📢 Summer 2026 heads-up: FIFA World Cup games at Lumen Field + peak Alaska cruise season = record crowds. Plan ahead — downtown parking, transit, and hotels will be heavily impacted June–July. See transit tips →
🌲 Your City Guide — Seattle, WA

Seattle Made Simple — For Locals & Visitors Alike

Navigate city services, beat the traffic, catch world-class events, and make the most of an extraordinary summer — whether you're a Seattleite bracing for the surge or a visitor heading to the World Cup or Alaska.

750K+
Expected FIFA visitors to Seattle
6
FIFA matches at Lumen Field
2.1M
Alaska cruise passengers in 2026 (record)
2026
Seattle's biggest summer ever
⚽ FIFA World Cup 2026 — Seattle

🇧🇪 Belgium vs Egypt 🇪🇬

June 15, 2026 · 12:00 PM PDT · Lumen Field, SODO · Group Stage

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Official schedule confirmed by FIFA. All 6 Seattle matches at Lumen Field — see full schedule ↓

Seattle Is a Host City

Lumen Field will host multiple group-stage and knockout matches as part of the first FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Here's everything you need to know — whether you're attending, or just trying to get to work.

⚽ Match Venue

Lumen Field, Seattle
Capacity: 69,000

Located in the SODO neighborhood, Lumen Field is easily accessible by Link Light Rail (SODO Station, 2-min walk), but driving is strongly discouraged on match days. Surrounding streets will have closures, and parking lots within 1 mile will be restricted.


📍 Venue Info →

6 Matches at Lumen Field

  • 🇧🇪 Belgium vs Egypt 🇪🇬
    Group Stage · 12:00 PM PDT
    Jun 15
  • 🇺🇸 USA vs Australia 🇦🇺
    Group Stage · 12:00 PM PDT
    Jun 19
  • 🇶🇦 Qatar vs UEFA Playoff
    Group Stage · 12:00 PM PDT
    Jun 24
  • 🇪🇬 Egypt vs IR Iran 🇮🇷
    Group Stage · 8:00 PM PDT
    Jun 26
  • Round of 32 — TBD
    Knockout Stage · 1:00 PM PDT
    Jul 1
  • Round of 16 — TBD
    Knockout Stage · 5:00 PM PDT
    Jul 6

All times Pacific (PDT). Source: FIFA.com / Seattle FWC26

📅 Complete Lumen Field Match Schedule
Date Kickoff (PDT) Match Stage
Sun, Jun 15
12:00 PM 🇧🇪🇪🇬 Belgium vs Egypt Group Stage
Thu, Jun 19
12:00 PM 🇺🇸🇦🇺 USA vs Australia Group Stage
Wed, Jun 24
12:00 PM 🇶🇦 Qatar vs UEFA Playoff Winner Group Stage
Fri, Jun 26
8:00 PM 🇪🇬🇮🇷 Egypt vs IR Iran Group Stage
Wed, Jul 1
1:00 PM ⚔️ Round of 32 — Teams TBD Round of 32
Mon, Jul 6
5:00 PM ⚔️ Round of 16 — Teams TBD Round of 16

All times Pacific (PDT). Lumen Field is temporarily renamed "Seattle Stadium" for the tournament per FIFA branding requirements. Source: FIFA.com · SeattleFWC26.org

How World Cup Affects Daily Life in Seattle

🚗 Traffic & Parking

Expect severe congestion on I-5, I-90, SR-99, and all SODO-area streets on match days. Closures around Lumen Field from 3 hours pre-kickoff. Avoid driving downtown if at all possible. Use Link Light Rail.

🏨 Hotels & Accommodation

Downtown Seattle hotels are already near sold-out for match weekends at 3–5× normal rates. Consider staying in Bellevue, Redmond, or Tacoma — all are 30–45 min by train from Lumen Field.

🚇 Public Transit

King County Metro and Sound Transit will run extra service on match days. Light Rail is your best bet — Link runs from Sea-Tac Airport through downtown to SODO station, steps from Lumen Field.

🍺 Fan Zones & Bars

Official FIFA Fan Zones will be set up in Seattle Center and along the waterfront. Pioneer Square and Capitol Hill bars will be packed for early-morning matches. Pre-book if you want a seat.

