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  • SOLD OUT 9/28/23: The Tram Ride to the Top is SOLD OUT for Thursday, September 28, 2023. Tram tickets are expected to sell out early and often. We encourage guests to purchase tickets in advance of their desired visit.

  • Visiting the Gateway Arch: Enter through the Gateway Arch Visitor Center, which faces Fourth Street and the Old Courthouse. The Gateway Arch legs are exits only. Please allow at least 30 minutes to go through security.

Sample Itinerary

There’s no such thing as an ordinary day at the Gateway Arch. But here is a sample itinerary to help you get the most from your visit. Keep in mind that your actual travel and wait times may vary. When choosing your ticket times, you’ll want to allow at least 45–60 minutes for the Tram Ride to the Top tour experience.

Sample Itinerary

There’s no such thing as an ordinary day at the Gateway Arch. But here is a sample itinerary to help you get the most from your visit. Keep in mind that your actual travel and wait times may vary. When choosing your ticket times, you’ll want to allow at least 45–60 minutes for the Tram Ride to the Top tour experience.

Plan Ahead

ALERT: Tram tickets sell out early and often—purchasing tickets in advance is strongly recommended.

Book Online

Save time—and avoid the ticket line—
by purchasing your Tram Ride to the Top tickets before you arrive.

The time on your ticket is when you should be through security and in line at the tram entrance inside the Arch facility to begin your tour. Please note this is not the exact time you will board the tram.

Buy Tickets
Hand holding iPhone with ticket information

Park
11:00am

Preferred parking is available at the Stadium East Garage. Please allow ample time to get from your parking spot to the Gateway Arch entrance.

Find Parking
Parking sign

Security Screening
11:30am

Depending on crowds, it could take several minutes to enter the Gateway Arch facility. Plan to arrive at the Gateway Arch entrance 30 minutes before your Tram Ride tour time.

Security Guidelines
Guest in security line

Explore Museum Exhibits
12:00pm

Before or after your Tram Ride, make time to browse the interactive exhibits in the museum and discover how the Gateway Arch and the St. Louis region became the Gateway to the West.

Woman and child exploring museum

Tram Ride to the Top Tour Begins
1:00pm

Begin your tour at the tram entrance (north or south) and time noted on your ticket. First, your tour guide will lead you through interactive, pre-boarding exhibits featuring 60s-era animations and Gateway Arch trivia. Soon, you’ll board for the 4-minute Tram Ride to the Top. Accessibility information.

Please allow at least 45-60 minutes for your tram tour.

Tram Ride to the Top load zone

Enjoy the Views

At the top, discover breathtaking views up to 30 miles in all directions. To help facilitate social distancing, guests will be limited to under 10 minutes at the top of the Arch. Please follow tour guide announcements.

Couple taking a selfie at the top of the Arch

Have more time?

No trip to the Gateway Arch is complete without taking the Tram Ride to the Top for exhilarating views of St. Louis, the Mississippi River, and beyond. Extend your Gateway Arch experience by spending time enjoying some of our many other activities.

One Hour

The new museum at Gateway Arch National Park is now open! Walk through time in the interactive Museum at the Gateway Arch. Stroll the park grounds to capture breathtaking views of the Gateway Arch and Mississippi River. Learn the story behind the structure in the award-winning Monument to the Dream documentary movie.

Two Hours

Stop by the Paddlewheel Café for a casual lunch or snack on the bank of the Mighty Mississippi. Then, take in unique views of the Gateway Arch and downtown on a relaxing, one-hour St. Louis Riverfront Cruise. Or soar high above it all on a Helicopter Tour. Seasonal hours apply.

Three Hours

Watch the sun go down and the city lights come up on a Skyline Dinner Cruise. Or make plans to embark on one of our Specialty Cruises. Whether you’re in the mood for Sunday brunch, a historic tour, or live music and dancing, we have a cruise to suit your tastes. Reservations required.