Getting Around Bellevue and Seattle: Buses & Light Rail

Bellevue is one of the most accessible cities in the Puget Sound region and getting around is simple, convenient, and increasingly car-free. With the arrival of Link light rail service and a well-connected bus network, visitors can easily explore Bellevue, Seattle, and surrounding cities without driving.

Whether you're heading into Seattle for the day, exploring local neighborhoods, or traveling between business districts, public transportation offers a reliable and stress-free way to get where you need to go.

Light Rail in Bellevue: What Visitors Need to Know

Bellevue is now directly connected to Seattle and beyond with Sound Transit’s Link light rail 2 Line. This fast, reliable service runs between Bellevue, Mercer Island, Seattle, and Redmond, offering a seamless way to travel across Lake Washington without traffic.

For visitors, light rail makes it easy to stay in Bellevue while accessing many of the region’s top destinations, from iconic Seattle landmarks and sightseeing to sporting events and concerts in the stadium district.

Bellevue Light Rail Stations

Bellevue is served by several light rail stations, each connecting you to different parts of the city and region: 

• 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.

Visit soundtransit.org/Discover2Line for maps and information about how to ride. 

How to Ride Light Rail

Using light rail is simple, even if it’s your first time:

• Pay with an ORCA card or tap a contactless credit or debit card
• Tap your card at the station before boarding
• Follow posted signs for the correct platform
• Trains run frequently throughout the day

No reservations or tickets are required in advance. Just tap and go.

Travel Times from Bellevue

Light rail offers fast, predictable travel across the region:

• Downtown Bellevue to Downtown Seattle – approximately 20 - 25 minutes
• Bellevue to Redmond – approximately 10–15 minutes
• Bellevue to Sea-Tac Airport – approximately 45–60 minutes (with a transfer in Seattle)

Buses in Bellevue: How to Ride

Bellevue's bus network compliments light rail service and provides extensive coverage throughout the city and surrounding areas. Choose Your Way Bellevue provides great resources about bus service in Bellevue. Sound Transit Express Bus Route 560 provides daily airport service to and from the Bellevue Transit Center. Find more information regarding transit options to/from the airport on our Seattle-Tacoma International Airport page.

Direct Bus Routes from Bellevue to Seattle:

• Bellevue Transit Center: Sound Transit 550, 560, Metro 271
• Eastgate Park & Ride: Sound Transit 554; Metro 212
• Evergreen Point Bridge Park & Ride: Sound Transit 545; Metro 255
• South Bellevue Park & Ride: Sound Transit 550

Metro Transit

Metro Transit Website
1-800-542-7876
1-206-BUS-TIME (287-8463, automated schedule info.)
Fares: $3.00 One-way (valid 2 hours) / Single Fare 

Enjoy unlimited rides per day on the region's transit services with the ORCA regional day pass. $6.00 a day 

• ORCA regional day passes can be purchased at ORCA vending machines, online at myORCA.com or via the MyORCA app for iPhone or Android. 
• Starts with first use and ends at 3 am the next day. 
• Accepted for regular service on public buses, trains, streetcars, and water taxis throughout the Central Puget Sound region. 
• Not valid on King County Metro Access, paratransit services, Kitsap Fast Ferries, or Washington State Ferries. Not available for Autoload. 
• Fares covered with the regional day pass: 
  • Adult $3.00 
  • RRFP $1.00 
  • ORCA LIFT $1.00 
• If your regional day pass does not cover your entire transit fare, you will need to pay the difference with your ORCA card’s E-purse funds. On a bus, fare differences cannot be paid with cash. Keep money loaded onto your E-purse at all times to avoid a negative balance and possible blocked card. 
• ORCA cards are not included in the Day Pass price. Adult ORCA cards cost $3.00 ORCA RRFP cards are initially issued at no fee to senior riders (age 65+) and riders with disabilities. 

Metro Transit operates regular bus routes to and from the airport to stops in Downtown Bellevue. Plan your trip throughout the Bellevue-Seattle area now using Metro's Online Trip Planner.  

Sound Transit (ST)

Sound Transit Website
1-800-201-4900
1-888-889-6368 ST Express Customer Service
Fares: One-way adult single fares: $3.00. Seniors 65+ pay $1, and youth 18 and under ride free

Sound Transit is a public agency delivering regional public transportation to urban King (Metro), Pierce (Pierce Transit), and other counties. Schedule information.  

Orca Card for Stress-Free Travel

Planning to explore the Seattle and Bellevue area using Sound Transit’s buses and the 2-Line Light Rail? Here are a few tips to make your ride smooth and stress-free.

Get an ORCA Card or Day Pass:
For easy, cashless travel, we recommend picking up an ORCA card or an ORCA Day Pass ($6 for unlimited rides on buses and light rail for a day). Use the Transit GO Ticket app or MyORCA app.

Why Use an ORCA Card?

• No need to carry cash—most bus drivers don’t carry change.
• Tap and go for faster boarding.
• One card works for buses, light rail, and other local transit options.