The Link Light Rail
The Link Light Rail
4.5
Full view










What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
See what travelers are saying
- Trevor B2 contributionsVery nice!The Link has a good route network that is convenient for getting around the town. I like it because I chose to stay in a hotel near the airport because I was going to arrive in the late evening and depart in the early morning, so I didn't want to have to travel far between my airport and the hotel. My hotel by the airport had a light rail station about a block away, and it was only 45 minutes to the station downtown near Pike Place. I also like that you can connect from the Light Rail to the Monorail at one of the stations- very helpful. Overall, I'd recommend trying it out, it's a good way to travel around the city and wayyyy cheaper than rental cars or rideshares.Visited November 2021Written December 7, 2021
- Cynthia12342015Chicago, Illinois17 contributionsGreat way to get downtown without the hassle of drivingWe stayed at a downtown Seattle hotel before we went to the San Juan Islands. We used the light rail system rather than rent a car at the airport and glad we did...runs every 15 minutes and the station was one block from the hotel. Better alternative than renting a car after a long flight, driving in downtown traffic and paying for parking - Hertz was 3 blocks from our hotel so in the end, using the rail system was more convenient.Visited May 2021Written May 29, 2021
- Michael BBellflower, California25,088 contributionsA fast-clean efficient way to get from SeaTac airport to down town Seattle.We were staying in the capitol hill district for a week, and did not want to rent a car as we had been informed that parking was a nightmare. So were very pleased to find that the Seattle light rail service, ran directly from the SeaTac airport to Capitol hill station downtown. This rail system is very easy to get to from the passenger terminal, and there are lots information signs everywhere. If only we had this system in Los Angeles, life would be so much easier. TIP: The Fare is not expensive and if you are a senior its even cheaper.Visited April 2019Written February 29, 2020
- bucketlisttravellersSydney, Australia3,783 contributionsEasy way to get to the airport from downtownThe light rail link was so easy to use to get to Sea-Tac airport from downtown seattle. It took around 40 min from Westlake station. At $3, this is one of the cheapest rides that you will encounter for an international airport globally too.Visited December 2019Traveled as a coupleWritten January 4, 2020
- Shopping BagAnchorage, Alaska6 contributionsUnderappreciated and incredibly convenientIf you find yourself flying into SEA-TAC and need to get into the city (or if you find yourself stuck in SEA-TAC with an extended layover) the Link Light Rail is the cheapest and most convenient way to get out of the airport and into the city. We use this every time we visit SEA and I find myself using it to pop into downtown on extended layovers. Generally clean, very safe, and very speedy way to get into the city for under $5.Visited April 2022Written April 22, 2022
- AlbertChicago, Illinois88 contributionsGood systemI took the light rail from downtown to Sea Tac airport. You need to buy a $3 ticket at the machine in the station. I hear there will be construction in Jan and Feb 2020. So you will need to catch the train at Pioneer Square or other stations south of Pioneer. The train takes you to the airport but it is a pretty long walk to the terminals thru the parking garage areas. It is all covered and there are some golf cart types for people who need a ride. I got a seat both times but may be tough during rush hour. Make sure to hold on a strap if you are standing be cause first time riders didn’t look prepared for sudden starts. It was safe and clean.Visited January 2020Traveled soloWritten January 12, 2020
- Llll YSeattle, Washington130 contributionsFaster than a bus but somewhat unreliableIt can be hit or miss with light rail service. Sometimes its not their fault, but when it is, Sound Transit seems to have no clues. Late or no show trains, faulty transfers between trains when there is a breakdown, dirty interior cars, unruly riders, no security. If all is well, the trip is speedy and quicker than the bus. Cost is minimal. Parking at Tukwila and Angle lake is hit or miss. I would say that the lots are full by 9am. You can always circle and circle. If you ride be prepared for anything, especially in the evening and night. Also GREAT for going to and from the airport.Visited February 2020Written February 19, 2020
- Jeremy CTiffin, Ohio229 contributionsBest way to see SeattleOur hotel was close to the Ankle Park starting point and we took the Link to the center of Seattle and then walked around and enjoyed the attractions there. We then took the return journey (just $3!) to the Link carpark (no charge). Clean modern train - really impressive - best (very inexpensive) way to see many Seattle attractions without having to encounter the city traffic. A MUST if you plan to visit Seattle.Visited July 2021Written July 15, 2021
- 50statestravelerAlta Loma, California954 contributionsVery easy way to get aroundInstall the app and you'll be good to go. We stopped renting a car in Seattle, especially with the prices the hotels charge for parking. It's so easy to get around on the light rail. We purchased our tickets ahead of time and activated them on the app when we boarded. All in all we felt safe traveling this way, except for the last day when we had a homeless drug addict board who was vaping and making strange noises in part of our car. Several people moved away from him. I don't think anyone reported him. Only incident we had after a week of traveling using public transportation.Visited July 2022Traveled as a coupleWritten July 12, 2022
