Seattle Link Light Rail

This is how to beat the traffic in Seattle. Ideal for the car-free traveler and one of the most popular forms of transit for visitors to Seattle Southside, the light rail can take you from the airport to downtown Seattle in just 30 minutes.

How Does the Light Rail Work?
Light Rail Stations Near Seattle Airport
How to Pay
Light Rail Station Map
Light Rail FAQs
Light Rail Stops

How Does the Light Rail Work?

There are two Link light rail lines:

The original 1 Line runs north to south, and includes a stop at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). It runs from Federal Way to Lynnwood.

The newer 2 Line connects several cities east of Seattle, including Bellevue and Redmond.

NOTE: If you're boarding at the International District / Chinatown station or any of the stops north of that, it's very important to pay attention to which train you're boarding, since they run on the same lines. If you're trying to come back to Seattle Southside or the airport, you don't want to accidentally end up going to the Eastside!

Light Rail Stations Near Seattle Airport

Three conveniently located stations connect Seattle Southside to many popular attractions. Hop on the 1 Line at SeaTac / Airport Station, Tukwila Intl. Blvd. Station, or Angle Lake Station to get to Seattle proper. You can ride north straight to major sports stadiums where the Seahawks and Mariners play, downtown Seattle, Capitol Hill, and the University of Washington.

The Angle Lake and Tukwila International Blvd. stations feature park & rides where you can leave your car for free. Also, many hotels offer free shuttle service to and from stations. Find more information on the Sound Transit website.

How to Pay for Light Rail

There are several ways to pay for your ride on the Link light rail.

1. Tap to Pay

To use a physical card, look for the contactless payment symbol on your Visa, Mastercard, Discover Network, or American Express credit or debit card. Tap your credit or debit card on an ORCA card reader – that’s it!  To use a credit or debit card in Apple Pay™, Google Pay™, or Samsung Pay™ on a phone or smart device, make sure your credit or debit card is loaded into your digital wallet before tapping.

Learn more about Tap to Pay.

2. Buy an ORCA Card

These handy cards provide entrance to light rail, buses, and ferries. Just load them with money, then tap them on any ORCA Card reader at the platforms before boarding. ORCA is accepted on most transit options in the Seattle area, including Community Transit, Everett Transit, King County Transit, Kitsap Transit, Pierce Transit, Sound Transit, and Washington State Ferries.

Purchase an ORCA Card at any station or online at myorca.com.

Learn more about ORCA Cards.

3. Buy a Ticket

You can buy a one-way, return, or all-day rail ticket at the platforms. Ticket machines accept cash and credit/debit cards such as Visa or MasterCard.

Learn more about all the ways to pay.

Seattle's Link Light Rail Station Map

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How to Beat the Traffic in Seattle

By taking Link light rail, you don't have to worry about rush hour traffic or delays. Just zoom through South King County all the way to downtown.

Common Questions About Seattle Link Light Rail

Q: How much does it cost to ride the Seattle light rail?

A: Sound Transit requires paying fares on all buses and trains, except for youth 18 and under.

One-way adult fares (age 19-64) are $3.00. Day passes are twice the one-way fare and are valid for travel only on the date purchased.

One-way low-income adult fares are $1.00. Learn if you qualify for an ORCA LIFT card and where to get one.

Youth 18 and under ride for free on all Sound Transit services. Learn more and apply for a Free Youth Transit Pass here.

One-way senior/disabled Link fares are $1.00 for all trips. Riders 65+ and riders with disabilities can ride at a reduced rate with a Regional Reduced Fare Permit (RRFP).

Q: How fast does the light rail go in Seattle?

A: The Link light rail can accelerate to 55mph.

Q: How do you pay to ride Seattle light rail?

A: You can Tap to Pay with a credit or debit card at ORCA readers before boarding, purchase an ORCA card and load it with money, or buy a one-way or all-day/round-trip ticket.

Q: Is it possible to take Seattle Light Rail to Pier 91 from Seattle Airport?

A: Yes, it's possible, but it takes about 75 minutes. To get from Seattle Airport to Pier 91 in Seattle, take the 1-LINE from Sea-Tac Airport Station to Pioneer Square Station. Then take the Route 24 or 33 bus from the 3rd Ave & James Street stop to the Magnolia Bridge & Pier 91 stop.

Q: Is it possible to take Seattle Light Rail to Pier 66 from Seattle Airport?

A: Yes, it's easy and quick. You can catch the light rail from Sea-Tac Airport Station to Westlake Station in downtown Seattle. From there, it’s only a 10-minute walk to Cruise Terminal 66 through a part of downtown Seattle that's popular with tourists.

