The Telefèric de Montjuïc (in English, Montjuïc Cable Car) is a historic cable car service from which riders can enjoy spectacular views of Barcelona. The first leg of the Telefèric de Montjuïc route begins at Parc Montjuïc; it then travels directly to Montjuïc Castle. On the way back down, visitors can choose to stop at the Mirador Station—where they can access a variety of amazing lookout points and lovely garden spaces—before returning to the Parc Montjuïc station.
History of the Telefèric de Montjuïc
The Telefèric de Montjuïc has operated in Parc Montjuïc for over 50 years now, discontinuing service only once in its history: about 20 years ago, when the cable cars shut down for a few years in order for an entirely new style of fleet (closed, instead of open-air) to be installed. The Telefèric de Montjuïc system is operated by Barcelona’s primary public transportation authority. Visitors can take a number of public buses to arrive at the Telefèric de Montjuïc; many guests, though, use the Barcelona Bus Turístic as their means for getting to the attraction. That’s because the popular hop-on hop-off tour bus service has a Red Route stop at Telefèric de Montjuïc.
Telefèric de Montjuïc Highlights
Those visitors wishing to ride the Telefèric de Montjuïc will board it at the Parc Montjuïc Station. The Telefèric de Montjuïc then runs some 750 meters (approximately 2500 feet) at a speed of roughly 2.5 meters-per-second (8 feet/second)—all while climbing 85 meters (250 feet) in the air—before arriving at its stop near Montjuïc Castle. As you ride along in the eight-person cable cars, you’ll experience beautiful views of Barcelona.
When you ride the Telefèric de Montjuïc back down the hill, you’ll have the option of disembarking at the Mirador Station. Visitors who choose to get off at this stop will have access to some of the best lookout points in all of Parc Montjuïc. Scenic sites readily accessible from Mirador include Mirador de l’Alcalde, Miramar Gardens, and Mossèn Costa i Llobera Gardens—which is renowned for its distinctive cactus collection.
Telefèric de Montjuïc tickets can be purchased online in advance; when you buy your Telefèric de Montjuïc tickets ahead of time, you can typically get them for a discounted rate (often as much as 10% off the standard price). Your Telefèric de Montjuïc tickets are valid for a 90-day time period that starts the day you purchase them. Children under the age of four years old may ride the Telefèric de Montjuïc free of charge.
More to See and Do at the Telefèric de Montjuïc
Here are a few more details worth keeping in mind as you plan your upcoming Telefèric de Montjuïc ride.
*While the Telefèric de Montjuïc operates every single day of the year beginning at 10:00am, it ceases services for the day at various times throughout the year, depending on the season. You’ll want to double-check the attraction’s hours of operation before you visit it.
*The Parc Montjuïc Station of the Telefèric de Montjuïc service is located near popular Barcelona attractions like Fundació Joan Miró, Poble Espanyol, Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, and the Parc de Montjuïc branch of the Museu Etnològic i de Cultures del Món.
*Many visitors find that not only is a ride on the Telefèric de Montjuïc a worthwhile attraction on its own merits, but it’s a convenient means of getting to Montjuïc Castle without having to make a long, steep walk through the park.
*Other attractions of note located near Montjuïc Castle include the Barcelona Botanical Garden, Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer Gardens, and Joan Brossa Gardens—which is especially popular with families who have small children. Barcelona’s historic Olympic sites aren’t far from here either, as well as the Joan Antoni Samaranch Olympic and Sport Museum.
Why the Telefèric de Montjuïc Should Be on Your Must-See List
As discussed above, the area around Parc Montjuïc is home to some of Barcelona’s most popular attractions. As a result, the Telefèric de Montjuïc is located squarely in the midst of numerous destinations well worth your time. That makes it a convenient attraction to slip into the middle of a busy afternoon’s itinerary. Plus, the Telefèric de Montjuïc is that rare form of transportation that will not only take you somewhere you want to go, but will also provide you with plenty of social media-worth photo opportunities!