Gateway Arch tram ride

Question

We are passing through St Louis and would like to go to the top of the Arch.

Apparently tickets sell out so I would like to purchase online ahead of time. I am having trouble figuring out the timing. NPS says to expect 45-60 minutes. If I get tickets for 1:00 does this mean the ride is really 1:30ish? How much time should be allotted for security?

I don’t want to buy tickets then not make it. As I said above, I’m having trouble with the timing as someone passing through the area.

Any recent experiences?

Answer

The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is a popular attraction, and visiting the top via the tram ride is a unique experience. Tickets often sell out, especially during peak hours or weekends, so purchasing online ahead of time is a good idea. The tram ride itself is relatively short—around 4 minutes each way—but the overall experience includes waiting, security screening, and potential lines for boarding, which is why the National Park Service recommends budgeting 45-60 minutes.

If your ticket is for 1:00 PM, this is the official boarding time, meaning you should plan to arrive a little earlier to go through security. The actual ascent to the top might be around 1:05–1:10 PM, but the 45-60 minute estimate includes time for security, boarding, and waiting for the tram rotation.

Here are some tips based on recent visitor experiences:

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your ticket time to account for parking, ticket check, and security screening.
Security is similar to airport screening, so small bags, loose items, and metal objects are checked. Most visitors go through this in 5–10 minutes, but lines can be longer during busy periods.
The tram ride itself is only about 4 minutes to the top and 4 minutes down, but the small capsule size means only a few people can ride at a time, which adds to wait times.
Expect to spend roughly 45–60 minutes total for the experience, so a 1:00 PM ticket will likely have you back on the ground around 1:45–2:00 PM.
During busier seasons, allow extra buffer time in case of lines or slower security processing.

In summary, purchasing a 1:00 PM ticket is appropriate, but plan to arrive slightly early. The entire experience from arrival to exit typically takes about an hour, so you can comfortably schedule other activities around it. Checking recent reviews or calling the Arch’s visitor center on the day of your visit can also provide real-time guidance on current wait times.

Gateway Arch tram ride

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