What is the main international airport in Washington state?

The primary gateway is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), commonly known as Sea-Tac, which handles the vast majority of international and domestic flights in the region. It acts as the central hub for the Pacific Northwest, connecting Washington to destinations worldwide.

Which airport is closest to Olympic National Park?

While William R. Fairchild International Airport in Port Angeles is geographically closest, it has very limited service; most travelers fly into Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) and drive about two to three hours to reach the park. Renting a car from SEA is usually the most practical option for exploring the peninsula.

Is it better to fly into Seattle or Spokane?

It depends entirely on your destination; fly into Seattle (SEA) if you are visiting the coast, mountains, or metro area, but choose Spokane (GEG) if you are heading to Eastern Washington or Northern Idaho. Seattle generally offers cheaper tickets due to higher competition, but Spokane offers a much faster, stress-free airport experience.

What is the best airport for visiting Leavenworth, WA?

The most convenient option is Pangborn Memorial Airport (EAT) in Wenatchee, which is only a 45-minute drive from Leavenworth. Flying here in 2026 allows you to skip the potentially snowy and traffic-heavy drive over Stevens Pass that you would face coming from Seattle.

How early should I get to Sea-Tac airport?

You should aim to arrive at least two to three hours before your scheduled departure because security lines at Sea-Tac can be exceptionally long and unpredictable. To save time, smart travelers often use the free SEA Spot Saver program to reserve a security checkpoint slot in advance.

Are there direct flights to the San Juan Islands?

Yes, you can book flights directly to Friday Harbor or Eastsound via regional carriers like Kenmore Air, often departing from smaller terminals like Boeing Field or Lake Union. Taking a seaplane is a popular and scenic way to reach the islands without waiting for the ferry.

Does Washington state have other international airports besides Seattle?

Yes, Spokane International Airport (GEG) and Bellingham International Airport (BLI) also hold international designations. However, Bellingham is mostly used as a low-cost alternative for travelers near the Canadian border, while Spokane serves the intermountain region.

Is there an airport near Mount Rainier National Park?

There is no commercial airport directly at the park; the closest major hub is Seattle-Tacoma (SEA), located about a 90-minute drive from the Nisqually Entrance. Visitors typically fly into Sea-Tac and rent a vehicle, as public transit to the mountain is not available.

Washington State Airports: Map, Codes & Flight Tips 2026

Washington State is served by dozens of public airports, but for most travelers, only a handful matter. Whether you are heading to a tech conference in Seattle, a wine tour in Walla Walla, or a hiking trip in the Cascades, choosing the right landing spot can save you hours of driving.

The state relies heavily on two major hubs: Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) for international and cross-country flights, and Spokane (GEG) for the eastern region. Beyond these, smaller regional airports offer convenient access to specific tourist destinations, often helping you avoid the heavy traffic of the Seattle metro area.

Major International Airports (The Big Hubs)

If you are flying from outside the Pacific Northwest, you will likely land at one of these two airports. They offer the most rental car options and flight connections.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

Known locally as Sea-Tac, this is the primary gateway to the Pacific Northwest. It is located about 14 miles south of downtown Seattle and 18 miles north of Tacoma. It serves as the main hub for Alaska Airlines and a significant hub for Delta Air Lines.

Best For: Visiting Seattle, Tacoma, Olympic National Park, and Mount Rainier.
Transport to Downtown: The most reliable option is the Link Light Rail. The station is connected to the parking garage. The ride takes about 35-40 minutes and costs around $3-4.
Rideshare: Uber and Lyft pick-ups are located on the 3rd floor of the parking garage, not curbside. Prices vary wildly depending on demand, often ranging from $45 to $80 for a ride to downtown.
Insider Tip: Security lines at Sea-Tac can be notoriously long, especially during morning hours. If you don't have TSA PreCheck, use the SEA Spot Saver program to book a security slot in advance for free.

[img src="uploads/2025/12/seattle-tacoma-airport-terminal.webp" cp=Travelers navigating the busy central terminal of Sea-Tac Airport near the Link Light Rail station.]

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Spokane International Airport (GEG)

Located in Eastern Washington, GEG is the second-largest airport in the state. It is far less congested than Seattle and offers a much quicker curb-to-gate experience.

Best For: Visiting Spokane, Coeur d’Alene (Idaho), Pullman, and the Northern Rockies.
Transport: The airport is a 10-15 minute drive from downtown Spokane.
Airlines: Major carriers like Southwest, Alaska, Delta, and United fly here daily.
Parking: Parking is significantly cheaper here compared to Seattle, making it a budget-friendly option for long trips starting in the east.

Key Regional Airports (By Destination)

Flying into a smaller regional airport can be a smart move. Although tickets might be slightly more expensive, you save time on driving and parking.

Bellingham International Airport (BLI)

Located just 20 miles south of the Canadian border, BLI is a favorite alternative for travelers living in Vancouver, BC, or the North Sound.

Why Choose It: It is small, stress-free, and parking is affordable.
Airlines: Primarily served by Southwest and Alaska Airlines.
Target Area: Bellingham, North Cascades National Park, and Vancouver (Canada) access without crossing the border by air.

Tri-Cities Airport (PSC)

This airport serves Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland. It is a critical hub for business travelers and those visiting the Hanford site or the Columbia Valley.

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Location: Pasco, WA.
Connections: Frequent direct flights are available from Seattle, Salt Lake City, Denver, and San Francisco.
Vibe: It is a modern, easy-to-navigate airport with very short wait times.

Walla Walla Regional Airport (ALW)

If you are planning a wine tasting trip, this is your landing spot. Walla Walla is famous for its vineyards, and the airport puts you 10 minutes away from the best tasting rooms.

Feature: Alaska Airlines offers daily flights from Seattle.
Wine Benefit: Under the Taste and Tote program, you can check a case of wine for free on your return flight if you fly with Alaska Airlines from here.

A view of the Walla Walla Regional Airport entrance with vineyards in the background.

Yakima Air Terminal (YKM) & Pangborn Memorial (EAT)

These airports serve Central Washington.

Yakima (YKM): Ideal for accessing the agricultural hub of the Yakima Valley.
Pangborn Memorial (EAT): Located in Wenatchee. This is the closest commercial airport to Leavenworth, the famous Bavarian-themed village. It is about a 45-minute drive from the airport to Leavenworth, compared to a 2.5-hour drive from Seattle.

Which Airport Should You Choose?

Deciding where to fly depends entirely on your final destination on the map.

Go to SEA if: You want the cheapest direct flights, are staying in Seattle, or plan to rent a car to drive the entire Olympic Peninsula loop.
Go to GEG if: You are heading to Idaho, skiing in the inland Northwest, or visiting Gonzaga University.
Go to BLI if: You want to visit Vancouver, BC but want to avoid high international flight taxes and the chaos of a major international airport.
Go to EAT (Wenatchee) if: Your main goal is a weekend trip to Leavenworth and you want to skip the snowy drive over Stevens Pass in winter.

Washington State Airports: Map, Codes & Transport Options 2026

Major International Airports (The Big Hubs)