Seahawks Fans, Get Ready to Cheer! Expanded Train Service is Here for the NFC Championship Showdown!
Calling all Seattle-area football fanatics! If you're planning to head to the electrifying NFC Championship game this Sunday to support the Seahawks as they face off against the Los Angeles Rams, you're in luck! Sound Transit is rolling out special Sounder train service to make your journey to Lumen Field smoother than ever. This is especially welcome news given the ongoing highway construction that can often turn game-day travel into a headache.
But here's where it gets really convenient: This enhanced Sounder service isn't the only way to get to the game. You can also rely on the regular Link light rail, ST Express buses, and King County Metro routes that all serve Lumen Field. The game kicks off at 3:30 p.m., so these transit options are designed to get you there with plenty of time to spare!
For those of you in South King and Pierce counties, get ready for two inbound Sounder S Line trains. The first one departs from Lakewood at 11:51 a.m., making stops at all S Line stations, including Sumner, and is scheduled to arrive at King Street Station by 1:07 p.m. A second S Line train leaves Lakewood a little later, at 12:11 p.m., also serving all S Line stations and pulling into King Street Station at 1:27 p.m.
And what about getting home after the thrilling victory (fingers crossed!)? Two return S Line trains to Lakewood will depart King Street Station. One will leave approximately 10 minutes after the final whistle, or as soon as the train is full, and the second will depart about 45 minutes after the game concludes.
Now, if your journey starts in Snohomish County, don't worry, you're covered too! An inbound Sounder N Line train will depart from Everett at 12:45 p.m. This train will make stops in Mukilteo and Edmonds before arriving at King Street Station at 1:44 p.m. The return N Line train back to Everett will also depart about 45 minutes after the game ends.
And this is the part most people miss: Parking is readily available at all Sounder stations, so you can easily connect to the train. For those who prefer the Link light rail, the 1 Line is running every 10 minutes all weekend long! It connects a vast area from Lynnwood all the way to Federal Way Downtown, with key stops in downtown Seattle, SODO, and the International District/Chinatown, all within easy walking distance of Lumen Field.
Speaking of the Link light rail, exciting news for South King County residents! Three brand-new 1 Line stations – Kent Des Moines, Star Lake, and Federal Way Downtown – just opened last month. These stations are fantastic additions for game-day access, offering substantial park-and-ride facilities with 500, 1,105, and 1,565 parking stalls, respectively. It's worth noting that parking was reported to be available at all these locations before the last Seahawks game!
Beyond these, additional parking garages can be found at several other 1 Line stations, and even at select stations on the 2 Line. Transit officials wisely recommend arriving early for major events, as these popular park-and-ride spots can fill up quickly.
Local bus agencies also play a crucial role, serving many Sounder and Link stations and providing connections to even more park-and-ride locations. It's a comprehensive network designed to get you to the action!
Here's a thought-provoking question for you: With these expanded transit options, do you think more fans will opt for public transportation over driving, especially with the current construction challenges? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below – we'd love to hear if you agree or disagree!
