Gatlinburg Aerial Tram

Gatlinburg Aerial Tram

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

A 2.1-mile gondola ride from the heart of downtown straight to the mountaintop home of Ober Gatlinburg — and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Smokies.

The tram departs from 1001 Parkway, between traffic lights 8 and 10, and climbs to the summit with unobstructed mountain views the whole way. For a lot of visitors the ride itself is the experience: a slow ascent above the rooftops of downtown, the Little Pigeon threading below, and the blue ridgelines of the national park opening up in every direction.

Staying nearby? Browse our Gatlinburg cabin rentals, minutes from the tram terminal.

The ride

An enclosed gondola carrying up to 120 passengers per car, making the 2.1-mile ascent in about ten minutes each way. It climbs steadily above the city and offers a perspective on Gatlinburg you simply don't get from street level.

The view changes continuously on the way up — the Parkway and River Road receding below, the park ridgelines opening ahead, and the forested mountainside closing in before you reach the summit. In fall the color visible from the car is extraordinary. In winter, snow on the peaks with the resort below is a completely different but equally memorable ride.

The tram runs both directions through the day, and the fare covers a round trip — there's no separate charge to come back down.

Getting there

Parking — available near the base terminal, with limited street and lot parking through downtown. The Gatlinburg Trolley's free Red Route also stops near the terminal, which means you can leave the car at the Park N' Ride and skip the parking question entirely.

Driving up instead — you can drive directly to the mountain at 1339 Ski Mountain Road. For most guests coming from downtown, the tram is the better call.

Tickets and hours

Tram tickets are available at the base terminal, and the fare covers the round trip. It's included with Ober Gatlinburg admission passes, so guests who already have an Ober pass don't pay a separate tram fee.

The tram operates year-round with hours varying by season. It may temporarily suspend operations during high winds or severe weather — confirm current hours and conditions at obergatlinburg.com before heading over.

What's at the top

The tram delivers you to Ober Gatlinburg, Tennessee's only ski area and a year-round mountaintop adventure park.

Year-round

• Ice skating and ice bumper cars — indoors, in any season
• Cloud Catcher zip line — four lanes with panoramic mountain views
• Smoky Mountain Bobsled — the park's signature attraction
• Wildlife Habitat — black bears, river otters, and birds of prey
• Tennessee Flyer, Sky Village Lift, rock climbing, archery, disc golf, and rides for younger kids
• Dining across several concepts at the summit

Winter only

• Skiing and snowboarding on multiple slopes, supported by snowmaking
• Lessons for all levels
• Snow tubing with a Magic Carpet lift back to the top

Full activity guide on our Ober Gatlinburg page.

Tips for the tram

• Take the tram rather than driving up. The views from the car during the ascent are considerably better than what you get from Ski Mountain Road
• Go on a clear day. Cloud and fog are common in the Smokies and can flatten the view entirely. Clear mornings and late afternoons give the sharpest sight lines
• Fall is the season for it. The ascent during peak foliage is among the most dramatic ten minutes available in Gatlinburg
• Check the weather first. High winds can suspend operations — worth confirming before you make the trip
• Ride back after dark. Looking toward downtown on the return trip at night is a completely different and genuinely beautiful view
• Use the trolley to reach it. The free Red Route stops near the base terminal, so you can leave the car at the Welcome Center Park N' Ride

Nearby

1001 Parkway puts the terminal in the middle of downtown, steps from everything on the strip. See our things to do guide for more.

• Ober Gatlinburg — the tram's destination; Tennessee's only ski area and a year-round adventure park
• Anakeesta — the other mountaintop experience in town, with zip lines, treetop walks, and Astra Lumina after dark
• Gatlinburg SkyPark — North America's longest pedestrian cable bridge
• Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook — free panoramic views from the Bypass, a natural before or after stop
• Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies — steps from the tram terminal
• Crockett's Breakfast Camp — a big breakfast before heading up the mountain
• Gatlinburg Trolley — the free Red Route connects downtown, the tram terminal, and Ski Mountain Road

Frequently asked questions

How long is the ride?

The 2.1-mile ascent takes about ten minutes each way.

How many passengers does it hold?

Up to 120 per car.

Is the tram fare separate from Ober Gatlinburg admission?

It's included with Ober Gatlinburg admission passes. Guests buying only a tram ticket pay a separate round-trip fare. Confirm current ticketing at obergatlinburg.com.

Can I drive up instead?

Yes — directly to 1339 Ski Mountain Road. The tram is the more scenic option for anyone already downtown, and it avoids the mountain road in winter.

Does it run in bad weather?

Operations may be suspended temporarily during high winds or severe weather. Check current conditions before visiting.

Is it accessible?

The tram itself is ADA accessible. Contact Ober Gatlinburg at (865) 436-5423 for specific accessibility questions before your visit.

Is there parking at the terminal?

Yes, near the base terminal, though downtown parking is limited in peak season. The free trolley Red Route stops nearby if you'd rather leave the car at the Park N' Ride.

Is the ride worth it on its own?

Plenty of guests think so. The ascent is a genuine attraction rather than just transport — though most people combine it with a day at the summit, since the tram fare is included with an Ober pass anyway.