Seattle Center Monorail
Ride a piece of history! The Seattle Center Monorail connects downtown to the Space Needle, offering a quick, retro journey.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, smoother rides
Seattle Center Monorail
Best Time
Fewer crowds, smoother rides

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride a piece of history! The Seattle Center Monorail connects downtown to the Space Needle, offering a quick, retro journey.
"A quick, historic ride that's a classic Seattle experience, especially for kids!"
🎯 Combine with Attractions
Ride the monorail on the same day as Space Needle or museums to maximize value & time . :ticket:
💳 Cashless Payment
Tickets are purchased at machines; they do not accept cash. Plan accordingly! :credit_card:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Ride
Westlake Center to Seattle Center
Experience a piece of history on this retro train, built for the 1962 World's Fair. It's a classic Seattle experience!

Skyline Views
En route from Westlake to Seattle Center
Soar above the streets for unique city perspectives and a glimpse of the Seattle skyline. A quick, scenic journey.

Convenient Connector
Westlake Center & Seattle Center Stations
Effortlessly travel between downtown shopping and the iconic Space Needle and museums. A practical transit solution.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Combine Your Trips
Tickets & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Combine with Attractions
Ride the monorail on the same day as Space Needle or museums to maximize value & time.
:ticket:💳 Cashless Payment
Tickets are purchased at machines; they do not accept cash. Plan accordingly! :credit_card:
📸 Photo Ops
The station near the Space Needle has a cool robot vendor. Great for unique photos! :camerawithflash:
⏳ Short but Sweet
The ride is only about 3 minutes. Consider a round trip for more experience! :timer:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Combine with Attractions
Ride the monorail on the same day as Space Needle or museums to maximize value & time.
:ticket:💳 Cashless Payment
Tickets are purchased at machines; they do not accept cash. Plan accordingly! :credit_card:
📸 Photo Ops
The station near the Space Needle has a cool robot vendor. Great for unique photos! :camerawithflash:
⏳ Short but Sweet
The ride is only about 3 minutes. Consider a round trip for more experience! :timer:
👨✈️ Friendly Drivers
Drivers are often friendly and knowledgeable about the monorail's history. :smiley:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often describe the Seattle Center Monorail as a quick, convenient, and historic connector between downtown and Seattle Center. While the ride is short, its novelty and efficiency make it a worthwhile experience, especially when combined with visits to nearby attractions like the Space Needle. Some find the short duration a drawback if treated as a standalone attraction.
"Super short ride, so less of a tourist attraction and more a good way to get to point a to b. We ran out of time during our trip to the space needle and had to make a second trip just for the monorail which was not really worth the extra parking and walk, so make sure to leave yourself time for both attractions on the same day or while visiting the Westlake Center. Definitely worth it if part of your day, but not a one off. In fact we needed up staying on the monorail for three round trips to make it worth our while. Still only about 30 mins total :)"
David Cho
"This monorail 🚝 station at the space needle area has a cool 🤖 robot and monorail merchandise vendor machine , love this station first time here and definitely will be back . This monorail station is very handy next to the museums and space needle here in Seattle , staff here are friendly and helpful"
Louise Boilevin
"A great option for those needing quick, comfortable and affordable transport between City Center and West Lake near Pikes Place.
It was $4 one way or $8 round trip per adult ticket."
Justin Brummage
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Seattle Center Monorail has two stations: one at Westlake Center in downtown Seattle and another at Seattle Center, conveniently located near the Space Needle and museums.
You can easily walk to the Westlake station from many downtown hotels and attractions. The Seattle Center station is a short walk from major Seattle Center landmarks.The monorail is excellent for a quick, direct connection between Westlake Center and Seattle Center. It's not designed for extensive travel throughout the entire city, but it's a highly efficient way to link these two key areas.
Pike Place Market is a short walk from the Westlake Center Monorail station. You can easily incorporate a monorail ride into your visit after exploring the market.
Yes, the Westlake Center station is a major transit hub. Many King County Metro buses and Sound Transit Link light rail trains stop at or near Westlake Station, making it accessible via various public transportation options.
The Seattle Center Monorail operates on a single track connecting Westlake Center (downtown) to Seattle Center (home of the Space Needle).
It's a distinct elevated transit system.🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
