Taxi from Sea-Tac to Capitol Hill

By final answer ( report abuse )

I always either take the bus or get Zipcarred to/from the airport.  Last night I arrived after a looooong day of travelling (3 flights, 15 hours in the air) and I decided to take a taxi.  I was tired of schlepping my bags and didn't have the energy to dodge the crazies at the 3rd and Pike busstop.  

$50 later, I was back at home on the Hill.  Seriously, fifty freakin' dollars!  (Ok, it was $44+tip.)  Is this typical or did my driver push the "overcharge the tired traveller" button?

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tags: taxi, airport, ripped off
posted on Wed, Nov 19, 2008 11:16 AM
Typical either way byyancy1 month ago ( report abuse ) ( reply )
That's either the standard charge or it's standard to overcharge--my friend paid about the same to get from the airport to the Hill a couple months ago (it was nighttime; I couldn't get there on the bus to meet her; I didn't have my zipcar account set up . . . yes, okay, I'm still conflicted about it two months later. But I think every now and then it's worth spending the money for a little peace of mind (?).)
it's typical bypffft1 month ago ( report abuse ) ( reply )
i've done that trip a lot. it's always right around $45-50.

BTW jseattle - login is acting funny. I can't stay logged in - keep getting logged out.
RE: it's typical byjseattle1 month ago ( report abuse )
Thanks. We're fiddling with a few things but that shouldn't be happening. I'll raise a flag.

As for fitty bucks, yeah, that's typical no matter which route you take. Looking forward to light rail from downtown soon!
Taxi Fares byCOMTE1 month ago ( report abuse ) ( reply )
The flat-rate from Sea-Tac to central Seattle (e.g. the hotel district, defined as Mercer St. to the North, Dearborn to the South & Boren/I-5 to the East) fare WAS $35, but they may have been allowed to tack on a fuel-surcharge - still that's a HEFTY surcharge, if so. And seriously, if you're going to take a vehicle instead of the bus, call a car-service instead of a taxi; nicer cars, more comfortable, same cost, and no waiting in the often loooooooonnng taxi line.
Yup byDanielle1 month ago ( report abuse ) ( reply )
Yeah, that seems about right. Apparently there's some mysterious taxi driven by local musicians that charges $25 flat (I think? I can't remember), but I can't find the story I saved on it. Maybe a little Googling beforehand can help you next time. :)
you can save a few bucks by14limes1 month ago ( report abuse ) ( reply )
by taking a Shuttle Express, but you have to wait until the van fills up somewhat, and then hope you're the first one dropped off. That runs about $27, last I checked. But yes, $45-50 is pretty standard for a cab.
towncars byjrrrl1 month ago ( report abuse ) ( reply )
Yeah, the towncars to/from seatac prove that nice things are a class issue, not a money issue. They're the same price or cheaper than taxis. I usually stick with my class and take the bus if I can, though.
RE: towncars bypffft1 month ago ( report abuse )
i don't think it's that simple. first, you have to call a car-service. that means you have to know which service to call, you have to have some way of knowing they're a reputable service and you have to do advance preparation (as simple as it is). with taxis, you know where to get them, you can get them any time, if you use one that's licensed you know what you're getting (even if it's not as "classy" as a towncar ;).
To avoid 3rd and Pike... byFinish Tag1 month ago ( report abuse ) ( reply )
We have a habit of taking the 194 to the end of the route and then taking a taxi home to the Hill from there. Doesn't help with the bag schlepping issue, but it makes for a nice, fast, relatively inexpensive trip home.
RE: To avoid 3rd and Pike... byjacicita1 month ago ( report abuse )
If the 194 is running, which it almost never is when I get in.
towncars bycaffeinated1 month ago ( report abuse ) ( reply )
You don't actually have to call the towncars. They're typically lined up just beyond the cabs waiting for fares. I split one to Capitol Hill with a friend about 5 months ago and it was about $50 including tip. I did feel a bit like a tool stopping traffic in front of my apt. and getting out of the thing.
More than NYC byTravels alot1 month ago ( report abuse ) ( reply )
I just get back from NYC and taxi's were charging $2/mi. Here in Seattle it's $2.50/mi; it just went up in Seattle in the last couple of months. Outrageous! I take the GrayLine Downtowner shuttle ($18RT) and if a friend can't pick me up / drop me off at the hotels it services, I cab it. Going to SeaTac, pick it up on the last stop (Warwick Hotel). On the way home to Cap Hill, get off on the first stop (Madison Renaissance) and never wait around for other passengers.
I will do it for $20 byJD1 month ago ( report abuse ) ( reply )
I am unemployed now and I enjoy meeting my neighbors. It might be bfun.
Seattle not taxi town byBill W.1 month ago ( report abuse ) ( reply )
I learned a long time ago that Seattle is not a taxi town. Just like LA is not a taxi town. Now Chicago and NYC are very much taxi towns. I use to be able to get from downtown Chicago all the way to Boystown for under 10 bucks.
I have taken a taxi from downtown Seattle about 15 blocks for $15. Probably more now...
town car sweet after flying byJane1 month ago ( report abuse ) ( reply )
When you arrive at the airport, dial 55 on the airport phones near the baggage pick-up and say you want a limo or town car. Fast fast, same price, sweet ride, and usually really nice drivers. If there were a price break I'd take a cab. If I'm w/out my family after an easy flight I take the bus.
not atypical byvc1 month ago ( report abuse ) ( reply )
I've done this trip lots (to/from my home in the Pike-Pine) and it probably averages about 45 (including tip).
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