Day-walk storage
30–35L Hiking Daypack
Carry spare layers and walking supplies; check fit and use a liner for valuables.
Fly & Drive guide
Fly into BFI, drive to Seattle
15 min drive7 milesNo entry permit
Trip snapshot
Arrival airport- BFI
Airport drive- 15 min · estimate
Suggested stay- 2–4 days
Reservation demand- Lower · check current rules
Vehicle notes- A standard car is sufficient for city and foothill travel; check ferry height restrictions if using a high-roof van.
Your route
BFI
King County International Airport - Boeing Field
Seattle
About 15 min · 7 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
Step 1Flights to BFI
Compare fares into King County International Airport - Boeing Field.
Find flights
Step 2Standard car at BFI
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Seattle. Compare rental companies in one search. Est. from $45/day · typical rate.
Compare rentals
Step 2SUV at BFI
Select an SUV, pickup location and dates on Airport Rentals. Est. from $55/day · typical rate.
Compare SUVs
Before you goStore extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storage
03 · First night near Seattle
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
Before you land
Reservations
Ferry Reservations and Park Passes
Vehicle reservations are highly recommended for the Washington State Ferry routes to the San Juan Islands and Sidney, B.C.; the Bainbridge ferry is first-come, first-served. Discovery Park and other urban green spaces do not require entry permits, but regional state parks require a Discover Pass. Check the official WSDOT site for real-time ferry terminal wait times.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
June – September
Your route
Day 1 · Puget Sound and Urban Islands
Pike Place Market → Bainbridge Island Ferry
Day 2 · Coastal Forests and Locks
Discovery Park → Ballard Locks
Day 3 · Mountain Foothills and Lakes
Snoqualmie Falls → Lake Union
Viator
Tours & experiences near Seattle
Explore guided activities around Seattle. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separatelyCurated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Seattle
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Town & sightseeing days
11.5L Travel Sling Bag
Keep small day-trip belongings together without a bike-mounted bag.
Uneven walking trails
Adjustable Trekking Pole
An optional support on uneven walks. Check trail rules, pole length and airline baggage rules.
Wildlife & night viewing
Hawknite 1 4K Night Vision Binoculars
52MP photo · 1,200m range · full color at night. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$299.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Seattle?
King County International Airport - Boeing Field (BFI) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from BFI to Seattle?
Roughly 15 min (about 7 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Seattle?
Vehicle reservations are highly recommended for the Washington State Ferry routes to the San Juan Islands and Sidney, B.C.; the Bainbridge ferry is first-come, first-served. Discovery Park and other urban green spaces do not require entry permits, but regional state parks require a Discover Pass. Check the official WSDOT site for real-time ferry terminal wait times.
Keep planning
Full guideStays, 3-day plan and route map for Seattle
