, 60, 107, 124) connect the airport to downtown Seattle in 28-40 minutes; fare $3.

By Taxi

A taxi or Uber/Lyft costs approximately $25-35 to downtown, with travel time 15-20 minutes (tip 15-20% additional).

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Car rental at Boeing Field King County International Airport

Car rental companies available are limited compared to SEA-TAC, given the hub's predominantly cargo and general aviation character.

 

Hotels near Boeing Field King County International Airport

Boeing Field/King County International Airport is not Seattle's passenger airport: it mainly serves general aviation, cargo, and Kenmore Air flights, five miles south of downtown. Those who use it often fly private jets or charters and don't need to sleep near SeaTac, which is a different airport further south. The Georgetown neighborhood, right next to the runways, is the most convenient choice for an unusual departure time; those who prefer more life around them find solid hotels in the stadium district or downtown Seattle, 15-25 minutes by car depending on traffic.
Airport area

Georgetown

A few minutes by car from the general aviation terminals; the Museum of Flight is right across the street.

Best for: Those flying general aviation or charter who want to stay a step from the runways of Boeing Field.

Pros
  • A step from Boeing Field and the Museum of Flight
  • A neighborhood with breweries and independent venues, not just hotels
Cons
  • An industrial area, little else nearby in the evening
  • Downtown Seattle is still a good quarter of an hour away by car
See more hotels in this area
Neighbourhood

SODO and the stadium district

About ten minutes by car from Boeing Field; two light rail stations a block from the hotel.

Best for: Those who want a middle ground between Boeing Field and downtown, with games and concerts within easy reach.

Pros
  • Two light rail stations a block away, convenient for downtown too
  • Next to the Mariners and Seahawks stadiums, useful on game days
Cons
  • On game days the neighborhood fills up and prices rise
  • Outside sporting events the area is not very lively in the evening
See more hotels in this area
City centre

Downtown Seattle

20-25 minutes by car or taxi from Boeing Field depending on traffic; no direct rail connection.

Best for: Those who want to see Seattle, between Pike Place Market and the waterfront, accepting a longer trip to Boeing Field.

Pros
  • Walking distance to Pike Place Market and the waterfront
  • Far more choice of restaurants and evening venues
Cons
  • The trip to Boeing Field is the longest among the zones in this guide
  • Hotel parking is almost always paid
See more hotels in this area
 

Airport services

The airport is a major UPS Airlines cargo hub and base for general aviation and corporate operations, with limited commercial passenger flights compared to SEA-TAC.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area is limited, given the predominantly cargo and general aviation nature of this facility.

Lounges & relaxation

Lounge services are limited, reflecting the scale of this facility.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is available in select areas; major U.S. cellular companies have complete coverage in the zone.

Families & Children

Family services are limited, given the predominantly cargo and general aviation nature of this facility.

Terminal guide

Passenger facilities are modest in size compared to a major hub, reflecting the hub's predominantly cargo and general aviation role.

For flights, allow 1.5-2 hours of buffer time before departure.

Map of Boeing Field King County International Airport

Map of Boeing Field King County International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Is Boeing Field a passenger airport like SEA-TAC?

No, it mainly handles cargo traffic (a UPS hub), general aviation and charters, with a limited number of scheduled commercial passenger flights.

Q. Is Boeing Field close to downtown Seattle?

Yes, only about 4 miles (6 km) away, closer than SEA-TAC.

Q. Why is it called Boeing Field?

Because of its historic connection with Boeing and the birth of Seattle's aerospace industry.

Q. Which buses connect Boeing Field to downtown Seattle?

Several King County Metro lines, including 36, 60, 107 and 124.

Flight board

Real-time status of arriving and departing flights

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Things to do in Seattle

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