💼 For Local Businesses

Massive economic opportunity — restaurants, retail, and services near Lumen Field can expect lines out the door. Consider extended hours, increased staff, and accepting multiple currencies. Multi-language signage helps.

🔒 Safety & Security

SPD will deploy additional officers in SODO and downtown. Security perimeters around the stadium will be active 4+ hours before kickoff. All bag checks are mandatory. No oversized bags, no drones.

🌐 Official FIFA Site 🚇 Sound Transit Match Day Info 🏛️ City of Seattle

Seattle: Where Alaska Begins

Seattle is North America's premier homeport for Alaska cruises, with a record 2.1 million passengers expected in 2026. Both main terminals are just minutes from downtown — and in summer 2026, they'll be operating at full capacity alongside the World Cup.

🛳️ 2026 Cruise Season: May – September

Two Terminals, One Stunning Departure

Cruise passengers should be aware that summer 2026 brings extraordinary demand on Seattle's infrastructure. Plan to arrive a day early, book ground transport in advance, and expect elevated hotel rates and traffic in the terminal areas — especially on days that coincide with FIFA matches.

⚠️
Summer 2026 heads-up: FIFA match days affect both terminals
If your embarkation date falls on Jun 15, 19, 24, 26 or Jul 1, 6, expect severe downtown traffic. Budget 2–3 extra hours and pre-book ground transport. Pier 91 is less affected than Pier 66 on match days.

Quick Facts

Address 2001 W Garfield St, Seattle 98199
Neighborhood Magnolia (industrial waterfront)
From Downtown ~3 miles · 10–20 min by car
From Sea-Tac ~17 miles · 25–40 min by car
Parking On-site paid parking available
Norwegian Princess Holland America Royal Caribbean Celebrity

🚶 What's Walkable from Pier 91

⚠️ Pier 91 is in an industrial area. There are no shops, restaurants, or attractions within walking distance. You will need transportation for everything.

📍 Nearest Attractions (by car/rideshare)

🛍️ Ballard (10 min) 🏛️ Seattle Center (10 min) 🐟 Pike Place (15 min) 🌿 Capitol Hill (20 min) 🏟️ Lumen Field (20 min)

🚌 Getting to Pier 91

🚗 Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
Drop-off at terminal entrance. Surge pricing likely on FIFA match days — book early or use fixed-rate services.
10–20 min from downtown
🚌 Metro Bus
Route 19 or 24 from downtown (3rd Ave stop). Limited frequency — check King County Metro schedule day-of.
25–35 min from downtown
🚐 Cruise Shuttle
Shuttle Express and other dedicated cruise shuttles serve Pier 91 from Sea-Tac and downtown hotels. Book in advance.
From ~$20/person
🚕 Taxi
Yellow Cab and other metered taxis. Fixed-rate taxis are a good option during match days when Uber/Lyft surge.
~$25–35 from downtown
🅿️ Self-Drive & Park
On-site parking is available at the terminal. Reserve in advance — lots fill quickly on busy sail days.
~$25/day on-site
❌ Link Light Rail
No direct Light Rail access to Pier 91. Do not rely on Link for this terminal — you'll need a connecting ride from the nearest station.
Not recommended

✈️ Sea-Tac Airport → Pier 91

🚗 Rideshare / Taxi
Direct to terminal. ~30–45 min · $45–65
🚐 Cruise Shuttle
Shuttle Express picks up at baggage claim. ~45 min · book ahead
🚇 Link + Rideshare
Link to Westlake, then Uber/Lyft to terminal. ~50 min total

Quick Facts

Address 2203 Alaskan Way, Seattle 98121
Neighborhood Downtown Waterfront
From Downtown <1 mile · 5–10 min walk or 3 min by car
From Sea-Tac ~14 miles · 20–35 min by car
Parking No on-site parking — use nearby garages
Celebrity Oceania Windstar Silversea

🚶 What's Walkable from Pier 66

🐟 Pike Place Market — 5 min 🌊 Seattle Waterfront — 2 min 🎡 Seattle Great Wheel — 3 min 🏛️ Seattle Art Museum — 8 min 🧅 Space Needle — 20 min (or monorail) ☕ Capitol Hill — 25 min 🏘️ Pioneer Square — 15 min 🏟️ Lumen Field — 35 min walk or 10 min by Link

