Key Takeaways:
- The Seattle Center Monorail is the fastest way to get from downtown Seattle to the Space Needle, with a 3-minute ride between Westlake Station and Seattle Center Station.
- Westlake Station is located on the 3rd floor of Westlake Center Mall at 5th Ave and Pine St, making it easy to reach from downtown.
- There are 3 ways to buy your ticket: at the station vending machine, online via mobile ticketing, or by tapping your ORCA Card at the special yellow ORCA readers outside some faregate lanes.
POV: You’re in downtown Seattle, the Space Needle is on your list, and you’re already wondering how to get there. What should you do? There is an easy way, and it happens to be one of the best parts of the Seattle experience. Ride the historic Seattle Monorail! The Seattle Center Monorail is a fast, direct, and affordable way to get from downtown Seattle to the Space Needle. Here’s what you need to know.
Ways to Get to the Space Needle:
Here’s a quick comparison of a few different ways to travel from downtown Seattle to the Space Needle:
- Car or Rideshare: Traffic on Mercer St. can be slow, especially on weekends and event days. Parking near Seattle Center can be expensive and hard to find.
- Walking: It’s about a 25-30-minute walk from downtown. Doable, but not ideal if you have a full day planned.
- Bus: Bus routes are available but involve multiple stops and can be confusing if you’re not familiar with Seattle’s transit system.
- Seattle Center Monorail: 3-minute ride. Drops you off steps from the Space Needle. Reliable schedules and affordable fares. No navigation or parking required.
Riding the Seattle Monorail has real advantages: it’s easy, it’s fast, and it’s fun!
Why the Monorail Is the Best Way to Get There
Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the Seattle Center Monorail has been connecting downtown Seattle to Seattle Center ever since. Here is why it’s the best option for getting to the Space Needle:
- It’s fast. The ride from Westlake Station to Seattle Center Station takes about 3 minutes.
- It drops you off in the right place. Seattle Center Station puts you within easy walking distance of the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and the rest of Seattle Center.
- It’s affordable. Fares are budget-friendly for solo travelers and families alike.
- It’s stress-free. No GPS needed. No parking fees. No waiting in rideshare queues.
- The ride itself is unique and a blast from the past. Gliding above the city on an elevated track with views of downtown Seattle is a genuine Seattle experience.
How to Ride the Seattle Center Monorail
First time on the Monorail? We’ve got you covered.
Step 1: Head to Westlake Station
Westlake Station is located on the 3rd floor of Westlake Center Mall at 5th Ave and Pine St in downtown Seattle. If you’re near Pike Place Market, the Westlake Center area is just a short walk away. The elevator and stairs on 5th Ave are always open during monorail hours, making it the most reliable way to reach the station. If the mall happens to be open, you can also hop on the escalators or elevator inside. Note: Keep in mind the mall keeps shorter hours, so it may not always be an option.
Step 2: 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 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 options are only available for full fare.
- ORCA Card: If you already have an ORCA card, just look for one of the faregates with special yellow ORCA readers, tap when entering, and you’re on your way.
You can check current fares anytime at seattlemonorail.com. Kids under 5 ride free, and reduced fares are available for youth ages 6 to 18, seniors 65+, disabled riders, persons with Medicare cards, and U.S. military with ID. To buy a reduced-rate ticket, you must purchase it directly from a ticket vending machine and may be asked to show ID.
Step 3: Board the Train
Once you have scanned your ticket, head through the faregate and into the boarding area. The Monorail runs two trains, one red and one blue, (either will take you to the next station) on a single track between the two stations. The ride is smooth, quick, and scenic.
Step 4: Arrive at Seattle Center
You’ll arrive at Seattle Center Station in about 3 minutes. From there, the Space Needle is a short, easy walk. You’ll see it the moment you step off the train, just look up.
What Else Is Near Seattle Center Station?
The Space Needle might be your first stop, but Seattle Center has a lot going on. Once you arrive in the area via the Monorail, here is what else is within easy walking distance:
- Chihuly Garden and Glass – A stunning collection of Dale Chihuly’s glasswork, right next to the Space Needle
- Pacific Science Center – Great for families and anyone curious about science and technology
- MoPOP – A one-of-a-kind museum dedicated to music, film, and popular culture, with an iconic Frank Gehry-designed building
- Climate Pledge Arena – Home of the Seattle Kraken and Seattle Storm, and a major concert venue
Ready to Ride?
Whether you’re visiting Seattle for the first time or you just haven’t had a ride on the Monorail in a while, this is the easiest, most enjoyable way to get to the Space Needle.
Buy your tickets and plan your trip at seattlemonorail.com.
