In short
- The tram ride takes 45-60 minutes and offers views up to 30 miles.
- The documentary film lasts 35 minutes and explains the monument's construction.
- You can buy a combo ticket to save money if you have time for both.
In this article
If your schedule is tight, you might only have time for one paid activity at Gateway Arch National Park. The tram to the top offers physical thrills and high city views. The Tucker Theater film delivers deep historical context about how the monument was built.
How long does each activity take?
The tram ride experience lasts 45-60 minutes total. The documentary runs for 35 minutes.
Both options fit neatly into an hour. The tram estimate includes the 4-minute ride up, 10 minutes at the top, and a 3-minute descent. The documentary requires about 45 minutes of your schedule to allow for seating.
What do you see on the Gateway Arch tram ride?
You ride in a 5-person pod to the observation deck, looking out windows up to 30 miles east and west.
The deck features 16 small windows on each side. You will see downtown St. Louis to the west and Illinois to the east. Time at the top is limited to about 10 minutes on busy days to accommodate all guests.
What is the documentary movie about?
"Monument to the Dream" is a 35-minute award-winning film detailing the complex construction of the Arch.
The film plays in the Tucker Theater inside the underground Visitor Center. It is ideal if you want to understand the engineering behind the 630-foot stainless steel structure. The theater is also fully accessible, unlike the tram ride.
Gateway Arch tram vs documentary movie: Which costs more?
The tram ride costs more than the documentary alone, with adult tickets starting at $15.
Children aged 3-15 can ride the tram for tickets starting at $11. If you want to do both, you can purchase a combo ticket to save money. Ticket prices vary depending on the booking platform.
Are there physical limits for the tram?
Yes, visitors must independently climb 96 steps across 6 flights to reach the tram boarding area.
Strollers, wheelchairs, and scooters are prohibited on the tram ride and observation deck. The enclosed tram pods are small and seat up to 5 passengers. You will sit very close to other riders. If mobility or tight spaces are a concern, the documentary is a better choice.
What else is free if I skip both?
The Museum at the Gateway Arch and the 91-acre park grounds are completely free to enter.
You can spend 1-2 hours exploring the interactive museum exhibits. These galleries cover 201 years of history. The grounds outside include Luther Ely Smith Square, where you can take clear photos of the monument.
Questions travellers ask
Do you need to buy Gateway Arch tickets in advance?
Yes, advance tickets for the tram are highly recommended. Tram timeslots often sell out early in the peak summer months.
Is the Gateway Arch museum free?
Yes, entry to the underground Visitor Center and the interactive Museum at the Gateway Arch is completely free.
How many people fit in a Gateway Arch tram pod?
Each futuristic, enclosed tram pod seats up to 5 passengers. You will share the small space with others.
