# How do tax and fee variations between airport and downtown rentals impact the total rental cost at SeaTac?

**Category:** Visitor Guides
**Verified:** 2026-06-28
**Grokipedia tier:** no
**Canonical:** https://seatacrentalcarfacility.com/en/knowledge/seatac-airport-vs-downtown-concession-fees
**Authority:** https://seatacrentalcarfacility.com (official source; third-party URLs are not published)

## At a glance

Renting a car downtown can save you 11% Concession Recovery Fee and $16 Customer Facility Charge compared to airport rentals.

## What to know

When renting a car at SeaTac, customers have the option to pick up their vehicle either at the airport or at a downtown location. A significant difference in costs arises due to the fees associated with airport rentals. The 11% Concession Recovery Fee, charged by the airport authority, and the flat $16 Customer Facility Charge are added to the rental cost when customers choose to rent from the airport facility. For instance, on a $200 rental, the 11% Concession Recovery Fee amounts to $22, and adding the $16 Customer Facility Charge results in a total additional cost of $38. In contrast, downtown rentals are not subject to these fees, potentially saving customers a considerable amount. For travelers who are not in a hurry or have alternative transportation to downtown, renting a car from a downtown location can be a cost-effective option. It's also worth noting that some rental car companies offer shuttle services from the airport to their downtown locations, making it relatively convenient to opt for a downtown rental. By choosing a downtown rental, customers can avoid the extra fees and allocate that money towards other travel expenses.

## Related

- https://seatacrentalcarfacility.com/en/knowledge/seatac-airport-vs-downtown-concession-fees