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All you need to know about Montjuic Cable Car opening hours

Montjuïc Cable Car opening hours

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 ride the Montjuic Cable Car

Weekend Vs Weekday
Peak Season Vs Low Season
Montjuic Cable Car Timings

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.

Montjuic Cable Car Timings

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 Cable Car Timings

Keep these timings in mind when planning your visit to Montjuïc Hill to make the most of your time there.

  • Montjuïc Castle: Open daily from 10am to 6pm (November to March) and 10am to 8pm (April to October)
  • Joan Miró Foundation: Open daily from 10am to 7pm (April to October) and 10am to 6pm (November to March)
  • National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC): Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm, and Sundays from 10am to 3pm
  • Poble Espanyol: Open daily from 9am to 8pm (April to October) and 9am to 7pm (November to March)
  • Olympic Stadium: Generally open for visits during events; check specific event schedules for access
  • Magic Fountain of Montjuïc: Shows typically occur in the evenings, with schedules varying by season, check the official schedule before your visit



Book Tickets to Montjuic Cable Car

Montjuic Roundtrip Cable Car Tickets
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Poble Espanyol Skip-the-Line Tickets
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from
€13.50
Combo (Save 5%): Montjuic Cable Car + Barcelona Aquarium Tickets
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€41.80
Go City Barcelona Explorer Pass: Choose 2 to 7 Attractions
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Hola Barcelona Travel Card
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€17.50

How long should I spend at Montjuic Hill?

Montjuic Cable Car is primarily a transportation method and viewing experience rather than an attraction in itself. The real value comes from using it as part of a larger Montjuic hill experience, combining the scenic ride with visits to the area's many cultural and historical sites.

  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Perfect for: Travelers on tight schedules and photography enthusiasts
  • The express visit gives you just enough time for the round-trip cable car journey and quick stops at viewing platforms. You'll catch breathtaking aerial views of Barcelona's port and cityscape, plus a brief glimpse of the castle exterior.

Standard visit

  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Perfect for: general tourists, families with children, and casual sightseers seeking a relaxed experience
  • In this timeframe, you can take the round-trip journey, explore the castle's exterior and main viewpoints, stroll through the nearest gardens, and enjoy a refreshing break at Mirador Garden on your way back.

Complete Montjuic

  • Duration: 4-6 hours
  • Perfect for: history buffs, and architecture enthusiasts looking for a deep dive
  • Start with the cable car ride and hop off to explore Montjuic Castle (including the interior), the Olympic stadium complex, the botanical gardens, Joan Miró Foundation and the NMAC. You'll have time to sip some coffee and explore lesser-known spots.

If you are only interested in riding the cable car and taking in the views, you can do it in about 30 minutes. However, if you want to visit the Mirador Station, Montjuïc Castle, and the Joan Miró Foundation, you will need to allow for at least 2 hours.

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.