Travel Information

Mini-gathering registrants are responsible for booking their own airfare or other transportation to the AAAW 15th Anniversary Mini-Gathering.



Air Travel

For those arriving by air, the Seattle-Tacoma (Sea-Tac) International Airport (airport code: SEA) is the closest major airport to the Courtyard Seattle Downtown/Lake Union hotel, where the mini-gathering program will be based.

For general information about Sea-Tac Airport, click here or call (206) 433-5388.

Transportation between the airport and hotel is also the responsibility of each mini-gathering registrant. The Courtyard Seattle Downtown/Lake Union hotel does not offer an airport shuttle, but here are some other options for transportation to/from the airport:
  • Shuttle Express: (425) 981-7000; approximate one-way fee $36.00; reservation required
  • Central Link Light Rail: (888) 889-6368; one-way fare $2.50  additional transpotation needed to transfer between Westlake downtown light rail station and hotel
  • Taxi: approximate one-way fare $45.00
Rental cars are also available from several companies with rental counters on-site at the airport. Please note that the Courtyard Seattle hotel charges a daily parking fee (in addition to room rates) to park at the hotel.

Other Transportation

For those not traveling by air, you might wish to visit the hotel website's maps and transportation page for additional information about traveling by car, Amtrak train or Greyhound bus.

Click here for a map of the hotel's location.


Mini-Gathering Event Transportation

The AAAW 15th Anniversary Mini-Gathering will take place at several locations throughout Seattle. The two options for public transportation include the Metro Transit Bus and the Seattle Streetcar (South Lake Union Line). The Metro Transit Bus costs $2.25-$2.50 per ride. Payment must be made in cash and no change is given. The Seattle Streetcar costs $2.50 per ride. Tickets can be purchased either on the Streetcar or on the platform of the station. Cash and credit cards are both accepted. Volunteers will be available to assist with the buses and streetcars.

You may also travel by taxi cab to the different locations. The two largest taxi companies in Seattle are the Yellow Cab (206-622-6500) and Orange Cab (206-522-8800). Taxi rates include a flat fee of $2.50 plus an additional $2.50 per mile.

For complete details about suggested transportation and routes between the hotel and the offsite mini-gathering events -- including departure times from the hotel with volunteer guides -- see Transportation Information.


Visiting Seattle

We are excited to welcome you to our beautiful city!

Flanked by the Puget Sound on the west and Lake Washington on the east, and set amid a backdrop of the Olympic Mountains and the Cascade Range, Seattle is the largest city in the state of Washington and in the Pacific Northwest. Seattle's nickname is the "Emerald City," thanks to the lush evergreens surrounding and gracing the metropolis.

Seattle -- and its greater metropolitan area -- is the birthplace of Starbucks, Jimi Hendrix, grunge rock, Boeing, Nordstrom and Amazon.com, and home to the Mariners, the Seahawks and Bill Gates.

The AAAW Mini-Gathering Planning Committee has compiled a list of suggestions for day trips, sightseeing and shopping in and around Seattle.

Below are some additional links for visitors to Seattle:


Seattle Weather

(Click here for the current 5-day forecast)

Although you've probably heard that Seattle is famous for its rainy weather, September is typically among the driest months of the year, according to rainfall averages (1.63 inches / 4.14 centimeters).

Even during Seattle's wettest months, the typical precipitation is more of a drizzle than a heavy rainfall. Most Seattleites don't even carry umbrellas!

Average temperatures in September range between 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (10-21 Celsius).

Be sure to check the forecast as your departure date approaches to plan accordingly. We hope to enjoy some beautiful autumn days and evenings with you here in Seattle.