Stadtbahn Seattle: Sound Transit Link light rail — Map, Lines, Route, Hours, Tickets

The Link Light Rail consists of two main lines: the Central Link and the Tacoma Link. The light rail system covers a total distance of 35 kilometres and includes 21 stations, although there is no direct connection between the two lines.

Fares vary depending on the distance travelled, ranging from $2.25 for short trips to $3.25 for longer trips.

The Link Light Rail operates from 5:00am to 1:00am Monday to Saturday, with varying schedules on Sundays and holidays.

Trains run every six to 15 minutes, depending on the time of day.

A direct airport connection is available at SeaTac/Airport East Station, providing a quick and convenient way to get to and from the airport.

This transit system, also known as ‘Light Rail’, unfortunately does not provide information on average daily ridership or specific fares. The Light Rail does not operate 24 hours a day. However, the trains are air-conditioned for passenger comfort. Passengers are not allowed to walk between platforms and the trains are not driverless. There are also no screen doors on the platforms.

The Light Rail operates from 5am to 1am Monday to Saturday and from 6am to midnight on Sundays. The fare is $2.

Seattle Metro Map

Map of Seattle Metro showing different lines. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Seattle Metro map in PDF format.

The Seattle Metro (Link Light Rail)

Seattle is known as one of the most prosperous cities in the United States, with a diverse range of corporations, mid-sized businesses and high quality academic institutions.

Located 155 kilometres south of Canada in the state of Washington, Seattle is in King County.

While archaeological evidence suggests that the Seattle area has been inhabited for over 4,000 years, the first European settlements didn’t appear until the mid-19th century. Today, the metropolitan area is home to more than 3.7 million people spread over 21 square kilometres.

Like any major city, Seattle has an extensive transportation system, with numerous avenues and highways facilitating the mobility of its citizens. Transport services include bus lines, commuter rail lines and two light rail lines.

The latter, known as Link Light Rail, stretches from North Seattle to the southern part of the city. It is 35 kilometres long and consists of 21 stations on two lines.

Although construction of the two lines began almost simultaneously, they opened at different times. The Tacoma Link opened in 2003, while the Central Link didn’t open until 2009.

The gap between the inauguration of the two lines was the result of a funding debate in the mid-1990s, when critics of the city government argued that the city didn’t need such a transport system. Despite this opposition, the Link Light Rail was eventually built and has proved to be a vital mode of transport for the people of Seattle.

Lines

The Link Light Rail consists of two main lines with a total length of 35 kilometres and 21 stations. With more than 80,000 daily passengers, this results in an annual ridership of approximately 24 million passengers.

The two lines serve different areas of the city and do not intersect.

Central Link

The Central Link was inaugurated on 18 July 2009. It is 32.4 kilometres long and serves 16 stations. The line starts in the northern part of the city at the University of Washington, runs through downtown Seattle and ends in the southern region of SeaTac.

Stations: University of Washington, Capitol Hill, Westlake, University Street, Pioneer Square, International District/Chinatown, Stadium, Beacon Hill, Mount Baker, Columbia City, Othello, Rainier Beach, Tukwila International Boulevard, SeaTac/Airport, Angle Lake.

Tacoma Link

The Tacoma Link, which opened on 22 August 2003, is 2.6 kilometres long and has six stations. It begins in downtown Tacoma’s North Tacoma neighborhood, traverses most of the region, and ends near the Tacoma Dome.

Stations: Theatre District, Commerce Street, Convention Center, Union Station, South 25th Street, Tacoma Dome.

Fares

Tickets for Seattle Link Light Rail can be purchased at station fare boxes, through the Transit GO Ticket app, or by using a refillable ORCA card in lieu of a ticket. The Transit GO Ticket app is available for free in mobile app stores.

ORCA Card

ORCA Cards cost $5.00 and can be purchased from vending machines, authorised stores and ORCA Centres. Youth ORCA cards (ages six to 18) and ORCA LIFT cards, which offer special discounts based on where you live, are only available at ORCA centres or by mail order.

Once you have an ORCA card, you can load it with up to $300.00 or opt for a monthly plan at $18.00 per month, which recharges to a maximum of $207.00.

The ORCA card is valid for use on the following public transport services in the city: Sound Transit, Community Transit, Everett Transit, King County Metro, Kitsap Transit, Pierce Transit, Seattle Street Car, King County Water Taxi and Washington State Ferries. It allows you to make a single payment for travel on light rail, ferries, buses and commuter rail.

