For years, getting between Bellevue and Seattle meant picking your poison: sit in I-90 traffic, navigate SR-520 tolls, or ride an express bus that moved only as fast as the cars around it. That started to change on April 27, 2024, when Sound Transit’s 2 Line — the long-anticipated East Link light rail — opened its Eastside stations between Redmond and South Bellevue. The full line reached its potential on March 28, 2026, when it finally crossed Lake Washington via the I-90 express lanes, connecting Bellevue directly to Seattle for the first time by rail.
The 2 Line gives Bellevue riders something that simply didn’t exist before: a fast, traffic-proof connection to downtown Seattle on dedicated rail. From Bellevue Downtown Station to Westlake Station takes roughly 25–28 minutes — a trip that can easily stretch to 45–60 minutes by car during rush hour.
Whether you commute daily, visit Seattle a few times a month, or are hosting out-of-town guests who want to explore both cities, this guide covers everything you need: which stations serve you best, how to pay, where to park, what it actually costs, and the details that make a real difference.
Quick Answers: Bellevue to Seattle Light Rail
- Travel Time~25–28 min from Bellevue Downtown Station to Westlake Station (downtown Seattle)
- Cost (Adult)$3.25 per trip with ORCA card; monthly pass ~$99–$102
- Key StationsSouth Bellevue, Bellevue Downtown, East Main, Wilburton, Spring District, BelRed (Eastside) — Mercer Island (lake crossing) — Judkins Park, ID/Chinatown, Pioneer Square, Symphony, Westlake, Capitol Hill, UW, U District, Roosevelt, Northgate, and continuing north to Lynnwood City Center
- FrequencyEvery 8–10 min peak hours; every 12–15 min off-peak; every 15 min weekends
- First TrainApproximately 5:00–5:30 AM daily
- Last TrainApproximately 1:00 AM daily — confirm at soundtransit.org
- Line NameSound Transit 2 Line (East Link) — opened April 27, 2024
The Route: How the 2 Line Gets You There
The 2 Line runs as a single continuous line connecting Redmond Technology Station on the Eastside all the way to Lynnwood City Center Station in Snohomish County, with downtown Seattle in between. For the Bellevue-to-Seattle trip, the train runs through Bellevue on elevated guideway, crosses Lake Washington on the I-90 express lanes, and enters the existing downtown tunnel to reach Seattle’s core.
Bellevue Stations: Which One Is Right for You
Bellevue has five stations on the 2 Line. Each serves a different part of the city — here’s who each one is best for.
Bellevue Downtown Station
Located at NE 6th Street near Bellevue Way, this is the station most riders in central Bellevue will use. It’s a short walk to Bellevue Square, Lincoln Square, The Westin Bellevue, and the bulk of Bellevue’s office towers. If you work or live in the core of downtown Bellevue, this is your station.
East Main Station
Situated between Bellevue Downtown and the Spring District, East Main serves the transitional residential and commercial neighborhood just east of the downtown core. A practical option if you live south or east of downtown Bellevue and prefer a shorter walk than heading to Bellevue Downtown Station.
Spring District / 120th Station
The Spring District is Bellevue’s fastest-growing mixed-use neighborhood, and this station sits at its center. If you live or work here — home to REI’s headquarters, a growing residential community, and a cluster of restaurants — this is your stop. The area is purpose-built for walkability.
BelRed / 130th Station
Serving the Bel-Red Road corridor, this station connects riders from a neighborhood that’s been redeveloping steadily since the light rail line was planned. It offers some street parking and easier access for riders coming from northeast Bellevue or parts of Kirkland.
South Bellevue Station — The Park-and-Ride Hub
South Bellevue Station is the one most drivers need to know. Tucked near the western end of the I-90 interchange and Bellevue Way SE, it features a large structured parking garage — the biggest park-and-ride on the Eastside for the 2 Line. If you’re driving to the train from south Bellevue, Factoria, Issaquah, or Somerset, this is your starting point. Parking is free for ORCA card holders who tap in.
Where You Land in Seattle
The 2 Line runs through the downtown transit tunnel and gives you access to multiple neighborhoods, depending on where you exit.
