St. Louis Premium Driving Tour with Helicopter Ride & Cruise

If you’re looking to see St. Louis in a way that’s both comprehensive and exciting, this St. Louis Premium Driving Tour with Helicopter Ride & Cruise offers a well-rounded experience. From soaring above the city to cruising along the mighty Mississippi, it combines land, water, and air in just four hours, making for a memorable day.

What we love about this tour is how it balances authentic landmarks with a touch of thrill—especially the helicopter ride, which provides an unforgettable perspective of the city’s skyline. Plus, the fully narrated guide adds a layer of local insight that enriches each stop.

That said, one possible consideration is the duration of the helicopter flight—it’s about five minutes, which might feel brief compared to the overall experience. Still, many find that the views and adventure are well worth it.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a balanced, all-in-one sightseeing experience that covers iconic landmarks, history, and stunning aerial views—all without the hassle of planning multiple tickets or transports. Perfect for first-timers or those short on time but eager to get a real feel for St. Louis’s unique charm.

Key Points

• All-in-One Experience: Combines land, water, and air for a complete view of the city.
• Exclusive Access: Includes admission to the Gateway Arch tram, Mississippi River cruise, and helicopter ride.
• Small Group: Limited to 7 participants, fostering a more personalized experience.
• Narrated Tour: Fully guided with engaging stories and insights from a local guide.
• Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off included for hassle-free logistics.
• Value: At $449, it offers a bundled adventure that covers several major sights and activities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

How the Tour Works: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup in downtown St. Louis, where you’ll hop into a comfortable Mercedes Metris van. The small group size ensures you’re not lost in a crowd and can ask questions or chat comfortably with your guide.

Gateway Arch Experience

Your first stop is the famous Gateway Arch, the symbol of St. Louis. You’ll ride the tram to the top, where the panoramic views of the cityscape and Mississippi River stretch out in every direction. The admission is included, so you won’t need to wait in line, and you’ll get a chance to appreciate the engineering marvel that draws visitors from around the world.

The Gateway Arch National Park also features interactive exhibits that help you understand its historical significance. It’s a great way for all ages to connect with the city’s past and its modern identity.

Mississippi River Cruise

Next, you’ll step aboard a modern Mississippi Riverboat for a relaxing cruise. As you glide along the river, you’ll be treated to stunning skyline views and insightful commentary about St. Louis’s development along the water. This part of the tour offers a peaceful contrast to the heights of the Arch, giving you a different perspective on the city’s relationship with the river that shaped its history.

While most travelers find the cruise enjoyable, a review notes that the boat’s condition might be a little dated, with the shovel wheel no longer operational, which could slightly detract from the authenticity for some. Still, the views and narration help make up for it.

Drive Past Historic Landmarks

After the river cruise, your guide will take you past landmarks like the Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France. This historic cathedral is admired for its stained glass and mosaics, offering a look at religious architecture and the city’s French heritage. The guide’s stories make this part engaging, even if you’re not a church enthusiast.

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Helicopter Ride: The Grand Finale

The highlight, of course, is the helicopter flight over St. Louis. While some reviews mention the duration—about five minutes—it’s enough to provide breathtaking aerial views of the city’s skyline, the Arch, and the Mississippi River.

The pilot’s enthusiasm and commentary add to the fun, making this a memorable part of the experience. For many, it’s the most exciting element, offering a completely different perspective that you simply can’t get from the ground.

Return to Your Hotel

After the helicopter ride, your tour concludes with a smooth ride back to your downtown hotel, leaving you with vivid memories and plenty of ideas for further exploration.

What’s Included & What You Should Know

This tour’s price of $449 is quite competitive considering the three major activities included. The admission to the Gateway Arch, cruise, and helicopter are all covered, making it a convenient way to experience the highlights without extra hassle.

Transportation is in a climate-controlled van, which adds comfort, especially in Missouri’s varying weather. The small group size (limited to 7) ensures a more personalized, engaging experience.

Your guide is a local, fully narrating the tour, which adds value—especially when you’re eager to learn about the city’s stories and secrets.

All activities operate rain or shine, so be prepared for weather conditions; the tour is flexible enough to adapt to most situations.

Authentic Stories from Travelers

One reviewer from Germany shared that the guide was top-notch, though noting that the riverboat was somewhat aged and that the helicopter ride was shorter than expected and didn’t fly over the city as much as hoped. Still, they appreciated the friendly guide and the overall experience.

Another guest from the United States pointed out how spectacular the helicopter ride was, calling it “fantastic” and expressing a willingness to do it again. Several reviews praise guides for making the experience engaging and personable, with comments on how well they handled the logistics and shared interesting stories.

A common theme is that views and guides make or break the experience. The stunning vistas from the top of the Arch and from the helicopter are often highlighted as standout moments.

Practical Tips for Future Travelers

• Dress for the weather, especially if rain is forecast, as some parts are outdoors or in open-air boats.
• Arrive early if you want to take extra photos at the Gateway Arch or around the park.
• Remember that the helicopter ride is relatively short—brace for about 5 minutes of flight.
• Bring a camera or smartphone with a good zoom to capture the city from above and along the river.
• Since hotel pickup is included within downtown St. Louis, confirm your pickup location beforehand.
• If you’re traveling with children or seniors, the small group nature and fully narrated tour can make it comfortable and accessible.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is perfect for first-time visitors wanting a comprehensive snapshot of St. Louis’s icons. It’s also great for adventure seekers eager for a helicopter thrill and those interested in history and architecture.

Travelers who appreciate personalized experiences and local insights will find the guide’s narration especially valuable. It’s equally suitable for a romantic outing, a family adventure, or a small group of friends eager to explore together.

If you’re short on time but want a well-rounded, memorable introduction to the city, this tour offers tremendous value.

The Sum Up: The Best Bang for Your Buck?

This St. Louis Premium Driving Tour with Helicopter & Cruise packs a lot into four hours, making it a great choice for travelers wanting a multi-sensory experience. The inclusion of all major highlights—the Arch, river cruise, and helicopter—means you get a broad view of what makes St. Louis special.

The small group size and narrated guide ensure a personalized, engaging experience, especially for those who thrive on stories and local context. While some may find the helicopter ride a tad brief, the views and thrill factor remain high.

This tour suits those wanting a convenient, all-in-one adventure that combines iconic sights with a dash of adrenaline. It’s also a solid value, considering the bundled admissions and transportation. For anyone eager to see St. Louis from every angle—land, water, and sky—it’s a compelling choice.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour includes complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off for downtown St. Louis hotels, making logistics simple.

How long is the helicopter ride?
The helicopter flight lasts about five minutes, providing a quick but impressive aerial view of the city.

Are the activities suitable for children?
While the tour is family-friendly, the helicopter ride’s short duration and the nature of the stops make it more suitable for older children and adults.

What should I wear?
Dress according to the weather—layers in cooler months, and comfortable shoes for walking and standing at landmarks.

Is the tour operated rain or shine?
Yes, it runs in all weather conditions, so be prepared for the elements.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans shift.

Is wheelchair accessibility available?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience.

This tour offers a lively, well-rounded glimpse of St. Louis that’s suitable for a range of travelers eager for a balanced mix of history, scenery, and adventure. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, it guarantees some great stories to tell back home.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby