March 28 marks a monumental milestone in the expansion of our region’s light rail system: the first light rail line across a floating bridge and two new stations!
New light rail stations mean new commute options for people traveling across the region into Seattle for work. According to our 2024 Seattle Commute Survey, over 2,100 people live near the new light rail stations at Judkins Park and Mercer Island, and commute to CTR-affected worksites in Seattle. Over 6,100 people live along the 2 Line between Judkins Park and Redmond, and will now have a direct rail connection to Downtown Seattle.
Additionally, over 37,300 survey respondents will be within one mile of a light rail station once the Crosslake Connection opens.
Are you an Eastside or Central District resident new to light rail? We’ve compiled a list of station amenities, bus connections, and park-and-ride information to make it easy to route your new commute.
Judkins Park
Ride from International District/Chinatown Station (IDS): 5 minutes
Located on the site of the former Rainier Freeway Station, this is in the center of I-90, with entrances along Rainier Ave S. and 23rd Ave S. This station is built to serve the Central District and to serve as a transit gateway to South Seattle. Additionally, the I-90 trail provides a key regional east-west connection for bicyclists. The station is surrounded by a complex of several parks including the station’s namesake, Judkins Park, Jimi Hendrix Park and Sam Smith Park.
- King County Metro routes: 7, 8, 9, 48, 106
- No public parking is available
Mercer Island
Ride from IDS: 10 minutes
This station upgrades a previous freeway station serving express buses. The new station includes upgraded sidewalks along nearby streets.
- King County Metro route: 204, 630, 981, 989
- ST Express routes: 550, 554
- Park-and-Ride Parking: 447 spaces, free
South Bellevue
Ride from IDS: 15 minutes
This station is located near the junction of I-90 and I-405. It is served by several local bus routes and plenty of parking.
- King County Metro routes: 203, 226, 240, 249
- ST Express routes: 550, 556
- Park-and-Ride Parking: 1,524 spaces, free
East Main
Ride from IDS: 19 minutes
The station has a residential neighborhood with single-family homes on one side and a few hotels on the other side. Bengio Park is adjacent to the station.
- King County Metro route: 240
- No public parking is available
Bellevue Downtown
Ride from IDS: 22 minutes
This station is the Eastside’s main transit hub. Located across the street from Bellevue Transit Center, this station connects to several local Metro bus routes and regional ST Express routes. Bellevue City Hall is located near this station.
- King County Metro routes: RapidRide B Line, 226, 240, 249, 250, 271, 981
- ST Express routes: 532, 535, 550, 556, 560, 566
- No public parking is available
Wilburton
Ride from IDS: 24 minutes
This station serves the area east of Downtown Bellevue. Overlake Medical Center is located near this station.
- King County Metro route: RapidRide B Line
- No public parking is available
Spring District
Ride from IDS: 26 minutes
This station serves the growing Spring District, with many newer residential and retail buildings.
- King County Metro route: 249
- No public parking is available
BelRed
Ride from IDS: 28 minutes
This station has a park-and-ride lot and serves a growing neighborhood with a variety of restaurants and other businesses within walking distance.
- King County Metro route: 249
- Park-and-Ride Parking: 300 spaces, free
Overlake Village
Ride from IDS: 32 minutes
This station is adjacent to a pedestrian/bike bridge which provides a direct connection to the 520 Trail.
- King County Metro routes: 222, 223
- No public parking is available
Redmond Technology
Ride from IDS: 34 minutes
This station serves the core Redmond’s technology district. Microsoft’s main headquarters is located near this station. Other major tech companies nearby include Nintendo and Meta. The station is also a hub for several bus routes.
- King County Metro routes: RapidRide B Line, 222, 225, 245, 982
- ST Express routes: 545, 545, 566
- Park-and-Ride Parking: 377 spaces, free
Marymoor Village
Ride from IDS: 38 minutes
This station is close to several trails and is the closest to King County’s largest park, Marymoor Park. The station also has a large parking structure.
- King County Metro route: 269
- Park-and-Ride Parking: 1,403 spaces, free
Downtown Redmond
Ride from IDS: 41 minutes
The eastern terminus of the 2 Line is in heart of Redmond’s very walkable downtown area. Over the past few years, the station area has seen construction of several new apartments buildings, along with retail stores and restaurants. The station is also served by several bus routes and a direct connection to Eastrail.
- King County Metro routes: RapidRide B Line, 222, 223, 224, 250, 930
- ST Express route: 545
- No public parking is available
Don’t forget to tap your ORCA card when you enter the stations! The adult fare for the Link is a $3 flat-fare no matter how far you ride, and the LIFT/senior fare is $1.
Don’t have an ORCA card? Here’s three ways to get one:
- Online at myorca.com and order the card to your home.
- In-person at ORCA vending machines at Link stations or at certain retailers in the Puget Sound area.
- From your workplace through the ORCA Business Programs.