When I registered they told me the "Gray Shuttle" makes a stop at the Crowne. Not sure exactly what the "Graay Shuttle" is but the way it was described by the reservations clerk it would be self-evident.

Thanks James!
My guess is that "self evident" is code for "Seattle airport is not quite as big as JFK so things are easy to find" :-)

ChrisL

Their underground train shuttle between terminals isn't real intuitive on first blush, Chris -- we got stuck on it once. ;-)

At least at JFK (and on the funky Dulles buses), you can see where you're going!

Seattle has a good public transit system, too. There are regular buses from the airport to downtown. Here's Google Transit's view of it:

http://www.google.com/transit?ie=UTF8&f=d&saddr=sea&daddr=1113+6th+Ave,+...

The #194 would certainly be cheaper (@ $2 or less) than a cab or shuttle (probably $30+), and might even be easier, depending on whether you're taking a shuttle that has other dropoffs.

--John

The 194 is pretty speedy half an hour and cheap (maybe $2.50). Schedule is here... http://transit.metrokc.gov/tops/bus/schedules/s194_0_.html

The 4th and University stop sounds like the closest to the hotel. Head up hill a few blocks and then north to get to the hotel.

The 194 doesn't really accomodate people with lots of bags or a huge suitcase (say one full of Froggy flyers). If you have either of these you might want to sit towards the back where you can find room to stash your gear.

My guess is the gray shuttle maybe athe Grey-line bus that serves downtown airports.

Cheers, Si

"...say one full of Froggy flyers)"

I guess wearing my frog fins and snorkle on the bus is a real no-no then too? :-)

ChrisL

Thanks John and Si, I just might brave it including my sack of Hamburgefonstiv T-shirts :-)

ChrisL

PS: Linda, I love those funky Dulles busses :-)

Seattle has a good public transit system, too
I just about choked on my mocha. Have you ever used Seattle's public transport?

In any case, I work at a hotel downtown. Here are your options:

Metro bus: As above. You get to ride next to the hobos, and the drivers have little patience for lots of luggage.

Greyline bus: It's basically a charter bus that stops at various locations.

Misc. Shuttles: There are 2 dozen handfuls of different companies. They're all the same, and they're all mediocre.

Taxi: Screw those guys.

Towncar: My preferred method. We can arrange to have a car meet you, drive you downtown, and you won't have to put up with a lot of baloney from the driver. If you call your hotel, or preferably me since they pay commission, we can get anything from a limo to a suburban to a minivan to a towncar to ride you into town in style.

I have my preference, but the greyline/shuttle services work fine. Not very comfortable, and slower than molasses, but they'll get you there eventually and they're almost decently priced.

The towncars are fast and comfortable, and cost less than a cab because they're a flat rate, not on the meter.

"Taxi: Screw those guys."
Can't one just pay a fare instead?

"Can’t one just pay a fare instead?"

LOL!!! You can always count on a Berlowism to bring a chuckle to your day :-)

ChrisL

Linda, I love those funky Dulles busses :-)

Me too, Chris, even though it means having to be out there three days before your flight goes. ;-)

Can’t one just pay a fare instead?

ROFL! Thank you so much -- you beat me to it!

I just checked in, and it was a nice short drive from the airport. Of course, my +1 leaves before me, so I still have to decide how to leave...

If everyone flying in wears their KERN zip-up or "who died and made you Matthew Carter?" t-shirt (or similar) - so people will be able to spot other typophiles and can share cabs.

Taxi fare from the airport to the Crowne Plaza was $32.00 sans tip. Not bad from my NYC perspective. It might be worth it for you and your T-shirts Chris.

James

Thanks guys and see you all tomorrow afternoon!

ChrisL

Getting back to the airport by cab is flat fare of $28 I believe, and there should be plenty of oportunities to share a cab for the ride back.

I'm writing from the 194 bus. Paid $2 and boarded with a bunch of other airport folk. Driver didn't mind the baggage. If Si is right about the stop I'll be there in 30 mins. Don't see why anyone would pay for shuttle or screw for cab--unless you have lots of swag to haul.

I am arriving at the airport around 6-ish this evening, if anyone might want to share a cab or limo :) My bag is too heavy to be dealing with buses.

If you're coming in at 6pm with bags you might hit game traffic, so you might want to consider the Grayline, to avoid paying for sitting in traffic.

http://www.graylineseattle.com/airportexpress1.cfm

It's about the third the cost of a Cab. When we were in the hotel bar on Monday two pulled up outside within the space of an hour.

The 194 is great, as Stephen found. I've taken it a half dozen times and never had any problems - no hoboes on the airport line, just businesspeople coming into Seattle and airport employees. Yes, get off @ 4th and Madison and it's just a coupla blocks to the hotel, a nice easy walk.

I get in on Thursday evening around 8:30 and if people want to share a cab, I'll do that with 3 others, or just take the bus. See you all Thursday night.

Waited for Grayline. Ended up cabbing it over with a guy in a FontShop t-shirt. (It took me full second to realize it was Delve!)

Just another FYI: talked to a concierge at the hotel, he said Grayline was very slow and overpriced, he suggested the public bus - or "otherwise (I'd) get ripped off."

Runs every 15 mins during the day, every 30 until 11:30 PM, then every 90 minutes until 6 AM.

See you all tomorrow night.

---

jlt : http://www.hewnandhammered.com

I took the 194 along with many luggage toting passengers and a couple of vagrants in need of a shower. The ride was quick and easy. It cost me only a buck and a quarter due to off-peak fare. Si was dead on about the driver though. She was the Seattle version of the "Soup Nazi" belching out barrages of bitching attacks on those who dared stand near the back door or who's luggage eclipsed the dreaded white line. Just think, I only paid $1.25 and got to hear 20 minutes of Don Rickles in the bargain!

ChrisL

Thanks Joshua, I used your info and saved a heap of dough.
There and back, I didn't have the right change and people insisted on giving me exact fare and nothing in return. Nice folk.
On the way back shared the bus with a bunch of Red Sox fans.
And thanks Chris for bunking with me -- we deprived the hotel of quite a bit of income there.

You're welcome Nick! That is what I call, a penny saved.

ChrisL