A ride on Barcelona port cable car- aka the Telefèric del Port- is a downright wonderful way to see the city skyline and the stunning Mediterranean Sea that borders it. Here’s everything you need to know.
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There are actually two cable cars on Montjüic, the forested hill next to Port Vell, where cruise ships dock in Barcelona. And this particular one, pals, is the Telefèric del Port, which connects Montjüic with La Barceloneta, home of Barcelona’s beach. The iconic red cars glide smoothly along the cables high above the port all day long, giving visitors a chance to not just take in the views, but experience two different areas of the city as well.
How to get to the Barcelona port cable car
If you want to board the cable car at Miramar, you can take the Metro L2 or L3 to Paral•lel and then walk around 15 minutes to the Miramar station. Here’s the route on Google Maps.
Alternatively, Barcelona’s Hop On Hop Off Buses go to the Jardins de Miramar. If you’d rather not use public transport, this is a very convenient way to get to the station and see the city at the same time.
To board the cable car at San Sebastian Tower in La Barceloneta, take the Metro L4 to the Barceloneta stop and walk about 15 minutes to the tower. Here’s the route on Google Maps.
Where does the port cable car go in Barcelona?
I’ve ridden the port cable car in Barcelona a couple of times, but have always begun the journey at Miramar, the station on Montjüic which looks out across the city. The station is set within the luscious Miramar Gardens next to the five star Miramar Hotel, and even outside of the immediate area there are tonnes of things to do in Montjüic.
Poble Espanyol– a replica of a traditional Spanish village which was built for the 1929 International Fair- is up here, as is the Olympic Park (known as the Anella Olimpica) which was built for the 1992 Olympics. The MNAC- Museo Nacional d’Art de Catalunya– sits like a king on a throne above the stunning Font Mágica, which has a nightly display of its water fountains set to music. And across the whole of Montjüic you’ll find several beautiful gardens to explore; this is a really peaceful part of Barcelona, and I love how few people you tend to find exploring the gardens on any given day. It’s a breath of fresh air, I tell you.
Down in La Barceloneta, the beach is the number one attraction. This is where everyone goes in Barcelona to cool off, and the sandy shoreline tends to fill up quickly with friends and families especially during the summer months. There are tonnes of restaurants and bars along the seafront as well, although it’ also worth heading back into Barceloneta’s narrow streets for a taste of local life in the city.
Read my complete guide to La Barceloneta
How long does the Barcelona port cable car ride last?
The cable car ride lasts about 10 minutes each way, and I’d definitely advise booking your ticket ahead of time to avoid standing in the queue for too long. (In my experience, the Barceloneta station tends to be busier.)
Tickets and opening times
A one way ticket costs €12.50, or a round trip ticket costs €20 per person. It’s possible to buy the tickets in-person at the ticket office, but you can pre-book here to guarantee a time slot, as well as to check the opening times which change throughout the year.
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Here’s Why Barcelona is Better in Winter
The Magical Mystery Maze of Barcelona