Does anyone know of any cheap parking at Sea-Tac. On my last trip I went to MVP parking (about 4 blocks from airport) and parked for a week. With AA discount they gave me a rate of 6.95 per day for the week BUT charged me for each day not just 24hour period, hence 1 week = 9 days.

Could try SEATACPARK.com. They've brought their rates down to $6/day + tax + fees, and charge on a 24 hr basis. Ajax lot 3 was charging $6/day (+tax, no fee) for a while.

I was initially loyal to Thrifty, but at around $13/day it was expensive.

I rode the wave that AJAX was throwing around Nov/Dec for $6/day. It was then $8 until 1Mar. Now it's at $10.99 (but there are coupons on line).

I have always wanted to give seatacpark.com, but I haven't yet... m,aybe next week.

Ajax's current coupon is @ $8.25/day. Extra hours are $1 each, which I think is quite fair.

No real complaints, except that I sometimes feel obligated to tip, because I am such a familiar face to the drivers.

For the past few years, I have been parking at the Thrifty lot on 99 & 188th. The last few months, however, the service has been getting worse and worse; rude drivers, waiting over 15-20 minutes to get picked up in the lot or the airport, drivers passing you by, etc. Does anyone have any ideas on a good offsite lot where the wait times for parking lot as well as airport pickup are consistently kept to a minumum?

Try this place: http://www.seatacpark.com

I've had good luck with them in the two times I've used them.

I haven't lived there for a couple years, but we were always very happy with MasterPark. They give Alaska Miles too.

I posted the extenda-mix version of this questions in TravelBuzz, but Fredd suggested that there is more expertise here... :)

Anybody have a personal favourite long-term parking lot at Sea-Tac? We've never parked there, and are looking for a nice, safe, secure lot. I've already heard two YEAs for Shuttlepark, and one caution not to park near an exterior fence in the event of rock-throwers. :)

Cheers!

Well, since I suggested you try here, let me start with a couple of suggestions. There is a Shuttlepark and a Shuttlepark2. We have used both:

http://www.shuttlepark.com/shuttlepark/

http://www.shuttlepark2.com/shuttlepark2/

The discounted daily rate through the web coupon at SP2 is about as cheap as we've found,and we've never had a hint of a problem at either place. I suppose the suggestion about not parking near an exterior fence is a good one if one is particularly concerned.

Several years ago before we were flying so much we found an Internet site that advertised the cheapest parking I'd seen. The only catch was that you had to prepay and there were no refunds. We did, and when we showed up at this place... well, let's say I'm glad we were driving a big old Ford Crown Vic because we had to leave our keys with them too. They parked it in a kind of hilly field. The car survived but it made me suspicious.

I have the feeling as we wait in the shuttle spot at SEA that other shuttles come around a little more regularly (for example Doug Fox), but worse case, it's no problem just calling these outfits as they also cruise fairly regularly and the longest I've ever waited is about 20 minutes from the time I use the courtesy phone at the pickup area.

I'm also assuming you don't want to include an overnight because of your proximity. Sometimes there are good Park and Fly deals at motels, or even free parking at some of the outlying ones, but any of the ones we've found haven't included really secure parking.

Others with more experience may be able to offer some other alternatives. I'd be really interested to see them as well because we're always looking for something a little better.

Cheers,
Fredd

I frequently use MasterPark - Lot A for 7 -10 day stays.
http://www.masterparking.com/

You can literally walk from Lot A to the terminal if you had to, but the shuttles are always quick.

I haven't had any luck with Park-N-Fly or Doug Fox, not from a security stand point, but in my experience the shuttles have been painfully slow.

MasterPark is a little spendy though.

MasterPark is the most expensive option but they seem to have the most shuttles.

I use ShuttlePark2 most often and they're friendly and inexpensive, but I've waited up to 25 minutes for a shuttle. They also are a mile or so from the airport.

MasterPark is the most expensive option but they seem to have the most shuttles.

I use ShuttlePark2 most often and they're friendly and inexpensive, but I've waited up to 25 minutes for a shuttle. They also are a mile or so from the airport.

