Bellevue to Lumen Field: How to Take the Light Rail to the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Six FIFA World Cup matches are coming to Lumen Field in Seattle from June 15 through July 6, 2026 — and if you're an Eastside soccer fan, you have something most of the country doesn't: a direct, traffic-free, parking-free path to the stadium thanks to the recently-opened East Link Light Rail.
Here's the complete guide to getting from Bellevue to Lumen Field for World Cup matches without dealing with stadium traffic, gameday parking, or freeway gridlock — including a few tips on what to grab from The Novel Tree before you head out.
The Quick Answer
If you're heading to a World Cup match at Lumen Field from Bellevue:
Park or get dropped off at any Bellevue Light Rail station (BelRed, Bellevue Downtown, East Main, South Bellevue)
Take the 2 Line west toward Mercer Island and Seattle
Transfer to the 1 Line at International District / Chinatown station
Ride the 1 Line south two stops to Stadium Station — Lumen Field is right there
Total travel time from downtown Bellevue: about 35–45 minutes, no driving stress.
Why the Light Rail Is the Move
A few reasons we keep telling our customers this is the smart way to do gameday:
No gameday parking nightmare. Stadium parking around Lumen Field on a normal Seahawks day is rough. On a World Cup day with 70,000+ international visitors, it'll be significantly worse.
No I-90 or I-5 gridlock. The Light Rail crosses the lake on its own dedicated bridge.
You can have a beer (or whatever) without worrying about driving. This matters.
The stadium-to-station walk is about 2 minutes. You step off the train and you're basically there.
Service runs late. Light Rail trains run until well after late evening matches end. Check the Sound Transit schedule for your specific date, but you won't get stranded.
Step-by-Step: From Bellevue to Lumen Field
Step 1: Get to a Light Rail Station
There are four stations in Bellevue:
BelRed Station — at the eastern edge of the emerging BelRed Arts District, where our Novel Tree store is located at 1817 130th Ave NE. While you're in the area, check out the BelRed Arts District for art events, the Arts Studio, and the new Light Rail station.
Bellevue Downtown Station — central Bellevue
East Main Station — south of downtown Bellevue
South Bellevue Station — has the largest park-and-ride garage on the line
Step 2: Take the 2 Line West
Board the 2 Line heading toward Seattle. The full route from Bellevue to International District / Chinatown takes about 25 minutes.
Step 3: Transfer at International District / Chinatown
When you arrive at International District / Chinatown station, you'll transfer to the 1 Line. The transfer is on the same platform — extremely easy.
Step 4: Ride Two Stops South to Stadium Station
From International District / Chinatown, take the 1 Line southbound (toward Angle Lake / SeaTac). Stadium Station is two stops away. Total time on the 1 Line: about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Walk to Lumen Field
Stadium Station deposits you about a 2-minute walk from Lumen Field's main gates. You'll see the stadium as soon as you step off the train.
What to Know Before You Go
Tickets
Buy your Sound Transit tickets through the Transit GO Ticket app or use an ORCA card. A round-trip will run you about $5–6.
Crowds
Light Rail will be crowded on match days. Trains will run more frequently during World Cup events, but expect packed cars within 90 minutes of kickoff. Plan to arrive at least 90 minutes early.
Bag Policy at Lumen Field
Lumen Field has a clear-bag policy for major events. Smaller clutch bags or pockets are fine. Check the official Lumen Field bag policy before you go.
Cannabis at the Stadium
Don't bring cannabis to Lumen Field. Possession on stadium property is prohibited under venue policy and federal stadium funding regulations. Public consumption is also illegal in Washington. Use cannabis responsibly at home or in a private setting before the trip — not at the stadium.
What to Pick Up at The Novel Tree Before Gameday
The Novel Tree is on 130th Ave NE in Bellevue, just minutes from the BelRed Light Rail Station. If you're stopping by before heading to a match (which we'd love), here's what we'd recommend:
For pre-match relaxation (before you head to the train):
Microdose edibles (2.5–5mg) — A controlled, low-impact way to take the edge off pre-match nerves without affecting your enjoyment of the game
Live resin vape carts — Discreet, fast-onset, easy to dose
For unwinding after the match (back at home):
Higher-dose edibles (10mg+) — For the full post-game wind-down
Premium flower — For traditionalists who want to celebrate (or commiserate) properly
THC seltzers — A great alternative to a celebratory beer
Important reminders:
Don't bring any of this to the stadium or on the Light Rail. Public consumption is illegal in Washington and prohibited on Sound Transit. Use cannabis at home, before or after.
Don't drive after consuming. That's why the Light Rail is the move.
Be respectful of fellow passengers. Light Rail trains will be packed with visitors from around the world. Discretion matters.
Shop Bellevue Menu | Get Directions to The Novel Tree
We're open until 11pm daily — perfect for a pre-train stop on your way to an evening match, or a post-match stop on the way home.
What About Watch Parties Closer to Home?
Local pre-match option: On June 26, the BelRed Arts District is hosting a Soccer & Art Celebration at the BelRed Light Rail Station from 2:30-8:00 PM with live screen printing, music, and family activities. Worth checking out before you head to a match. Details here.
Not heading to Lumen Field? Bremerton's Quincy Square is hosting the official Seattle FIFA WC26 Fan Zone with eight free public watch parties featuring live broadcasting on a 20-foot LED screen, food trucks, and family-friendly activities.
If you'd rather take the ferry over and join a community celebration than fight stadium traffic, we wrote a complete guide to the Bremerton Fan Zone here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get from Bellevue to Lumen Field on the Light Rail? About 35–45 minutes from downtown Bellevue, including the transfer at International District / Chinatown. Times vary slightly based on which Bellevue station you start from.
Where do I park? BelRed has a new Park and Ride lot with free parking for commuters. Note that all park-and-rides may fill up quickly on match days — arrive early.
Can I bring alcohol on the Light Rail? Closed containers only. Open containers are prohibited.
What time do trains stop running? Late. Check the Sound Transit schedule for your specific date, but service typically runs until midnight or later — well past most match end times.
Is there a direct train from Bellevue to Stadium Station? No — you'll need to transfer at International District / Chinatown station. The transfer is across the platform and takes less than a minute.
Do I need to bring a printed ticket? No. Sound Transit accepts mobile tickets through the Transit GO app, ORCA cards, and contactless payment.
Is the Light Rail accessible? Yes. All stations and trains are ADA-accessible.
A Final Note
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the largest sporting event ever held in the Pacific Northwest. We're going to see fans from dozens of countries riding the same trains, walking the same streets, and discovering Seattle and Bellevue for the first time. Be a great host. Be patient on crowded trains, help confused visitors find their way, and represent the Eastside well. And if any of those visitors ask where the locals shop — we'd love to meet them at The Novel Tree.
We'll see you at Lumen Field.