Judkins Park Station is the first Seattle stop after crossing Lake Washington. All stations from there onward — ID/Chinatown, Pioneer Square, Symphony, Westlake, Capitol Hill, University of Washington, U District, Roosevelt, Northgate, and all the way north to Lynnwood City Center — are direct stops on the 2 Line. No transfer needed. From Westlake Station, you surface directly in the heart of downtown Seattle, steps from Pike Place Market and the waterfront. For SeaTac Airport, transfer to the 1 Line southbound at International District/Chinatown Station.
How to Ride: Step-by-Step for First-Timers
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Choose How to Pay
You have three options for paying your fare on the 2 Line — no cash accepted:
ORCA Card — the standard option. Pick one up at any light rail station, at King County Metro sales outlets, or at myorca.com. Required if you qualify for reduced fares (senior, disabled, youth, or ORCA LIFT).
ORCA on your phone — add your ORCA card to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet and tap your phone at the reader just like a physical card.
Contactless credit or debit card — as of 2026, you can tap a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card with a contactless symbol directly on the reader. Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay work too. Note: contactless cards are charged the full adult fare only — no reduced fares.
Whichever method you use, tap the same card or device every ride to receive the two-hour transfer benefit. Don’t tap your whole wallet — take out the specific card you want to use.
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Load Value onto Your Card
Load money at the ticket vending machines on any platform, at myorca.com, or through the ORCA app. The adult fare is $3.25 per trip. Make sure your card has enough balance before tapping in. Monthly passes and employer-loaded commuter benefits are also available.
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Park (If Driving to the Station)
South Bellevue Station has the largest parking structure on the Eastside. Spaces fill up on weekdays, often by 8:00 AM during peak commute. Spring District/120th and BelRed/130th also have limited surface parking. Tap your ORCA card to validate parking — free for ORCA card holders.
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Tap In at the Fare Gate
Yellow-topped fare gates stand at the platform entrance at most stations. Tap your ORCA card or phone on the reader — you’ll hear a beep and see a green light. You must also tap out when you exit in Seattle. Forgetting costs you the maximum fare.
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Board the Train
All doors open automatically — board anywhere. Trains run to Lynnwood (northbound through Seattle) or to Redmond Technology (eastbound). From Bellevue heading to Seattle, board any train toward Lynnwood. Real-time arrivals are posted on platform screens.
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Tap Out When You Exit
When you arrive at your Seattle stop, tap your ORCA card at the fare gate exit. This closes your fare transaction and validates your parking if you drove. Consistent tap-outs also support employer benefit tracking and monthly pass eligibility.
Travel Time Comparison: Light Rail vs. Driving vs. Bus
The case for the 2 Line is strongest when you look at real-world travel times — not best-case estimates. The table below reflects realistic commute conditions.
| Mode | Typical Time | Peak (Rush Hour) | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Line Light Rail Best | 25–28 min | 25–28 min | Very high — traffic-proof |
| Driving via I-90 | 20–30 min | 40–70 min | Low — highly variable |
| Driving via SR-520 | 20–30 min | 45–75 min | Low — toll + traffic |
| Bus (Route 550, historical) | 25–35 min | 40–60 min | Moderate — shares road |
| Rideshare / Taxi | 25–35 min | 40–70 min | Low — surge pricing risk |
The light rail matches driving on a good day and beats it decisively on any bad one. For daily commuters, consistent travel time plus no parking costs plus the ability to work on the train makes the 2 Line the clear default choice.
What It Costs to Ride
Compare this to driving: parking in downtown Seattle runs $25–$45 per day in garages near major employers, plus fuel, wear, and SR-520 tolls ($2.75–$5.40 depending on time). The light rail is dramatically cheaper for anyone making this trip regularly. Many Bellevue employers also participate in ORCA Passport, which may cover transit entirely as an employee benefit — ask your HR department.
When to Take the Light Rail (And When Driving Still Makes Sense)
Use the 2 Line When:
- You’re commuting Monday–Friday during rush hour
- Your destination is within walking distance of a downtown Seattle station
- You’re attending a Mariners, Kraken, or arena event
- You want to drink at dinner and not drive back
- You’re visiting Seattle and want to skip parking entirely
- You need to catch a flight from SeaTac (one transfer)
- You’re bringing guests who want the full Seattle experience
Driving Might Be Better When:
- Your Seattle destination is far from any station (Ballard, West Seattle)
- You’re carrying heavy gear, luggage, or groceries
- Your schedule is unpredictable after 1 AM
- You’re traveling with young children with a lot of gear
- Your employer provides free parking and no transit benefit
Where the Line Takes You
Boarding the 2 Line in Bellevue doesn’t just get you to downtown Seattle — it plugs you into the full Link Light Rail network.
