Route 550 Bus Schedule: Times, Stops & Map
Looking for the 550 bus schedule? First check your city. Sound Transit’s Route 550 between Seattle and Bellevue was discontinued on August 29, 2026. However, Pace Route 550 in Illinois and LA Metro Line 550 in Los Angeles have published active-service timetables.
This guide explains which Route 550 you need, current alternatives for Seattle–Bellevue, weekday departures for Pace and LA Metro, fares, major stops, official maps, live arrivals and accessible boarding instructions.
Does Route 550 Still Run in 2026?
It depends on the operator. Sound Transit no longer runs its Seattle–Bellevue Route 550. Riders should use Link 2 Line for the cross-lake journey or Route 556 for Bellevue Way connections. Pace and LA Metro operate different services numbered 550.
Which 550 Bus Schedule Are You Searching For?
| Area | Agency | Main corridor | 2026 status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle–Bellevue, WA | Sound Transit | I-90, Mercer Island, Bellevue Way | Discontinued; use 2 Line / 556 |
| Elgin–Crystal Lake, IL | Pace Suburban Bus | Big Timber Road, Randall Road | Weekdays |
| Los Angeles, CA | LA Metro | Harbor Transitway, Exposition Park | Weekday express |
If you are in another city, use the local transit agency’s official route directory. The number 550 alone does not identify one nationwide service.
Route 550 Guide
Sound Transit Route 550 Was Discontinued August 29, 2026
Sound Transit Route 550 previously connected Downtown Seattle, Mercer Island, South Bellevue and Downtown Bellevue. It was eliminated under Sound Transit’s fall 2026 changes.
Current alternatives: Link 2 Line for Seattle–Bellevue travel and ST Express Route 556 for riders who need Bellevue Way stops or connections toward Issaquah.
Link 2 Line began operating across Lake Washington, connecting Seattle and the Eastside by rail.
Sound Transit discontinued Route 550 as part of its fall service changes.
Riders use Link 2 Line or Route 556 depending on the destination and boarding location.
Where Did the Old Route 550 Stops Go?
| Former travel area | Current alternative | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Seattle | Link 2 Line | Westlake, Symphony, Pioneer Square or International District/Chinatown Station. |
| Mercer Island | Link 2 Line | Mercer Island Station and accessible station entrance. |
| South Bellevue | Link 2 Line | South Bellevue Station and available parking or connecting buses. |
| Bellevue Way SE | Route 556 | Direction-specific Bellevue Way stops and the connection to 2 Line. |
| Bellevue Transit Center | Bellevue Downtown Station / local buses | Walking route to the 2 Line and current bus bay assignments. |
See the official Sound Transit fall 2026 service changes.
Use Link 2 Line Instead of the Former 550 Bus
Link 2 Line operates between Lynnwood and Downtown Redmond through Seattle, Mercer Island and Bellevue. It provides the direct cross-lake connection that replaced the former Route 550 travel corridor.
Sound Transit describes Link service as operating approximately from early morning to midnight, with first and last trains varying by station, direction and day. Use the exact station timetable instead of assuming every train covers the entire line.
2 Line Station Sequence: Seattle to Bellevue
This simplified diagram omits intermediate downtown stations and continues beyond Bellevue toward Downtown Redmond. It is not a geographically accurate rail map.
Approximate Seattle–Bellevue Travel Time
Sound Transit planning materials estimate approximately 20 minutes between International District/Chinatown and Bellevue Downtown aboard 2 Line. A Westlake departure takes a few minutes longer because it is farther along the route.
These are rail-ride estimates, not complete door-to-door travel times. Include time for reaching the station, waiting, elevators, exiting and walking to the final address.
How to Find the Correct 2 Line Train
- Open the official Sound Transit 2 Line schedule.
- Choose the travel direction: toward Downtown Redmond from Seattle or toward Lynnwood from Bellevue.
- Select your travel date and station.
- Review the first and last station-specific departures.
- Check that your chosen train serves both your origin and destination.
- Open Arrivals for newer predictions where available.
- Review alerts for elevator outages, station closures and train disruptions.
- Tap the accepted fare medium before boarding and follow platform signs.
Route 556 Replaces Important Bellevue Way Connections
Sound Transit Route 556 now connects Issaquah and Bellevue. It serves South Bellevue Station, Bellevue Way and Bellevue Transit Center, giving former Route 550 passengers another option for locations not immediately beside a 2 Line station.