Q: How long does it take to get from Sea-Tac to downtown Seattle by light rail?

A: The Link Light Rail ride from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to downtown Seattle takes about 35 to 40 minutes. Trains run roughly every 8 to 15 minutes, depending on the time of day, and drop you right in the heart of downtown, at stations such as Pioneer Square and Westlake Center. It’s one of the easiest and most affordable ways to reach the city—no traffic required.

Tip: Catch the train from the SeaTac/Airport Station, connected to the airport via a short covered walkway on the 4th floor of the parking garage.

Q: Where are the light rail stations near Sea-Tac Airport?

A: The main Link Light Rail station serving Sea-Tac Airport is the SeaTac/Airport Station, located just a short covered walk from the airport’s main terminal. Simply follow the signs through the parking garage skybridge on the 4th floor to reach the platform.

If you’re staying nearby, the next stops north and south—Angle Lake Station and Tukwila International Boulevard Station—also connect easily to airport hotels and park-and-ride lots.

Tip: Trains run every 8–15 minutes, and all three stations connect to downtown Seattle and the University of Washington.

Q: Can I take the light rail to cruise terminals?

Yes! You can take the Link Light Rail from Sea-Tac Airport or other stations directly to downtown Seattle, which is close to both cruise terminals.

  • For Pier 66 (Bell Street Terminal), get off at Westlake Station—it’s about a 15-minute walk or short taxi/ride share.
  • For Pier 91 (Smith Cove Terminal), continue to Westlake as well, then take a 5-minute rideshare or shuttle to the pier. It’s an easy, affordable way to start your Alaska cruise adventure.

Tip: The light rail is the most convenient, budget-friendly option for cruise travelers arriving at Sea-Tac.

Q: How do you get to the light rail from Sea-Tac Airport?

A: From baggage claim, follow the signs for the Link light rail. Look for baggage carousel 16, and go up one floor to the skybridge level. Head across Skybridge Six and turn left through the parking garage to the light rail station. A free electric shuttle operates between the light rail station and the skybridge. Learn more.

Light Rail Stops & Things to Do Near Them

Below is a list of all the stops on the 1 Line, along with a brief description of what's nearby. See our guide to Exploring Seattle Southside by Light Rail for specific information about what to do, eat, and see near the Angle Lake Station, SeaTac / Airport Station, and Tukwila International Boulevard Station.

Federal Way Downtown Station

There are quite a few restaurants and cafes near this station, as well as the Federal Way Performing Arts and Events Center (PAEC) and Town Square Park. Nearby, the Pacific Bonsai Museum and the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden (which are next to each other) are a 15-minute bike ride or a 25-30 minute bus ride from the light rail station. With more than 1,500 parking spots, it's easy to park and ride north.

Star Lake Station

The neighborhood around this station in the City of Kent is primarily residential, with small eateries and convenience stores along Pacific Highway South. It offers an easy connection to the 1 Line, with more than a thousand parking spots in the Star Lake Station Garage.

Kent/Des Moines Station

This stop is right near Highline College, which offers green spaces, public art, and events. There is also a covered parking lot at this station. There are several notable places to get food and drinks nearby, including Just Poke and Happy Alley Coffee. The King County Metro Route 165 connects to the Des Moines Marina District.

Angle Lake Station

While this stop may feel urban, it's a short walk to two popular outdoor destinations. You can walk 10 minutes north to Angle Lake Park, a forested park with a freshwater lake and sandy beach, a legendary splash park for kids, and a killer view of Mt. Rainier. If you're up for an urban hike, head south to the Des Moines Creek Trail and follow it all the way to the Puget Sound shoreline. See our Urban Hiking Guide for details on this route.

SeaTac / Airport Station

This is the stop you'd get off at if you're taking a flight out of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Getting inside the airport is a bit of a walk, but you'll likely be in the company of many other travelers. Additionally, this stop is conveniently located within walking distance of numerous hotels, car rental facilities, and restaurants.

Tukwila International Boulevard Station

The Tukwila/International Boulevard stop sits within a highly diverse neighborhood, where you can find delicious global cuisine within walking distance. You could also take a short bus ride to Westfield Southcenter, a shopping center with over 200 retailers and restaurants, a movie theater, and two bowling alleys.

Rainier Beach Station

Rainier Beach is primarily a residential neighborhood, but if you're game for an uphill walk, you can walk about 30 minutes to Kubota Garden, a tranquil Japanese garden with 20 acres of rolling hills, waterfalls, and koi-filled ponds.

Othello Station

Othello Station is surrounded by international cuisine. It's also close to Othello Playground and a short bus ride to Seward Park, a wooded peninsula that juts out into Lake Washington.