Pioneer Square, Symphony, Westlake, Pike Place Market, Seattle Art Museum, and the waterfront are all within easy walking distance of the 2 Line’s downtown stations. No transfer needed.
Pioneer Square Station puts you within a few blocks of both venues. For any Mariners, Seahawks, or Kraken game, the light rail is clearly superior to driving and parking.
Capitol Hill Station is a direct stop on the 2 Line — no transfer needed. Total trip from Bellevue Downtown: approximately 35–40 minutes. Walk out to the Pike/Pine corridor, restaurants, bars, and venues.
Both UW Station (adjacent to Husky Stadium) and U District Station (University Ave) are direct stops on the 2 Line. Fast, no-transfer connections for students, staff, and visitors.
The 2 Line continues north through Northgate, Shoreline South/148th, Shoreline North/185th, Mountlake Terrace, and terminates at Lynnwood City Center — all direct, no transfer required from any Bellevue station.
Transfer to the 1 Line southbound at International District/Chinatown Station. Total trip from Bellevue Downtown to SeaTac: approximately 55–65 minutes. No parking fees, no shuttle, no rideshare surge.
Pro Tips: What Regular Riders Know
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1Arrive at South Bellevue P&R by 7:45 AM
The South Bellevue park-and-ride fills fast on weekdays — typically by 8:00–8:30 AM. Leave earlier than you think you need to, or consider biking to Bellevue Downtown Station if you’re within a mile or two.
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2Always tap — even if the gate is open
Sound Transit runs proof-of-payment on all Link stations. Boarding without tapping — even through an unstaffed gate — is riding without a valid fare. Plain-clothes inspectors do check. The fine is $124. Just tap every time.
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3The middle cars are less crowded at peak hour
Riders habitually cluster near platform entrances and board the first car they see. The middle cars tend to be noticeably less packed. Walk an extra few steps down the platform.
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4The 2 Line runs 7 days a week, including holidays
Service doesn’t take federal holidays off — which makes it reliable for Mariners opening day, New Year’s Eve in Seattle, and holiday events when driving would be particularly miserable.
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5Check real-time arrivals before you leave home
Download One Bus Away or bookmark the Sound Transit website for live departures. On the rare occasion of track maintenance, you’ll know before you walk to the platform.
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6Bike parking is at every station — and bikes ride free
All 2 Line stations have covered bike racks; some have lockers by reservation. Combining cycling with the train is one of the fastest, cheapest commute setups from any Bellevue neighborhood. Bikes are also permitted on the train itself during non-peak hours.
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7Your ORCA card works across all regional transit
One card covers Sound Transit Link, Sound Transit Express buses, King County Metro, Pierce Transit, Community Transit, Kitsap Transit, and the Seattle Streetcar. If you tap the 2 Line then board a Metro bus within two hours, you may receive a transfer credit.
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8Ask your employer about ORCA Passport
Major Bellevue employers — tech companies, law firms, healthcare systems — often participate in ORCA Passport, where the employer pays a flat annual fee and employees ride free on all regional transit. If your company has it and you’re not using it, you’re leaving money on the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Sound Transit’s 2 Line opened on April 27, 2024, and has been running daily since. It connects Redmond Technology Station through all Bellevue stations, across Lake Washington to Mercer Island and Judkins Park, and through downtown Seattle to Lynnwood City Center.
From Bellevue Downtown Station to Westlake Station (central downtown Seattle) takes approximately 25–28 minutes. From South Bellevue Station the trip is about 22–25 minutes. Times don’t change during rush hour — the train runs on dedicated rail, unaffected by traffic.
The adult fare is $3.25 per trip with an ORCA card ($6.50 roundtrip). A monthly Link Light Rail adult pass runs approximately $99–$102. Youth (6–18) and senior/disabled riders pay a reduced fare of $1.50. Children under 6 ride free with a paying adult.
