As Link light rail expands to serve more of our region, bus routes will change to better connect you to fast, frequent, reliable trains. Remember to build in extra time the first few times you make the transfer.
Transferring and fares
An ORCA card is the only way to pay for transfers between different services such as trains, buses and streetcars.
As long as you transfer within 2 hours, your original fare will be credited toward the next leg of your journey.
For example, if you use your ORCA card to pay the $3.25 ST Express bus fare and then transfer to Link, the $3.25 fare you've already paid will also count toward your ride on Link. So instead of paying two separate fares, most passengers enjoy completely free transfers with their ORCA card. (If the second leg of your journey costs more than the first, you'll pay only the difference, still saving money.)
Using your ORCA card for transfers
ORCA calculates the cost of your trip and deducts that amount from your account. Sounder fares are calculated by how far you travel, so remember to tap your ORCA card on the yellow card reader at the start of your trip and at your destination, or you'll be charged the highest fare from your origin.
On Link light rail, tap your ORCA card on the yellow card reader before you board. On buses, tap the reader by the driver when you board. No need to tap off a ride on the bus or Link.
Need an ORCA card?
Don't have an ORCA card yet? You can purchase a regular adult card from Link station ticket machines (which accept cash, credit or debit cards) and at retail locations throughout the region.
Learn more about fares, ticket machines and how to get an ORCA card here.