How late and how often do the Monorail trains run?
Do you accept Debit/Credit Cards, ORCA or Sound Transit Cards?
Can I get to the Sea-Tac airport by taking the Monorail?
Can you transfer to other routes?
Is the Monorail handicap/stroller accessible?
Are dogs allowed on the Monorail?
How do I get to the Pike Place Market from the Monorail?
How do I get to the Space Needle from the Monorail?
What are the Monorail holiday hours?
Do I need to purchase tickets in advance for my family?
The Monorail travels directly between Westlake Center Mall (5th Avenue and Pine Street) and Seattle Center (adjacent to the Space Needle and MoPOP). There is only one stop so you won’t get lost!
The Monorail is open daily – please check our current hours of operation for current closing time. On certain days, the monorail may be open even later due to events at Seattle Center. Please check our Rider Alerts on the homepage to check the days and times we open late! The train departs approximately every 10 minutes. During busy times, we operate both trains, which means trains depart every 5 minutes.
The Monorail takes about 2 minutes to get from one platform to the other.
*As of May 2020, Seattle Center Monorail is temporarily not accepting cash to minimize germs transmitted between customers and employees.
Seattle Center Monorail accepts cash, debit/credit cards and ORCA cards. Click HERE to learn more about using ORCA on the Monorail.
You do not need exact fare if you are paying in cash. If you are in need of cash, there are ATM machines located inside Westlake Center Mall and at Seattle Center at the bottom of the Monorail ramp or inside the Armory.
We do not have a student discount at the monorail. We do provide a youth rate for any person 18 and younger. If you are a school group riding the Monorail for a field trip, please fill out our online school group registration form to be eligible for a school group rate. You must fill this form out at least two business days in advance.
No, the Sound Transit Link Light Rail travels between Sea-Tac Airport and Westlake Center Mall (with stops along the way). Seattle Center Monorail only travels between downtown’s Westlake Center Mall and Seattle Center. You can use the Link Light Rail and Monorail to travel between Sea-Tac Airport and Seattle Center – great for if you want to visit the Space Needle during a long lay-over!
Westlake Center is one of Seattle’s transportation hubs. Seattle Center Monorail accepts ORCA card transfers from other transit systems. ORCA transfers are made electronically. If you use an ORCA card that is loaded with a bus pass or E-purse, you will get a two-hour transfer credit for the fare paid. Please note, credit does not apply for transfers to or from Washington State Ferries. Please note, if you use an ORCA transfer and the transfer value is less than the Monorail fare, you must pay the difference with E-purse or cash. Paper transfers are not accepted.
Yes! At Westlake Center, you can access the platform from the elevator located on 5th Ave (between Olive and Pine). At Seattle Center, there are ramps that allow for easy access. There are yellow gates at Seattle Center platform that pull out to allow wheelchairs easy entrance into the trains. For additional information about ADA Accessibility and to read other policies, please view our NOTICES OF NONDISCRIMINATION page.
Dogs are allowed as long as they are well-behaved and on a leash. On busy/crowded days, it is possible that the owner may be asked to hold their dog on their lap.
Service animals are always welcomed.
When traveling from Seattle Center to Westlake Center via the Monorail, exit the train and take the stairwell or elevator on the left side of the platform to the street level. Turn right on 5th Avenue and then make your first right on Pine Street and walk down to 1st Avenue.
Ride the Monorail from Westlake Center to Seattle Center. When you exit the train, walk down the ramp from the Seattle Center platform and the Space Needle will be straight ahead . Don’t forget to look up!
Christmas:
New Year’s Eve:
New Year’s Day:
You do not need to purchase advanced tickets for personal visits. Please purchase your tickets from the Monorail cashier – the cashier will either be inside the ticket booth on the platform or will be on board the train selling tickets – signage on the ticket booth will indicate where you will purchase your ticket. Please make sure your whole group is present as you purchase the ticket because your entire group will then proceed into the loading area to board the train. Advanced prepaid group tickets are available for large groups (more than 125 people), conventions and/or organizations.
