Run a Linea node

Linea follows Ethereum’s dual-layer design. Every Linea node runs:

• Maru for consensus
• An execution layer client of your choice

The following table lists the clients covered in this guide, and whether they provide direct access to Linea-specific features.

Name	Description	Runs Linea-specific features?
Besu	An Java-based open-source Ethereum client that can be extended using plugins.	❌
Linea Besu	Besu client with plugins that implement Linea-specific features, such as API methods and a finalized tag.	✅
Geth	The most widely used open-source Ethereum client, written in Go.	❌

Docker Compose quickstart

Docker Compose is the recommended method to run a node. For binaries or build-from-source and client-specific instructions, see the individual guides, or keep reading for a general guide.

Use Docker Compose as the default path. The canonical compose files live in the Linea monorepo:

• Mainnet: /docs/getting-started/linea-mainnet/docker-compose.yml
• Linea Sepolia: /docs/getting-started/linea-sepolia/docker-compose.yml

Quick steps:

1. Pick your network (mainnet or Linea Sepolia) and download the compose file above.
2. From that directory, run Docker Compose to start Maru plus your execution client.
3. For Linea-specific APIs such as linea_estimateGas and the finalized tag, use the Linea Besu compose example.

Next actions:

• Default compose examples: Linea Besu and Maru.
• Alternative EL clients: Besu or Geth to follow the chain.
• Upgrades: see upgrade guides.
• Bootnodes: see bootnodes if you need to override defaults.

Canonical sources

• Compose files in the Linea monorepo (paths above) are the source of truth for images and versions.
• Linea Besu package compose profiles (linea-besu-package/docker) are for enabling Linea plugins; otherwise use the monorepo compose files.
• Local /files copies for other clients are historical; prefer the monorepo compose for current configuration.

Alternative paths

Binaries or build-from-source are supported. Each client page documents its binary path as an alternative if Docker Compose does not fit your environment.

There are no financial incentives for running a Linea node, and there is currently no option to vote on blocks as part of the consensus mechanism or fork-choice like on Ethereum.