As of recent information, a one-way fare for adults is $4, and for youth (6-18) and seniors (65+) it's $2. Children under 5 ride free.
Round-trip tickets are also available, typically costing $8 for adults.Tickets can be purchased at the ticket machines located at both the Westlake Center and Seattle Center stations. Be aware that these machines are cashless and only accept card payments.
Currently, there is no dedicated app for purchasing Seattle Monorail tickets. Tickets are purchased directly at the station machines.
Yes, discounted fares are available for youth (ages 6-18) and seniors (65 and older), typically costing $2 for a one-way trip.
Children under 5 ride for free.Monorail hours can vary, but they generally operate daily. It's best to check the official Seattle Monorail website or their social media for the most up-to-date operating schedule, especially around holidays or special events.
🎫 🚝 Onsite Experience
The ride is very short, lasting approximately three minutes as it covers the one-mile route between Westlake Center and Seattle Center.
It's a quick journey with no intermediate stops.The Seattle Center Monorail follows a single, fixed route with only two stops: Westlake Center in downtown Seattle and Seattle Center, adjacent to the Space Needle and Pacific Science Center.
Many find the ride exciting due to its unique elevated perspective and retro feel, especially children who often consider it a highlight.
While short, it offers a novel transit experience.From the monorail, you can enjoy views of the Seattle skyline, surrounding buildings, and the elevated track itself. It offers a different perspective of the city compared to street-level views.
The monorail is generally accessible. Both stations and the trains are designed to accommodate passengers with mobility challenges. It's always a good idea to confirm specific accessibility needs with the monorail staff if you have concerns.
📸 📸 Photography
You can get great shots of the monorail from its stations, especially the one at Seattle Center which features a unique robot vendor.
The elevated track also provides opportunities for interesting urban photography as the train passes overhead.Yes, you can take photos and videos inside the monorail during your ride. The large windows offer good views, and capturing the retro interior can also make for interesting shots.
The Seattle Center station is particularly photogenic with its unique robot merchandise machine and proximity to iconic landmarks like the Space Needle.
The Westlake Center station offers a more urban, downtown backdrop.Golden hour, just before sunset, can offer beautiful lighting for photos of the monorail and the city skyline.
Evenings can also provide a nice ambiance with city lights.Try keywords like 'Seattle Monorail,' 'Seattle Center Monorail,' 'monorail train,' 'Seattle skyline,' 'Westlake Center,' and 'Space Needle view' for your photo searches and tags.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip for families: Plan your monorail ride for the same day you visit the Space Needle or other Seattle Center attractions. This makes the fare more worthwhile and saves you from extra parking fees and walking. It’s a fun, easy way to transition between downtown shopping and the family-friendly attractions at Seattle Center.
💰 Budget Travelers
Budget tip: To get the most value, combine your monorail ride with your visit to the Space Needle or museums. This way, you're not paying just for the ride itself but using it as a convenient shuttle to attractions you'd be visiting regardless. It's a more cost-effective option than paying for separate parking or ride-shares for this specific route.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Photography tip: Aim for the 'golden hour' before sunset for stunning city skyline shots with the monorail in motion. The large windows also allow for interesting interior shots, blending the vintage feel with the passing cityscape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Time: The Monorail's Legacy
The monorail's design and operation have remained remarkably consistent since its inception, preserving its vintage charm. The two trains, named 'America' and 'Rainier,' still glide along the elevated track, offering passengers a nostalgic journey. This historical significance is a major draw for many visitors, who appreciate the chance to ride a piece of Seattle's past while enjoying modern conveniences and city views. The conductors are often knowledgeable about its history, adding an educational element to the ride.
Practicalities: Tickets, Fares, and Getting Around
Given its single-stop route, the monorail is best utilized as a connector rather than a primary mode of transport for exploring the entire city. Many travelers recommend combining your monorail ride with visits to the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, or the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) to make the most of your time and the fare. This strategic planning ensures the monorail serves its purpose as an efficient link between downtown shopping and the cultural hub of Seattle Center, enhancing your overall Seattle experience.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit