SEATTLE —Regional leaders on Wednesday outlined an extensive transit plan for the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches at Lumen Field, aiming to get 80% of fans to the stadium without personal vehicles through free shuttles, expanded bus and light-rail service, and coordinated operations across agencies.
With Seattle’s first match — Belgium versus Egypt — 33 days away on June 15, officials urged visitors and residents alike to plan ahead, leave cars at home and arrive early to soak in the once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere. The city will host six matches through July 6, including the U.S. men’s national team against Australia on June 19, as part of the expanded 48-team tournament running June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The “Know Before You Go” press conference at Lumen Field, hosted by SeattleFWC26 and First & Goal Inc., brought together Governor. Bob Ferguson, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson and Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine, along with leaders from King County Metro, the state Department of Transportation and other agencies.
Gov. Ferguson, speaking as both governor and soccer fan, called the event a record-setting global showcase that will deliver an $846 million economic boost to the state, including $593 million in local business spending. He said Seattle stands out from other host cities by making transportation affordable and convenient rather than costly.
“I’m proud, but not surprised, that Seattle was selected out of dozens of potential World Cup host cities,” said Governor Ferguson. “There’s intense competition to host these games, and Washington state was chosen for a reason. Fans will save time and money with an accessible, downtown stadium and great public transportation across the region, from light rail to our iconic ferries. We’re excited to share Washington state and Seattle with the world.”
To minimize disruptions, the state will pause construction on the I-5 Ship Canal Bridge from June 8 through July 10, the five-week window of World Cup matches. Officials also plan increased incident-response teams on roads, additional ferry capacity with standby boats at Eagle Harbor and extra staffing on key routes between Seattle, Bainbridge Island and Bremerton.
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay pointed to the region’s decades-long investment in transit infrastructure, now ready for the expected crowds. King County Metro will add 60 new bus routes on match days and 40 on non-match days, expand water-taxi service to Vashon Island and West Seattle, and launch special match-day shuttles linking key fan destinations downtown. A new waterfront shuttle connecting Waterfront Park, Seattle Center, Pioneer Square, the Chinatown-International District and the Stadium District begins next week and will run free all summer, with extra frequency on game days.
“King County is proud to help welcome the world to our region while continuing to deliver reliable service for the people who call this place home,” said Zahilay. “Metro’s match day and waterfront shuttles, expanded transit service, and regional coordination will help residents and fans move easily throughout Seattle and across King County. Whether you’re heading to a match, commuting to work, or simply getting where you need to go during one of the busiest summers in our history, I encourage residents and visitors alike to leave the driving to us and take advantage of the many transit options available to keep people moving.”
King County Metro General Manager Michelle Allison said transit agencies have stress-tested their coordination through events such as the Super Bowl parade, which moved 750,000 people efficiently before returning to normal service. Real-time communication protocols are in place for bus bridging or shifting resources if any part of the system faces pressure.
King County Metro will operate with thousands of additional transit workers and support staff, and customer teams in the field to help riders navigate the system. All-door boarding and tap-to-pay options will make boarding simpler for visitors.
Seattle Mayor Wilson said the tournament offers a chance to demonstrate what a connected, transit-first city looks like.
“Good transit makes cities feel more open, more connected and more accessible,” Wilson said. She encouraged residents to check routes in advance amid expected street closures and crowds, noting that the fan experience begins the moment people step off a plane or bus.
Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine said his agency’s expanded Link light-rail network — which now reaches farther north, south and east — will serve as the backbone of match-day travel. On game days, the 1 and 2 lines will run every eight minutes all evening, providing four-minute headways between the International District and Lynnwood. Sounder trains will add special service, the Tacoma T Line will operate every 12 minutes, and express buses will stand ready for overflow.
“Hosting these matches is an opportunity to showcase our expanded, regional transit system and the iconic Crosslake Connection views to the world,” said Constantine. “Through increased Link light rail frequencies, special Sounder service and additional personnel in and around our stations, we stand ready to help soccer fans travel to and from matches and elsewhere throughout the region during their visit.”