Route 556: Selected Weekday Trip Example
| Stop | Example trip |
|---|---|
| Issaquah Highlands Park & Ride — Bay 4 | 5:00 AM |
| Issaquah Transit Center — Bay 2 | 5:11 AM |
| South Bellevue Station — Bay 3 | 5:23 AM |
| Bellevue Way SE & SE 16th Street | 5:26 AM |
| Bellevue Transit Center — Bay 12 | 5:33 AM |
These are selected times from one published 556 trip, not Route 550 times or a complete daily timetable.
How to Transfer from Route 556 to Link 2 Line
Check the official Route 556 timetable and stop list.
Pace Route 550 Bus Schedule: Elgin to Crystal Lake
Pace Route 550 operates between Elgin Transportation Center and Crystal Lake Metra Station in Illinois. The official timetable is effective June 1, 2026 and provides weekday service only.
Pace Route 550 Major Stops
The route also serves Judson University, business areas along Big Timber and Randall Roads, shopping locations and Algonquin Area Public Library.
Important Pace 550 Boarding Rule
Pace designates Route 550 as posted stops only. The bus picks up and drops off passengers at marked Pace bus stops displaying the route number.
Do not assume the driver can stop at any convenient driveway or road intersection between scheduled timepoints.
Pace 550 Official Timetable and Map
Open Pace Route 550 for the current published schedule, live map, route alerts and stop locations.
Read the official June 1, 2026 Pace Route 550 PDF.
For systemwide Pace route-finding, fare information and connections at suburban transportation centers, see our Pace bus schedules and suburban route guide.
Pace 550 Weekday Departure Times
These examples come from the official Pace Route 550 timetable effective June 1, 2026. They are scheduled departures, not live arrival predictions.
Northbound: Elgin → Crystal Lake
| Stop | Trip A | Trip B | Trip C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elgin Transportation Center | 5:30 AM | 6:00 AM | 6:30 AM |
| Big Timber / Lyle | 5:38 AM | 6:08 AM | 6:39 AM |
| Advocate Sherman Hospital | 5:42 AM | 6:12 AM | 6:43 AM |
| I-90 / Randall Road Station | 5:48 AM | 6:18 AM | 6:49 AM |
| Crystal Lake Metra Station | 6:19 AM | 6:49 AM | 7:20 AM |
Southbound: Crystal Lake → Elgin
| Stop | Trip A | Trip B | Trip C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crystal Lake Metra Station | 6:30 AM | 6:59 AM | 7:29 AM |
| Randall / Algonquin | 6:44 AM | 7:13 AM | 7:43 AM |
| I-90 / Randall Road Station | 7:03 AM | 7:32 AM | 8:02 AM |
| Advocate Sherman Hospital | 7:10 AM | 7:40 AM | 8:09 AM |
| Elgin Transportation Center | 7:26 AM | 7:56 AM | 8:25 AM |
How Much Is Pace Route 550?
These are the regular fixed-route fare amounts listed on Pace’s Route 550 page. Reduced-fare eligibility and transfers have separate rules.
Verify Pace 550 fares and transfer information.
How to Track Pace Route 550
- Open the official Pace 550 route page.
- Go to Schedule & Bus Tracking.
- Select Northbound for Crystal Lake or Southbound for Elgin.
- Use View Published Schedule for planned departures.
- Use Bus Tracker for live departure estimates when available.
- Check that the stop is a marked Pace Route 550 stop.
- Review subscribed or current route alerts.
- Recheck the arrival before walking to the stop.
Pace Rider Assistance: 847-364-7223. The official 550 timetable lists Pace River lost and found at 847-931-6750.
LA Metro Line 550 Bus Schedule: Harbor Gateway to Exposition Park
LA Metro Line 550 is an express service operating between Harbor Gateway Transit Center and Exposition Park via the Harbor Transitway. It serves connections near Expo/Vermont Station and freeway transitway stops.
LA Metro’s current route directory links to a timetable marked effective December 14, 2025. That timetable lists weekday peak-period trips and explicitly states there is no midday service.
LA Metro 550 Major Stops
Important Transfer Locations
Open LA Metro’s official schedule directory and find Line 550.
LA Metro 550 Weekday Departure Times
The following examples show selected scheduled trips from the LA Metro Line 550 PDF effective December 14, 2025, which remains linked in the agency’s schedule directory reviewed for this article.