Our experience is identical to what you've described. The complimentary water bottles that ShuttlePark2 hands out on the bus are a nice touch.

We have recently gotten good deals (e.g. under $100) staying at the Courtyard by Marriott in Tukwila and the Southcenter Hampton Inn because they have free parking. The parking is right out in the open, so it doesn't meet the OP's concern about parking security, but for a ten-day trip a decent motel room, breakfast (at the Hampton) and high-speed Internet are basically free.

I always use SeaTacPark

http://www.seatacpark.com/weekly.html

I've also been happy with Shuttle Park 2. The drivers are usually friendly and helpful. The previous comment about the coupon on their web site is a good tip. Also, they have a frequent parker program. You basically get a free day for every 6-7 paid days.

Thank you all for the help! Shuttlepark 2 it is :)

I often use SeaTacPark.... if you grab the coupons out the AS in-flight magazines (although not as good as they used to be), plus take into account you get 5 free days parking for every 25 (equivalent to 1 free day for every 5 paid), it ends up being a good deal. Excellent service usually. Park your car and they pick you up immediately. Use their website to guarantee your rate. I liked the old punch card system, as the agents would often sneak a few extra punches in at times... now its all automated and legit. (Darn! hehehe!)

ShuttlePark2 is also great. Cheaper initial rate, but comparable to SeaTacPark over the long run, and a little close to the airport. I used to dislike their service (slow picking you up in the lot), but they've changed to operate more like SeaTacPark, so I use them occasionally too. User their website for their web rate.

Another little tibit of parking info... you can now park at the airport for $14.95/day ALL IN... flat rate. Business travelers (http://www.portseattle.org/seatac/ground/parkingpremier.shtml) can now sign up for a frequent parking card that has this $14.95 rate. This is very comparable to MasterPark Lot A, especially when you add in MasterPark's taxes and fees. The Sea Tac $14.95 rate includes taxes and fees. I use this when I'm only gone for a day or two, or if I'm running so late, I can't take the chance parking off site. Oh, and you also get 10% off Starbucks and SBC coffee in the airport.

The Doubletree has got park 'n fly rates for stays of 7, 10 and IIRC 14 days so if you have an early AM departure or arrive back into SEA late, it's an option. You can do your stay at the beginning or at the end. The DT shuttle is every 15 mins 24/7 and it's even walkable from the airport in a pinch.

I remember seatacpark starting at $0.99 when it first started. Still have the 5 free days from a punch card completed 2 years ago. Thankfully these don't expire.

The Coast Gateway offers a Park 'n Fly and they utilize MasterPark's lot. I believe you get 7 free days parking with one night's stay. Their rates are pretty reasonable as I recall, plus they have those make your own belgium waffles for their continental breakfast. Since they don't keep the cars on site they don't run out of park 'n fly space like the airport Red Lion (not to be mistaken with the Red Lion Boeing Field/Seattle South).

Red Lion Boeing Field/Seattle South does a park 'n fly with an open lot and their facility is good if you wanna go pretend you're in the days of Jackie Kennedy... hey, the Airforce 1 from that era is right down the road at the Museum of Flight. There is a Thai rest. in the lobby, okay food but avoid their Sunday brunch. The bar closes early Fri & Sat nights, they have Alaskan Amber on tap for cheaper than I've ever found in Alaska!

Ramada Limited has a Park n' Fly and you can leave your car in their underground garage. As someone else already mentioned, the Doubletree offers Park n' Fly but I think they use their own lot, which is gated but not fenced. Red Roof Inn does a park 'n fly & keeps the cars in their open access lot, but I wouldn't recommend staying there.

Budget Inn in Renton, great value but not worth the distance and the rooms aren't that great. Whatever you do, stay away from Sutton Suites, no matter how great of a deal they are offering!

I have noticed parking at SEA is really expensive. Be sure to grab a coupon book, they are available in baggage and at rest stops along the highways.

Alison
Chugiak, AK

I have always been happy with the service from MasterPark. I can just drop off the car, the luggage gets put on the shuttle, and the car is waiting and warming up when I come back.

