So you're in Barcelona, that sparkling Mediterranean gem where Gothic spires meet Gaudí curves, and you're standing at the foot of a cable car station wondering: Which one should I take: the Montjuïc Cable Car or the Port Vell Cable Car?

Let’s break it down. Both are sky-high, panoramic joyrides, but they offer very different experiences. This is your no-nonsense, fluff-light guide to choosing between them or doing them both, because after all, you're in Barcelona, and you deserve to treat yourself!

First, what’s the difference?

Montjuïc Cable Car (Telefèric de Montjuïc)

A sleek, modern gondola lift that takes you from Parc de Montjuïc up to Montjuïc Castle, with another stop on your way back, at Mirador.

Port Vell Cable Car (Aeri del Port)

A vintage red cable car that travels over the harbor, connecting Barceloneta Beach with Miramar on Montjuïc Hill, and delivers a splash of adrenaline along with those sea views.

Key differences at a glance

Montjuïc Cable Car

Port Vell Cable Car

Opened

1970 (rebuilt 2007)

1931 (revived 1963, 2000)

Length

752 m

1,303 m

Elevation

84 m climb

~100 m high

Cabin

55 modern glass gondolas that seat 8 people each

2 vintage cabins that seat 20 people each

Stops

3: Park – Mirador – Castle

3: Miramar – Jaume I – Sant Sebastià

Accessible

✅

❌

Best for

Comfortable sightseeing & castle visit

Dramatic launch over water

Comparing the experience of the Barcelona cable cars

Montjuïc Cable Car

Think of it as your calm, steady ride to the top of Barcelona’s green crown.
The cabins are glass-enclosed and air-conditioned, so you’re comfortable even in the middle of July.
It’s a smooth glide above the lush Montjuïc hill with postcard views of the city skyline, the port, and even the Sagrada Família peeking through.
There are 3 stops: Parc de Montjuïc (base), Mirador (midpoint), and Castell (summit).
Round-trip and one-way tickets available; you can hop off and explore gardens, museums, or even hike the trails.

Port Vell Cable Car

It's the classic. Opened in 1931. It looks like it could be an extra in a Wes Anderson movie.
The ride is thrilling, a suspended dash over the blue sweep of the harbor at a height of nearly 100 meters.
It connects the Torre Sant Sebastià (near Barceloneta) to the Torre Jaume I and then up to Miramar on Montjuïc.
The cars are small and cozy, and you’ll feel the gentle sway of the wind (yes, it’s totally safe, but let’s just say skip it if you’re afraid of heights).

What will you see

Sweeping views of Montjuïc’s greenery.

Barcelona’s skyline in all its eclectic glory.

The Olympic Stadium, botanical gardens, and Montjuïc Castle.

A front-row view of the harbor, with yachts, cruise ships, and the turquoise sea laid out like a painting.

Look north: see the Gothic Quarter’s rooftops and cathedrals.

Look down: you are gliding over water.

Barcelona cable car timings

Montjuïc Cable Car

Ride duration: Around 5–7 minutes from base to top.
Opening hours: Open daily, with longer hours in summer (roughly 10am to 9pm).
Frequency: Every couple of minutes
Great for daytime exploration; less dramatic at night since it's mostly a nature route.

More details on Montjuïc hours

Port Vell Cable Car

Ride duration: Around 7-10 minutes.
Opening hours: Vary as per season and winds or weather can shut it down without warning.
Frequency: Longer waits, since each car carries fewer people, and it’s very popular.

Final verdict: Which one should you choose?

Go for the Montjuïc Cable Car if

You want a scenic ride and a historic destination: Montjuïc Castle.
You’re looking for a more accessible, comfortable, and flexible option.
You're building a day around Montjuïc. It fits perfectly into any itinerary for exploring the hill and is easily accessible to top museums, gardens, and Olympic sites.

Go for the Port Vell Cable Car if

You want a wow factor experience that floats you over the sea like some kind of movie star.
You're okay with a little wait and a little sway.
You’re near the beach and want to get up to Montjuïc in the most dramatic way possible.

Frequently asked questions about Barcelona cable cars

What’s the main difference between the Montjuïc Cable Car and the Port Vell Cable Car?

The Montjuïc Cable Car takes you up the hill from Parc de Montjuïc to Montjuïc Castle, offering views of gardens, cityscapes, and historical landmarks. The Port Vell Cable Car crosses over the harbor from Barceloneta to Montjuïc, giving you a thrilling ride over the sea with spectacular views of boats, the beach, and the city skyline.

Which cable car offers better views?

Both offer fantastic views but of very different scenery. Montjuïc Cable Car highlights the city, parks, and castle. Port Vell Cable Car offers sweeping harbor and Mediterranean Sea panoramas.

Which cable car is better for families or kids?

Both cable cars are safe and family-friendly. Montjuïc Cable Car might be more relaxed since it travels over gardens and green spaces, while Port Vell Cable Car’s over-water ride can feel more thrilling for kids who love boats and the sea.

Can I buy combined tickets for both cable cars?

Currently, tickets are sold separately, but you can plan your visit to do both on the same day for the best experience.