Columbia City Station

Columbia City is a charming, walkable neighborhood that's pleasant to walk through day and night. From the station, walk 10 minutes east to Rainier Ave., where you can find numerous cafes and restaurants. Stop at Columbia City Gallery to enjoy rotating art exhibits, or get tickets to a show at The Royal Room, where you can catch live jazz and other performances.

Mount Baker Station

Nothing’s more American than baseball and apple pie, and both can be found here. See where the historic Sick’s Baseball Stadium once stood (former home of the short-lived Seattle Pilots), then get yourself an apple pie from Baked from the Hart.

Beacon Hill Station

Right outside this station, you'll find a lively business district. Walk south on Beacon Avenue to check out numerous cafes and restaurants, ranging from casual and family-friendly to upscale date-night spots.

SODO Station

SODO is an industrial area with an eclectic mix of breweries and dive bars. It's also home to Emerald City Trapeze Arts, which offers classes and weekend performances. If you're a diehard Starbucks fan, the SODO Reserve store is located on the first floor of Starbucks’ global headquarters.

Stadium Station

This is the stop to get off at if you're heading to a sports game at Lumen Field or T-Mobile Park. Many fans arrive early to beat the crowds and get a bite at nearby watering. This is also the stop closest to Showbox SoDo, a popular venue for indie music, where many touring bands perform.

International District / Chinatown Station

Just south of downtown, Seattle Chinatown–International District reflects the city’s immigrant heritage. Stroll past historic buildings, family-run shops, and cultural landmarks that tell the story of generations who helped shape Seattle. Savor authentic Asian cuisine, browse bustling markets like Uwajimaya, and visit the Wing Luke Museum to connect with the neighborhood’s rich and resilient past.

Pioneer Square Station

In the heart of old Seattle, you can wander through an eclectic collection of art galleries, admire historic architecture, and take an underground tour to see where some of the earliest streets and buildings used to be. Pro tip: You can save money on some tours with the Seattle Southside Savings Pass.

University Street Station

This stop is just steps from two of Seattle’s most acclaimed cultural attractions: Benaroya Hall, home of the Seattle Symphony, and the Seattle Art Museum, featuring rotating exhibits and an impressive permanent collection.

Westlake Station

Walk a few blocks west of this station to the iconic Pike Place Market, where you can see the famous fish vendors and shop for fresh flowers, produce, and crafts. Continue to the Overlook Walk (just opened in 2024), where you'll get sweeping views of Puget Sound and the barges departing from the harbor. Alternatively, you could take the Seattle Center Monorail to the Space Needle and MoPop (Museum of Pop Culture).

Capitol Hill Station

This densely populated, walkable area is packed with trendy cafes and restaurants, eclectic shops, and numerous live music venues. If you visit during the day, stroll through Cal Anderson Park, next to the station. Or, walk 15 minutes north to elegant Volunteer Park, home to the Seattle Asian Art Museum and a small conservatory.

University of Washington Station

In town to watch some college football or visit the Husky Stadium? This is your stop. But don’t miss the gorgeous views of Lake Washington and Mt. Rainier (on a clear day) from along the waterfront trails that wind through campus.

U District Station

This stop is next to University Street, locally known as “The Ave”, where college students fill up on coffee and boba. Head up to campus to explore the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture and its collection of more than 16 million artifacts, or check out contemporary art at the Henry Art Gallery.

Roosevelt Station

Roosevelt Station sits in one of North Seattle’s most walkable neighborhoods. Just steps away, you’ll find indie cafés, vintage shops, and restaurants along Roosevelt Way and NE 65th Street. Green Lake Park is a short stroll away, offering a scenic escape for walking, jogging, or picnicking.

Northgate Station

Right outside the station, you can visit Northgate Station for shopping, dining, and entertainment. This stop is also close to the Kraken Community Iceplex, where you can go ice skating or watch the Seattle Kraken practice.

Shoreline South/148th Station

This stop is near many green spaces, such as Jackson Park Trail, a relatively easy 2.2-mile trail that winds past the Jackson Park Golf Course.

Shoreline North/185th Station

Around this station, you'll find a large parking garage and an adjacent bus station. You can take a short bus ride to Hamlin Park or visit many nearby restaurants.

Mountlake Terrace Station

This transit center connects to many different bus lines, which you can take to nearby attractions such as Terrace Creek Park or Nile Shrine golf course, or to local restaurants.

Lynnwood City Center Station

Just steps from the station, you’ll find easy access to shopping, dining, and everyday conveniences. The nearby Alderwood area offers major retailers, local eateries, and entertainment options.