Portland Aerial Tram

Overview

The Portland Aerial Tram is a gondola connecting the South Waterfront district to the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) campus 150 meters above the city. The 5-minute ride offers sweeping views of downtown, five Cascade peaks, and the Willamette Valley.

Highlights

• Five Mountain Views: Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. Jefferson on clear days.
• 3-Minute Ride: The gondola ascends 500 meters of cable in just over three minutes.
• Engineering Marvel: The Swiss-designed system uses two 79-passenger cabins operating continuously.

History

The tram opened in 2007 to connect the expanding OHSU medical campus with the new South Waterfront district. Despite initial controversy over cost overruns, it has become a beloved attraction carrying over 2 million riders annually.

Visitor Tips

• $6 round trip for non-OHSU visitors — well worth it for the views.
• Clear mornings offer the best mountain visibility.
• Duration: 15–30 minutes.