This spring will mark a transportation milestone for Bellevue, the Eastside, and the entire Puget Sound region. On March 28, 2026, Sound Transit’s Crosslake Connection will open for passenger service, completing the world’s first light rail crossing a floating bridge.
This new connection will make it easier to travel between neighborhoods, jobs, schools, and everyday destinations across Lake Washington without driving alone.
Why This Opening Matters for Bellevue
For years, crossing Lake Washington, especially during peak hours, has meant driving and sitting in traffic. The 2 Line Crosslake Connection will offer a reliable, car-free option to travel between the Eastside and Seattle.
This means:
- More choices for commuting to work or school
- Easier trips to visit friends, family, and events
- A reliable option when traffic is heavy or unpredictable
- Less stress during peak travel times
Even if you don’t plan to ride every day, having this option available gives you more flexibility in how you get around.
Know Before You Ride: What to Expect
Here’s what riders can expect when the Crosslake Connection opens.
Operating Hours:
Service will run on the 1 (Federal Way and Lynwood) and 2 (Lynwood and Redmond) Lines from:
- Approximately 5 a.m. to 1 a.m., Monday – Saturday,
- Approximately 6 a.m. to midnight on Sundays.
How Often Trains Arrive
The light rails will run approximately every 8 minutes during peak times at the new stations, and 10-15 minutes for the rest of the day.
Park & Ride Options
If you plan to drive part of the way, several 1 and 2 Line stations offer park-and-rides, including:
1 Line:
- Lynwood City Center
- Mountlake Terrace
- Shoreline North
- Shoreline South
- Northgate
- Tukwila Int’l Blvd
- Angle Lake
- Kent Des Moines
- Star Lake
- Federal Way Downtown
2 Line:
- Marymoor Village
- Redmond Technology
- BelRed
- South Bellevue
Bikes, Walking, & Accessibility
- Light rail trains are bike-friendly with designated spaces onboard
- Stations are accessible for riders or all ages and abilities
- You can easily combine walking, biking, bus, and rail for one trip.
New Trips, New Possibilities
For Bellevue residents, workers, and students, this new connection opens up entirely new ways to get around without needing to get in a car. You’ll be able to:
- Visit Seattle and Bellevue for work or leisure without worrying about driving
- Combine biking or walking with rail for efficient trips
You don’t have to change your routine overnight. Even trying the Crosslake Connection once is a way to experience something new, while contributing to a more sustainable and connected community.
Log Your Crosslake Connection with Choose Your Way Bellevue Rewards Program
Once the Crosslake Connection opens, your light rail rides to or from Bellevue across the lake can count toward the Choose Your Way Bellevue Rewards program.
Logging these trips will help reduce congestion and emissions; while also helping you earn local rewards that support local businesses.
- Log 30 sustainable trips for a chance to earn a $150 local restaurant gift card
- Log 20 sustainable trips for a chance to earn a $50 local grocery store gift card
- Log 16 sustainable trips to earn a $10 local coffee shop gift card. (while supplies last)
The holiday season on the Eastside is full of festive lights, events, and shopping! The 2 Line is the easier, most stress-free way to experience it all.