He advised fans to spread out across stations: Pioneer Square for arrivals from the north, the International District/Chinatown station from the east, and the Stadium station from the south. Stations will feature live music, food vendors and activities before and during matches.
Selecting Stadium-area light rail stations based on direction of travel
Sound Transit Link Light Rail plans to run the 1 Line and 2 Line more frequently—trains every eight minutes throughout every match day with extended hours until 1 a.m.—which results in service running every four minutes from International District/Chinatown north through Lynnwood City Center. To help manage crowds on match days, ticketed fans are encouraged to use specific stations based on where they’re arriving from and where they’re headed after the match.
Before the match (best stations to arrive)
- Heading South: Lynnwood City Center to Symphony (1 Line / 2 Line): Exit at Pioneer Square Station.
- Heading North: SODO to Federal Way (1 Line): Exit at Stadium Station.
- Heading West: Judkins Park to Downtown Redmond (2 Line): Exit at International District/Chinatown Station.
After the match (best stations to depart)
- Heading North: Lynnwood City Center to Symphony (1 Line / 2 Line): Go to Pioneer Square Station.
- Heading South: SODO to Federal Way (1 Line): Go to Stadium Station.
- Heading East: Judkins Park to Downtown Redmond (2 Line): Go to International District/Chinatown Station.
- Staying in Downtown Seattle: Take the King County Metro Waterfront Shuttle or Match Day Shuttle
Additional bus, streetcar and commuter train services
On match days, riders will see more Metro bus tripson busy routes, standby buses to help with crowding, more water taxi trips, and a boost in Metro Flex on-demand service. Access Paratransit shuttles also will be available for riders whose disability may prevent them from riding buses and trains. Metro’s SEA 26 Soccer web page serves as a hub for travelers who want to create travel plans and review special shuttle maps.
Sound Transit’s Sounder commuter rail trains will serve all matches with a combination of regularly scheduled and special service. Additional Sound Transit Express buses will be teed up to provide additional capacity if needed, as well.
Amtrak provides a vital transportation link throughout the Pacific Northwest, connecting major cities and scenic destinations across Washington and Oregon with convenient, reliable rail service. The Amtrak Cascades corridor runs multiple daily trips between Eugene, Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver, B.C., offering travelers a comfortable alternative to driving along one of the region’s busiest routes. Additional Long-Distance service, including the Coast Starlight and Empire Builder, connects the Northwest to California, the Midwest, and beyond.
When Pioneer Square traffic closures are in effect on match days, buses that typically serve King Street Station will be temporarily relocated to 5th Avenue South and South Weller Street and the Seattle Streetcar First Hill Line will not serve the Pioneer Square stop, terminating instead at Chinatown/International District stop at 5th Avenue South and South Jackson Street.
Traveling via water taxi or ferry
Fans traveling by water have robust options on match days. Ferries and passenger-only water taxis bring riders straight into downtown Seattle, a short walk or Waterfront Shuttle ride away from the stadium.
Washington State Ferries is preparing for increased travel demand across its network during Seattle’s six-match days. WSF plans to have 20 of its 21 vessels available for service during the tournament, with two boats on standby as backups and extra ferry crews staged at the Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility for rapid deployment if a vessel goes out of service. Additional terminal staff will be on hand systemwide to assist passengers and help manage crowds. During the FIFA World Cup 2026™, WSF will prioritize its busiest Central Puget Sound routes, including Seattle/Bainbridge Island, Seattle/Bremerton, and Edmonds/Kingston. Vehicle reservations for select routes are available now.
King County Water Taxi will also see expanded service during the FIFA World Cup 2026™. Riders from West Seattle can expect additional weekend sailings, including the return of late-night Friday and Saturday service, and Vashon will operate seven-day-a-week passenger-only service as part of a summer pilot.
