The title compound, C21H14N2O2, was prepared by Pictet–Spengler cyclization of tryptamine and 4-formyl coumarin. In the molecule, the dihedral angle between the mean planes of the coumarin and β-carboline ring systems is 63.8 (2)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked via N—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming chains along the b-axis direction. Within the chains, there are a number of offset π–π interactions present [shortest intercentroid distance = 3.457 (2) Å].