The Disney World monorail map includes three separate routes: the Resort Monorail, Express Monorail and EPCOT Monorail. The Resort and Express lines travel around the Magic Kingdom area, while the EPCOT line connects EPCOT with the Transportation and Ticket Center. You must transfer at the Transportation and Ticket Center when traveling between Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.
Disney World Monorail Map: Three Routes at a Glance
The easiest way to understand the Disney World monorail map is to treat it as two systems that meet at the Transportation and Ticket Center, commonly called the TTC.
The three routes are:
- Resort Monorail: Magic Kingdom → Contemporary Resort → Transportation and Ticket Center → Polynesian Village Resort → Grand Floridian Resort → Magic Kingdom
- Express Monorail: Transportation and Ticket Center ↔ Magic Kingdom
- EPCOT Monorail: Transportation and Ticket Center ↔ EPCOT
The Resort Monorail travels in one direction around the Magic Kingdom loop and stops at three Disney hotels. The Express Monorail uses the same general loop but only stops at Magic Kingdom and the TTC. The EPCOT Monorail runs on a separate track between the TTC and EPCOT.
The monorail only covers part of Walt Disney World. My complete Disney World transportation guide explains how it connects with buses, boats, the Disney Skyliner, walking paths and other transportation options.
Resort Monorail Route and Stops
The Resort Monorail makes five stops in the following order:
- Magic Kingdom
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Transportation and Ticket Center
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Return to Magic Kingdom
Because the train travels in one direction, the number of stops depends on where you board.
For example, Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the first stop after Magic Kingdom. However, someone traveling from the Contemporary to Magic Kingdom must remain onboard while the train continues to the TTC, Polynesian and Grand Floridian before returning to the park. Walking from the Contemporary can therefore be faster when the weather and your mobility allow it.
The Resort line is especially useful for visiting restaurants and other public areas at the three Disney World monorail resorts. You do not have to be staying at one of these hotels to use the monorail.
Express Monorail Route
The Express Monorail travels between:
- Transportation and Ticket Center
- Magic Kingdom
It does not stop at the Contemporary, Polynesian or Grand Floridian.
This is normally the most direct monorail route between the Magic Kingdom parking area and the park entrance. Guests who drive to Magic Kingdom park at the TTC rather than directly outside the park. From there, you can take the Express Monorail or ferryboat across Seven Seas Lagoon.
My guide to parking for Magic Kingdom explains this arrival process in more detail.
The Resort Monorail also connects the TTC and Magic Kingdom, but it makes the hotel stops along the way. It can still be a useful alternative when the Express line is crowded or unavailable.
EPCOT Monorail Route
The EPCOT Monorail has only two stations:
- Transportation and Ticket Center
- EPCOT
There are no hotel or park stops between them. Before arriving at the EPCOT station, the track makes a loop through part of the park, providing elevated views of several EPCOT areas.
This line does not travel directly to Magic Kingdom. If you are going between the two parks, you must get off at the TTC and change lines.
The EPCOT Monorail also does not serve EPCOT’s International Gateway entrance near World Showcase. Its station is outside the park’s main entrance near Spaceship Earth.
How to Take the Monorail From Magic Kingdom to EPCOT
To travel from Magic Kingdom to EPCOT:
- Exit Magic Kingdom.
- Follow the signs for the Express Monorail.
- Ride from Magic Kingdom to the Transportation and Ticket Center.
- Leave the train and follow the signs for the EPCOT Monorail.
- Board the EPCOT line and ride to the park’s main entrance.
You can also take the Resort Monorail from Magic Kingdom to the TTC, but it stops at the Contemporary before reaching the transfer point.
For the reverse trip, take the EPCOT Monorail to the TTC and transfer to either the Express or Resort line for Magic Kingdom.
I would allow approximately 30 to 45 minutes for the complete trip. The actual ride is only part of that time. You may also need to wait for trains, walk between platforms and pass through security before entering the next park.
See my complete guide to traveling from EPCOT to Magic Kingdom for the monorail route and other available options.
What Disney World Destinations Are Not on the Monorail?
The monorail does not travel to:
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Disney Springs
- Disney’s BoardWalk
- The water parks
- Most Disney World hotels
- Orlando International Airport
You will need another form of transportation for these destinations.
For example, buses connect Animal Kingdom with the other theme parks. The Disney Skyliner and boats connect EPCOT with Hollywood Studios, while Disney Springs is primarily served by buses and resort boats.
This is why I would not choose a hotel based only on whether Disney advertises free transportation. The type of transportation and the places it serves can make a significant difference. My Disney World hotels guide can help you compare resort locations and transportation access.
Disney World Monorail Hours
Disney’s published operating schedule states that:
- The Resort and Express Monorails begin operating 30 minutes before Magic Kingdom opens and stop one hour after Magic Kingdom closes.
- The EPCOT Monorail begins operating 30 minutes before EPCOT opens and stops two hours after EPCOT closes.
Operating times can change because of maintenance, weather or special events. Check the My Disney Experience app or Disney’s official monorail information on the day of your visit.
Lines can become particularly long after fireworks and around park closing. If you are leaving Magic Kingdom for the TTC, compare the Express Monorail line with the ferryboat line before joining either crowd.
Is the Disney World Monorail Free?
The Disney World monorail is free for all guests.
You do not need to stay at a Disney hotel or purchase a separate transportation ticket. Park admission is only required if you plan to enter Magic Kingdom or EPCOT after reaching the station.
This makes the Resort Monorail a convenient way to visit the Contemporary, Polynesian and Grand Floridian for dining or sightseeing. However, riding the monorail does not guarantee access to hotel parking, restaurants or other experiences that require reservations.
Using the Monorail With Wheelchairs and Mobility Devices
Disney’s monorail stations provide ramps or elevators for guests using wheelchairs and electric conveyance vehicles. Cast Members assist with boarding when a portable ramp is needed to bridge the space between the platform and train.
Medical strollers used by guests with disabilities are treated as wheelchairs. If you need assistance or are unsure which station entrance to use, ask the nearest Cast Member before entering the queue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the monorail go directly from Magic Kingdom to EPCOT?
No. You must take the Express or Resort Monorail from Magic Kingdom to the Transportation and Ticket Center and then transfer to the EPCOT Monorail.
Which Disney World parks have monorail stations?
Magic Kingdom and EPCOT are the only Disney World theme parks with monorail stations. Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom are not part of the monorail system.
Which hotels are on the Disney World monorail?
The Resort Monorail stops at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Does the monorail go to Disney Springs?
No. The monorail does not serve Disney Springs. Buses are the primary transportation option between Disney Springs and Disney Resort hotels.
What is the fastest monorail from the TTC to Magic Kingdom?
The Express Monorail is normally the fastest choice because it travels directly between the Transportation and Ticket Center and Magic Kingdom without stopping at the hotels.
Can anyone ride the Disney World monorail?
Yes. Complimentary Disney transportation is available to all guests, including visitors who are not staying at a Disney Resort hotel.
My Practical Monorail Advice
The map looks simple, but the two details that cause the most confusion are the TTC transfer and the direction of the Resort Monorail.
Remember these basic rules:
- Use the Express line for the most direct trip between the TTC and Magic Kingdom.
- Use the Resort line for the Contemporary, Polynesian and Grand Floridian.
- Transfer at the TTC when traveling between Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.
- Do not rely on the monorail for Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom or Disney Springs.
- Allow extra time around park opening, fireworks and park closing.
Once you understand those points, the Disney World monorail system is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to travel around the resort.
