Loading Page...

Do people pay for the light rail in Seattle?

Like other light-rail systems, Seattle's operates on an “honor system,” meaning people are expected to pay before they board, but there are no turnstiles to keep them from boarding if they don't pay.



People Also Ask

A: You can buy a one-way ticket or an all day/round trip ticket for Link light rail at all Link light rail stations and Sounder stations. You can pay with cash or a credit/debit card, but the easiest way to pay is with an ORCA card.

MORE DETAILS

Link trains offer two-way, rapid service 20 hours each day. Trains leave every seven to eight minutes during peak periods and every 10 minutes during midday and evening hours. Light rail trains operate in their own right of way and provide a 36-minute ride between Sea-Tac Airport and downtown Seattle.

MORE DETAILS

Seattle-area trains on Sound Transit's 1 Line were involved in collisions 92 times in 2015-2021, about once per month, based on Federal Transit Administration (FTA) data. There were 21 injuries and deaths, placing Sound Transit 15th of 22 light-rail systems.

MORE DETAILS

Sound Transit requires fares on all buses and trains, except for youth 18 and under. Use your ORCA card or the Transit GO Ticket app for touch-free payment.

MORE DETAILS

Link light rail Link travels from Northgate, the University of Washington, downtown Seattle, southeast Seattle, SeaTac Airport and Angle Lake, 20 hours a day, 7 days a week. Link trains run every 8, 10 or 15 minutes depending on the time of day. Service is available from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m.

MORE DETAILS

ORCA Multifamily Development Passport expand_more This pass gives residents comprehensive access to transit services in the Puget Sound Region, including local and express bus service, Link light rail, Sounder commuter rail, Seattle Center Monorail, Seattle Streetcar, and King County Water Taxi.

MORE DETAILS

The Downtown Circulator is a free, fixed-route shuttle bus that connects riders to various health and human service providers downtown.

MORE DETAILS

Pay your Link fare with:
  1. ORCA card - Tap ORCA before you enter the platform and after you get off the train. ...
  2. Ticket - Buy Link tickets from the station ticket machine with cash, Visa or MasterCard.
  3. Transit Go Ticket app - download in the app store, set-up your account and buy tickets ahead of time.


MORE DETAILS

Link travels between University of Washington Station and Angle Lake Station, making 14 stops along the way, including downtown Seattle and Sea-Tac Airport. Adult fares range from $2.25 to $3.25; Children 5 & under ride free; Youth 6-18 pay $1.50; Seniors 65+ & Disabled pay $1.00.

MORE DETAILS

How much does it cost and how do I pay? The adult single-ride fare is $2.25, and you can pay with a paper ticket or with an ORCA Card. Learn more.

MORE DETAILS

What's the nearest light rail station to Pike Place Market in Seattle? The nearest light rail station to Pike Place Market in Seattle is University Street Station. It's a 3 min walk away.

MORE DETAILS

Seattle Housing Authority residents may request a free ORCA card by emailing [email protected] or calling (206) 615-3551.

MORE DETAILS

The ORCA card (standing for One Regional Card for All) is a contactless, stored-value smart card system for public transit in the Puget Sound region of Washington, United States.

MORE DETAILS

Using ORCA to pay your bus fare is an easy “one and done” – just tap on. That's it! There's no need to tap off when riding the bus. If you're transferring to another bus, just tap on when you board the next time within two hours.

MORE DETAILS