Northbound: Harbor Gateway → Exposition Park
| Stop | Trip A | Trip B | Trip C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harbor Gateway Transit Center | 5:07 AM | 5:50 AM | 6:15 AM |
| Expo/Vermont Station | 5:27 AM | 6:10 AM | 6:35 AM |
| McClintock & Jefferson | 5:34 AM | 6:17 AM | 6:42 AM |
Southbound: Exposition Park → Harbor Gateway
| Stop | Trip A | Trip B | Trip C |
|---|---|---|---|
| McClintock & Jefferson | 5:40 AM | 6:10 AM | 6:38 AM |
| Expo/Vermont Station | 5:46 AM | 6:16 AM | 6:44 AM |
| Harbor Gateway Transit Center | 6:06 AM | 6:36 AM | 7:04 AM |
These are scheduled examples, not guaranteed travel times. LA Metro labels its timetable times approximate. Traffic, events, incidents and service changes may affect actual arrivals.
LA Metro Line 550 Ticket Price
LA Metro publishes free transfers within two hours when paying with an eligible TAP, credit or debit card. Round trips are excluded from that transfer benefit. Reduced fares have separate eligibility and pricing.
How to Pay
- Check the current LA Metro fare page.
- Prepare an accepted TAP card or contactless payment method.
- Board at the correct Line 550 stop.
- Tap the reader as instructed.
- Use the same eligible payment method for transfers when required.
- Check current reduced-fare or cash-payment rules if applicable.
Route 550 Fare Comparison by City
| Service | Adult fare | Payment | Service status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Former Sound Transit 550 | No current fare | Use replacement service | Discontinued |
| Link 2 Line | $3.00 | ORCA / supported contactless or ticket options | Operating |
| Pace 550 | $2.00 Ventra / $2.25 cash | Ventra or accepted cash fare | Weekdays |
| LA Metro 550 | $1.75 | TAP / supported contactless or cash options | Weekday express |
How to Find the Correct Route 550 Bus Map
Because Route 550 is used by different agencies, always choose the operator before opening a map. The route diagrams above show the travel order, but they are not street-level geographic maps.
Use the current Sound Transit 2 Line map and Route 556 map instead of the discontinued 550 map.
Current Sound Transit mapsOpen the Pace 550 route page, then select Route Map or View PDF Schedule.
Pace 550 map and stopsOpen LA Metro’s schedule directory and download the Line 550 PDF, which includes the route map.
LA Metro maps and schedulesHow to Check the Correct Stop on a Map
- Find your exact starting address or landmark.
- Open the official transit agency’s map.
- Check the route direction and destination.
- Identify the correct boarding stop or station platform.
- Inspect the walking route and accessible entrances.
- Check whether the selected trip runs on your travel date.
- Confirm current stop closures and service alerts.
- Recheck your actual departure shortly before leaving.
For a detailed tutorial on comparing transit directions, showing bus stops on the map and reading walking or transfer instructions, see our Google Maps bus route and live-departure guide. Google Maps helps with navigation, while the operating agency remains the authority for service changes.
How to Track an Active Route 550 Bus
Only an operating route can provide a current Route 550 bus arrival. Do not expect Seattle Sound Transit Route 550 to appear as an active bus after its discontinuation.
Official Tracking Options
Pace 550: Use the Northbound or Southbound Bus Tracker links on the Pace route page.
LA Metro 550: Use the LA Metro rider tools and select the Arrivals or Trip Planner option.
Seattle alternative: Select your station under 2 Line Arrivals or use the Route 556 Arrivals view.
Route 550 Accessibility and Disability Travel Information
Accessibility needs to be checked at the vehicle, stop, station and transfer levels. The fact that a bus or train is accessible does not guarantee an unaffected sidewalk, lift, elevator or temporary boarding area.
Practical Accessible Travel Checklist
- Check the vehicle and boarding accessibility details.
- Verify the correct accessible station entrance.
- Review elevator and lift service alerts.
- Check curb ramps and walking surfaces.
- Allow more time for transfers or unfamiliar stops.
- Verify the required reduced-fare card or permit.
- Confirm an accessible alternative if a stop is closed.
- Contact the operator if the route remains uncertain.
Route 550 Schedule Problems and Solutions
The Sound Transit route was discontinued August 29, 2026. Plan a new trip using 2 Line or Route 556.
Pace Route 550’s published timetable is weekday-only. Use an alternative transit plan for weekends and holidays.
The agency’s published Line 550 timetable states there is no midday service. Check other Metro services operating in the corridor.
