Barcelona Tickets

Plan ahead with Montjuic Cable Car hours and scheduling tips

Quick snapshot of Montjuïc Cable Car opening hours

  • 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 timetable

Montjuic Cable Car Timings

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)

  • Starts at: 10am
  • Closes at: 8pm
  • Last ride: 7.30pm

Winter timings (October to March) 

  • Starts at: 10am
  • Closes at: 6pm
  • Last ride: 5.30pm
  • Closed on: December 25 and January 1

Best time to take the Montjuic Cable Car

Weekend vs weekday

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.

Peak season vs low season

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.

Timings of nearby attractions

Montjuic Castle hours

  • April to October: 10am to 8pm
  • November to March: 10am to 6pm

Joan Miro Museum hours

  • April to October: 10am to 7pm
  • November to March: 10am to 6pm

National Art Museum of Catalonia: MNAC hours

  • Tuesday to Saturday: 10am to 6pm
  • Sunday: 10am to 3pm

Poble Espanyol hours

  • April to October: 9am to 8pm
  • November to March: 9am to 7pm

Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium hours

  •  Open during events, check event schedules

Magic Fountain hours

  • March and November to January: 8pm and 8:30pm (Thursday to Saturday)
  • April to May and October: 9pm and 9:30pm (Thursday to Saturday)
  • June to September: 9:30pm and 10pm (Wednesday to Sunday)

How long should I spend at Montjuic Hill?

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.

Quick snapshot tour

  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Ideal for: Photography fanatics and those on a tight schedule

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.

The classic Montjuic stroll

  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Ideal for: Families with children, first-timers, and casual sightseers

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.

Go all in

  • Duration: 4-6 hours
  • Ideal for: History lovers, culture buffs, and deep explorers

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).

Frequently asked questions and answers about Montjuic Cable Car timings

Does the Montjuïc Cable Car operate year-round?

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.

Are there any night rides available on the Montjuïc Cable Car?

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.

When is Montjuïc Cable Car closed?

The Montjuïc Cable Car is closed on December 25, January 1, and 6.

Can I still ride the Montjuïc Cable Car if I arrive just before closing time?

The last ride typically departs about 30 minutes before closing, so ensure you arrive in time to board.

How long can I stay at the top station?

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.

What happens if I miss the last cable car back?

If you miss the last cable car, you can descend via alternative transport like buses, taxis, or the Montjuïc funicular.

Is the Montjuïc Cable Car affected by bad weather?

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.

What should I consider when planning a sunset visit to the Montjuïc Cable Car?

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.

Can I enter Montjuïc Castle after the cable car ride during its operating hours?

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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