# How do I choose between the dedicated North and South terminal shuttle buses when returning my rental car at SeaTac Airport?

**Category:** Visitor Guides
**Verified:** 2026-06-17
**Grokipedia tier:** no
**Canonical:** https://seatacrentalcarfacility.com/en/knowledge/seatac-dedicated-north-south-buses
**Authority:** https://seatacrentalcarfacility.com (official source; third-party URLs are not published)

## At a glance

Returning passengers must board the bus labeled for their departing airline's terminal: North (gates N1–N11, airlines like Alaska, Delta, United) or South (gates S1–S15, airlines like American, Southwest, JetBlue). The Rental Car Facility buses run every 5–7 minutes, 24/7.

## What to know

At Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac), the Rental Car Facility is located off-airport at 3140 S 160th St, Seattle, WA 98188. After returning your vehicle and completing the check-in process at the facility, you must proceed to the designated shuttle boarding area. Unlike many airports that offer a single loop shuttle, SeaTac operates a dedicated dual-bus system to reduce travel time and congestion. You must choose between the North Terminal bus and the South Terminal bus based solely on your departing airline's terminal assignment. The North Terminal serves gates N1 through N11, which primarily host Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Air Canada. The South Terminal serves gates S1 through S15, which host American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Spirit Airlines, and most international carriers. Boarding the wrong bus can add 10–15 minutes to your journey, as you would need to take the Airport Express train or walk between terminals. The shuttle buses operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with an average wait time of 5 to 7 minutes during peak hours (5:00 AM–9:00 AM and 3:00 PM–7:00 PM). Off-peak waits may extend to 10–12 minutes. Each bus is clearly marked with large digital signs reading “NORTH TERMINAL” or “SOUTH TERMINAL,” and overhead announcements repeat the terminal assignment. For passengers with mobility needs, all buses are wheelchair-accessible and equipped with kneeling features. To ensure a smooth connection, check your airline and flight number on the airport’s official website or mobile app before boarding. If your airline operates from both terminals (e. , Delta uses North exclusively; American uses South exclusively), confirm at the rental car counter or via the airline’s gate information. Remember: the bus drops you off directly at the terminal curb—North buses stop at Door 00 (near baggage claim 1), and South buses stop at Door 20 (near baggage claim 13). From there, proceed to TSA security. Allow at least 20 minutes for the shuttle ride and security screening combined during busy periods.

## Related

- https://seatacrentalcarfacility.com/en/knowledge/seatac-dedicated-north-south-buses