Seattle cruises use two terminals. Pier 66, the Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal, is right on the downtown waterfront, an easy walk to Pike Place Market. Pier 91, the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal, is at the north end of the waterfront, about 10 minutes from downtown by car. Which one you get depends on your cruise line, and your cruise documents will tell you.
I pick guests up at both for my private shore excursions, and the first thing I ask is which pier. It changes the whole plan for the day.
Pier 66 vs Pier 91 at a glance
| Pier 66 | Pier 91 | |
|---|---|---|
| Official name | Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal | Smith Cove Cruise Terminal |
| Address | 2225 Alaskan Way | 2001 W. Garfield St. |
| Where | Downtown waterfront | North end of the waterfront, on Smith Cove |
| Ship berths | One | Two |
| To downtown | You're already there | About 10 minutes by car, no public transit |
| To Sea-Tac Airport | 30 to 45 minutes by car | 30 to 45 minutes by car |
Which cruise lines use which pier
In 2026, Norwegian and Oceania sailed from Pier 66. Holland America, Princess, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Virgin Voyages and MSC sailed from Pier 91. Cunard used both, depending on the date.
Those assignments can change from season to season, and 2027 isn't final yet. Go by the terminal on your cruise documents.
Getting off at Pier 66
You're downtown the minute you walk off. Pike Place Market is close enough to walk, and so are a lot of hotels. If you're taking light rail to the airport, Westlake Station is about a 20-minute walk.
The terminal also has same-day bag storage if you're not flying until later, and Pier 91 has it too. Check the current price and pickup time with the Port before you count on it.
Getting off at Pier 91
Pier 91 is out of the way. There's no public transit to it, so you'll need a ride. It can also get hectic when ships are unloading, so set a clear meeting spot with whoever is picking you up. For my tours, I send pickup instructions ahead of time.
One thing most people miss: there's a stretch of strawberry trees along the waterfront trail by Pier 91. In the fall they're loaded with fruit.
Bags and the airport
If you're flying out the same day, sign up for Port Valet early. Online enrollment closes on day one of your cruise, and after that you sign up onboard. For eligible flights it moves your checked bags from the ship to your airline for free, though airline bag fees still apply. I recommend it to every eligible cruise guest, and for my groups of eight or more traveling with luggage it's required. If it isn't available for your sailing or flight, contact me before booking. More in my Port Valet guide.
From either pier, plan on 30 to 45 minutes to Sea-Tac by car, and the airport asks you to be there two hours before a domestic flight and three before an international one. Work backward from that.
Quick answers
Can you walk from Pier 91 to downtown? You can, but it's about three miles and there's no public transit. With bags, take a car.
Is Pier 66 walking distance to Pike Place? Yes.
Which pier is closer to the airport? About the same. Plan 30 to 45 minutes from either.
Spend the day in Seattle instead of the airport
On my private shore excursions I pick you up at Pier 66 or Pier 91, show you the city and drop you at Sea-Tac. You can do three, four or five hours, and the tour time includes the pickup, the driving and the airport drop-off. The shortest option is the 3-hour Seattle City Tour. Send me your ship, your terminal and everyone's flight times and I'll tell you what fits.
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More cruise planning: What to do in Seattle after an Alaska cruise before your flight · Seattle shore excursions: what to do in one day
