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Seattle, Washington / Landmarks

Seattle Center Monorail

An iconic elevated straddle-beam monorail linking downtown Seattle to the city's premier attractions, built for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair.

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Seattle Center Monorail
www.seattlemonorail.com, og_image_www.seattlemonorail.com

What is the Seattle Center Monorail known for?

It is an elevated straddle-beam monorail line built for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. It is considered the fastest way to travel between downtown Seattle and the Seattle Center.

How much does it cost?

One-way fares are $4 for adults (ages 19–64) and $2 for youth (ages 6–18) or reduced-rate riders; children under 5 ride for free. Round-trip tickets cost twice the one-way fare.

What are the hours?

The monorail is open daily: Monday–Thursday 7:30am–9:00pm, Friday 7:30am–11:00pm, Saturday 8:30am–11:00pm, and Sunday 8:30am–9:00pm. For Climate Pledge Arena events, it remains open one hour after the expected end time.

How do I buy tickets and what payment is accepted?

Tickets are available from vending machines at both the Seattle Center and Westlake stations. Only credit cards and contactless payments are accepted.

Where does the monorail go?

The line runs along 5th Avenue between Westlake Center in Downtown Seattle and the Seattle Center with no intermediate stops. The ride takes approximately two minutes.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Seattle Center Monorail is an elevated straddle-beam monorail line that serves as a quick and convenient link between downtown Seattle and the Seattle Center. This unique transportation system was originally built for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, serving as a futuristic vision of urban transit. The line runs along 5th Avenue with no intermediate stops, providing a direct route that takes approximately two minutes to travel between Westlake Center and the Seattle Center station. At the downtown end, Westlake Center Station is within walking distance of the Washington State Convention Center, major downtown hotels, and Pike Place Market. This makes it a highly accessible point of entry for visitors exploring the heart of the city. Each train in the system can carry up to 225 passengers per trip, ensuring efficient movement of crowds during peak hours. At the Seattle Center end, the station is located next to major attractions including the Space Needle, MoPOP, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and the Pacific Science Center. This placement ensures that visitors can transition seamlessly from the downtown core to the city's most famous landmarks. To improve the rider experience, a $23 million station renovation was reported to improve wayfinding, safety, and accessibility, including an accessible ramp connecting the station to Thomas Street. Visitors can purchase tickets from vending machines at both stations. The system operates on a varied daily schedule, with late-night hours on Friday and Saturday, and extended hours during Climate Pledge Arena concerts and sporting events to accommodate event-goers.

Visitor tips

  • Use the ticket vending machines at either station; they currently accept credit card and contactless payment only.
  • Check the official website for holiday hours and special event schedules before you ride.
  • If you are attending a Climate Pledge Arena event, the monorail stays open one hour after the expected end time.
  • Adults ages 19-64 pay a $4 one-way fare, while children under 5 ride for free.

Nearby context

The monorail connects the bustling retail and hotel district of Westlake Center in downtown Seattle to the cultural hub of the Seattle Center, where the Space Needle and MoPOP are located.

Sources

Evidence and links