When my stays have been longer, I've been running down to the airport with my wife, renting a car the day before our trip, and then dropping it off when departing. Reverse the process on the way back. Depending on the luggage involved, either a standard car or and SUV/van does the trick. Usually, the break even point is around 8-9 days.

I'm really glad I did that when I was gone for 5 1/2 weeks. :D

Thank you all for the help! Shuttlepark 2 it is :)

Good choice. I fly weekly, and now use ShuttlePark 2 exclusively. Make sure to sign up for their Points program at their Web site of www.shuttlepark2.com, which also can have Web special coupon rates.

I also throw my vote to ShuttlePark2. I used to use MasterPark A, because we had a corporate rate with them, but I didn't like the idea that they drove my car and that it was parked on a gravel lot. Furthermore, they never offered bottled water like ShuttlePark 2 does. And there always seemed to be hidden "taxes" that brought the rate up even higher.

One note about SP2, though, is that their rates have secretly been climbing every few months. When I first started parking there, it was $6.13/day, certainly one of the cheapest options out there. Now I think they're up to $7.27 with the coupons. Still not bad, but just beware.

Current SP2 rate is $7.76 a day with coupon, $9.95 without. Steeper than before but the day rate in the airport central garage remains $20.

The margin of adventage is a little slimmer if you're away for a week. The weekly rate in the airport central garage has just been lowered to $85. A week at SP2 would be $53 with coupon, $70 without, plus tax.

Current SP2 rate is $7.76 a day with coupon, $9.95 without. Steeper than before but the day rate in the airport central garage remains $20.

The margin of adventage is a little slimmer if you're away for a week. The weekly rate in the airport central garage has just been lowered to $85. A week at SP2 would be $53 with coupon, $70 without, plus tax.

Ah, yes. But if you fly a lot, the ShuttlePark2 Point Club is worth it -- parking for my last two week-long vacations have been free, because of all the business parking I do at SP2's lot. Not a bad deal.

One of the Seattle news stations did an analysis of the car prowls and thefts in the parking lots and hotel lots around the SeaTac airport for the 1 year period between March 2006 and March 2007.

http://www.king5.com/localnews/investigators/stories/NW_042607INVairporthotelcrime-thefts-chartDS.efee318.html

Might be of interest the next time you are looking for a place to leave your vehicle.

I'm delighted that ShuttlePark2, where I've been leaving my car every week for more than three years, isn't on here. (The original ShuttlePark/Airstar lot is going to be closed soon due to construction on the light rail.)

Since the original Radisson is also gone, due to demolition for the light rail, I guess that takes care of any car theft problems there. :)

This isn't a question about SEA as a destination, but as a departure point. Alas, I can't find any better place to post this.

I've just moved up to Seattle and I know that the parking at Sea-Tac can be a pain, especially around the holidays. It looks like the airport only operates the garage, not any remote lots (which is what I've used in SLC and DEN). All of the remote lots are private and I'm wondering if folks have any favorites. I'm not looking for the best deal since my company will pay for most of the parking, but I am looking for:

Frequent shuttles - I hate waiting more than 5 or 10 minutes for a but to or from the terminal
Reservations - ability to make reservations for peak times (e.g. Christmas) so I know I'll have a parking space
Round the clock - While my travel is usually Mon - Thurs, I also have enough trips that leave or arrive at odd times that I want to be able to fetch my car at 3am when my flight from ORD finally arrives (after the inevitable delay...)

With those criteria, I would look at http://www.seatacpark.com/

The downsides are that it is south of the airport (so a longer drive from the city) and just a little bit farther away (from the airport).

Besides what you noted as what you're looking for, the place is quick to pick up (at the airport and at your car), has clean busses, the people are friendly (always greeted w/ a hello when you drive in), and has a frequent parker club (so you can park for free when you're not on business).

Just an idea.

Doug Fox parking seems to have the most shuttles, or so it seems whenever I'm waiting for mine. seatacpark.com had service issues in the past. I've used them for recently and they seem to meet the service criteria you are looking for. bear in mind their cheaper rates don't qualify for the afore-mentioned frequent parker programme.

How do you feel about valet versus park-and-lock?

