Sounder Commuter Train

WHY COMMUTING BY TRAIN IS A GREAT OPTION

Save time

Ditch the traffic and keep your hands and mind free to do other things on your train commute. Want to read a book, scroll through social media or take a nap? You got it! Or catch up on emails, watch videos and browse the web? Enjoy free wireless internet access on train cars and in the tunnel and underground stations. Taking the train is one of the best ways to save time by maximizing your commute!

Save money

Train riding also helps you save money. Fares range from $3.25 to $5.75 per trip and you save on gas, insurance, maintenance, oil changes, tolls and parking. Even if you have a personal car but use the train a few times a week, you reduce the number of miles put on your car over time and save on car maintenance costs long term. 

Calculate the cost of your commute and discover how much you could save each month by taking the train!

Save the environment

Contribute to lowering carbon emissions in Pierce County by taking the train. Data from the American Public Transportation Association suggests that the average two-car household could lower carbon emissions impact by 30% by eliminating one car and using public transportation. This also means you:

• Reduce your gasoline use
• Contribute to cleaner air
• Contribute to healthier communities
• Reduce traffic congestion
• Reduce noise pollution from cars

Get on board the train and enjoy all the ways you can save!

HOW TO GO BY TRAIN

Check out these resource pages to help you plan your train route, schedule, parking and more.

• How to park - Find out everything you need to know about parking permits, regulations and Park-and-Ride lots that Sound Transit serves.
• How to bring your bike - You can also ride your bike to the train and board with it. Learn more about riding your bike and connecting with Sound Transit.
• How to pay - Learn about fare prices and how to pay to ride.
  • Are you a State employee? State employees can receive a free ORCA card and ride free. Learn more here.
• How to use your ORCA card on the Sounder - Fare payment is easy with an ORCA (One Regional Card for All) card. Be sure to tap at the beginning and end of every trip — Sound Transit Fare Ambassadors may issue warnings to riders who do not tap their ORCA card.
• Find a schedule and plan your trip - In addition to the standard schedules, the Light rail also offers additional service to special events like Seahawks, Kraken, Mariners and Sounders FC games and the Races at Emerald Downs.
• See if you qualify for a Regional Reduced Fare Permit (RRFP) - Apply in-person at Pierce Transit's Customer Service Center at Tacoma Dome Station, online or by mail.
• How to ride the train - Learn how with this step-by-step First Time Sounder Guide.

Sounder extension Link light rail services

Work or live in Downtown Tacoma? Consider catching the Tacoma light rail (T line) downtown; it runs from the Tacoma Dome Station to MLK Jr. Way on Hilltop every 12 to 24 minutes. More stops are in the works to make it even more convenient — check out the current regional extension progress here.

Headed up north? Leave your driving and parking woes behind and hop on the Link light rail (Line 1) that serves 26 stations between Federal Way and Lynnwood.

Emergency Ride Home Program

Worried about what would happen if you have an emergency and need to leave work when the commuter train schedule is not available? You may have options:

• If you have an employer-provided ORCA card, you are eligible for a Guaranteed Ride Home through the employer contract. Reach out to your ORCA card point-of-contact for more information.
• If you are traveling to a worksite within Pierce County, you can sign up for our free Emergency Ride Home program.

Sound Transit system expansion

Learn more about the Sound Transit System Expansion projects in Pierce County including the Sounder extensions, station parking and access improvements and more by visiting the Sound Transit website and narrowing the projects list based on region.

ACCESSING THE TRAIN

Sound Transit is committed to making train riding fully accessible for all. Here are some of the ways Sounder trains are equipped for accessibility:

• Service animals are welcome on board at no cost
• Elevators, escalators and stairs at stations with platforms above or below ground level
• Ticket machines feature text-to-speech audio through headphones, large text and braille 
• Auditory and visual announcements of upcoming stops and stations
• Conductors and operators are available and trained to assist passengers who need help boarding and deboarding
• Reserved priority seating for people with disabilities and seniors
• Detectable warning strips at stations that indicate two-foot buffer zones between pedestrian areas and moving traffic
• Handicapped accessible parking spaces in Sound Transit parking facilities

For more accessibility features, services and information here.

SAVE WITH DISCOUNTED TRAIN FARES

ORCA has reduced fare programs available to help make riding the Sounder train and other public transit services accessible and affordable for everyone. Check to see if you qualify for one of these discount programs:

• Regional Reduced Fare Permits are available to those who qualify, seniors and people with disabilities. 
• ORCA LIFT cards are available to qualifying low-income adults.
• Youth under 18 ride free! Ages 6-18 will need a free card that can be requested through the ORCA website.