How long is the Montjuic cable car ride?
The ride from the base at Parc Montjuïc to the top at Castillo de Montjuïc takes about 5 minutes one way. If you're stopping at Mirador station on the way down, give yourself a few extra minutes
How often do the cabins arrive?
Cabins arrive every 15 minutes all day long, so there’s rarely a long wait. Just stroll up, take a deep breath, and before you know it, you’ll be airborne.
When’s the best time to ride?
If you’re after the clearest skies, early morning is your best bet. Prefer a bit more shade and fewer people? Go later in the afternoon. But if you're chasing those golden, sun-kissed postcard-perfect photos, nothing beats a Montjuïc sunset!
How long can you stay at the top?
There’s no rush once you reach the top. You can explore Montjuïc Castle and the surrounding gardens for as long as you like, just make sure you catch the last cable car back down before closing time.
Montjuic Cable Car runs on all days of the week, for most of the year. The timings vary according to season.
Summer timings (April to September)
Winter timings (October to March)
Weekends see substantially higher visitor numbers, especially Sunday afternoons when both tourists and locals head to Montjuic Castle and its surrounding gardens. Visit on weekday mornings between 10am and noon for the best lighting for photography and shorter queues (usually under 15 minutes). It will also allow you to explore Montjuic's attractions before the midday heat sets in.
If you must visit on weekends, arrive right at opening time (10am) or plan for late afternoon rides (after 4pm) when day-trippers begin departing. Avoid public holidays and avoid visiting during FC Barcelona home matches, as the nearby stadium area gets congested.
Barcelona's peak tourist season runs from June to August, when temperatures soar to 30°C (86°F), and crowds flock to the city. During these months, the Montjuic Cable Car experiences its highest visitor numbers and longest queues, with wait times often exceeding 45 minutes. While summer offers clear skies perfect for panoramic views, ticket prices are at their peak, and the cable car cabins can be uncomfortably warm.
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to October) are ideal seasons to visit. Temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F), and crowds are significantly smaller. You'll enjoy comfortable rides with better photo opportunities of Barcelona's skyline and the Mediterranean Sea. Low season (November to February) offers the cheapest tickets, but occasional rain and strong winds can lead to last-minute cancellations.
If you are only interested in riding the Montjuic Cable Car and taking in the views, you can do it in about 30 minutes. While the cable car itself is a short and sweet experience, the real magic lies in combining it with other gems of Montjuïc Hill. How much time you’ll need depends on how deep you want to explore.
What you’ll do: A quick round-trip cable car ride with just enough time to snap incredible skyline shots from viewing platforms, soak in the views, and sneak a peek at the castle exterior.
What you’ll do: Round-trip cable car journey plus time to explore Montjuïc Castle, unwind in the Miramar gardens, and enjoy a coffee break at the Mirador stop.
What you’ll do: Make a full day of it! Begin with the cable car ride, then dive into the hill’s cultural highlights: tour the inside of Montjuïc Castle, visit the Olympic stadium complex, stroll through Barcelona botanical gardens, and discover world-class museums like the Joan Miró Foundation and the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC).
Yes, it operates throughout the year. However, it may close temporarily for maintenance or during extreme weather conditions. Always check the website for updates before your visit.
Night rides are not typically available, but in summer, the cable car runs until 8pm, allowing you to enjoy sunset views and Barcelona’s evening lights.
The Montjuïc Cable Car is closed on December 25, January 1, and 6.
The last ride typically departs about 30 minutes before closing, so ensure you arrive in time to board.
There’s no time limit for exploring Montjuïc Castle or the surrounding areas, as long as you catch the return ride within the cable car's operating hours.
If you miss the last cable car, you can descend via alternative transport like buses, taxis, or the Montjuïc funicular.
Yes, operations may be paused during heavy rain or strong winds for safety reasons. Check the weather forecast and the cable car’s status on the day of your visit.
Plan to arrive at least 30–45 minutes before sunset for the best views. Summer evenings are perfect, as the cable car runs until 8pm.
Yes, but note that Montjuïc Castle has its own operating hours and separate tickets. Be sure to check those separately to align your visit.
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