This summer Seattle is bringing back a free waterfront shuttle — with some important changes. Because the city will host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the route has been expanded and King County Metro will add extra free runs on match days. The shuttle will operate daily from May 21 through September 7 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., running every 15 minutes (and every 10 minutes on match days).
The route connects key city points: from the Space Needle and Olympic Sculpture Park to Pike Place Market, Waterfront Park, Pioneer Square, the stadium temporarily renamed for the World Cup (commonly known as Lumen Field — FIFA rules prohibit the use of sponsor brand names that aren’t part of FIFA’s partner program during the tournament; the stadium will return to its usual name after the event), the Chinatown neighborhood and the Seattle Ferry Terminal. This year the route was extended to include the Chinatown–International District.
Organizers emphasize the project is regional: the shuttle is now operated by King County Metro and is being sponsored by the local World Cup organizing committee. On the six match days at the stadium, free “match shuttles” will run to Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, Seattle Center and other destinations. Funding comes from the Puyallup Tribe (which helped fund the creation of the service to strengthen the region’s economic ties, create small-business opportunities and provide easy access to the event, and as a sovereign tribe to promote its culture and develop tourism on its lands), Alaska Airlines, Amazon, Boeing, Microsoft, the University of Washington and other partners.
In addition, Pioneer Square will be turned into a pedestrian-only zone beginning four hours before each match for the duration of the World Cup. Officials also announced expansions to bus service, water taxis, the streetcar and Sound Transit trains. According to King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, the region is preparing to welcome guests from around the world by making transportation accessible and convenient for everyone. The stadium will return to its usual name after the tournament.
Based on: Free Seattle waterfront shuttle returns, expands for World Cup