The Cable Car Ride

The Cable Car Ride is one of Gibraltar’s most iconic attractions, carrying visitors from the base station beside Alameda Gardens up to the top of the Rock at around 412 metres above sea level. The ascent takes roughly six minutes and provides sweeping, uninterrupted views over the Bay of Gibraltar, the Mediterranean Sea and, on clear days, the mountains of North Africa.

The base station is easy to reach from the end of Main Street, making it convenient for visitors arriving on foot, by bus or from cruise ships. Once inside, guests board modern cable-car cabins that travel smoothly up the slope of the Rock. As the cabin rises, passengers can see the city below, the harbour, the runway and the coastline stretching into Spain.

At the Top Station, viewing terraces allow visitors to take in 360-degree views, making it a favourite spot for photography, sightseeing and simply enjoying the dramatic landscape of two continents and two bodies of water meeting. The area is also home to Gibraltar’s famous Barbary macaques, often seen roaming near the terraces.

The Top Station includes a café, souvenir shop and access points leading further into the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. Many visitors use the cable car as the starting point for exploring attractions such as St Michael’s Cave, the Skywalk, and various historical fortifications accessible on foot from the summit.

The Cable Car Ride is suitable for families, couples, solo travellers and guests of all ages. For those who prefer not to hike up steep inclines, it offers the most comfortable and direct way to reach the top of the Rock. With its combination of convenience, speed and spectacular views, the cable car remains one of Gibraltar’s must-do experiences for anyone visiting the territory.