Do you know what the most common question I get living in Tacoma is? "How long does it take to get to the airport?" Today, I'm determined to lay it all out in one go.

First, let's clear up a misunderstanding. SEA-TAC, officially named Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, has the name Tacoma in it, which leads some people to think it's actually located in Tacoma. In reality, it's about 21 miles north of downtown Tacoma.

If you take I-5 straight up, it takes about 30 to 45 minutes when traffic is good. During rush hour or holiday seasons, it's common for it to take over an hour, so if you rely solely on the flight schedule and leave without enough time, you might find yourself sweating in front of the gate.

There isn't a separate international airport in Tacoma, so whether you're flying domestically or internationally, you have to go to SEA-TAC. Still, for the people of Tacoma, this airport is practically our local airport.

Everyone knows that airport parking fees are high, and if you book long-term parking in advance, you can use it at a slightly cheaper rate, so keep that in mind.

Now, let's move on to the train. The key point is the Tacoma Dome Station. This station is a transfer hub where Amtrak long-distance trains, Sound Transit Sounder commuter trains, and the T Line light rail all converge.

Amtrak officially resumed service at Tacoma Dome Station on November 18, 2021. It had been suspended for a while due to construction, but it returned at that time.

The station building is also noteworthy; it was converted from an old Milwaukee Road railroad warehouse called Freighthouse Square. The historic atmosphere is preserved, and there are restaurants and shops inside, so waiting for your train isn't boring.

There's also a transfer parking lot nearby, making it convenient for those driving from afar to park and ride the train. I've noticed that many in the Korean community use the Sounder when going to Seattle for events or shopping.

The Amtrak Cascades route is a Pacific Coast line that runs from Vancouver, BC, Canada, through Seattle and Tacoma to Eugene, Oregon. If you're planning a trip to Portland or Vancouver, taking this train from Tacoma Dome Station is a pretty good option.

Without worrying about rental car costs or parking, you can board right in front of the station, which can sometimes be more convenient than flying. The Sounder commuter train also departs from Tacoma Dome Station and connects to Seattle's King Street Station, making it a much better option for those commuting to Seattle than dealing with I-5 traffic.

Personally, I always check the train station first for trips that take several hours round trip. When you calculate the airport parking fees and rental car costs, the train often ends up being a much better deal.

The biggest upcoming change is the Sound Transit Tacoma Dome Link Extension. This project will add an elevated light rail line over approximately 8.5 miles from South Federal Way to Tacoma Dome Station, creating four new stations: South Federal Way, Pipe, East Tacoma/Portland Avenue, and Tacoma Dome.

Once this line is completed, you'll be able to transfer from the light rail at Tacoma Dome Station directly to SEA-TAC Airport. The completion goal is around 2035.

Right now, the best options for getting to the airport are driving or calling a Lyft, but after 2035, there will be a day when you can take the T Line from near your home to Tacoma Dome Station and then transfer to go straight to the airport. Personally, I hope that day comes soon, but as with any large infrastructure project, timelines often get pushed back, so I'm trying not to get my hopes up too high.