🚌 Getting to Pier 66

🚶 Walk from Downtown
If you're staying in a downtown hotel, you can often walk directly to Pier 66. Easiest option if you have manageable luggage.
5–15 min from most hotels
🚇 Link Light Rail
Take Link to Westlake Station, then walk 12 min to the waterfront or take a quick rideshare.
35 min from Sea-Tac
🚌 Metro Bus
Multiple routes along 1st Ave and the waterfront. Routes 1, 2, 13 stop near the terminal.
Frequent service
🚗 Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
Drop-off at Alaskan Way. Note: on FIFA match days, downtown traffic will be severe. Build in extra time.
5 min from downtown (off-peak)
🅿️ Nearest Parking
Pike Place Market Garage (1531 Western Ave), Harbor Steps Garage, or waterfront street parking (metered). No terminal parking.
3–5 min walk to terminal
🚐 Cruise Shuttle
Shuttle Express and hotel shuttles serve Pier 66 from Sea-Tac. Check your cruise line — many offer transfers.
From ~$18/person

✈️ Sea-Tac Airport → Pier 66

🚇 Link Light Rail
Link to Westlake Station, walk 12 min or quick rideshare to pier. ~40 min · $3.50
🚗 Rideshare / Taxi
Direct to Alaskan Way. ~25–35 min · $40–55
🚐 Cruise Shuttle
Shuttle Express at baggage claim Level 1 door. ~45 min · book ahead

🗓️ Typical Embarkation Day Timeline

✅ Tips for Cruise Passengers in Summer 2026

🚢 Port of Seattle — Cruise Info 🌲 Visit Seattle
🌟 Summer 2026 — The Big Picture

FIFA + Alaska Cruises + Peak Tourism:
Seattle's Biggest Summer Ever

For the first time in history, Seattle will simultaneously host a FIFA World Cup and operate at full Alaska cruise capacity — alongside Seafair, Pride, and its regular summer festival calendar. Locals should plan around the surge; visitors should plan way ahead. This is going to be extraordinary.

~5M
Total additional visitors in Seattle metro, summer 2026
$800M+
Projected economic impact from FIFA alone
50+
Languages spoken among visitors — multilingual signage matters
180
Days of cruise season overlapping with World Cup
🚇 Transit Planning 🏛️ City Services

Transit, Traffic & Parking

Seattle's light rail, bus network, ferry system, and bike share all come together to make car-free travel surprisingly easy — especially important when roads are choked with match-day crowds.

🚇
Link Light Rail

Sound Transit Link runs from Sea-Tac Airport → Downtown → SODO (Lumen Field) → Capitol Hill → University District → Northgate. Best option for match days. Runs every 8–10 min.

View schedules →
🚌
King County Metro

200+ bus routes throughout Seattle and King County. Fare is $2.75 (ORCA card recommended). Rapid Ride lines (A–H) serve major corridors. Extra service on World Cup match days.

Metro info →
⛴️
Washington State Ferries

Ferries from Colman Dock (downtown waterfront) to Bainbridge Island and Bremerton — a scenic way to escape match-day chaos. Foot passengers welcome, no car needed.

Ferry schedules →
🚲
Bike Share & Scooters

Lime and Lyft bikes available citywide. Great for exploring downtown, Capitol Hill, and waterfront neighborhoods. The Burke-Gilman Trail is a scenic car-free route north of downtown.

Find a bike →
⚠️ Match Day Traffic Advisory — Avoid These Scenarios
  • Do not plan to drive in SODO, Pioneer Square, or downtown within 3 hours of kickoff — roads will be gridlocked
  • I-5 between I-90 and the Ship Canal Bridge will back up significantly on match days
  • Cruise embarkation days that overlap with FIFA matches will cause compound delays near the waterfront — add 90+ min buffer
  • Park & Ride lots near light rail stations (Angle Lake, Tukwila, Rainier Beach) are your best ally — arrive early
  • Rideshare surge pricing will be extreme — budget $50–80+ for downtown Uber/Lyft on match days
  • Delivery trucks and freight access to SODO will be rerouted — local businesses should plan alternate supply routes
  • Use the WSDOT real-time traffic map and Seattle DOT app for live road conditions
🚦 WSDOT Traffic Map 🚇 Sound Transit 🛣️ Seattle DOT

Seattle Transit & Key Locations

Lumen Field, both cruise terminals, all Link Light Rail stations, and the ferry dock — click any marker for details. Use the filters to focus on what matters to your trip.