- CynCeeG 🇺🇸Austin, Texas494 contributionsLink Line Rail Transit better than BuslineFrom Amtrak/King Street station, purchased the Orca card with assistance of an employee. Walked across the street to International Distict/Chinatown station to catch the Soundtransit Link Lite Rail. Wore my mask since it's public transportation. Tap Orca card on a card reader prior to boarding, the single beep lets you know your card has been accepted. Tapping, it's like the honor system. Link Lite Rail rides below street level, tunnel. Stops at every stop. I got off at the Westlake station, downtown. The rail was quick, clean, air conditioned, plenty of seating (you do need to hold down your suitcase with your foot). The wait areas at the stations clean & secured. Wait time 10-15 minutes for next train. Link Lite rail also took me to the SeaTac Station/ airport. Once the rail gets out of city, it travels out in the open. Nice scenery during the train ride to airport. Drops you off right at airport (walk thru doors, down escalators, walk, walk, follow signs to reach your airline). Soundtransit Link Light Rail is way better than busline. It's much quicker & efficient when you need to get across town and doesn't stop at every block!Visited August 2021Traveled soloWritten August 24, 2021
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
204 reviews
Excellent
145
Very good
46
Average
10
Poor
1
Terrible
2
bucketlisttravellers
Sydney, Australia3,783 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
The light rail link was so easy to use to get to Sea-Tac airport from downtown seattle. It took around 40 min from Westlake station. At $3, this is one of the cheapest rides that you will encounter for an international airport globally too.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shopping Bag
Anchorage, AK6 contributions
Apr 2022
If you find yourself flying into SEA-TAC and need to get into the city (or if you find yourself stuck in SEA-TAC with an extended layover) the Link Light Rail is the cheapest and most convenient way to get out of the airport and into the city. We use this every time we visit SEA and I find myself using it to pop into downtown on extended layovers. Generally clean, very safe, and very speedy way to get into the city for under $5.
Written April 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Albert
Chicago, IL88 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
I took the light rail from downtown to Sea Tac airport. You need to buy a $3 ticket at the machine in the station. I hear there will be construction in Jan and Feb 2020. So you will need to catch the train at Pioneer Square or other stations south of Pioneer. The train takes you to the airport but it is a pretty long walk to the terminals thru the parking garage areas. It is all covered and there are some golf cart types for people who need a ride. I got a seat both times but may be tough during rush hour. Make sure to hold on a strap if you are standing be cause first time riders didn’t look prepared for sudden starts.
It was safe and clean.
It was safe and clean.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Llll Y
Seattle, WA130 contributions
Feb 2020
It can be hit or miss with light rail service. Sometimes its not their fault, but when it is, Sound Transit seems to have no clues. Late or no show trains, faulty transfers between trains when there is a breakdown, dirty interior cars, unruly riders, no security. If all is well, the trip is speedy and quicker than the bus. Cost is minimal. Parking at Tukwila and Angle lake is hit or miss. I would say that the lots are full by 9am. You can always circle and circle. If you ride be prepared for anything, especially in the evening and night. Also GREAT for going to and from the airport.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeremy C
Tiffin, OH229 contributions
Jul 2021
Our hotel was close to the Ankle Park starting point and we took the Link to the center of Seattle and then walked around and enjoyed the attractions there. We then took the return journey (just $3!) to the Link carpark (no charge). Clean modern train - really impressive - best (very inexpensive) way to see many Seattle attractions without having to encounter the city traffic. A MUST if you plan to visit Seattle.
Written July 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
50statestraveler
Alta Loma, CA954 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Install the app and you'll be good to go. We stopped renting a car in Seattle, especially with the prices the hotels charge for parking. It's so easy to get around on the light rail. We purchased our tickets ahead of time and activated them on the app when we boarded. All in all we felt safe traveling this way, except for the last day when we had a homeless drug addict board who was vaping and making strange noises in part of our car. Several people moved away from him. I don't think anyone reported him. Only incident we had after a week of traveling using public transportation.
Written July 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CynCeeG 🇺🇸
Austin, TX494 contributions
Aug 2021 • Solo
From Amtrak/King Street station, purchased the Orca card with assistance of an employee. Walked across the street to International Distict/Chinatown station to catch the Soundtransit Link Lite Rail. Wore my mask since it's public transportation. Tap Orca card on a card reader prior to boarding, the single beep lets you know your card has been accepted. Tapping, it's like the honor system. Link Lite Rail rides below street level, tunnel. Stops at every stop. I got off at the Westlake station, downtown. The rail was quick, clean, air conditioned, plenty of seating (you do need to hold down your suitcase with your foot). The wait areas at the stations clean & secured. Wait time 10-15 minutes for next train. Link Lite rail also took me to the SeaTac Station/ airport. Once the rail gets out of city, it travels out in the open. Nice scenery during the train ride to airport. Drops you off right at airport (walk thru doors, down escalators, walk, walk, follow signs to reach your airline). Soundtransit Link Light Rail is way better than busline. It's much quicker & efficient when you need to get across town and doesn't stop at every block!
