Monorail Guide
Disney Monorail: Complete Guide to Routes, Times & Tips
Updated regularly based on current transportation patterns
The Disney Monorail has been part of the Magic Kingdom experience since 1971. It's not just transportation — it's an attraction in its own right. The sleek trains, the "now approaching" announcements, the view of Seven Seas Lagoon — for many guests, it's the moment their Disney vacation truly begins.
But the monorail is also a practical way to get around. This guide explains the three monorail lines, where they go, and when the monorail is (or isn't) your best option.
The Three Monorail Lines
Disney operates three separate monorail routes, all centered around the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). Understanding which line goes where is the key to using the system efficiently.
Express Line (TTC ↔ Magic Kingdom)
Route: Transportation and Ticket Center ↔ Magic Kingdom
This is the direct route from the TTC parking area to Magic Kingdom. No stops in between. It's called the "Express" because it doesn't loop through the resorts.
Use this when: You're arriving from the parking lot or need the fastest monorail route to Magic Kingdom.
Ride time: About 5 minutes.
Resort Line (TTC → Resorts → Magic Kingdom → TTC)
Route: Transportation and Ticket Center → Polynesian → Grand Floridian → Magic Kingdom → Contemporary → TTC
This line makes a complete loop, stopping at all three monorail resorts plus Magic Kingdom. It runs in one direction only.
Use this when: You're staying at a monorail resort, or you want to resort-hop between the three properties.
Ride time (full loop): About 20-25 minutes. Individual segments vary:
- TTC to Polynesian: ~3 minutes
- Polynesian to Grand Floridian: ~3 minutes
- Grand Floridian to Magic Kingdom: ~4 minutes
- Magic Kingdom to Contemporary: ~4 minutes
- Contemporary to TTC: ~5 minutes
EPCOT Line (TTC ↔ EPCOT)
Route: Transportation and Ticket Center ↔ EPCOT
This line connects the TTC to EPCOT's main entrance. It's completely separate from the Magic Kingdom lines — the trains run on a different track.
Use this when: You're connecting between Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, or arriving at EPCOT from the TTC parking area.
Ride time: About 10-12 minutes.
Monorail Stations
Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC)
The central hub for all monorail lines. This is where day guests park for Magic Kingdom, and where all three monorail routes converge.
What to know:
- Separate boarding areas for each line (Express, Resort, EPCOT) — follow the signs
- Can get extremely crowded at park opening and closing
- Also where you catch the ferry to Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom Station
Located on the second floor of the main entrance building, before you enter the park.
What to know:
- You pass through the station when entering/exiting Magic Kingdom
- Departure lines can be long after fireworks
- Both Express and Resort lines stop here
Contemporary Resort
The monorail runs directly through the Contemporary's main building — one of Disney's iconic design features. You board on the 4th floor Grand Canyon Concourse.
What to know:
- Walking distance to Magic Kingdom (about 10-15 minutes)
- Only resort where the monorail passes through the building
- Good alternative to a crowded monorail — you can walk instead
Polynesian Village Resort
Station is located near the Great Ceremonial House (main building).
What to know:
- Beautiful station with Polynesian theming
- Walking path to TTC available (about 10-15 minutes)
- Walking path to Magic Kingdom available (about 20-25 minutes via Contemporary)
Grand Floridian Resort
Station is located on the main building's second floor.
What to know:
- Most elegant station in the system
- Walking path to Magic Kingdom available (about 10-15 minutes)
- The furthest monorail resort from Magic Kingdom by walking distance
EPCOT Station
Located at EPCOT's main entrance, near Spaceship Earth.
What to know:
- This is the front of the park (different from Skyliner, which drops you at International Gateway in the back)
- The only monorail station at EPCOT
- Separate from the Magic Kingdom monorail lines — you must transfer at TTC
Wait Times and Timing
Monorail wait times vary significantly based on time of day and which line you're taking.
Typical Wait Times
| Line | Time of Day | Expected Wait |
|---|---|---|
| Express | Morning rope drop | 10-25 minutes |
| Express | Midday | 5-15 minutes |
| Express | After fireworks | 15-35 minutes |
| Resort | Most times | 5-15 minutes |
| EPCOT | Most times | 5-15 minutes |
These are averages under normal operations. Special events, capacity limits, and technical issues can extend waits significantly — sometimes in ways you can't predict until you're there.
The Post-Fireworks Crush
The most crowded moment in the entire monorail system is immediately after Magic Kingdom fireworks. Thousands of guests leave at once, and the Express line backs up quickly.
Strategies:
- Leave 15-20 minutes before fireworks end
- Stay in the park 30+ minutes after fireworks and let the crowd clear
- Take the ferry instead (often faster immediately after fireworks)
- Walk to Contemporary and take the Resort line from there
The "right" choice depends on how the lines look when you leave. If the Express queue is wrapped around the station, the ferry might save you 20 minutes.
When to Take the Monorail
The monorail is your best option when:
You're staying at a monorail resort
If you're at the Contemporary, Polynesian, or Grand Floridian, the Resort line is your direct connection to Magic Kingdom. No transfers, no buses.
You want the experience
The monorail is a Disney classic. The views of Seven Seas Lagoon, the anticipation as you approach Magic Kingdom — it's part of the vacation for many families. If you're not in a rush, it's worth taking at least once.
