The world's first light rail on a floating bridge will soon open in the Pacific Northwest, connecting Bellevue to Seattle with stunning Lake Washington views. On March 28, Sound Transit opens the Crosslake Connection, completing the full 2 Line light rail service between Bellevue, Seattle, and Redmond.
Sound Transit’s light rail system is also the first major light rail system in the United States to operate entirely on carbon-free electricity, making this historic connection as forward-thinking as it is scenic.
As riders cross Lake Washington, they experience open water, expansive skies, and sweeping views of both the Bellevue and Seattle skylines. On clear days, the journey unfolds with layered scenery that highlights the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty. For visitors, this milestone reshapes how the region can be explored, making it easier than ever to basecamp in Bellevue while accessing the region's most iconic experiences.
Opening Events
For more information about the Crosslake Connection's opening events, please see Sound Transit's Website.
Additional information about Sound Transit’s social media activities, key messages, and information for opening day is included in the Partner Toolkit below.
World’s First Light Rail on a Floating Bridge Across Lake Washington
The Crosslake Connection makes history as the first system in the world to successfully operate light rail on a floating bridge. Carried across Lake Washington on the I-90 bridge, also known as the Lacey V. Murrow Memorial Bridge, the train travels atop one of the most unique pieces of infrastructure in the world. The I-90 floating bridge is the second longest floating bridge globally, running parallel to the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge (SR 520), the longest floating bridge in the world.
Together, these bridges link Bellevue and Seattle across Lake Washington, floating on the water’s surface rather than resting on pillars drilled into the lakebed. They are designed to move with wind, waves, temperature shifts, and changing water levels, a reality that makes adding precision rail transit extraordinarily complex.
To make this possible, engineers developed new track, power, and safety systems that allow trains to maintain a smooth, reliable ride while the bridge beneath them subtly shifts. The result is a seamless crossing that feels effortless to riders, even as it represents a global first in modern rail engineering.
Bellevue As A Car-Free Home Base
With the opening of the Crosslake Connection, Visitors staying in Bellevue can reach Seattle and Redmond quickly and without a car, allowing for spontaneous plans, shorter trips, and easier evenings out. Instead of building an entire day around traffic and parking, travelers can move freely between neighborhoods and return to Bellevue’s hotels, dining, and walkable districts with ease. Bellevue becomes a calm, convenient home base for exploring some of the region’s most popular attractions.
- T-Mobile Stadium & Stadium District without navigating stadium traffic
- Pike Place Market and Seattle’s waterfront with an easy return across the lake
- Redmond and Marymoor Park for outdoor events and recreation
Faster travel, more flexibility
The 2 Line light rail makes exploring the region easier and more intuitive.
- Downtown Bellevue to Seattle’s International District Chinatown Station in approximately 19 minutes
- Downtown Bellevue to Redmond Technology Station in approximately 10 minutes
- From Downtown Bellevue Station to Marymoor Park in approximately 20 minutes
Frequent service throughout the day means visitors can travel without strict schedules, encouraging last-minute plans and shorter, more relaxed trips. Whether heading into Seattle for a game, a meal, or an afternoon of sightseeing, returning to Bellevue is simple and stress-free.
More Options For Airport Transportation
Visitors arriving by air via Seattle-Tacoma International Airport can take the 1 Line with a transfer to the 2 Line to get to Downtown Bellevue when the Crosslake Connection opens. Estimated travel time is roughly 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes end to end, depending on transfers and wait times. Bellevue also offers a direct shuttle from SEA through Bellevue Airport Shuttle for $30, as a convenient alternative with a travel time of around 30 to 40 minutes.
Where the 2 Line light rail goes
With the opening of the Crosslake Connection, the 2 Line light rail links Bellevue directly to Seattle and to Redmond, making it easy for visitors to explore the region without a car.
Bellevue
- South Bellevue Station: Southern entry into Bellevue with nearby nature, trails, and hotels including Bellevue Club Hotel and Hilton Bellevue.
- East Main Station: Steps from Old Bellevue, known for its charming streets, restaurants, boutiques, and walkable parks.
- Bellevue Downtown Station: Located in the heart of downtown Bellevue, close to major hotels, shopping, dining, arts venues, and parks. Ideal for visitors staying overnight.
- Wilburton Station: Near casual dining spots, shopping areas, green spaces, and trails just east of downtown.
- Spring District Station: Serving a transit oriented, LEED Certified district with Bellevue Brewing Company and a growing mix of shops and events.
- BelRed Station: Access to Bellevue’s evolving arts and innovation area, with local businesses and creative spaces.
Seattle and Lake Washington
- International District/Chinatown Station (Seattle): Gateway to downtown Seattle and the regional light rail network, with easy connections to Pike Place Market, the waterfront, stadiums, and onward service north and south, including to SeaTac Airport.
- Judkins Park Station (Seattle): Access to Seattle’s Central District neighborhoods, local dining, and community spaces just before crossing Lake Washington.
- Mercer Island Station: A mid lake stop surrounded by parks and trails, offering a quiet, scenic break between Bellevue and Seattle.
Redmond
- Overlake Village Station: Near shopping, cafes, and major employment centers, with easy access to nearby neighborhoods.
- Redmond Technology Station: Serving Redmond’s tech corridor and surrounding dining options.
- Marymoor Village Station: Direct access to Marymoor Park, a regional destination for concerts, festivals, trails, and outdoor recreation, such as Cirque du Soleil's ECHO under the Big Top at Marymoor Park.
- Downtown Redmond Station: Walkable to downtown Redmond’s restaurants, breweries, shops, and community events, making it an easy day trip from Bellevue.
This means Bellevue to Seattle is now a straightforward train ride with spectacular lake views, Bellevue to Redmond becomes even easier, and visitors can reach both cities without a car.
A new way to see the region, starting in Bellevue
The opening of the Crosslake Connection marks a turning point for regional travel. With direct light rail access across Lake Washington, Bellevue becomes a natural launch point for exploring Seattle, Redmond, and beyond. Visitors gain flexibility, scenic journeys, and the freedom to experience more without the stress of driving.