Fans traveling from the Kitsap Peninsula will have expanded options on match days. Kitsap Transit will extend its Bremerton Fast Ferry and Port Orchard Foot Ferry service until midnight, and will operate night bus service on key fixed routes serving hotel areas throughout Kitsap County.
Transit Fares
Fares for buses and light rail are $3. Ferry and Water taxi fares depend on route, ranging from $2 to $13. Youth 18 and under always travel for free on all public transit in the state of Washington including buses, light rail, trains, ferries, water taxis, and the Seattle Monorail.
Both the Match Day Shuttle and Waterfront Shuttle will operate with free fares thanks to a collaboration with SeattleFWC26 and its host city supporters.
For fans who plan to use transit more than twice in one day, an All Day PugetPass can be purchased for $6 and provides unlimited travel on most transit agencies in the region until 3 a.m. the following day. Riders will also be able to purchase a three-day pass starting in June for $18 for unlimited travel over three consecutive days. Day passes require an ORCA card and are not valid on Washington State Ferries, Kitsap Transit Fast Ferries, and select regional services.
The easiest way to pay for a ride across the Puget Sound region is with an ORCA card or using the Tap to Pay using credit cards, debit cards, or digital wallets. Tap to Pay is not available on Washington State Ferries, Seattle Monorail, and select regional services outside of Seattle.
Biking, walking, and rolling to Seattle Stadium
With one of the most centrally located stadiums across the tournament, 80 percent of ticketed fans are expected to arrive by walking, biking or scootering.
On match days, the Pioneer Square neighborhood near the stadium district will operate as a walkable pedestrian-only zone, creating more space for people to move through the area and supporting local businesses with street vending. Motor vehicle access in Pioneer Square will be restricted on match days, and SDOT will implement on-street parking restrictions in the immediate stadium area beginning four hours before kickoff until two hours after the match ends. [See map]
Shared bikes and scooters will be directed to designated parking areas near the stadium, and devices operating within the pedestrian zone will be automatically slowed to 8 mph. SDOT has worked with micromobility providers to ensure that shared bikes and scooters are available for thousands of scooter- and bike-riding attendees arriving to and departing from each match.
Seattle’s connected bike network will help people safely bike and roll to matches and fan activities throughout the tournament. This includes the protected bike lane on Alaskan Way, safety upgrades on E Marginal Way, the Yesler Way protected bike lane connecting Occidental Ave S to the waterfront, and upgraded connections within the Center City Bike Network.
SDOT is also managing curb space and access in and around the stadium area to support the large number of people expected during match days. This includes designated rideshare and taxi zones away from the busiest pedestrian areas, expanded space for light rail queuing, ADA access accommodations, and new visitor kiosks and wayfinding signs to help residents and visitors navigate downtown Seattle more easily.
“SDOT teams have been working to prepare Seattle’s streets and public spaces for World Cup and we’ll continue working throughout the tournament to help keep people moving throughout the city,” said SDOT Acting Director Angela Brady, PE. “Seattle is already a vibrant and walkable city with strong transit, biking and pedestrian connections. Our SDOT team is currently laser-focused on managing street operations and prioritizing pedestrian access in and around the stadium area to support residents, visitors, fans and local businesses on match days. We are excited to host international and national visitors here in Seattle!”
No publicly available parking at Seattle Stadium on match days
Due to heightened security measures, increased crowds, and stadium activation footprint, no publicly available parking will be available in the North Lot or Event Center Parking Garage at Seattle Stadium.
On match days, rideshare services pick-up and drop-off will be geofenced away from Seattle Stadium to reduce congestion and improve safety near the pedestrian zone. Designated rideshare zones will be available in Pioneer Square, the Chinatown-International District, and SODO, with signage and volunteers helping direct fans to them.
A designated taxi stand will be available immediately north of Terminal 46 on match days thanks to a partnership with WSDOT, Port of Seattle and the Northwest Seaport Alliance.
Heavy congestion expected on streets and highways
Car travel downtown and across the region will be significantly congested on match days with the heaviest congestion expected on the following dates: June 15, 19-20, 24-28 and July 1 and 6.
