The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a rotating cable car attraction located at 1 Tram Way in Palm Springs, California. It transports visitors from the desert floor of Chino Canyon to the wilderness of Mt San Jacinto State Park at an elevation of 8,516 feet. This 2026 visitor guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, parking, transport, accessibility, and practical tips for planning your visit.
To skip the detail, and book tickets at cheaper than the official rate, head this way.
Last updated: February 2026. Ticket prices increased in January 2026. Many guides still list adult admission at $34.95; the current price is $36.95 for adults (including the online processing fee). Child prices have also increased from $18.95 to $20.95. If you are using an older guide, these figures will be out of date.
Crucially, tickets are cheaper via third parties than the official site. I found tickets through Viator for $32.95 – presumably because Viator is sucking up the processing fees.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 |
| Winter hours (Mon–Fri) | First tram up 10:00 AM. Last tram up 8:00 PM, last tram down 9:30 PM |
| Winter hours (Sat, Sun & holidays) | First tram up 8:00 AM. Last tram up 8:00 PM, last tram down 9:30 PM |
| Summer hours (Sun–Thu) | First tram up at 10:00 AM. Last tram up at 8:00 pm, last Tram down at 9:30 PM |
| Summer hours (Fri–Sat) | First Tram up at 8:00 AM. Last tram up extended to 9:00 PM · Last tram down 10:30 PM |
| Tram frequency | At least every 30 minutes |
| Ticket price – adult (13+) | $36.95 online (includes $2 processing fee) or $32.95 via Viator. |
| Ticket price – child (3–10) | $20.95 online (includes $2 processing fee) |
| Ticket price – senior (65+) | $33.95 online (includes $2 processing fee) |
| Children under 2 | Free (boarding pass required at ticket booth on day of visit) |
| Parking | $15 per vehicle (on-site) |
| Public transport | None – private vehicle or rideshare required |
| Typical visit duration | 2–4 hours (longer if hiking) |
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway opening hours
The tramway operates year-round on two seasonal timetables. During winter hours (currently 2 September 2025 to 21 May 2026), the first tram up runs at 10:00 AM on weekdays and 8:00 AM on weekends and public holidays; the last tram up is at 8:00 PM and the last tram down is at 9:30 PM. During summer hours (22 May 2026 to 7 September 2026), weekday opening remains at 10:00 AM, but on Fridays and Saturdays there’s an earlier start at 8:00 AM. The last tram up is extended to 9:00 PM and the last tram down to 10:30 PM.
The tram operates at least every 30 minutes. The ticket booth opens 30 minutes before the first tram of the day. The tramway does not operate on a fixed reservation schedule; walk-in tickets are available at the booth on the day of your visit. Hours and schedules are subject to change; check the official website before travelling, particularly in winter when weather-related closures can occur.
Opening hours were checked on the official website and last updated in February 2026.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway ticket prices
On the official website, online tickets cost $36.95 for adults (aged 13 and over), $33.95 for seniors (aged 65 and over), and $20.95 for children aged 3 to 10. All online prices include a $2 processing fee. Children under two years old are admitted free but require a boarding pass, which must be obtained at the ticket booth on the day of your visit. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or over.
However, when I checked, tickets were $4 cheaper on Viator. Quite why, I don’t know. It makes little sense, but sometimes we have to just gladly lap up the small wins. Book through Viator and adult tickets for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway cost $32.95.
Walk-in tickets are available at the booth without a booking fee, at the same base prices minus the online processing charge. The Ride ‘n’ Dine package (available after 4:00 PM) includes the round-trip tram fare and a meal at Pines Café; it costs $43.00 for adults and $29.50 for children and is bookable online. Annual passes are available at $167 for adults and seniors, and $97 for children.
Ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in February 2026.
How to get to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The tramway is not served by public transport. Visitors must arrive by private vehicle, taxi, or rideshare. The Valley Station is located at the top of Tram Road, a 3.5-mile access road that begins at the junction with Tramway Road in north Palm Springs. From downtown Palm Springs, the drive takes approximately 10–15 minutes. From the I-10 motorway (Highway 111 exit), allow approximately 20–25 minutes.
Ride-share drop-off and pick-up is available in a designated area at the Valley Station. There is a 10-minute limit in the drop-off zone. Taxis may also use this area.
Parking at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
On-site parking costs $15 per vehicle for cars, motorcycles, oversized vehicles, motor homes, and RVs. The car park opens at 9:00 AM on weekdays and 7:00 AM on weekends and holidays. Payment is accepted by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express) or cash; notes larger than $20 are not accepted. Three Level 2 EV charging points (Type 1 J1772 connector, maximum 30A) are available free of charge in Lot A on a first-come, first-served basis.
Free parking is available for residents of Palm Springs and surrounding Coachella Valley cities and zip codes. A valid driving licence showing a qualifying residential address must be presented at the security gate. Local residents who do not bring ID cannot receive a refund. Annual and summer pass holders also receive free parking when their pass is presented at the gate. Overnight parking is only permitted for visitors camping in Mt San Jacinto State Park; advise security at the gate on arrival.
How long to spend at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
A typical visit — including the tram ride up and down and time spent at the Mountain Station — takes between two and four hours. Visitors who plan to hike in Mt San Jacinto State Park should allow a full day; the hike to the summit of San Jacinto Peak (10,834 feet) takes approximately five to seven hours return. In winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing add further time. A wilderness permit is required for hiking beyond Long Valley; permits can be collected from the State Park Visitors Centre at the Mountain Station.