You're going from Magic Kingdom to EPCOT (or vice versa)
The monorail connection via TTC is a legitimate transportation option between these two parks. It takes about 25-35 minutes total (monorail to TTC, walk to EPCOT line, monorail to EPCOT), which is comparable to the bus.
It's midday and lines are short
During the middle of the day, the Express line often has minimal waits. This is when the monorail is at its most efficient.
When to Skip the Monorail
Consider alternatives when:
Morning rope drop from TTC
The Express line can have 20+ minute waits before park opening as guests rush to Magic Kingdom. The ferry runs simultaneously and is often faster — especially if you arrive as a ferry is loading.
Immediately after fireworks
As mentioned above, this is peak monorail congestion. The ferry or walking (if you're at a monorail resort) may be better options.
You need to get to Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom
The monorail doesn't go to these parks. You'll need a bus.
You're connecting from a non-monorail resort
If you're staying at Pop Century and want to take the monorail, you'd first need to bus to EPCOT or TTC, then take the monorail. That's a lot of transferring. The direct bus to Magic Kingdom is simpler.
The monorail is running limited service
Occasionally, one line will be down for technical issues or maintenance. Disney runs buses as backup, but the experience and timing aren't the same. You'll find out about limited service when you arrive — it's not always announced in advance.
The Monorail vs. Other Options
Monorail vs. Ferry (to Magic Kingdom from TTC)
| Factor | Monorail Express | Ferry |
|---|---|---|
| Ride time | ~5 minutes | ~7 minutes |
| Wait time | Variable (5-35 min) | Variable (5-20 min) |
| Capacity | Medium | High |
| Experience | Iconic | Scenic |
The ferry holds more people, so a long line clears faster than you'd expect. If both lines look similar, the monorail is slightly faster. If the monorail queue is significantly longer, take the ferry.
Monorail vs. Bus (to Magic Kingdom from resorts)
For guests at monorail resorts, the monorail is usually faster and more direct.
For guests at other resorts, the bus is almost always simpler. Taking a bus to TTC just to ride the monorail adds complexity without saving time.
Monorail vs. Walking (from monorail resorts)
The Contemporary is close enough to Magic Kingdom to walk (10-15 minutes). During peak monorail waits, walking is genuinely faster.
Grand Floridian and Polynesian have longer walks (15-25 minutes), but it's still an option if you enjoy walking and the monorail line is long.
The walk is pleasant in the morning or evening. Midday Florida heat makes the air-conditioned monorail more appealing.
Resort-Hopping by Monorail
One underrated use of the Resort line is exploring the monorail resorts without staying at them.
You can:
- Have dinner at 'Ohana (Polynesian), Citricos (Grand Floridian), or California Grill (Contemporary)
- Walk the grounds and enjoy the theming
- Watch Magic Kingdom fireworks from the Polynesian beach (no park ticket required)
- Grab a drink at Trader Sam's (Polynesian) or Enchanted Rose (Grand Floridian)
The monorail makes it easy to hop between all three resorts. Just remember the Resort line only runs one direction, so plan accordingly.
Accessibility
The monorail is wheelchair and ECV accessible, but with some considerations:
- Wheelchairs and smaller ECVs can board directly
- Larger ECVs may need to transfer to a wheelchair
- Cast members can request a train stop if needed for boarding assistance
- Each train has designated wheelchair spaces
For guests with difficulty standing, note that wait lines do require standing (no benches in most queue areas).
Tips for Riding the Monorail
Sit in the front
Ask the cast member if you can wait for the front cabin. It's the "pilot's view" and kids especially love it. Wait times for the front are longer, but it's worth doing once.
Use the Resort line strategically
If the Express line to Magic Kingdom is mobbed, take the Resort line instead. You'll stop at the resorts first, but you'll be moving instead of standing in line.
Know the TTC layout
The TTC can be confusing. EPCOT monorail is on the east side, Magic Kingdom monorail on the west. If you accidentally line up for the wrong one, you'll waste 10+ minutes. Read the signs.
Check wait times before committing
At TTC, you can often see both the monorail line and the ferry line before committing. Walk toward both and pick the shorter one.
Remember the operating hours
The monorail runs from about an hour before park opening until about an hour after close. Late-night diners at the resorts should confirm monorail availability or plan for walking/rideshare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride the monorail without a park ticket? Yes. The Resort line and EPCOT line can be ridden without entering any parks. You only need a ticket to actually enter Magic Kingdom or EPCOT.
Does the monorail run during Extended Evening Hours? Usually, yes — but check the My Disney Experience app during your visit. Late-night operation can vary.
How often do monorails come? During normal operations, every 3-5 minutes for the Express line, and every 8-12 minutes for the Resort and EPCOT lines.
Can I bring a stroller on the monorail? Yes. You'll fold the stroller to board. Most strollers fit easily.
Is the monorail air-conditioned? Yes. All monorail cars are climate-controlled.
The Bottom Line
The monorail is one of Disney's most iconic experiences and a legitimate transportation option for guests at the monorail resorts or traveling between Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.
But it's not always the fastest choice. Post-fireworks crowds, morning rope drop rushes, and the occasional technical delay can make the ferry, walking, or even a bus the better option. Knowing your alternatives helps you make better decisions in the moment.
For real-time help that compares your options based on current conditions, see how the app handles monorail routing.