If you're OK with valet, MasterPark seems to have frequent shuttles, and the lots are nice and close to the airport -- but I think they're expensive.

I prefer park-and-lock, so I usually use ShuttlePark2 (www.shuttlepark2.com). 24-hour service, reasonable rates, you can make a reservation online in advance, and they award frequent-parker points. They're north of the airport too, so unless you're coming up from Federal Way, etc., it's an easy shot. The only thing is, it's been known to take a few minutes to get picked up on arrival.

Hi all,
I am flying out of SEA for almost 2 weeks at Christmas time and am looking for some advice on the best way to save some cash in parking costs. As I live in Vancouver BC, taking local transit to the airport probably isn't feasible, but who knows.

Where are some of the best options for parking for a relatively long period of time at SEA?

Thanks very much!

This question has been clubbed to death already in recent threads:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=385095

My favorite is ShuttlePark 2 (www.shuttlepark2.com). On-site airport parking is out of sight now, $22 a day I believe. I don't use it anymore.

If you are coming down from Vancouver, though, why not use the Quick Shuttle bus transfer (www.quickcoach.com)? It gets you across the border check faster.

Also, flying YVR-SEA might prove cheaper than a two-week parking bill.

Thanks Bear for the suggestions.

Regarding Quick Shuttle - I've done it before and it's not necessary quick. Or cheap for that matter - the R/T is about $90, so approaches the cost of parking near SEA but takes infinitely longer than driving.

What I may do is park at a friend's apt in Bellevue or Kirkland (I forget exactly where she is) and take transit from there or some other way. Still exploring all my options-

Thanks again.

Regarding Quick Shuttle - I've done it before and it's not necessary quick. Or cheap for that matter - the R/T is about $90, so approaches the cost of parking near SEA but takes infinitely longer than driving.


The Entertainment book as a 50% off QS coupon so it'll pay for itself on 1 round trip.

Might be slow (I think it takes an hour longer these days - maybe the drivers I've had recently aren't in a hurry - late departures, slow driving, toilet breaks, and all). If the schedule works for you, it may be relaxing and may get you through the border faster (but the wait there is at least 1/2 hr.


What I may do is park at a friend's apt in Bellevue or Kirkland (I forget exactly where she is) and take transit from there or some other way. Still exploring all my options-


It's a long way and transit may well no tbe a viable option.

Regarding Quick Shuttle - I've done it before and it's not necessary quick. Or cheap for that matter - the R/T is about $90... Happy to try and help... re: Quick Shuttle speed, in my modest experience the bus will clear the border in 30-45 minutes, while with the current construction project the wait to get a private car through could easily be much longer. As for relative cost, the all-in cost for two weeks of airport-zone parking will be at least $100. A tank of gas for the trip is another $30 or $40. Against that, Quick Shuttle comes out far cheaper.

Well, I have Nexus which should mean that I should get through the border in 20 mins max (though with the impending construction and elimination of 50% of the lanes there - who knows).

And, at least according to Quick Shuttle's website, there are additional fees for luggage. I think it's $10 per bag. Since holiday travel means lots of luggage, this will level the playing field. (Though I have not been aware about the 50% coupon that Cockroach mentioned).

Plus I can drive to SEA from my house in 2 hours 45 mins (without any major traffic backups of course), but the last time it took Quick Shuttle it took 5 hours. Those 4 hours (2 on either side of my trip) are worth some $$ too.

I wish there was a quicker and cheaper alternative between the two cities but for now the car wins, unfortunately.

Yeah, Nexus would make a crucial difference, so I expect you're making the right call. But I don't see any evidence on the Quick Shuttle website of a $10/bag surcharge; it says up to three checked pieces per rider are allowed, each with a max weight of 50 lbs, but there's no mention of baggage fees.

I haven't ridden Quick Shuttle in about a year. In the past I liked the convenience factor (Everett, WA bus depot up to YVR in about three hours) but the schedule is pretty much creative writing and the drivers can be screwy. Also apparently they no longer call at the Everett Transit Center, but at the Tulalip Premium Outlets shopping mall at milepost 199, which is a huge step in the wrong direction; that mall is a freakin' mess, and ten miles further away from South Snohomish population centers.

