โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
30
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Kenmore Air Harbor Seaplane Base (LKE), identified by its FAA LID W55, is a unique and prominent aviation facility located on the south shore of Lake Union in Seattle, Washington. Operating as a primary hub for seaplane travel, the facility features a dedicated passenger terminal that provides a streamlined and scenic transit experience for travelers heading toward the San Juan Islands, Victoria, British Columbia, and various local sight-seeing tours. The terminal's location at 950 Westlake Avenue North places it in the heart of Seattle's South Lake Union neighborhood, offering stunning views of the city skyline and lake activity.
The passenger terminal building provides a comfortable and professional environment, featuring an indoor waiting area with panoramic windows overlooking the seaplane docks. Amenities include complimentary baggage storage for passengers and essential administrative services managed by Kenmore Air. While the facility lacks the extensive retail and dining options of major international hubs like Sea-Tac, it is situated within easy walking distance of numerous local restaurants and cultural attractions such as the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI). The terminal's operating hours are seasonal, typically aligning with daylight and scheduled flight activities, ensuring a specialized service for the regional seaplane community.
Ground transportation to and from the LKE terminal is exceptionally well-coordinated, with the South Lake Union Streetcar and local bus routes providing direct links to downtown Seattle. Limited complimentary on-site parking is available for passengers, and a dedicated ride-sharing pickup zone is located near the main entrance. For international travelers heading to Victoria, the terminal includes dedicated check-in and documentation processing areas to ensure compliance with cross-border requirements. Passengers are encouraged to arrive at least 45 to 60 minutes before departure to enjoy the relaxed, nautical atmosphere that makes Kenmore Air Harbor one of the most distinctive aviation gateways in the Pacific Northwest.
๐ Connection Tips
Kenmore Air Harbor Seaplane Base (LKE), located on South Lake Union in downtown Seattle, is a unique and world-renowned aviation hub serving the Pacific Northwest and the spectacular San Juan Islands. Ground transportation is well-coordinated; the most reliable mode of transport to Sea-Tac or the Seattle city center is via the South Lake Union Streetcar, which connects the terminal area to the Westlake station for fast light rail links to the major hub. Arriving at least 45 minutes before departures is typically sufficient to navigate the thorough but generally fast TSA security screening. When connecting back to a long-haul international flight from Sea-Tac, always allow for a minimum 3-hour buffer to account for the road or rail journey across the city.
For travelers, the most critical tip is understanding that LKE is primarily a seaplane facility; for commercial jet connections, the primary gateway is Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA), located approximately 15 miles to the south. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are very active at the terminal and typically arrive within 5 minutes. The terminal environment at LKE is welcoming and professional, featuring free high-speed Wi-Fi and basic passenger amenities including several local dining options serving traditional Seattle cuisine with views of the lake. LKE provides a professional and remarkably stress-free arrival experience, reflecting the unique hospitality and historic grandeur of the aviation-focused community.
Arriving 45 to 60 minutes before your departure is standard for a professional and remarkably fast check-in and security process, as the terminal is much smaller and more personal than the larger hubs. A unique tip for visitors is utilizing the airport as a technical stop before heading directly into the spectacular Olympic Peninsula or the Canadian Gulf Islands; several specialized transfer companies provide pickup services directly from the terminal. The regional climate is temperate maritime, but localized morning fog and strong winds off the water can occasionally lead to minor delays for light aircraft.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is the primary international airport serving New Mexico, located just three miles southeast of downtown Albuquerque. The airport boasts a distinctive Pueblo-style architectural terminal, which is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. This single, multi-level terminal efficiently manages all arrivals and departures, featuring a logical layout designed for passenger convenience. The lower level is dedicated to arriving passengers, housing baggage claim areas (three in total to serve Concourses A and B) and providing direct exits to ground transportation.
The upper level of the terminal is the departure zone, where travelers will find airline ticketing counters, security checkpoints, and access to the two main concourses, Concourse A and Concourse B. Concourse A primarily serves American Airlines, Delta, and United, while Southwest Airlines predominantly operates out of Concourse B. The terminal has a total of 22 gates, ensuring ample capacity for its scheduled domestic flights and limited international services. Recent upgrades include a TSA Checkpoint Terminal Connector Project, which has enhanced security screening with up to four lanes and modern passenger amenities like new escalators and elevators.
Amenities at ABQ are comprehensive for a regional international facility. Passengers can enjoy free Wi-Fi, numerous charging stations, a variety of shops (including those offering local artisanal gifts), and diverse dining options ranging from cafes and fast-food outlets to restaurants serving New Mexican cuisine. Additional facilities like a Meditation Room and an observation deck contribute to a comfortable travel experience, complemented by a notable art collection displayed throughout the terminal.
๐ Connection Tips
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) offers excellent ground transportation connectivity just 3 miles southeast of downtown. ABQ RIDE provides completely free bus service (fare-free since November 2023) with Route 50 connecting the airport to downtown via Union Square Bus Station every 15-30 minutes, taking just 24 minutes total - the bus stop is conveniently located on the lower level at the west end of the shuttle island. Route 50 also connects to the Alvarado Transportation Center downtown where passengers can transfer to the New Mexico Rail Runner Express.
Rail Runner connections are enhanced through Route 350 (Railrunner Connecting bus) and free bus transfers when you have a valid Rail Runner ticket purchased in advance online or via mobile app - otherwise pay the driver a $1 fare each way. Official taxi service is available with fares starting at $35 to downtown Albuquerque through companies like ABQ Metro Taxi (505-450-8580) and Aspen Rides (505-388-3692). Ride-sharing via Uber and Lyft requires pre-booking as street hailing is not permitted.
For Santa Fe destinations, Groome Transportation operates 30 daily trips taking 75 minutes with variable pricing, while RoadRunner Charter provides door-to-door service to Santa Fe and Los Alamos areas. The Rail Runner Express connects Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Belen with convenient airport shuttle connections. Recent December 2025 improvements under the ABQ RIDE Forward Network Plan enhanced transit connectivity throughout the metropolitan area.
โ Back to Kenmore Air Harbor Seaplane Base