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.
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
Park
9:00am
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
Security Screening
9:30am
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
Explore Museum Exhibits
10:00am
Before 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.
Tram Ride to the Top Tour Begins
11:00am
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.
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.
Watch an award-winning documentary movie
12:00pm
Share in the triumphs and struggles of the making of the Gateway to the West with the “Monument to the Dream” documentary located in Tucker Theater. The 35-minute film describes the details behind Eero Saarinen’s design, compelling stories from the builders and the lasting impact the Gateway Arch leaves on the St. Louis community today.
Experience the 1850s St. Louis Riverfront in Virtual Reality
12:45pm
Witness how the St. Louis riverfront served as an important crossroads for America’s westward migration. Watch in Virtual Reality as steamboats deliver travelers and goods from around the world. And hear the stories of courage, struggle, and hopes of some of the real people who crossed paths there.
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.