As Redmond prepares to welcome light rail, it’s worth taking a look back at the city’s deep roots in transportation — from steamboats and trains to buses and highways.
Redmond's History of Transportation
From Railroad to Light Rail: Redmond's History of Transportation
Riverboats and Rail Lines
In the 1880s, before roads carved through the thick forests, Redmond relied on water routes. The Sammamish River served as a lifeline, and in 1884, a small riverboat called The Squak began regular service, carrying passengers and goods to and from Lake Washington.
By 1888, trains had arrived. The Seattle Lake Shore and Eastern Railway brought faster connections to Seattle and Snoqualmie. The Redmond Depot became a key stop, run by local families like the Adams and Hoffners, until it closed and was demolished in 1972. Freight service continued into the early 2000s before the line was repurposed into a public trail.
Photo from Redmond Historical Society
Roads and Early Automobiles
Redmond’s first horse-drawn stage line to Kirkland launched around 1908, and the town’s first gas station opened in 1920. Around the same time, Redmond became part of the Yellowstone Trail, a transcontinental highway encouraging leisure travel by car. A portion of the original Red Brick Road still exists today, a rare piece of early auto history.
Photo from Redmond Historical Society
Buses and Regional Transit
Until the 1970s, Greyhound buses were one of the few ways to reach Seattle without a car. That changed in 1973 when King County Metro began serving Redmond, following regional efforts to improve public transit through the Forward Thrust campaign.
Photo from Redmond Historical Society
Light Rail and the Road Ahead
Now, with Link Light Rail expanding into Redmond, the city enters a new phase of transit. What began with riverboats and railroads continues today with sustainable, high-speed connections across the region.
Redmond’s transportation history is more than just a timeline — it’s a story of how the city has grown, adapted, and stayed connected.
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