If you have only a day or two in St. Louis, a narrated trolley tour is the quickest way to understand how the city fits together. This 90-minute tour by St. Louis Fun Trolley Tours rolls through downtown and out to the Central West End, passing the Gateway Arch, Busch Stadium, the home of the Cardinals, Union Station, City Museum, the stadium of St. Louis City SC, the downtown arena, Forest Park and the Saint Louis Art Museum, while the guide shares stories about the World’s Fair, the river trade, brewing and baseball. The one scheduled stop is the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis on Lindell Boulevard, where you have a few minutes inside to see its famous mosaics, which are among the largest collections of mosaic art in the world; entry is free. Afterwards you know exactly which places deserve a longer visit. The tour has more than 560 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor with an average of 4.2 out of 5; guests praise the guides’ knowledge, while some mention a bumpy ride, audio that can be hard to hear and sights passed without stopping. This page links to the tour on Viator.
How to visit: the tour starts and ends at the corner of Carr Street and North 2nd Street, at the entrance to the Horseshoe casino by the Four Seasons hotel on the north side of downtown, where you can self-park. It uses a mobile ticket, runs in English and costs a modest amount per adult, with lower prices for children and seniors. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start. The listing does not publish a winter timetable, so check the date picker for November and December departures before you plan your day around it.
What to expect: you ride in an enclosed, air-conditioned trolley-style vehicle, with live commentary from the guide. Apart from the short cathedral stop, the sights are seen from the vehicle, so this is an orientation tour rather than a series of visits. Sit near the front if you want to hear the guide clearly.
Making the most of it: take the tour on your first morning, then use the rest of your trip to go back to the places that caught your eye, such as the Arch tram, City Museum or Forest Park. It is also a good option on a cold or rainy day.
What to expect
The experience
A 90-minute narrated ride past the main sights of downtown, Midtown and Forest Park, with one short stop inside the Cathedral Basilica.
Best time
Your first morning in the city, to decide what to see in depth later.
How long
About 90 minutes.
Tips
Check November and December dates in the booking calendar, and sit near the front to hear the commentary.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-timers with limited time and visitors who want an overview without driving.
- Families
- A comfortable way to see a lot with children, and the cathedral stop breaks up the ride.
- Couples
- A relaxed introduction to the city before an afternoon at the Arch.
- Pair with
- The Gateway Arch tram and the Old Courthouse downtown.
- Time needed
- Two hours including getting to the start.
Good questions
How long is the St. Louis trolley tour?+
The tour lasts about 90 minutes. It starts and ends at Carr Street and North 2nd Street by the Four Seasons hotel.
What does the trolley tour pass?+
It passes the Gateway Arch, Busch Stadium, Union Station, City Museum, Forest Park and the Saint Louis Art Museum, among others. The one scheduled stop is inside the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis.
Does the trolley tour run in winter?+
The listing does not publish a seasonal timetable. Check the Viator date picker for November and December departures before you book.
Can I cancel the trolley tour?+
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. The ticket is a mobile ticket.
Is the trolley tour worth it?+
It is a good orientation for a short first visit, with knowledgeable guides. Most sights are seen from the vehicle, so it does not replace visiting them.