Some of the Sea-Tac hotels offer park n fly rates that include 14 days of parking for roughly $100 which includes one night's lodging. If you are looking for stay credits for a particular hotel chain, this might make a difference.

I like the Hampton Inn Seattle/Southcenter. You have to call them to see if they are offering the park n fly rate at that time.

If you are driving from Vancouver to Seattle, which is a route I travel a couple of times a year, instead of crossing the border at Peace Arch which as pointed out by other can sometimes take more than 45 mins to cross, you might consider driving east along Canada 1 from Vancouver, turn right into 264th Street (Aldergrove Bellingham Road) as the border crossing there invariably only has three or four vehicles before me when I cross. You then continue down 264th, which changes at the border to Guide Meridian Road (539th) to the I5 at Bellingham, then onto Seattle etc. I have found it saves a lot of time just at the border.

If you are driving from Vancouver to Seattle, which is a route I travel a couple of times a year, instead of crossing the border at Peace Arch which as pointed out by other can sometimes take more than 45 mins to cross, you might consider driving east along Canada 1 from Vancouver, turn right into 264th Street (Aldergrove Bellingham Road) as the border crossing there invariably only has three or four vehicles before me when I cross. You then continue down 264th, which changes at the border to Guide Meridian Road (539th) to the I5 at Bellingham, then onto Seattle etc. I have found it saves a lot of time just at the border.

That's the Aldergrove/Lynden crossing but I wouldn't count on it being quiet these days.

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/general/times/menu-e.html

I haven't ridden Quick Shuttle in about a year. In the past I liked the convenience factor (Everett, WA bus depot up to YVR in about three hours) but the schedule is pretty much creative writing and the drivers can be screwy. Also apparently they no longer call at the Everett Transit Center, but at the Tulalip Premium Outlets shopping mall at milepost 199, which is a huge step in the wrong direction

That's interesting. They never stopped between Bellingham (on request) and d/t Seattle for the longest time. For a short while, they did stop at some motel across I-5 from the Everett Mall area.

I think the Tulalip stop is for shoppers north of the border (have no idea why anyone would want to go to that mall though - it's full of cr@p).

Some of the Sea-Tac hotels offer park n fly rates that include 14 days of parking for roughly $100 which includes one night's lodging. If you are looking for stay credits for a particular hotel chain, this might make a difference.

The Doubletree has such a rate, with anything form 7-14 days of parking. You can do your stay before or after you fly. Just go in and check at the desk, so they can give you a parking slip. I had to do a 17 day stay and asked to prepay the extra days. The extra days were waived as my partner was a Diamond member.

We parked at the Doubletree on a previous trip and it worked out for us. However, we parked at Masterpark this time after reading a previous parking thread in this forum the listed break-in attempts at various lots around SEA.

For those who are interested, I ended up parking for the 12 days at Extra Car, on International Blvd.

http://www.extracar.com/cgi-bin/extracar/welcome

They were great - very helpful and friendly staff and pretty reasonable. I ended up buying a pre-paid 15 day punch card which came to $110 after taxes. Since I parked there for only 12 days, I still have 3 days left on the card.

The lot is "valet" (i.e. stacked parking) so you do have to leave your key with them, but they know when you are returning, so the car is ready for you when you return to the lot.

It was a good experience, even at busy holiday time.

The Airstar/Shuttlepark lots are closing on April 30, 2008 to make room for the Port of Seattle Consolidated Rental Car Facility. Losing those two lots will eliminate quite a few parking spots from the off-airport inventory.

They say that they will reopen after a brief closure in a different location.

http://www.airstarparking.com/

The Airstar/Shuttlepark lots are closing on April 30, 2008 to make room for the Port of Seattle Consolidated Rental Car Facility. Losing those two lots will eliminate quite a few parking spots from the off-airport inventory.

They say that they will reopen after a brief closure in a different location.

http://www.airstarparking.com/

As before, the nearby (across Hwy 99) ShuttlePark2 lot is not affected:

http://www.shuttlepark2.com/