The big picture
Bellevue sits at the crossroads of the Eastside's main routes. I-405 runs north and south through the city, while I-90 and SR 520 cross Lake Washington toward Seattle. Transit options include Sound Transit's 2 Line light rail, King County Metro and Sound Transit Express buses, and growing bike connections. The right choice depends on where you're going, when, and how much flexibility you have.
Light rail: the 2 Line
Sound Transit's 2 Line serves several stations in Bellevue, including South Bellevue, Bellevue Downtown, and the Spring District, and connects toward Redmond. Sound Transit has been working to connect the line across Lake Washington to Seattle via I-90. Check the Sound Transit website for the current service map, schedules, and station details before you plan around it.
Living near a station can make car-light living realistic, especially downtown and in the BelRed and Wilburton areas. See Wilburton, BelRed & the Spring District.
Buses and the Bellevue Transit Center
The Bellevue Transit Center downtown is a hub for King County Metro and Sound Transit Express routes. Park-and-ride lots elsewhere in the city can be an option if you drive part of the way. Use the agencies' trip planners to check routes from specific addresses you're considering.
Driving: I-405, I-90, and SR 520
- I-405 connects Bellevue with Kirkland, Bothell, and points north, and with Renton to the south. Portions include express toll lanes.
- SR 520 crosses Lake Washington on a floating bridge to Seattle's north end and the University District. It is tolled.
- I-90 connects south Bellevue to Mercer Island and Seattle, and east to Issaquah and Snoqualmie Pass.
Tolls are collected electronically. A Good To Go pass from WSDOT is the usual way to pay. Traffic varies a lot by direction and time of day, so test your route at your actual commute time.
Biking and walking
Downtown Bellevue is compact and walkable. For longer rides, regional trails include the Mountains to Sound Greenway route along I-90 and the trail across the SR 520 bridge. Check the City of Bellevue's bike maps for current routes and bike lanes near the homes you're considering.
How to test a commute before you buy
Pick two or three candidate areas
Use the neighborhood guide to start.
Run the trip at rush hour
Drive, ride, or bike the actual route at the time you'd travel, in both directions.
Check the backup plan
What happens on a day the bridge is slow or a route is disrupted? A second option matters.
Next steps
Your commute is one of the best filters for narrowing down neighborhoods. Pair this guide with what to know before you relocate, then request a free consult and we'll map out areas that fit. Prefer to live right by transit downtown? Browse the downtown building guide on Bellevue Condo Living.
This guide is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice, and details can change. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed; please verify anything important for your situation.
Loomis Hamilton is a real estate broker with McConnell Group, helping buyers and sellers in Bellevue and across the Seattle Eastside. MLS ID WA 138027.
(425) 516-2041 · l.hamilton@mcconnellgroup.com · Contact page