London to Seattle flights

Heathrow handles most departures for Seattle, and it is where British Airways and Virgin Atlantic run their direct flights from London to Seattle. BA leaves from Terminal 5, Virgin from Terminal 3, which Delta Air Lines also uses for its connecting options. Prices begin at £309. You land at Seattle-Tacoma International, 14 miles south of downtown.

To secure the best rates on flights from London to Seattle, planning your trip in advance or looking for off-peak departures in early December can help lower your travel costs.

Most flights to Seattle depart from London Heathrow Airport (LHR), located 14 miles west of central London. Heathrow operates four passenger terminals, with British Airways flights to the Pacific North-west departing from Terminal 5, while Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines operate from Terminal 3. The airport is highly accessible from the city centre via the Elizabeth line, the London Underground, or the Heathrow Express train.

Alternatively, some services depart from London Gatwick Airport (LGW), situated 29 miles south of the capital. Gatwick features two main terminals, North and South, which are connected by a free monorail shuttle service taking just a few minutes.

Flights from London land at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), situated roughly 14 miles south of downtown Seattle. The most efficient public transport option is the Link light rail, which departs directly from the airport station connected to the fourth floor of the parking garage. The journey to downtown stations takes around 40 minutes.

Taxis and app-based private hire vehicles are available on the third floor of the parking garage, providing direct transport to your accommodation. For travellers wishing to drive, a dedicated rental car facility is accessible via a free shuttle bus operating outside the baggage claim area.

Entry requirements for Seattle

Travellers flying from the UK to the United States must satisfy specific entry requirements before departure. British citizens generally qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, allowing entry for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days without a visa, provided they obtain an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) online at least 72 hours before travel.

Your passport must be an electronic passport (e-passport) with a digital chip and remain valid for the entire duration of your stay in the country. Upon arrival, you will pass through US Customs and Border Protection formalities, where biometric data such as fingerprints and photographs are collected.

Seattle sits between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, combining a dense urban core with immediate access to nature. The historic Pike Place Market is a focal point for fresh Pacific North-west seafood and local crafts, while the Space Needle in Queen Anne offers clear views out to Mount Rainier.

Distinct neighbourhoods define the city, from the galleries of Fremont to the nightlife of Capitol Hill and the locks in Ballard. Summer visitors can attend the Northwest Folklife Festival or the Seafair maritime celebrations. For music and pop culture history, the interactive exhibits at MoPOP are open year-round.