Key Takeaways:
- The Seattle Center Monorail has just two stations, Westlake Station and Seattle Center Station. Both stations are close to top visitor destinations and that makes the Seattle Monorail a simple and stress-free transit option to and from Downtown to the Space Needle.
- The ride takes about 3 minutes and gives you an elevated view of the city that you won’t get anywhere else.
- There are three ways to buy your Seattle Monorail ticket: at the station vending machine, via mobile ticketing, or use your ORCA Card
Seattle has no shortage of ways to get around. But only one of them launched for the city’s World’s Fair in 1962, carries you through the city on an elevated track, and drops you off steps from the Space Needle. The Seattle Center Monorail is not just a way to get from point A to point B (it’s only 2 stops,) it’s a Seattle experience in its own right, and if you have never ridden it, here is everything you need to know before you do.
First, A Little History
The Seattle Center Monorail was built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the Century 21 Exposition, as a bold vision of what urban transportation could look like in the future. It carried over 8 million passengers during the Fair’s six-month run and has been operating ever since, making it one of the oldest monorails in the United States still in daily service. Six decades later, it remains a Seattle landmark, as practical as it is iconic, and with a retro-modern vibe that makes the ride half the fun.
What to Expect on Your First Ride
One of the best things about the Seattle Center Monorail is how easy it is to use. There are only two stations, Westlake Station and Seattle Center Station, which means there are no wrong turns, no missed stops, and no complicated route planning. You board at one end and arrive at the other. That’s it.
Seattle Monorail Stations
- Seattle Center Station puts you right in the heart of Seattle Center. The moment you step off the train, look up. The Space Needle is right there. From the station, everything at Seattle Center is within easy walking distance.
- Westlake Station is your starting point if you’re heading from downtown Seattle to Seattle Center. It is located on the 3rd floor of Westlake Center Mall at 5th Ave and Pine St. Take the escalators or elevator inside the mall to reach the station level. The station is clean and easy to navigate.
How to Buy Your Ticket
There are three ways to pay for your ride:
- At the station: Ticket vending machines are available at both Westlake and Seattle Center stations. The Seattle Monorail accepts credit cards and contactless payment. Cash is not currently accepted.
- Online/Mobile ticketing: Buy your ticket in advance on your phone and skip the line at the vending machine. Mobile ticketing is only available for full fare.
- ORCA Card: If you already have an ORCA card, head towards the faregates and look for lanes with the yellow ORCA reader to tap your card, and you’re on your way. No need to stop at the vending machine at all.
You can check current fares at seattlemonorail.com. Reduced fares are available for youth ages 6 to 18, seniors 65+, disabled riders, persons with Medicare cards, and U.S. military with ID. Kids under 5 ride free. To buy a reduced-rate ticket, you must purchase it directly from a ticket vending machine and may be asked to show ID.
The Ride Experience
Once onboard, sit back and enjoy the ride. In about 3 minutes, the Monorail takes you right through the heart of the city, threading between buildings with Seattle all around you. Smooth and quiet, this ride offers a perspective on the city you won’t get any other way.
Good to Know Before You Go
Hours: The Seattle Monorail runs daily, and operates on an extended schedule when there are concerts and sporting events at Climate Pledge Arena. Check the current schedule at seattlemonorail.com before your visit.
Accessibility: Each station offers easy access to the platforms. At Westlake Center, you can access the platform from the elevator. At Seattle Center, there are ramps that allow for easy access. Look for the yellow gates that can swing open.
What Else Is There to Do Near Seattle Center Station?
Seattle Center is one of the most destination-rich neighborhoods in the city. Once you step off the Seattle Center Monorail, here is what is within easy walking distance:
- Space Needle – Seattle’s most iconic landmark, featuring observation decks and stunning 360-degree views of the city and beyond.
- Chihuly Garden and Glass – A breathtaking collection of Dale Chihuly’s glasswork in an indoor and outdoor setting right next to the Space Needle.
- MoPOP – A one-of-a-kind museum dedicated to music, film, and popular culture, housed in an iconic Frank Gehry-designed building.
- Pacific Science Center – Offers interactive exhibits and programming for families and curious minds of all ages.
- Seattle Children’s Museum – Features hands-on exhibits designed for younger visitors, located on the lower level inside the Armory at Seattle Center.
- Climate Pledge Arena – Home of the Seattle Kraken and Seattle Storm, and one of the city’s premier concert venues.
What Else Is There to Do Near Westlake Station?
Westlake Station sits at the center of downtown Seattle, which makes it a great base for exploring the city before or after your Seattle Monorail ride. Here is what is nearby:
- Pike Place Market: One of the most famous public markets in the country, just a short walk from Westlake Center.
- Seattle Art Museum: Home to world-class rotating and permanent collections in the heart of downtown.
- Westlake Center Mall and surrounding retail: A strong mix of shopping, dining, and cafes worth exploring before or after your ride.
- Transportation connections: Westlake Center is also a major transit hub. From here you can connect to Link Light Rail for service across the region, and King County Metro buses with routes to the airport and beyond.
Whether you’re starting your day at Westlake Center and heading to Seattle Center or wrapping up a full day there and heading back downtown, both ends of the line have plenty to offer.
Ready to Ride?
The Seattle Center Monorail has been part of Seattle’s story since 1962. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime local who hasn’t stepped on board in a while, it’s one of the best and most enjoyable ways to experience the city.
Plan your trip, check current fares, hours, and purchase tickets now at seattlemonorail.com.
