The countdown is on — the 1 Line is about to extend with three new stations!
The opening on Dec. 6 will bring fast, frequent connections in Kent Des Moines, Star Lake, and Federal Way Downtown.
If you’re new to Link (or just need a refresher), here’s how to pay, how to transfer, and how to make your ride smooth from start to finish.
Link trains run from early morning through late night seven days a week. Actual times vary by station, so check the Sound Transit Trip Planner or schedules for exact first and last train times.
How to pay
The easiest way to pay for your Link ride is with an ORCA card.
You can get an ORCA card for $3 from any ticket machine or load it into Google Wallet. Add cash value or a monthly pass, then tap your card to the yellow reader before boarding.
You can also buy digital tickets through the Transit GO Ticket app — just purchase your ticket ahead of time and activate it before you get on the train.
Fares:
Adult one-way fares on Link are $3
Day passes automatically cap at $6
Youth 18 and under ride free
Reduced fares are available for seniors, riders with lower incomes, and riders with disabilities
Our friendly Fare Ambassadors are out on platforms and trains to answer questions.
Learn more about the ORCA card and what fare is right for you.
How to transfer
Your ORCA card is the best way to make seamless transfers between different transit services. It works across the region with King County Metro, Pierce Transit, Community Transit, Seattle Streetcar, and the Seattle Monorail.
When transferring between services:
Tap your ORCA card at each reader or station you enter
As long as your transfer happens within two hours, your original fare will be credited toward your next ride
This means you can easily connect from Link to buses serving South King County, including routes to Des Moines, Auburn, Tacoma, Burien, and more.
Learn more about transferring.
Station navigation and accessibility
All three new stations are designed to be easy to navigate and fully accessible.
You’ll find:
Elevators and escalators between street level and platforms
Level boarding that allows passengers who use wheelchairs or other devices to simply roll aboard
Tactile waiting mats that indicate where train doors will open and passengers can safely board
- Signage that features large, easy-to-read fonts
Signs throughout each station direct you to trains heading north toward Angle Lake, SeaTac/Airport, downtown Seattle, and Lynnwood — or south toward Federal Way Downtown Station (the end of the line for now).
Bus and bike connections at the new stations
The new stations are major transit hubs, making it easier than ever to connect between Link and regional bus service.
Federal Way Downtown Station
Served by:
King County Metro
Pierce Transit
Sound Transit Express Routes 574, 577, 578, and 586
Star Lake Station
Served by:
King County Metro
Sound Transit Express Route 574
Kent Des Moines Station
Served by:
King County Metro
Sound Transit Express Route 574
These connections make it easy to reach nearby neighborhoods, colleges, job centers, and South King County destinations.
Each station also has:
A multi-level parking garage (500 parking spaces at Kent Des Moines Station,1,100 parking spaces at Star Lake Station, 1,192 spaces at Federal Way Downtown Station)
Bike racks and secure bike lockers
Passenger pick-up and drop-off areas
Paratransit bays
How to plan your route
Once you have your ORCA card ready, it’s time to start exploring.
The Sound Transit Trip Planner is a great way to check train arrival times, view bus connections, and plan your full trip from start to finish. You’ll find:
Schedules
Service alerts
Connections to other regional transit services
Trains on the 1 Line typically come every 8–10 minutes, depending on the time of day. If you’re making a transfer, give yourself a little extra time so you don’t feel rushed.
Want the latest updates? Sign up here for 1 Line service alerts so you’re always in the loop.
Enjoy the ride
Link is a shared public space, and a few small courtesies make everyone’s trip better. Please:
Move away from the doors and spread out so others can board.
Offer your seat to riders who need it — priority seating is for seniors and people with disabilities.
Keep seats clear by placing bags on your lap, under your seat, or in luggage areas.
Let riders exit before boarding; step off briefly if needed.
On crowded trains, remove your backpack to make more space.
Safety is our top priority. If you see something that needs attention, call or text security at 206-398-5268.
Remember: trains can’t stop quickly — always give tracks space, look both ways, and stay behind the yellow line on platforms. Use crosswalks, not shortcuts, when crossing tracks.
We’re excited to welcome you aboard the new 1 Line extension to Federal Way. Whether you’re commuting, connecting to school, or exploring South King County, we hope these tips help your trip go smoothly from the very first ride.