Seattle-Tacoma Airport is in the midst of a multiyear expansion, with recently opened Concourse A the first major new terminal facility in 30 years. It added a dozen shops and restaurants and the airport’s first moving sidewalks. By early 2005, a new Pacific Marketplace will open, with stores in the Central Terminal.

The airport has two satellite terminals, connected to the main terminal and baggage claim by an efficient subway that runs every two minutes. Both have a food court, and the North Satellite has a computer center with Internet connections. Small restaurants, bars, bookstores and newsstands are sprinkled throughout the concourses. Be prepared for long security lines.

Airport hotels line Highway 99 just east of the airport. Travelers with a layover who are looking for exercise can turn right from the terminal and walk about a quarter mile to this busy strip.

The cost to downtown is about $30 by taxi, $21 by Shuttle Express van, $14 round-trip by Airport Express bus and less than $2 by Metro buses 194 or 174.