Seattle Center Monorail - A woman standing on a train looking out the window
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Seattle Center Monorail

4.4
·245 reviews·Seattle, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mid-morning

Fewer crowds, smoother rides

CrowdLow
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Seattle Center Monorail - A woman standing on a train looking out the window

Seattle Center Monorail

Best Time

Weekdays, mid-morning

Fewer crowds, smoother rides

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.4
(245 reviews)

"A quick, historic ride that's a classic Seattle experience, especially for kids!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Ride

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

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

Convenient Connector

Westlake Center & Seattle Center Stations

Effortlessly travel between downtown shopping and the iconic Space Needle and museums. A practical transit solution.

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Planning Your Visit

Combine Your Trips

The Seattle Center Monorail is a quick, one-stop ride. To maximize your time and value, plan to visit the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, or other Seattle Center attractions on the same day you ride. This avoids extra parking and walking costs, making the monorail a truly convenient connector rather than a standalone destination.Reddit

Tickets & Timing

Tickets can be purchased at station machines, but note that they are cashless. Consider purchasing a round-trip ticket if you plan to return to Westlake Center. The monorail runs frequently, so you won't wait long, but check operating hours before your visit, especially for evening or early morning trips.TikTok

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mid-morning
Why
Fewer crowds, smoother rides
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings, before closing
Why
Enjoy city lights
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

take a real time trip from westlake station to seattle center with me! the driver was SO friendly and let me honk the horn twice 📯☺️ #seattle #seattlemonorail #monorail #downtownseattle #westlake #seattlewashington #goldenhour
@cleeinpnw
27.5K likes • 225.1K views

🎯 Combine with Attractions

Ride the monorail on the same day as Space Needle or museums to maximize value & time.Reddit :ticket:

💳 Cashless Payment

Tickets are purchased at machines; they do not accept cash. Plan accordingly! :credit_card:

Looking for the Monorail? No worries — we’ll get you right on track! 🚝✨ This historic transit line has been connecting Westlake Center to Seattle Center since the 1962 World’s Fair — and it’s still one of the quickest (and most scenic!) ways to get between downtown and the Seattle Center area. Purchase tickets at either Monorail station or use your ORCA card for easy, breezy boarding! People 18 ...
seattledot
92 likes • 2.9K views
🚝 The Seattle Center Monorail has two stops: Westlake Center and Seattle Center. It was built for the 1962 World’s Fair. #seattle #monorail #train #transit #sunset
seattlestreetsignage
23.4K likes • 388.9K views

📸 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:

Hop a ride on a retro train. The monorail is classic Seattle. The monorail was built to transport visitors to the Seattle World’s Fair in 1962. It continues to operate in almost the same way as it did over 50 years ago. The two trains run back and forth on a fixed overhead rail. The one mile ride from Seattle Center to Westlake Center takes about three minutes. Tickets are $3.50. @seattlemonor...
kidtripster
31 likes • 549 views

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.Reddit :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

4.4
(245 reviews)

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

Historic charm
Convenient connector
Unique ride experience

What People Dislike

Very short ride duration

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.Instagram 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.Instagram

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.Reddit

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.Reddit

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.Instagram

The Seattle Center Monorail operates on a single track connecting Westlake Center (downtown) to Seattle Center (home of the Space Needle).Instagram 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.Instagram+1 Round-trip tickets are also available, typically costing $8 for adults.Reddit

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.Reddit

Currently, there is no dedicated app for purchasing Seattle Monorail tickets. Tickets are purchased directly at the station machines.Instagram

Yes, discounted fares are available for youth (ages 6-18) and seniors (65 and older), typically costing $2 for a one-way trip.Instagram 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.Instagram

🎫 🚝 Onsite Experience

The ride is very short, lasting approximately three minutes as it covers the one-mile route between Westlake Center and Seattle Center.Instagram+1 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.Instagram

Many find the ride exciting due to its unique elevated perspective and retro feel, especially children who often consider it a highlight.Instagram 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.Instagram

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.Reddit 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.Instagram

The Seattle Center station is particularly photogenic with its unique robot merchandise machine and proximity to iconic landmarks like the Space Needle.Reddit 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.TikTok 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

The Seattle Center Monorail is a huge hit with kids! The novelty of riding a retro train that glides above the streets is often the highlight of their trip.Instagram It's a quick, exciting ride with no stops, making it perfect for shorter attention spans. The station at Seattle Center even features a fun robot merchandise vendor, adding to the novelty.Reddit

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

While not free, the Seattle Center Monorail offers a relatively affordable way to connect two key areas of Seattle. At $4 one-way for adults, it's a reasonable expense, especially if you're planning to visit attractions at Seattle Center anyway.Instagram Consider purchasing a round-trip ticket if you plan to return to Westlake Center, which can offer a slight saving compared to two one-way fares.Reddit

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

The Seattle Center Monorail offers unique photographic opportunities. Capture the retro design of the trains and stations, especially the quirky robot vendor at the Seattle Center stop.Reddit The elevated track provides interesting angles for urban photography, showcasing the city's architecture as the monorail glides by.Instagram

Photography tip: Aim for the 'golden hour' before sunset for stunning city skyline shots with the monorail in motion.TikTok 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 Seattle Center Monorail is more than just a transit line; it's a living piece of history. Originally constructed for the 1962 World's Fair, it was a symbol of futuristic transportation and innovation. Today, it continues to operate on its original route, connecting downtown Seattle with the Seattle Center, home to iconic attractions like the Space Needle and Pacific Science Center.Instagram+1 Riding the monorail offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience a mode of transport that captivated the world over half a century ago.

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.Instagram The conductors are often knowledgeable about its history, adding an educational element to the ride.Reddit

Practicalities: Tickets, Fares, and Getting Around

Navigating the Seattle Center Monorail is straightforward, with clear ticketing and route information. The monorail operates with two stations: Westlake Center in the heart of downtown and Seattle Center, adjacent to major attractions.Instagram Fares are set at $4 for a one-way adult ticket, with discounted rates for youth and seniors.Instagram+1 Importantly, ticket purchases are cashless, so be prepared to use a credit or debit card at the station machines.Reddit

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.Reddit 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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