Fares

Fares for travel on the Link Light Rail trains are calculated based on the number of stations you pass through, making it essentially a distance-based fare system.

The website has a fare chart that shows the cost of different distances travelled on the city’s public transport system. Fares range from $2.25 for short trips to $3.25 for longer trips.

Youth between the ages of six and 18 are eligible for discounted fares. They pay a flat rate of $1.50, regardless of the distance travelled.

Meanwhile, seniors over 65 and passengers with disabilities pay just $1.00 per trip.

Schedule

The Link Light Rail operates from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. and runs 20 hours a day from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays and public holidays, the service is slightly shorter, from 6:00am to 12:00am.

The frequency of trains varies between six and 15 minutes depending on the time of day. The table below shows the frequency of trains at different times of the day:

Monday – Friday

5:00 a.m. – 6:00 a.m.: 15 minutes
6:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.: 6 minutes
9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.: 10 minutes
3:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.: 6 minutes
6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.: 10 minutes
10:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.: 15 minutes

Saturdays – Sundays – Holidays

5:00 a.m. – 6:00 a.m.: 15 minutes
6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.: 10 minutes
10:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.: 15 minutes

Rules

Pets are allowed on trains and buses provided they are on a lead or in a cage.
Always have your ticket or ORCA card handy when travelling as inspectors may ask to see it. Failure to produce a valid ticket may result in a fine.
Keep your belongings with you in a way that does not obstruct other passengers. Items can be placed in your lap or under seats.
To maintain a peaceful environment, avoid encroaching on the personal space of other passengers.
If you’re playing multimedia content on a device, use headphones so as not to disturb others.
If you bring food or drink, ensure that it is sealed to prevent odours from disturbing others.
For reasons of hygiene, passengers must be fully dressed and wear shoes while travelling.
Lying down or putting your feet on the seats is prohibited and may result in a fine.
Avoid distracting or disturbing light rail staff on trains and at stations.
Any action that encourages vandalism or harassment of other passengers will be dealt with immediately by staff.
Eating is prohibited in stations and on trains.
Smoking (both traditional and electronic cigarettes) is not permitted in any Link Light Rail facility.
Do not litter on trains or in stations.
Consumption of alcoholic or hallucinogenic substances on the system’s facilities is prohibited.
Potentially hazardous, flammable, explosive or corrosive materials are not permitted on trains or buses.
Firearms are prohibited.
Do not leave your belongings unattended at stations.

Connection to the Airport

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, commonly known as SeaTac, is about 13 miles (21 kilometres) from downtown Seattle. While this distance may seem long, the Link Light Rail has a direct connection to the airport via the SeaTac/Airport Station, making the journey convenient and efficient.

Link Light Rail trains depart from the airport every six to 15 minutes, and the station is conveniently located near the airport’s baggage claim area. Once you’ve crossed the skybridge in the baggage claim area, you’ll find the Link Light Rail stop. In certain circumstances, such as if you have mobility or health issues, a small electric car service is available to transport you between the baggage claim area and the light rail stop, eliminating the need to walk.

Once you’re at the station, all you have to do is wait for your train, which will take you to downtown Seattle in about 40 minutes. The service operates from 5:00 am to 1:00 am on weekdays and from 6:00 am to 12:00 am on weekends. The fare for this trip is $3.25.

In addition to the Link Light Rail, there are also bus stops and taxi lines outside the airport that can take you to various destinations within the city if you require more privacy or have a large amount of luggage.

Future Expansions

In 2008, King County voters approved the Sound Transit 2 project to extend the Link light rail system. Construction is expected to begin in 2021 and continue through 2024. The new extensions will reach the Northgate and Lynnwood neighbourhoods in north Seattle, and Bellevue and Overlake in the east.

In addition to the new routes, the project also includes improvements to existing services, such as upgrading trains, tracks and stations, and adding new stops along current routes.

Tourist Attractions

Like any major city, Seattle offers a wide variety of recreational, arts and entertainment facilities, especially in the downtown area. Some of these facilities are free to the public, while others charge admission.

One such attraction is the Seattle Public Library, an architectural marvel of steel and glass that encourages reading for all ages. Located just a few blocks from the Link Light Rail’s University Street station, the library has become a must-visit for visitors looking to take memorable photos. Inside, you’ll find a vast collection of books in a quiet and comfortable environment.

Another highlight is the Seattle Art Museum, an institution that has offered diverse, well-curated exhibitions since its inception in 1933. Located near University Street Station and Pike Place Market, the museum offers a mix of urban-inspired pieces and works that reflect the American landscape. Exhibitions change frequently and include art from Europe, Asia, Oceania and Native American tribes. With its modern architecture and globally inspired collections, the museum is the perfect backdrop for memorable holiday photos.

Central Link Stations

University of Washington: Located on the University of Washington campus, specifically at the intersection of Montlake Boulevard Northeast and Northeast Pacific Street. Open as of 19 March 2016.
Capitol Hill: Located in the Capitol Hill neighbourhood in north Seattle, at the intersection of Broadway and East John Street. Operational as of 19 March 2016.
Westlake: Located between Pine Street’s Third and Sixth Avenues, near Westlake Park, in the heart of downtown. Open since 2009.
University Street: Located below Third Avenue on University Street in downtown Seattle. Opened in 2009.
Pioneer Square: Located on James Street in downtown Seattle, near the city’s Chinatown. Opened in 2009.
International District/Chinatown: Located south of Jackson Street, right in Chinatown. Opened in 2009.
Stadium: Located in the SoDo neighbourhood on Royal Brougham Way. Opened in July 2009.
SODO: Located in the SoDo neighbourhood on Lander Street. Opened in July 2009.
Beacon Hill: Located in the Beacon Hill neighbourhood, at the intersection of Beacon Avenue South and South Lander Street. Opened in July 2009.
Mount Baker: Located in the Mount Baker neighbourhood, between Rainier Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Way. Opened in 2009.
Columbia City: Located in the Columbia City neighbourhood, between South Alaska Street and South Edmunds Street. Launched 18 July 2009.
Othello: Located in the NewHolly neighbourhood, between South Othello Street and South Myrtle Street. Opened in 2009.
Rainier Beach: Located in the Rainier Beach neighbourhood, south of South Henderson Street. Opened in 2009.
Tukwila International Boulevard: Located in the Tukwila suburb, at the intersection of State Route 99 and State Route 528. Opened in 2009.
SeaTac/Airport: Located in the SeaTac area between International Boulevard and South 176th Street. Opened in 2009.
Angle Lake: Located in the SeaTac neighbourhood, south of Seattle, at the intersection of 28th Avenue South and South 200th Street. Operational since September 2016.

Tacoma Link Stations

Theatre District: Located at the intersection of Commerce Street and South 9th Street in the Tacoma area. Operational since 22 August 2003.
Commerce Street: Located at the intersection of Commerce Street and South 11th Street in the Tacoma area. Opened in 2003.
Convention Center: Located in Tacoma at the intersection of Commerce Street and South 15th Street. Opened in 2003.
Union Station: Located near the University of Washington (Tacoma campus), between South 19th Street and Pacific Avenue. Opened in 2003.
South 25th Street: Located in Tacoma between South 25th Street and A Street. Opened in 2003.
Tacoma Dome: Located in south Tacoma, at 424 E 25th Street, near the Tacoma Dome stadium. Opened in 2009.

Connections

The Seattle Link Light Rail has numerous connections to other transportation systems, including commuter rail and bus lines, which complement each other to provide a comprehensive public transportation network in Seattle. Here are the stations on each line that have connections:

Central Link

University of Washington: Connects to King County Metro, Sound Transit Express and Community Transit bus service.
Capitol Hill: Connects to Seattle’s First Hill Streetcar and King County Metro buses.
Westlake: Connects to the Seattle Center Monorail, South Lake Union Streetcar, and King County Metro, Sound Transit Express, and Community Transit buses.
Pioneer Square: Connects to Community Transit, Sound Transit Express and King County Metro buses. Also connects with Washington State Ferries, King County Water Taxi, and Kitsap Fast Ferries.
International District/Chinatown: Connects to King County Metro, Sound Transit Express, Community Transit and BoltBus buses, Sounder commuter rail trains and the First Hill Streetcar.
Tukwila International Boulevard: Connects to King County Metro and RapidRide bus service.
SeaTac/Airport: Connects to RapidRide, Sound Transit Express and King County Metro bus service.
Angle Lake: Connects to King County Metro and RapidRide buses.

Tacoma Link

Theatre District: Connects to bus routes 1, 2, 3, 16, 26, 45, 60 and 490.
Commerce Street: Connects to Sound Transit Express, Pierce Transit and Intercity Transit buses.
Union Station: Connects to bus routes 582, 586, 590, and 594.
Tacoma Dome: Connects to Pierce Transit, Sound Transit Express, Intercity Transit and Greyhound buses, and also connects to Sounder commuter rail.