Bellevue has strengthened its position as a regional travel hub with the opening of Sound Transit’s Crosslake Connection, a new light-rail link that connects downtown Bellevue directly to Seattle and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The line enables seamless, car-free travel across the Puget Sound region, offering visitors easier access to major attractions, employment centres and transport hubs.
The connection also introduces a world-first travel experience, allowing passengers to cross Lake Washington on a floating bridge aboard a carbon-free light rail system. The development comes as Bellevue continues to expand its appeal as a base for exploring the Pacific Northwest, combining improved accessibility with its “City in a Park” setting of more than 100 parks, 14 miles of waterfront and 2,800 acres of open space.
“This is a game changer for how people access and experience Bellevue and our region,” said Brad Jones, Executive Director. “Bellevue is now one of the region’s most convenient hubs, offering seamless, car-free connections to the airport, our sports stadiums, major attractions, and employment centers. Whether visiting or working, Bellevue is one of the easiest places to stay connected across all of the Puget Sound and Pacific Northwest.”
The Crosslake Connection simplifies travel between Bellevue and key destinations across Seattle, including the waterfront, Capitol Hill, cultural institutions and the stadium district. Travellers can reach venues such as Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park directly by light rail, avoiding congestion and parking challenges on event days.
The new link is expected to play a role during the FIFA World Cup 2026, when Seattle hosts matches and international visitor numbers increase. Bellevue is positioned as a quieter, walkable alternative for accommodation, while maintaining direct access to major event locations.
The expansion builds on Bellevue’s broader focus on sustainable transport. In 2022, Visit Bellevue launched BellHop powered by Circuit, a complimentary all-electric shuttle service connecting hotels, retail areas, restaurants and light rail stations, helping extend car-free mobility throughout the city.
The light rail line represents a significant engineering milestone, operating across the Interstate 90 floating bridge, also known as the Lacey V. Murrow Memorial Bridge. The system uses specialised track bridge technology designed to adjust to the lake’s movement, allowing trains to travel safely across a floating structure.
Engineers spent tens of thousands of hours developing and testing the system, which is capable of carrying up to 16,000 passengers per hour across Lake Washington. The project highlights the region’s investment in high-capacity, low-emission transport infrastructure.
Alongside the new connection, Visit Bellevue is developing visitor experiences linked to the route, including the Light Rail Discovery Trail, which guides travellers through neighbourhoods, attractions and businesses along the line. Future enhancements include a curated audio experience explaining the engineering and history behind the floating bridge crossing.
With expanded rail connectivity, walkable neighbourhoods and extensive green space, Bellevue is positioning itself as a convenient and sustainable base for exploring Seattle and the wider Pacific Northwest.