Written August 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John M
Ann Arbor, MI24 contributions
Nov 2021
We used the light rail to travel from Ravenna to downtown Seattle. We used the Roosevelt station and travelled to the Pioneer Park station. Tickets were easy to purchase at the kiosk - $5 per person for an all day pass. The station was clean, and the train was in great shape and very clean. Trains were running about every 10 minutes.
Written November 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thetravelorganizer
Tega Cay, SC578 contributions
May 2022
If you’ve booked an Alaska cruise departing the next day, you can take the super-convenient Link light rail from the airport to the stop of your choice in downtown Seattle to enjoy a little sightseeing and a nice, relaxing dinner the day before your cruise. One-way fares are just $2.25/person ($1.00 for seniors). The airport station for The Link is located on the 4th floor of the north end of the airport parking garage. To get to the station, start at baggage claim carousels #15 and #16, cross the airport roadway using Skybridge #6, make your way to the 4th floor, and follow the well-marked route. Note: It’s not a short walk and if you’re toting luggage (especially if you haven’t heeded the advice to pack light above), it can feel even longer. If you’re lucky (as we were), you may be offered a ride by one of the skycaps that patrol the route. The ticket kiosks at the station are easy to use, and the trains run about every 10 minutes. There are 12 stops between the airport and the Westlake station (where you can transfer to Seattle’s iconic monorail); the entire trip takes about 40 minutes.
Written June 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Regular Rider
1 contribution
Feb 2022
I live in Hawaii and go to the mainland 2 or 3 times a year . Seattle is usually my first and last stop. I love the light rail and the bus. My sister lives neat Angle Lake; my in-laws (where I stay) are near the Roosevelt Station. My grandchildren are in Greenwood, my nephew in West Seattle. The light rail stops are convenient to all these areas and transfers to the bus are close by. If you spend a lot of time there get an Orca card. Then you won’t have to stand in any ticket lines. Also if you are old, I’m 80, or disabled, you can get a shuttle, free,but tip your driver, from the light rail to your gate . Also your Orca card is good for transfers to the bus, the rapid ride and even the ferries. If you’re not old, you have lots more to look forward to as the system is being widely expanded.
Written April 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather K
Idaho3 contributions
We are thinking of staying in Kirkland and parking at Northgate to go to a Mariner’s game. Is there safe, reasonably priced parking near the Northgate stop?
Kay T
Houston, TX20 contributions
You mentioned requesting assistance from airport terminal to light rail station. What would be available?
Hong_Parkview
Charleston, SC
To purchase a ticket, is credit card acceptable? Thanks!
Mary B
Berkeley, CA144 contributions
Yes
Can you purchase tickets for kids and seniors at the link light rail station? I heard you needed to apply in advance for a reduced fare pass?
Chris
Edmonton, Canada7 contributions
Every thing was on the link purchase station. You just touch for the tickets you are purchasing. Very easy
RoadtripNewEng
Indianapolis, IN69 contributions
Does the Link Light rail go all the way to the cruise port area in downtown Seattle?
kentonbear
Fairbanks, AK155 contributions
There are several stations close to waterfront.
The mono rail is close to one of the stations and goes to space needle.
Cab or Uber the short distance if your not into walking.( dock to train)
How easy is it to access these stations- have mobility issues
Jim T
Medicine Hat, Canada287 contributions
All are accessible with elevators, etc
Chelsea C
15 contributions
What are their hours of operation? I have a flight leaving at 5am on Sunday morning. Can they accomodate transportation to the airport?
Michparis
Seattle, WA202 contributions
It depends on your departure station , the earliest one is at 4:15 am from Beacon Hill Station. You won't make the 5 am flight for sure. You can always stay at the Clarion Hotel which is across the street from the Seatac station ( I have stayed there many times and walked to the airport). Check web site : Linklightrail south bound.
camizoe
Bremerton, WA
Are there luggage lockers in the James Street tunnel.?
wills20182
20 contributions
Dont believe any lockers available. Lots of local hotels may allow storage for avfee
camizoe
Bremerton, WA
Hello, I would like to know if there are luggage lockers at the James Street station. Coming early to SeaTac and hoping to tour the town before going on the ferry to a hotel. Thank you
Becky M
Olympia, WA233 contributions
I am not aware of any storage options at any of the light rail stations. Many people say that most hotels in Seattle will hold your bags even if you are not staying there. Just hand a few bucks to the bellboy, or whomever greets you. Enjoy your visit!
lisavaccarezza
Stockton, CA10 contributions
What train do we take to get to downtown Seattle from SeaTac airport.... very happy to have found this and can't wait to use this transportation ❤️
Michael F
California239 contributions
There's only one train/one line north to downtown.... Pioneer Square Station is the most centrally downtown, but the next station north is closest to the famous Pikes Market... Both are in easy walking distance to the ferry terminal.
Recently viewed
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingThe Link Light Rail (Seattle) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
The Link Light Rail Information
| Excellent Reviews | 144 |
|---|---|
| Very Good Reviews | 46 |
| The Link Light Rail Photos | 73 |


































