Use Sound Transit’s August 2026 service-change notice as the authority. Older route-feed information or cached schedules can remain online.
Check the PDF effective date, service day and direction. A live prediction can also differ from a valid scheduled departure.
Look for official temporary signs, a replacement stop number or a platform notice. Do not cross an unsafe road to follow an outdated map marker.
How to Find the Right 550 Bus Schedule in Five Steps
- Identify the city and agency. Determine whether you need Seattle–Bellevue, Illinois Pace or Los Angeles Metro.
- Check the service status. Seattle 550 has ended. Pace and LA Metro have separate published schedules.
- Open the official timetable. Use Sound Transit 2 Line/556, Pace Route 550 or LA Metro Line 550 as appropriate.
- Choose the day and direction. Confirm weekday versus weekend operation and the correct destination.
- Find your stop and verify travel. Read the scheduled trip, fare, walking connection, accessibility details and latest alerts.
Route 550 Official Timetables, Maps and Fare Sources
Confirms the discontinuation of Seattle–Bellevue Route 550 and lists its replacement options.
Sound Transit service changesCurrent rail timetable, direction, stations, arrivals and alerts.
Official Link 2 Line scheduleCurrent Bellevue–Issaquah bus timetable and Bellevue Way stops.
Official 556 timetableOfficial route page with live tracking, map, fare table and route alerts.
Pace Route 550Full weekday timetable, northbound and southbound timepoints, route notes and transfers.
Pace official PDFCurrent agency schedule directory containing the Line 550 PDF.
LA Metro route directoryWeekday peak-period schedule, route map and published no-midday-service restriction.
LA Metro 550 PDFCurrent $1.75 standard fare, discounts, free transfers and fare-capping information.
LA Metro fare guideIndependent publisher disclaimer: BusSchedule.us does not operate Sound Transit, Pace or LA Metro vehicles. This guide provides independently organized rider information and cannot guarantee an individual departure or real-time prediction.
Route 550 Bus Schedule FAQs
1. Is Route 550 still running in 2026?
It depends on the operator. Sound Transit’s Seattle–Bellevue Route 550 was discontinued on August 29, 2026. Pace Route 550 in Illinois and LA Metro Line 550 in California have published active-service timetables.
2. What replaced the Seattle Route 550 bus?
Sound Transit lists Link 2 Line and Route 556 as alternatives. Link 2 Line serves Seattle, Mercer Island and Bellevue, while Route 556 serves Bellevue Way, South Bellevue and connections toward Issaquah.
3. Can I still ride from Bellevue to Seattle without the 550 bus?
Yes. Link 2 Line offers direct rail service between Bellevue and Downtown Seattle. Use Bellevue Downtown, East Main or South Bellevue stations according to your origin, and confirm the correct train direction.
4. What is the Pace Route 550 bus schedule?
Pace Route 550 operates between Elgin Transportation Center and Crystal Lake Metra Station on weekdays. The published northbound timetable begins at 5:30 AM from Elgin, and the first southbound trip leaves Crystal Lake at 6:30 AM.
5. Does Pace Route 550 run on weekends?
No. The Pace Route 550 timetable effective June 1, 2026 states that there is no Saturday, Sunday or holiday service.
6. How much is the Pace 550 fare?
Pace Route 550 lists a $2.00 regular Ventra fare and $2.25 regular cash fare. Qualifying reduced fares are $1.00 using Ventra and $1.10 cash.
7. What time does LA Metro 550 start?
The LA Metro Line 550 timetable linked by the agency lists a first northbound departure from Harbor Gateway Transit Center at 5:07 AM and a first southbound departure from McClintock and Jefferson at 5:40 AM on weekdays.
8. Does LA Metro Line 550 run at midday?
No midday trips are listed in the published LA Metro Line 550 timetable effective December 14, 2025. The agency’s current schedule directory should be checked for any later service changes.
9. Where can I find live 550 bus arrival times?
For Pace Route 550, use the northbound or southbound Bus Tracker on Pace’s official route page. For LA Metro Line 550, use LA Metro’s Arrivals or rider tools. For former Seattle Route 550 trips, check the current Link 2 Line or Route 556 arrivals instead.
10. How do I find the correct Route 550 map?
Identify the city and operator first. Pace provides a Route 550 map and PDF, LA Metro lists the Line 550 map in its PDF, and Seattle–Bellevue travelers should use the current Link 2 Line or Route 556 maps instead of the discontinued 550 map.