Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: Tickets, the Rotating Tram and the Top

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway takes you from the desert floor to the Mountain Station at 8,516 feet in about ten minutes, in a tram car that slowly rotates so everyone gets the view. Adult tickets were $36.95 on the official site in October 2026. It's the one splurge we put on almost every Palm Springs weekend getaway, and it's a short drive from The Muse, so you can be back in the pool by mid-afternoon.

How does the rotating tram work?

The cars are the largest rotating tram cars in the world. The floor turns slowly as you ride more than two and a half miles up Chino Canyon, so you don't have to fight for the window. One minute you're looking at the valley floor, the next you're facing granite cliffs that look close enough to touch.

Tip for the nervous flyer in your group: stand near the middle and look out, not down. The ride is smooth and over before the group chat finishes reacting to your first video.

How much are Palm Springs Aerial Tramway tickets?

These were the round-trip prices on the official tramway site in October 2026. Each one includes a $2 online processing fee.

Ticket	Price
Adult	$36.95
Senior (65+)	$33.95
Child (3 to 10)	$20.95
Annual pass, adult or senior	$167
Annual pass, child	$97

Prices and hours can change without notice, so check pstramway.com before you go. There is also a Ride 'n' Dine ticket, available after 4PM, that bundles your tram fare with a meal at Pines Café at the top. Children under 16 must ride with an adult 21 or older, and pets aren't allowed (service animals only).

What are the tramway hours?

Winter hours run from October 5, 2026 to May 27, 2027:

• Monday to Friday: First tram up at 10AM.

• Weekends and holidays: First tram up at 8AM.

• Every day: Last tram up at 8PM, last tram down at 9:30PM.

The tram shuts down for annual maintenance each year, and it reopened in October 2026 after this year's work. If your trip falls near that window, confirm the schedule first.

What is there to do at the Mountain Station?

More than you'd guess. The Mountain Station sits at the edge of Mount San Jacinto State Park, with over 50 miles of hiking trails, two restaurants and decks that look straight down at the Coachella Valley.

• Walk the short loops. Easy trails near the station give you pine forest and big views without a serious hike.

• Go bigger. Experienced hikers can head deeper into the state park. Our easy hikes guide has gentler ideas on the valley floor.

• Eat with a view. Grab lunch at the top or time a Ride 'n' Dine for sunset.

• Play in the snow. In winter the top can be white while the pool down below is still sunny. Nobody believes it until they see it.

What should you wear on the tram?

Layers. The top is often 30 to 40 degrees cooler than Palm Springs, so a 95-degree afternoon by the pool can be a sweater afternoon at 8,516 feet. Wear real shoes if you plan to walk the trails, bring water, and don't forget sunscreen, because the sun is stronger up there even when the air is cool.

In summer, the tram is the best escape from the heat in town. In winter, bring a proper jacket. Our Palm Springs weather guide has the monthly averages.

When is the best time to ride?

Go early on weekends to beat the lines, or go late for sunset and ride down with the valley lights on. Weekday mornings are the quietest. Clear days after a storm give you the longest views.

Where to start: the Valley Station is at the top of Tramway Road, off North Palm Canyon Drive. At the bottom of that road, the Palm Springs Visitors Center in the old Tramway Gas Station is worth a quick photo stop.

For a romantic version, pair a sunset ride with dinner downtown. Our date night ideas list has more.

Breakfast from Aspen Mills, the 8AM weekend tram, a walk in the pines, and you're back on a lounger by early afternoon. Then the hot tub at night, because your calves will have opinions. Cancel your afternoon plans. The pool is warm.

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Palm Springs Aerial Tramway FAQ

How much is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway?

On the official site in October 2026, round-trip tickets were $36.95 for adults, $33.95 for seniors 65 and over, and $20.95 for children 3 to 10, each including a $2 online fee. Check pstramway.com for current prices.

How long is the tram ride in Palm Springs?

About ten minutes each way, covering more than two and a half miles up Chino Canyon to the Mountain Station at 8,516 feet.

Does the Palm Springs tram rotate?

Yes. The cars are the world's largest rotating tram cars, and the floor turns slowly during the ride so everyone gets the view.

Is it cold at the top of the Palm Springs tram?

Usually. The Mountain Station is often 30 to 40 degrees cooler than the valley floor, and it can snow there in winter.

What is at the Mountain Station?

Two restaurants, viewing decks and access to more than 50 miles of trails in Mount San Jacinto State Park.