Bellevue and Seattle Connected by New Crosslake Light Rail

Floating bridge crossing Lake Washington simplifies regional travel and positions Bellevue as a convenient hub for visitors.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:36pm

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Bellevue has entered a new era of regional connectivity with the opening of Sound Transit's Crosslake Connection, a light rail system that directly links downtown Bellevue to Seattle and provides seamless, car-free access to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and destinations across the Puget Sound region. The new line features a world's first, allowing passengers to enjoy a scenic view of Lake Washington while crossing a floating bridge on board the carbon-free light rail.

Why it matters

The Crosslake Connection simplifies regional travel and establishes Bellevue as a convenient home base, giving visitors access to Seattle's waterfront, stadium district, and major cultural institutions, while also providing direct connections to the airport. This new link reduces the environmental impact of travel across the region and positions Bellevue as an ideal destination for international visitors during events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The details

The new light rail line, delivered by Sound Transit, introduces a global first: light rail service operating across a floating bridge on Lake Washington. Spanning the Interstate 90 corridor, the system travels across the I-90 floating bridge, also known as the Lacey V. Murrow Memorial Bridge, using specialized track bridge technology designed to adjust to the lake's natural movement and allow trains to operate safely and comfortably across a floating structure. Sound Transit and its engineering partners spent tens of thousands of hours designing, testing, and refining the system, which can carry up to 16,000 passengers per hour across the lake.

  • The Crosslake Connection opened in March 2026.
  • Bellevue was named the Best Sustainable and Scenic City in the 2026 Good Housekeeping Travel Awards.

The players

Sound Transit

The regional transit authority responsible for delivering the Crosslake Connection light rail system.

Brad Jones

The Executive Director of Visit Bellevue, the city's official Destination Management Organization.

BellHop powered by Circuit

Bellevue's complimentary, all-electric shuttle service that connects visitors between hotels, dining, shopping, and light rail stations.

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What they’re saying

“This is a game changer for how people access and experience Bellevue and our region. 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.”

— Brad Jones, Executive Director of Visit Bellevue

What’s next

As the region prepares to host matches during the FIFA World Cup 2026, the Crosslake Connection will further position Bellevue as an ideal place for international visitors to stay, offering a more relaxed, walkable environment with convenient access to Seattle's global events.

The takeaway

The Crosslake Connection represents a major milestone in regional transportation, enhancing Bellevue's accessibility and sustainability while solidifying its role as a convenient hub for visitors to explore the Puget Sound area. This innovative light rail system showcases the region's leadership in infrastructure and demonstrates Bellevue's commitment to providing a seamless, eco-friendly travel experience.