Legend

⚽ FIFA / Lumen Field
🚢 Cruise Terminals
🚇 Link Light Rail
Link 1 Line route
⛴️ Ferry Terminal
⚽ Match Day Tip Take Link Light Rail to SODO Station — it's a 2-minute walk to Lumen Field and avoids all parking chaos.
🚢 Cruise Tip Pier 91 (Smith Cove) has no direct rail link — use Metro Bus 19 or 24, or pre-book a car service. Allow 45 min from downtown on busy days.
⛴️ Ferry Tip Colman Dock is steps from Downtown/Pioneer Square Link stations. Ferry to Bainbridge is 35 min — a great day escape from World Cup crowds.

Seattle Conditions — Right Now

Live weather for Seattle updated every hour. Useful for match-day planning, cruise departure days, and deciding whether to pack an umbrella.

Fetching Seattle weather…

Navigate Seattle's City Services

Quick access to the services Seattleites use most — from paying utilities to reporting a pothole, getting a permit, or finding your nearest library.

Events Calendar

Every major event this summer — FIFA matches, festivals, holidays, and cruise season — in one place. Past events grey out automatically.

May
1
🚢 Cruise Alaska Cruise Season Opens
📍 Pier 91 & Pier 66🗓️ May – September 2026
Record 2.1M passengers expected this season. Heaviest traffic on weekend mornings — Saturdays and Sundays see the most embarkations. Plan terminal transport well in advance.
Jun
15
⚽ FIFA 🇧🇪 Belgium vs Egypt 🇪🇬
📍 Lumen Field, SODO⏰ 12:00 PM PDT🎟️ FIFA.com
Seattle's first World Cup match. Fan zones open at Seattle Center and along the waterfront from 9am. Expect SODO and downtown to be at full capacity — take Link Light Rail.
Jun
19
⚽ FIFA 🇺🇸 USA vs Australia 🇦🇺
📍 Lumen Field, SODO⏰ 12:00 PM PDT🎟️ FIFA.com
The game locals will be most excited about. USMNT plays at home — expect sellout crowd and massive fan activity throughout Seattle. Book restaurants days in advance.
Jun
24
⚽ FIFA 🇶🇦 Qatar vs UEFA Playoff Winner
📍 Lumen Field, SODO⏰ 12:00 PM PDT🎟️ FIFA.com
Group stage match featuring Qatar and the UEFA playoff winner (Italy, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Northern Ireland, or Wales). Large international fan contingent expected.
Jun
26
🌈 Pride Seattle Pride Festival — Capitol Hill ⚠️ FIFA match day
📍 Capitol Hill🗓️ Jun 26–28👥 300,000+ attendees
Seattle's Queer Pride Festival fills Capitol Hill for three days. Coincides with Egypt vs Iran FIFA match at 8pm — downtown and Capitol Hill will both be at absolute capacity. Plan extra travel time.
Jun
26
⚽ FIFA 🇪🇬 Egypt vs IR Iran 🇮🇷 ⚠️ Pride weekend
📍 Lumen Field, SODO⏰ 8:00 PM PDT🎟️ FIFA.com
Evening kickoff on Pride weekend — Seattle's busiest single day of summer 2026. Large Egyptian and Iranian fan communities in the PNW. Evening traffic will be severe across all of downtown.
Jun
29
🌈 Pride Seattle Pride Parade
📍 Downtown Seattle🗓️ Monday, Jun 29👥 250+ groups marching
Washington's largest parade winds through downtown Seattle. Multiple street closures from morning through afternoon. One of the most attended events on the summer calendar.
Jul
1
⚽ FIFA Round of 32 — Teams TBD
📍 Lumen Field, SODO⏰ 1:00 PM PDT🎟️ FIFA.com
First knockout stage match at Lumen Field. Teams determined by group stage results. Stakes are high — elimination round means heightened fan intensity.
Jul
6
⚽ FIFA Round of 16 — Teams TBD
📍 Lumen Field, SODO⏰ 5:00 PM PDT🎟️ FIFA.com
Seattle's final World Cup match — the Round of 16. Top 32 teams compete in the first major knockout round. Seattle's hosting duties end after this game.
Jul
4
🎆 Holiday Independence Day — Gasworks Park Fireworks
📍 Lake Union / Gasworks Park🎆 Fireworks at dusk (~10pm)
Seattle's 4th of July fireworks over Lake Union draw 100,000+. I-5, Aurora Ave, and Eastlake will be gridlocked. Arrive by water taxi or on foot if possible. Between FIFA and fireworks, July 4 weekend is peak chaos.
Jul
31
✈️ Seafair Seafair Weekend — Blue Angels & Hydroplane Races
📍 Lake Washington🗓️ Jul 31 – Aug 2🎟️ seafair.org
Seattle's premier summer spectacular — US Navy Blue Angels aerobatics and Unlimited Hydroplane races on Lake Washington. I-90 and Mercer Island corridors heavily impacted. One of Seattle's most beloved annual traditions.
Aug
1
✈️ Seafair Seafair Weekend — Day 2
📍 Lake Washington⏰ All day
Blue Angels final performance and hydroplane championship. The biggest day of Seafair — arrive early and expect full road closures near I-90 and Genesee Park from mid-morning.
Aug
2
🎵 Music Capitol Hill Block Party
📍 Capitol Hill, Pike/Pine🎟️ capblockparty.com
Seattle's beloved outdoor music festival across multiple stages on Capitol Hill. Pike/Pine corridor closed to traffic. Local and national acts over the weekend — book nearby accommodations months in advance.
Sep
5
🎵 Music Bumbershoot — Death Cab for Cutie, Turnstile & more
📍 Seattle Center🗓️ Sep 5–6🎟️ bumbershoot.com · from $70
Bumbershoot returns to Seattle Center for Labor Day weekend. 2026 headliners: Death Cab for Cutie, Turnstile, Japanese Breakfast, Orville Peck, Blood Orange. Kids 12 & under free with adult ticket.
Sep
30
🚢 Cruise Alaska Cruise Season Closes
📍 Pier 91 & Pier 66🗓️ End of season
The 2026 Alaska cruise season wraps up with final sailings from both terminals. A record-breaking 2.1M passengers will have passed through Seattle's cruise facilities this summer.
📅 More Events — Visit Seattle ✈️ Seafair 🌈 Seattle Pride 🎵 Bumbershoot

