How to Pay
Paying for your ride on Sound Transit buses and trains is easy. You can use cash or your ORCA card.
ORCA cards are accepted on all Sound Transit services and on Community Transit, Everett Transit, King County Metro Transit, Kitsap Transit, Pierce Transit and Washington State Ferries.
Where to buy and how to use an ORCA card
Sounder trains
You can use cash or an ORCA card to pay your Sounder fare. Tap ORCA before you board and after you get off the train. You can purchase Sounder tickets from the ticket vending machine with cash or a credit card. You will need a ticket before getting on the train.
ST Express buses
You can use cash or an ORCA card to pay your ST Express bus fare. Pay before or after your ride - just follow the driver's directions. Bus drivers do not carry change, so you will need exact fare.
Bus trips within parts of downtown Seattle are free! Learn more about downtown Seattle's Ride Free Area on King County Metro Transit's website.
Bus tickets
Sound Transit does not have a regional bus ticket program. Retail bus tickets sold by King County Metro Transit (Metro) are valid only on the ST Express routes operated by Metro (522, 540, 542, 545, 550, 554, 555, 556, 560). Bus tickets are not valid on Sounder commuter rail or Central Link light rail.
Contact Metro to purchase bus tickets: (206) 624-7277 / (206) 684-1739 TTY or visit Metro Transit Pass Sales Outlets >
Link light rail
You can use cash or an ORCA card to pay your Central Link fare. Tap ORCA before you board and after you get off the train. You can purchase Link tickets from the ticket vending machine with cash or a credit card. You will need a ticket before getting on the train.
Tacoma Link is free, so no fare is required!
Trip Planner
Use the trip planner to find out how much your ride will cost. You can also use the map to find ticket vending machines and outlets that sell or add value to ORCA cards.