The Cable Car Ride

The Gibraltar Cable Car is currently closed to the public, as work has begun on the construction of the new, modern cable car system. This temporary closure allows the team to safely carry out the upgrade, which will bring faster cabins, greater capacity, and an improved visitor experience once completed.

During this period, no cable car services will operate. Visitors planning trips to the top of the Rock are advised to use alternative transport options such as taxis, tour operators, or designated walking routes.

The Gibraltar Cable Car has long been one of the most iconic and popular ways to reach the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. First opened in 1966, it offered generations of visitors a unique aerial route from the town centre to the summit of Gibraltar, providing a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the port, the Bay of Gibraltar and, on clear days, even the mountains of North Africa. For many travellers, it became more than just a means of transport; it became part of the Gibraltar experience itself.

The new Gibraltar Cable Car – a glimpse of what’s coming.

While the upgrade project temporarily pauses cable car operations, the long-term benefits promise to transform the service entirely. Once reopened, the new system is expected to deliver faster journeys, increased capacity per cabin, reduced waiting times, and a more comfortable ride overall. The modernised infrastructure is also planned to enhance accessibility and improve visitor flow, allowing more people to enjoy the summit without long queues during peak tourist seasons.

Until the new system is complete, visitors still have several excellent ways to explore the top of the Rock. Local taxis and official tour operators run frequent trips, often combining transport with guided stops at key attractions such as the Skywalk, weapons batteries, and the famous Apes’ Den where Gibraltar’s wild Barbary macaques roam freely. Walking routes are also available, with clearly marked paths leading from various points around Gibraltar, although these can be steep and may take some time, so comfortable shoes and water are recommended.

Another increasingly popular and exciting alternative is exploring the Rock by electric bike. If you’re looking for a smooth, fun, and eco-friendly way to get up to the top—as well as enjoy a full guided tour of Gibraltar—then e-bikes are one of the best options available. EBike-Gibraltar in particular offers both rentals and guided tours, and is widely regarded as the go-to expert for e-bike experiences on the Rock.

Rent an Ebike and ride in style to the Top of the Rock!

Riders can rent an electric bike by the hour or for the day if they want the freedom to explore independently, or join an organised “Rock to the Top” tour where a local guide leads the way at a comfortable pace. The pedal-assist e-bikes make climbing the steep hills surprisingly easy, allowing people of most ages and fitness levels to enjoy the ride without strain.

Once you reach the top—whether by e-bike, walking, or taxi—there’s plenty to enjoy. The dramatic glass platform of the Skywalk provides panoramic views over the Strait, the Bay of Gibraltar and, on clear days, across to Morocco. Nearby, a short walk brings you to St. Michael’s Cave, Gibraltar’s most famous cave system, filled with dramatic rock formations and stunning lighting effects that highlight its natural underground beauty. The Upper Rock is also rich in military history, featuring old gun batteries, observation posts, and winding tunnels that reflect the Rock’s centuries-long strategic importance.

Although the cable car is temporarily unavailable, the Upper Rock remains fully open and is still very much worth visiting. The upcoming upgrade will play a major role in Gibraltar’s tourism future, ensuring that when the new cable car system finally opens, visitors will enjoy a faster, safer and more modern journey to one of Europe’s most unforgettable viewpoints.