The Rainforest Aerial Tram carries visitors above the forest canopy in the highlands of St Lucia’s Castries Waterworks Reserve.
This guide was updated in July 2026. The tram is currently closed for repairs following hurricane damage, with reopening scheduled for 1 October 2026, so check your travel dates carefully before booking. You can still reserve a spot for after reopening through Viator.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Chassin, Babonneau, Castries Waterworks Reserve, St Lucia |
| Status | Closed for hurricane repairs until 1 October 2026 |
| Tour times | 9:00am and 10:00am departures |
| Duration | 2.5 hours |
| Adult ticket | $75 (reduced from $85) |
| Child ticket (2–12) | $42 (reduced from $65) |
| Nearest transit | No direct public bus; shuttle transfer available at $20 per person |
Why book Rainforest Aerial Tram tickets?
- 🏛️ A protected rainforest reserve: the tram is located in the Castries Waterworks Reserve, declared a national forest in 1916.
- 🎟️ No fitness limits: the ride welcomes all ages and can accommodate walking difficulties.
- 🌿 Two experiences in one ticket: the tram ride and the Fern Nature Trail together.
- 📜 An extra 15% off: use code LUCIAREBOOT20 when booking online (residents excluded).
- 💰 Book ahead of reopening: the tram is closed until 1 October 2026, so an early booking secures your slot once it’s back.
Opening hours for the Rainforest Aerial Tram
When running normally, tours depart twice a day, at 9:00am and 10:00am, and last 2.5 hours each. There’s no separate weekend schedule listed for this Caribbean cable car.
Right now, the tram itself is unavailable, following hurricane damage, with a stated reopening date of 1 October 2026. Other Rainforest Adventures St Lucia tours, including the Adrena-Line Canopy Tour, continue to operate as normal.
Ticket prices for the Rainforest Aerial Tram
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | $75 (reduced from $85) |
| Child (2–12 years) | $42 (reduced from $65) |
| St Lucia resident, adult | $25 |
| St Lucia resident, child (2–16) | $17 |
Residents must show valid St Lucia ID at the entrance. A further 15% online discount, code LUCIAREBOOT20, is available for a limited time and doesn’t apply to resident rates. The official site doesn’t state whether prices include tax, so confirm this at checkout. Meals and drinks cost extra and aren’t included in any ticket. Book through Viator to reserve your date for after reopening.
How to get to the Rainforest Aerial Tram
By car: the park is roughly 30 minutes’ drive from Castries and the major hotels on the northwest coast, up winding roads through Babonneau to Chassin.
By public transport: there’s no direct public bus service to the site, so a rental car or taxi is the practical option for independent travellers.
By organised transfer: Rainforest Adventures offers round-trip shuttle transport from North, Castries, Marigot, or the cruise terminal, at $20 per person. Book by 4:30pm the day before your visit. An extra charge may apply for Marigot and Castries pickups if fewer than four people join.
Cruise ship passengers: transfers pick up one hour after your ship docks, meeting in front of Diamonds International in Castries.
Parking
The official site doesn’t give specific parking details for the reserve. Most visitors arrive by pre-booked transfer, taxi, or hire car rather than self-drive, given the winding mountain access road.
How long to spend at the Rainforest Aerial Tram
The tour itself lasts 2.5 hours. Add roughly an hour for travel if you’re driving yourself from Castries or the northwest coast.
Accessibility at the Rainforest Aerial Tram
Rainforest Adventures states there are no fitness limits, and the tram welcomes all ages. The operator also says it can accommodate visitors with walking difficulties. The Fern Nature Trail follows natural forest paths, so it’s worth calling ahead if you use a wheelchair or other mobility aid.
What to see at the Rainforest Aerial Tram
The tram ride carries you in an open-air gondola from around 2,000 feet above sea level, with a naturalist guide in every car. The Caribbean oceanic forest is home to giant ferns, heliconia, and a rich variety of birdlife.
The Fern Nature Trail follows the descent, where your guide points out plumage and birdcalls, plus a panoramic view across the north of the island.
Wildlife: keep an eye out for the jacquot, St Lucia’s endangered national parrot, and for agoutis moving across the forest floor.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Confirm the reopening date | The tram is closed until 1 October 2026, so double-check availability before you travel. |
| Use the online promo code | Booking online with code LUCIAREBOOT20 cuts the price by a further 15%, though it excludes residents. |
| Wear proper trail shoes | Closed-toe shoes are mandatory; heels, sandals, and flip-flops aren’t allowed on the trail. |
| Book transport early | Shuttle transfers must be arranged by 4:30pm the day before your visit. |
| Pack your own snacks | Food and drinks aren’t included in the ticket price. |
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the Rainforest Aerial Tram open now? | No, it’s closed for hurricane repairs until 1 October 2026. Other Rainforest Adventures St Lucia tours continue to run. |
| How do cruise passengers get to the park? | Meet at Diamonds International in Castries one hour after your ship docks, and book transport in advance. |
| Is there a resident discount? | Yes, St Lucia residents pay $25 for adults with valid ID, though the online promo code doesn’t apply to this rate. |
| What should I wear? | Closed-toe shoes are mandatory, and proper hiking shoes are recommended for the trail. |
| Can visitors with mobility difficulties take part? | Rainforest Adventures says it can accommodate walking difficulties, so it’s worth calling ahead to confirm your needs. |
Things to do nearby
The Adrena-Line Canopy Tour operates from the same site and isn’t affected by the tram closure, so it’s a ready-made alternative for the same visit.
Castries Central Market, roughly 30 minutes away, is a colourful spot for local produce, spices, and handmade souvenirs.
The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, in central Castries, is one of the largest churches in the Caribbean and a short walk from the market.
Pigeon Island National Landmark, near Gros Islet, combines beaches, hiking trails, and the ruins of an old military base.
Marigot Bay, about 20 minutes from Castries, is a scenic harbour with waterfront restaurants and boat trips through the mangroves.