Accessibility at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The Valley Station, Mountain Station, and tram cars are all wheelchair accessible. Designated disabled parking spaces are available in the on-site car park at standard parking rates; a valid disability parking permit is required. Guests with accessibility requirements should advise the security gate on arrival to be directed to the correct lot. The steep paved walkway between the Mountain Station and the entrance to Mt San Jacinto State Park descends 100 feet over approximately one-eighth of a mile and does not have handrails along its full length; this section may be difficult for some visitors. The tramway’s accessibility page at pstramway.com/accessibility contains further detail on specific requirements.
Inside the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: what to see and do
The tram journey itself travels approximately 2.5 miles along the cliffs of Chino Canyon, ascending 5,873 feet in around 10 minutes. The tram cars rotate slowly during the journey to provide views in all directions. Each car holds up to 80 passengers, who stand throughout the ride; there are no seats.
At the Mountain Station (elevation 8,516 feet), visitors have access to two observation decks, two documentary theatres showing films about the tramway’s history and construction, a natural history museum, and the Mt San Jacinto State Park Visitors Centre. A gift shop is located within the station.
Dining is available at two on-site venues. Peaks Restaurant is a full-service sit-down restaurant. Pines Café is a cafeteria-style option and the venue used for the Ride ‘n’ Dine package (after 4:00 PM). A cocktail lounge and bar are also available.
Hiking in Mt San Jacinto State Park is accessible directly from the Mountain Station via Long Valley. Over 50 miles of marked trails range from short, level walks around Long Valley to the full summit route. Trail conditions vary significantly by season; check the park website or ask rangers at the Visitors Centre before setting out.
Winter activities are available when snow conditions allow. The Winter Adventure Center offers equipment rental and a snow play area. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing routes are accessible from Long Valley. Guided nature walks are offered on weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Check weather before visiting | The temperature at the Mountain Station is typically 20–30°F (11–17°C) cooler than at the valley floor. Even in summer, temperatures at 8,516 feet can be cold and windy. Bring layers regardless of the season. |
| Check for wind closures | The tramway can close temporarily or for the day due to high winds with little advance notice. Check pstramway.com or call ahead if weather conditions appear unsettled. A live tram cam is available at pstramway.com/tram-cam. |
| Arrive early at weekends | The car park can fill by mid-morning on weekends and during school holidays. Weekday visits and arriving at opening time reduce waiting times. |
| No pets allowed | Pets are not permitted on the tram or at the Mountain Station. Service animals are an exception. |
| Water | Due to ongoing drought conditions, the tramway recommends bringing your own bottled water. |
| Wilderness permits | Free day-use wilderness permits are required for hiking beyond Long Valley. Collect them from the State Park Visitors Centre at the Mountain Station on the day of your visit. |
| Tram cars are standing only | There are no seats in the tram cars. Visitors who cannot stand for approximately 10 minutes should note this before booking. |
| Photography | Photography is permitted on the tram and throughout the Mountain Station. |
Frequently asked questions about the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway? | Advance booking is not required. Walk-in tickets are available at the booth on the day. Booking online saves you time at the booth but costs $2 more per ticket due to the processing fee. But booking via Viator saves both time and $4. During peak periods (weekends, school holidays), arriving early is advisable. |
| Is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway open every day? | Yes, it operates daily year-round, subject to weather-related closures. High winds can cause same-day shutdowns without advance notice. |
| Is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway suitable for children? | Yes. Children aged 3–10 have a reduced ticket price. Children under 2 are free with a boarding pass from the ticket booth. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or over. |
| Is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway wheelchair accessible? | Yes. The Valley Station, Mountain Station, and tram cars are all wheelchair accessible. The pathway from the Mountain Station into Mt San Jacinto State Park involves a steep descent and may be difficult for some. |
| Are pets allowed on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway? | No. Pets are not permitted. Service animals are allowed. |
| Is parking free at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway? | Parking costs $15 per vehicle. Free parking is available for local residents from qualifying Coachella Valley zip codes (ID required), and for annual and summer pass holders. |
| What should I wear to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway? | Bring a jacket or layers regardless of the season. The Mountain Station sits at 8,516 feet and is significantly cooler than Palm Springs. In winter, waterproof footwear is advisable. |
| Can you hike from the top of the tramway? | Yes. Over 50 miles of hiking trails in Mt San Jacinto State Park are accessible from the Mountain Station. A free wilderness permit is required for most trails beyond Long Valley, available from the park Visitors Centre at the top. |
Things to do near the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The following attractions are in Palm Springs or the wider Coachella Valley and can be combined with a tramway visit in the same trip.
Palm Springs Art Museum – Located in downtown Palm Springs, approximately 4 miles from the tramway. The collection covers fine art, architecture, design, and natural science, with a particular focus on the American West and Native American cultures.
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum – Also in downtown Palm Springs, this museum covers the history and culture of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, on whose ancestral land the tramway and much of the Coachella Valley sit.
Indian Canyons – A system of palm canyons within the Agua Caliente Reservation, approximately 5 miles from downtown Palm Springs. Andreas Canyon, Murray Canyon, and Palm Canyon offer hiking and wildlife viewing. Owned and operated by the Agua Caliente tribe.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens – Located in Palm Desert, approximately 20 miles east of the tramway. The zoo focuses on desert ecosystems from around the world, with over 500 animals and 1,400 plant species.
Knott’s Soak City Palm Springs – A water park approximately 15 miles east of the tramway in Palm Springs, open from spring to early autumn.
Joshua Tree National Park – Approximately 45 miles north-east of Palm Springs. The park protects two distinct desert ecosystems and offers hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing. Allow at least half a day for a visit.
More California travel
Other California travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- A visit to Death Valley – the hottest place on earth.
- Why Dante’s View may be the best view in California.
- Guide to boarding a giant aircraft carrier at the USS Midway Museum in San Diego.
- Joining the runners at Runyon Canyon.
- What to expect at Griffith Observatory in the Hollywood Hills.