Where to Eat, Stay & Get Around

Curated Seattle businesses near Lumen Field, the cruise terminals, and downtown — handpicked for FIFA fans and Alaska cruise passengers.

🔍

All Listings

🏪 Own a Seattle business?

Get listed and reach FIFA World Cup fans & Alaska cruise passengers planning their visit. Featured placements available.

📩 Get Listed →

Seattle by Neighborhood

Whether you're a visiting fan or a cruise passenger spending a day exploring, here's what each key neighborhood has to offer.

🏙️ Downtown / Pike Place
  • Pike Place Market — fish, flowers, and the original Starbucks
  • Seattle Art Museum (SAM) — world-class rotating exhibitions
  • Westlake Center — shopping and Link Light Rail station
  • Columbia Center — tallest building, observation deck
  • Walking distance from Bell Street (Pier 66) cruise terminal
🎶 Seattle Center / Belltown
  • Space Needle — the iconic view at 520 feet
  • Chihuly Garden and Glass — stunning glass art
  • Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
  • Climate Pledge Arena — NHL Kraken, concerts
  • FIFA Fan Zone location during World Cup
⚽ SODO & Pioneer Square
  • Lumen Field — FIFA World Cup & Seahawks games
  • T-Mobile Park — Seattle Mariners baseball
  • Pioneer Square — historic district, art galleries, nightlife
  • Underground Tour — fascinating subterranean Seattle history
  • Link Light Rail: SODO Station — 2 min walk to Lumen Field
⛴️ Waterfront & Olympic Sculpture Park
  • Seattle Great Wheel — ferris wheel on Pier 57
  • Washington State Ferries — Bainbridge & Bremerton routes
  • Olympic Sculpture Park (free) — art meets Puget Sound views
  • Miner's Landing & waterfront restaurants
  • New waterfront promenade — fully rebuilt, stunning views