Light Rail Extension to Link Seattle to Federal Way from 6 December

Sound Transit has confirmed that passenger services will begin on the Link 1 Line extension to Federal Way in South King County, Washington, on 6 December 2025.

The 7.8-mile (12.5-kilometre) project adds three new stations: Kent Des Moines, Star Lake, and Federal Way Downtown.

Trains will operate every eight minutes during peak periods, providing a direct service from Federal Way to central Seattle and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Travel times will be around 16 minutes between Federal Way and the airport, and approximately 46 minutes from Federal Way to downtown Seattle.

The extension is part of a wider programme to expand the regional light rail network across the Puget Sound area, which includes King, Pierce and Snohomish counties. Sound Transit, the regional transit authority, has said the opening delivers an earlier-than-planned connection for South King County communities.

Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell said:

The City of Federal Way is excited about the opening of the downtown Federal Way Light Rail Station later this year. It connects our community more directly into the regional transportation network and expands opportunities for our city’s residents and businesses. We thank Sound Transit for being excellent governmental partners on this transformative project.

New Stations

Kent Des Moines Station:  Situated east of Interstate 5 at South 236th Street, the elevated station is close to Highline College. It includes a 500-space parking garage and will be accompanied by a 233-unit affordable housing development due to begin construction this winter.

Star Lake Station: Located near South 272nd Street, this elevated station will link to existing regional and local bus services, including Sound Transit Express and King County Metro. A new garage provides 1,100 parking spaces, alongside pedestrian and cycle access improvements.

Federal Way Downtown Station: Built at the Federal Way Transit Centre, the station adds 400 parking spaces to the existing facilities and includes public restrooms and street upgrades for walking and cycling. It will act as a hub for bus and rail services, with space for future development.

Earlier this year, a redesigned bus loop also opened at Federal Way Transit Centre. This facility brings together services from King County Metro, Sound Transit Express, and Pierce Transit, with direct interchange to the new light rail line.

Sound Transit and its partners will hold an opening-day event on Saturday, 6 December, to mark the start of passenger service on the light rail extension.