The new 2 Line light rail access connecting Bellevue to Seattle has been a total gamechanger. It took me around 20 minutes to get from the Bellevue Downtown Station to the International District Station in Seattle. Along the way, we saw some stellar views of Lake Washington as we entered Seattle's stunning skyline.
Taking the Light Rail to the Mariners Game
With views this stunning, the light rail has become part of the attraction when heading to a Mariners game this baseball season.
Light Rail Station Stops From Bellevue to T-Mobile Park
- Bellevue Downtown Station: Meet up with friends, tap our ORCA card, and find a seat on the train heading towards LYNNWOOD.
- East Bellevue Station: Some fans wearing jerseys got on. The Hilton Bellevue and Bellevue Club Hotel are nearby.
- South Bellevue Station: Lots of fans wearing Mariners gear get on board. There's a park & ride option at this station. Get ready to see some lake.
- Mercer Island Station: Some fans wearing Mariners gear get on board. Get ready to see some more lake.
- International District/Chinatown Station: As we approach this station, the views of the stadiums are pretty out of this world. We all get off the train, and at this point we're just following the fans towards the stadium. We walk past Lumen Field, and there are street vendors about. For those eager to try a Seattle Dog, this is your chance.
Why Take the Light Rail to the Mariners Game
Romanticizing effective public transit is easy when the trains are this clean, pretty, and feels like a train ride at a theme park. I loved taking the 2 Line to the Mariners game for these reasons:
- Save money on parking: I kid you not, when my friend and I were trying to find parking for an M's game last year during opening weekend, parking around the stadiums were around $100. There was a monster truck event at Lumen Field on the same day, and there was an inflated amount of people in downtown Seattle. Even when we accepted that financial sacrifice as our fate, parking was still nonexistent. That said, the light rail is $3 a person and everyone gets to be a passenger princess.
- No traffic, fast ride: I have driven that I-90 bridge from Bellevue to Seattle, and depending on the time of day and whatever else is going on, traffic can get pretty gnarly. On the train, you're pretty much guaranteed to get there in around 20-25 minutes.
- Onboard fan spirit: It's exciting going to a game and cheering for the team who's name is on your shirt. It's extra exciting when that train to the game gets fuller and fuller with more spirited fans. At some point, there's a sense of camaraderie with everyone onboard.
- Get your steps in: It's a quick 10 - 15 minute walk from the International District/Chinatown Station to the gates at T-Mobile Park.
- Sustainable and carbon free: Did you know that Sound Transit was the first in the nation to create a carbon-free light rail system? We're so lucky that system has expanded to Bellevue and now getting to the Seattle stadium district is as cool as riding a train.
- Accessible: Sound Transit takes transit accessibility seriously. General station layout, including elevator locations, can be found on the station web pages for each Link light rail station.
Food Experience At The Mariners Game
T-Mobile Park, hands down, has some of the best food you can get at an American baseball stadium. You can get clam chowder in a bread bowl, delicious katsu, MOTO pizza, super long hot dogs, sushi, and so much more. Check out the latest at www.mlb.com/mariners/ballpark/top-eats
Game Times/Train Times
Home games at T-Mobile Park are usually one of three start times:
- Weeknight games (Mon-Fri): typically 6:40 PM or 7:10 PM
- Saturday games: usually 6:40 PM or 7:10 PM
- Sunday games: usually 1:10 PM or 1:40 PM
Games typically run about 2 hours 35 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes. Add time for walking in and out of the stadium.
Train Times
Whatever you're planning to get into after the game, make sure you'll have ample time to get on the 2 Line light rail. The train generally comes every 8-10 minutes or so. If the stadium empties all at once, expect one or two packed trains before it calms down. Operating hours:
- Roughly 4:30 AM to 12:30 AM weekdays/Saturdays
- Roughly 5:30 AM to midnight Sundays/holidays
Things to Do in Seattle Before or After the Mariners Game
The 2 Line light rail also takes you directly into some other cool stops in Seattle, so if you want to do a little sightseeing and snacking around town pre- or post-game, here's an overview of what's in store:
Explore Pike Place Market & Seattle Waterfront
If you get off at the Symphony Station, you're just a couple of blocks away from the sticky Gum Wall and Seattle Waterfront, which is home to the Great Wheel, the Seattle Aquarium, and stunning views. Keep walking north and you'll stumble into Pike Place Market.
If you get off at the Westlake Station, you're a couple blocks from Pike Place Market, and the Seattle Waterfront is just a nice stroll south. There is a lot to wander through behind the fish and flower markets, art galleries and unique shops with all sorts of knick-knacks everywhere. There's also the oldest comic book in the country here. Every view is a great view.
Take the Monorail to the Space Needle
If you get off at the Westlake Station, you'll be able to transfer to the Monorail, which will take you directly to the Seattle Center, home to the Space Needle, the Museum of Pop Culture, Chihuly Garden & Glass, and the Pacific Science Center. I would recommend getting a Seattle CityPass if you're interested in adding 3 or more of these activities. You don't have to use them all on the same day, and there are other options like a cruise with Argosy Cruises or a ticket to the Woodland Park Zoo. The Monorail is an additional cost.
Cafes and Nightlife in Capitol Hill
The Capitol Hill Station will drop you off in the heart of Seattle's gayborhood, and steps away from countless cute cafes, galleries, shops, and nightlife.
Bellevue Hotels Close To Light Rail Stations
Here are the closest hotels to Bellevue's light rail stations:
Downtown Bellevue Station
- Courtyard by Marriott Seattle: 5 minute walk
- Seattle Marriott Bellevue: 5 minute walk
- AC Hotel Seattle Bellevue: 12 minute walk
- W Bellevue: 14 minute walk
- The Westin Bellevue: 15 minute walk
- Hyatt Regency Bellevue: 17 minute walk
- InterContinental Seattle Bellevue: 20 minute walk
Wilburton Station
- Hotel 116, a Coast Hotel: 7 minute walk
East Main Station
- Hilton Bellevue: 2 minute walk
- Bellevue Club Hotel: 8 minute walk
Getting Around Downtown Bellevue
Rideshares like Uber and Lyft are readily available. Bellevue also offers a free electric shuttle service in downtown Bellevue called BellHop. All you need to do is download the app and order a ride.
Planning Your Visit to The Pacific Northwest
Located just across Lake Washington from Seattle, Bellevue is easy to reach. Our free electric shuttle, BellHop operates year round in our downtown core, and there are plenty of transportation options. Explore seasonal events, restaurant guides, and more at VisitBellevueWA.com, order a free visitor guide or culinary guide, and follow @VisitBellevue on social for the latest itineraries and travel inspiration.
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