SEATTLE CENTER MONORAIL Station RECONFIGURATION PROJECT
We're Open During Construction
The Monorail continues to run on its regular daily schedule while station improvements are underway. Please excuse the occasional construction noise as we work to create a more accessible, comfortable experience for our passengers. Thank you for your patience!
Project Overview
Beginning in September 2026, the Seattle Center Monorail Station will undergo a 15-month, $23 million renovation to modernize the historic station while preserving its iconic character. The project includes:
- Upgraded ramp for easier accessibility
- Enhanced attendant booth/information kiosk
- Leveled boarding platforms
- Automated platform doors
- Upgraded lighting and signage
- Expanded roof coverage for weather protection of passengers and trains
Why This Project Matters
Building for the Future
For more than six decades, the Seattle Center Monorail has been one of the Pacific Northwest’s most recognizable landmarks.
This project will address aging infrastructure and prepare the station to serve Seattle Center’s future growth. With Seattle Center campus improvements and redevelopment driving ridership growth, the upgraded station will strengthen the Seattle Center Monorail’s role as an essential connection to regional transit.
Improving Accessibility
The renovated station will provide an improved, fully accessible route to the trains and modern passenger facilities.
Enhancing the Customer Experience
Better lighting, signage, passenger flow and a new Thomas Street entrance will create a more welcoming experience for arrival and departure.
The Monorail will remain in service throughout construction, with efforts made to minimize impact on passengers and maintain reliable service. When completed in late 2027, the station will offer a more accessible, and welcoming experience ready to serve passengers for decades to come.
About the Seattle Center Monorail
Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the Seattle Center Monorail has been a Seattle icon for more than 60 years. Financed, built and operated by Alweg International and its subsidiary, Alweg Rapid Transit Systems, the Monorail was designed as a showcase of the future of transportation.
The $3.5 million system quickly proved its value. Fare revenue from the 1962 World’s Fair recouped the cost of construction, and following the Fair, the system was transferred to the City of Seattle for $600,000.
Today, the historic 0.9-mile line connects downtown Seattle and Seattle Center, providing fast, reliable service to approximately 2.3 million passengers each year. The original Blue Train and Red Train remain in service and are designated Seattle Landmarks. Each train has traveled more than 1.5 million miles.
Built to showcase the future, the Monorail remains a part of Seattle’s present, inviting passengers to ride aboard an original World’s Fair attraction as it travels between downtown and Seattle Center.
Timeline
September 2026
Construction Begins
Renovation work gets underway while Monorail service continues.
Fall 2026 - Winter 2027
Building for the Future
Structural improvements, accessibility and station upgrades take shape.
Spring - Summer 2027
Progress You Can See
Major improvements become visible as work advances.
Summer - Fall 2027
Putting the Finishing Touches in Place
New features, signage and passenger amenities are completed.
Late 2027
A Renewed Monorail Station
The reconfigured station welcomes passengers with improved accessibility and passenger experience.
Fact Sheet
Photos and Renderings
Media Coverage
- KING 5 - Construction to begin on $23M Seattle Monorail station overhaul
- KOMO News - New ramps, sliding doors; Seattle Center Monorail Station renovation begins this month
- KIRO 7 News - Renovations planned for Seattle Center’s historic Monorail station
- Deep Arrival - Seattle Monorail Station Renovation Starts September 2026 With Service Running
Press Releases
PROJECT QUESTIONS... ANSWERED
Yes! One train will remain in service throughout construction.
Both trains will be available during times of high demand as much as possible for large events at Seattle Center and Climate Pledge Arena.
Seattle Center Monorail hours will remain the same. The Monorail will continue to depart each station approximately every 8-10 minutes.
Yes, the Monorail will continue to stay open late for events at Seattle Center and Climate Pledge Arena. However, there will be times when only one train will be available.
The Seattle Center station will be updated and modernized to make the experience safer, easier and more enjoyable. Improvements will include:
- Structural Repairs
- Enhanced Accessibility
- Increased Boarding Capacity
- New Lighting and Signage
These upgrades will help preserve this iconic Seattle landmark while making it more welcoming and convenient for everyone.
The renovated station will make it easier for everyone to enter, navigate and ride the Monorail.
A new accessible ramp from Thomas Street will provide a smoother, more welcoming route into the station. This requires the removal and replacement of two London Plane trees.
Improved lighting and signage will make it easier to find your way, while a newly leveled platform and automatic sliding doors will make boarding and exiting the train easier.
The target date for full project completion is late 2027.
The project is entirely funded by grants from the state and federal government.
The Seattle Center Monorail is owned by the City of Seattle and managed through its Seattle Center Department. Since 1994, the system has been maintained and operated by Seattle Monorail Services, a private company, which the City has contracted through a concession agreement.