To help keep streets and sidewalks clear in high-traffic areas, SDOT has implemented a construction pause in the tournament footprint. The pause runs from June 8, 2026 through July 7, 2026, and contractors are required to clear equipment and materials from SDOT-managed public spaces by June 7. The pause is designed to reduce congestion, support reliable transit operations, and make it safer and easier for people to walk, roll, and bike during the World Cup period.
Washington State Department of Transportation is coordinating construction and maintenance schedules statewide to reduce major traffic disruptions during the tournament window. Most notably, the current lane restrictions for Revive I-5, northbound across the Ship Canal Bridge, will be removed during the five weeks of World Cup. Revive I-5 traffic control will be removed the weekend of June 5-7, so all lanes of northbound I-5 are open for the five weeks of World Cup. Restrictions will be put back in place, the weekend of July 10-12.
Fans and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and use transit, walking, biking, rolling, or carpooling whenever possible to help reduce congestion and support smoother travel throughout Seattle and the region.
Traveling through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Port of Seattle Cruise Terminals
SEA Airport is ready to welcome travelers from around the world with recently and soon to be completed projects that aim to make the experience smooth from landing to departure. That includes expanded security screening capacity and new dining and retail options in the soon to open C Concourse Expansion. SEA recently opened Security Checkpoint 1 on the Baggage Claim level, adding five screening lanes plus more queuing space and new public art displays. International travelers will move through the airport’s expanded International Arrivals Facility, completed in 2022, with a larger grand hall for customs processing and baggage claim.
Sound Transit’s Link light rail provides a direct trip from SEA to downtown Seattle in about 38 minutes—fans are encouraged to plan extra time for heavier airport crowds, especially on match days. A free shuttle cart runs between the terminal and the Link station daily (5 a.m.–midnight) for anyone who needs mobility assistance or prefers not to make the walk.
Additionally, the summer cruise season to Alaska is underway, and the Port is working closely with cruise lines and regional partners to ensure cruise visitors can enjoy activities around the matches while also having a great experience going to/from their cruise at the Port’s cruise terminals.
“For many visitors coming to Seattle for the FIFA World Cup this summer, SEA airport is their first impression of our city and our region,” said Port of Seattle Commission President Ryan Calkins, “and we want them to arrive feeling welcome and comfortable. Our Upgrade SEA projects will ensure their journey from gate to game – and back – will be smooth, with plenty of reminders that soccer fans are at home in the Pacific Northwest. On the waterfront, Port of Seattle teams are working closely with our cruise line partners to ensure easy access to the terminals, even on match days. We are proud that our facilities will be at the center of many of the key moments of the guest experience this summer.”
More Information
- Fans are encouraged to join the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Official Fan Info WhatsApp Channel for Seattle to receive real-time updates, travel guidance, and matchday information curated by FIFA and Host City before and during the tournament.
- Seattle Fan Celebrations and match day transportation plans—including light rail stations, shuttle routes, street closure windows, and rideshare zone maps—are available at Seattlefwc26.org/transportation.
- For more information on Sound Transit’s match day service, including rider tips and service alerts, visit soundtransit.org/soccertournament.
- King County Metro has a hub for maps and helpful travel information for visitors and local fans, with many language options available, is available at https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/metro/rider-tools/sea26-soccer/.
- Learn more about how the City of Seattle is preparing for match days on their FIFA World Cup 2026 web page and read about the Center City Bike Network.
- More information on Kitsap Transit’s match day service is available at kitsaptransit.com/sea26.
- To learn more about ORCA transit fares, visit https://info.myorca.com/seattle-soccer-2026/.
- For information about Lime’s shared biking and scooter services in Seattle, please visit https://www.li.me.
- Stay in the loop with Washington State Ferry service during Seattle’s six match days and make select vehicle reservations now. For more information about Seattle Tacoma International Airport, visit https://www.portseattle.org/sea.
Author: Mario Lotmore