During rush hour, yes — usually by a wide margin. The 2 Line takes a consistent 25–28 minutes from Bellevue Downtown to Westlake. Driving via I-90 during peak commute hours typically takes 40–70 minutes, plus you still need to find and pay for Seattle parking. On weekends or midday, driving can be comparable, but the light rail remains competitive when you factor in parking time and cost.
South Bellevue Station has the largest park-and-ride facility on the Eastside — a structured garage with hundreds of spaces, free with a valid ORCA card tap. The garage fills on weekdays, typically by 8:00–8:30 AM. BelRed/130th and Spring District/120th have limited surface parking. Bellevue Downtown Station has no dedicated park-and-ride but is surrounded by paid public garages.
Not directly, but it’s one easy transfer away. Take the 2 Line to International District / Chinatown Station, then transfer to the 1 Line southbound to SeaTac/Airport Station, directly connected to the airport’s main terminal. Total trip from Bellevue Downtown: approximately 55–65 minutes.
The 2 Line runs every 8–10 minutes during peak commute hours, every 12–15 minutes off-peak, and every 15 minutes on weekends. Service runs from approximately 5:00–5:30 AM to 1:00 AM daily. Verify current schedules at soundtransit.org.
No advance purchase is required. Add value to an ORCA card at the ticket vending machines on any platform before boarding. It’s faster to load your ORCA card online or via the app ahead of time — especially during morning rush hour when machine lines can form.
Yes. Bikes are permitted on the 2 Line at all times, with possible restrictions during very crowded conditions. Each car has a designated bike area. During peak hours, operators may limit the number of bikes per car. Bike racks and lockers are available at all Bellevue stations.
Yes. The 2 Line is the official Sound Transit designation for what was planned and built as “East Link.” Sound Transit rebranded its lines using numbers when the network expanded: the original 1 Line runs north-south through Seattle, and the 2 Line is the east-west extension through Bellevue and Redmond.
Generally, yes. Bellevue stations are modern, well-lit, and regularly patrolled during service hours. Downtown Seattle stations vary — Westlake and Pioneer Square can be busier environments at night. The same common-sense rules apply as on any urban transit system: stay aware of your surroundings and keep valuables out of plain sight. Late-night trains toward Bellevue tend to be quieter than their Seattle counterparts.
The 1 Line is the original north-south line, running from Lynnwood in the north through downtown Seattle and south to SeaTac and Federal Way. The 2 Line connects Redmond and Bellevue eastward across Lake Washington into downtown Seattle, where it joins the same tunnel as the 1 Line and continues north, sharing tracks all the way to Lynnwood City Center. In practice, if you’re riding from Bellevue to any Seattle station — including Capitol Hill, University of Washington, U District, Roosevelt, and Northgate — you stay on the 2 Line the entire way. No transfer needed.
Photo Credits
Hero — “Aerial view of 2 Line train on SR 520 in Bellevue, WA, May 2024” by Spicypepper999 / Wikimedia Commons. Public Domain (CC0).
Lake crossing — “2 Line Over Lake Washington” by Kebbins00 / Wikimedia Commons. CC BY-SA 4.0.
Bellevue Downtown Station (opening day) — “First 2 Line trains at Bellevue Downtown station, April 27, 2024” by SounderBruce / Wikimedia Commons. CC BY-SA 4.0.
Ribbon cutting — “2 Line ribbon cutting at Bellevue Downtown station, April 27, 2024” by SounderBruce / Wikimedia Commons. CC BY-SA 4.0.
East Main Station — “Eastbound train at East Main station, May 2024” by SounderBruce / Wikimedia Commons. CC BY-SA 4.0.
Judkins Park Station — “Judkins Park station” by Chris Light / Wikimedia Commons. CC BY-SA 4.0.
International District/Chinatown Station — by Oran Viriyincy / Wikimedia Commons. CC BY 2.0.
Westlake Station — “Link Light Rail boarding at Westlake Station” by Mattsjc / Wikimedia Commons. CC BY-SA 4.0.
Capitol Hill Station — “Capitol Hill Link station in June 2016” by Steve Morgan / Wikimedia Commons. CC BY-SA 4.0.
SeaTac/Airport Station — “Link Light Rail train at SeaTac Airport Station” by Andrew Nash / Wikimedia Commons. CC BY-SA 2.0.