Seattle Link Light Rail Expansion Map (2026–2035)

Everybody wants to know what the light rail map is going to look like in five or ten years. Fair question. Once the Crosslake Connection opens later this month, the system is going to feel pretty complete already. Two lines, cross-lake service, stations from Lynnwood to Federal Way to Redmond. But there's still a lot more in the pipeline. For the current map, see Sound Transit's system map or our station-by-station breakdown. Here's what's coming and when (roughly, because "roughly" is kind of Sound Transit's thing with timelines).

Where things stand right now (2026)

As of early 2026, the 1 Line covers Lynnwood down to Federal Way. The 2 Line runs Lynnwood to Redmond, with the Crosslake Connection across Lake Washington via the I-90 bridge opening March 28, 2026. That's this year's big moment: true one-seat rides between the Eastside and downtown Seattle. No transfers, no bridges with toll cameras staring you down.

The ST3 master plan

Sound Transit 3 (ST3) got voter approval back in 2016 and it's ambitious. We're talking 37 new stations and 62 miles of additional light rail. That's the biggest transit expansion this region has ever attempted. The catch, and there's always a catch, is that timelines have slipped before and I'd honestly be surprised if they don't slip again. But the overall trajectory is clear and the money is (mostly) there.

The big projects coming up

Ballard Link Extension. A brand new line running from Chinatown-ID through a new downtown tunnel, through Interbay, and out to Ballard. Currently in the planning and design phase. Ballard residents have been asking for this since, well, forever. When it eventually opens, it's going to completely change commuting from the northwest part of the city. No estimated opening date yet that I'd trust, but it's moving.

Everett Link Extension. Pushing the 1 Line north all the way to Everett. Draft Environmental Impact Statement is expected sometime in 2026, construction tentatively 2030 to 2036, with opening somewhere between 2037 and 2041. That's a long time to wait but it's real and it's funded.

Graham Street Infill Station. A new stop between Columbia City and Othello on the 1 Line. Funding is secured but the timeline is still TBD. Infill stations aren't sexy megaprojects, but they matter a lot to the neighborhoods that are currently between stops and feel like they got skipped over.

Boeing Access Road Infill Station. Another funded infill station, south of Georgetown. Also TBD on timing. Same story: smaller project, real impact for local riders.

Be patient but stay optimistic

Look, none of this is happening next year. ST3 has already been delayed, and the Crosslake segment alone got pushed back multiple times before finally getting its date. Ballard and Everett are years out. But the plan exists, voters approved it, and construction keeps progressing even when it feels slow. If you're house-hunting or thinking about a move, knowing what stations are coming (even if "coming" means 2035) is legitimately useful for making a decision.

NextStop and new stations

Every time a new station opens, NextStop Mini picks it up through over-the-air updates. No need to buy a new device or do anything manual. We push the new stops as they go live and your display just starts showing them. If a desk display that shows real-time light rail arrivals sounds useful to you, check out the shop.

— Nikita