Light rail to Federal Way five weeks away
Link light rail will serve three new stations in South King County
In just over five weeks on Dec. 6, 2025, the 1 Line will add 7.8 miles and three new stations with the opening of the Federal Way Link Extension. The extension includes stations at Kent Des Moines, Star Lake and Federal Way Downtown.
Leading up to opening day, the final phase of testing called simulated service has started, where light rail vehicles run a normal schedule without passengers between Angle Lake and Federal Way Downtown stations. During this time, passengers will need to board and exit at Angle Lake Station.
“Thanks to taxpayers, Sound Transit staff and hard-working contractors, we are another step closer to celebrating this important regional milestone,” said Snohomish County Executive and Sound Transit Board Chair Dave Somers.”
“The long-awaited opening of the Federal Way Link Extension means more options for more South King County residents to get to more places,” said Auburn Mayor and Sound Transit Boardmember Nancy Backus. “If it’s the airport, Federal Way, downtown Seattle or Lumen Field for a (my personal favorite) Reign game — more is better and more is coming.”
“Whether it is work, medical appointments, sporting events or just meeting up with friends, the opening of the Federal Way Link Extension is a critical transportation tool for South King County residents," said King County Councilmember and Sound Transit Boardmember Pete von Reichbauer. "The Federal Way Link Extension is our modern day Polar Express: the power of holding on to the belief that it can be done!”
“Transit equals access to opportunity,” said King County Councilmember and Sound Transit Boardmember De’Sean Quinn. “The Federal Way Link Extension means more choices for South King Couty residents on where to live, where to work and where to play.”
“With the start of simulated service, we are that much closer to the opening of these three new stations in South King County,” said Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine. “We hope you’ll join us as we cut the ribbon on Dec. 6 for the latest expansion of clean, green light rail service, with more coming soon.”
Sound Transit has also launched a new informational site to help people plan for opening day and their upcoming trips on the 1 Line. Visit soundtransit.org/southkinglink for details about opening day activities, schedule information and to sign up for project alerts.
The opening day celebration will start at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6. Service to the new stations will begin at 11 a.m.
Members of the public are invited to enjoy festivities, including activities, exhibits and entertainment, at each of the three new stations led by local organizations the Success Foundation, Project Feast and the Federal Way Black Collective. Visitors will also be able to participate in a Discover.Stamp.Win! activity at the new stations to win exciting prizes.
Video and photos of the project and trains in simulated service at this link.