Europe's Premier Cable Car Adventures: Elevating Travel Experiences
In the realm of public transport, cable car rides stand out as exceptionally thrilling and scenic. While the front seat of the DLR offers a certain excitement, nothing compares to soaring hundreds of feet in the air, suspended above breathtaking landscapes or vibrant cityscapes. Unlike mundane bus or Tube journeys, cable cars transform travel into an unforgettable adventure, blending utility with awe-inspiring views.
Not all cable cars are created equal, however. Some merely transport you from point A to B, but the best ones do so with style, offering majestic mountain panoramas, stunning urban skylines, and unique engineering feats. The good news? You don't need to venture to remote corners of the globe to experience these marvels. Europe boasts some of the world's finest cable car trips, ranging from the longest to the oldest, each with its own distinct charm.
Stanserhorn CabriO, Switzerland: The Open-Top Pioneer
The Stanserhorn CabriO Bahn in Switzerland holds the title of the world's first double-decker, open-top cable car. This innovative ride climbs from Stans to an elevation of 1,900 meters, providing passengers with unparalleled views of the Swiss Alps, including vistas stretching into France and Germany, as well as serene lakes and dense forests below. The open-air upper deck creates a sensation more akin to a scenic cruise than a typical cable ride, making it one of the coolest ways to reach a mountain summit in Switzerland.
For adrenaline seekers, the CabriO Cableway offers a roofless upper-deck experience, allowing riders to stand atop the car itself. The 24-minute journey culminates at the Stanserhorn summit station, perched 1,900 meters above sea level. At the summit, visitors can dine at the revolving restaurant Rondorama, savoring dishes like Älplermagronen, a traditional Swiss Alpine macaroni cheese. Accessing the starting point is an adventure in itself, requiring a ride on the world's oldest funicular, built in 1893 with original wood-panelled interiors. The CabriO reopens for the summer season on April 11, with return tickets priced at CHF 82.00 (approximately £80).
Teleferico de Gaia, Porto: A Riverside Glide
In Porto, Portugal, the Teleferico de Gaia offers a unique perspective on one of the country's most popular tourist cities. Gliding 63 meters above the Douro River, passengers enjoy views of steep vineyards, the gleaming Dom Luis I Bridge, and the iconic red roofs of Porto's numerous wine cellars. While traditional rabelo boats have ferried people across the Douro for centuries, this cable car provides a modern alternative, connecting both sides of the river in just five minutes.
Construction of the Teleferico de Gaia began in March 2009 and was completed in April 2011. Travelers rave about the experience, with many recommending timing the ride to coincide with sunset for a magical view. A return trip is affordably priced at €10 (£8.69), making it an accessible highlight for visitors.
Titlis Rotair, Switzerland: The Revolving Marvel
Switzerland's Titlis Rotair is another groundbreaking cable car, featuring the world's first revolving carriage. This engineering marvel transports passengers from the Engelberg Valley station to the summit of Mount Titlis, a glacier-capped peak standing 2,020 meters above sea level. During the smooth five-minute ascent, the gondola completes a full 360-degree rotation, ensuring everyone enjoys panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, deep crevasses, and pristine glaciers.
At the top, activities include an ice cave walk and a traverse across Europe's highest suspension bridge. Future developments, such as the Titlis Tower set to open in late 2026 and the Titlis Peak station scheduled for 2029, promise enhanced dining and observation facilities. A return ticket costs CHF 102.00 (around £97).
IFS Cloud Cable Car, London: Urban Skyline Views
London's IFS Cloud Cable Car, formerly known as the Emirates Air Line, offers a unique urban journey across the River Thames. Opened in June 2012 for the London Olympics, it remains the UK's only operational urban cable car, connecting Greenwich Peninsula with the Royal Docks. The ride provides stunning views of landmarks like The Gherkin, St Paul's Cathedral, and the Thames Barrier, especially on clear days.
For an extra thrill, passengers can opt for the Glass Floor Experience, featuring a cabin with a transparent floor to gaze down at the city below. Alternatively, a private cabin with champagne offers a more relaxed experience. Return tickets start from £13 for adults and £6.50 for children, and the cable car won TripAdvisor's Traveler's Choice Award for 'Things to do in London' in 2025.
Forcella Sassolungo, Italy: The 'Coffin-Lift' Adventure
In Italy's Dolomites, the Forcella Sassolungo cable car, often dubbed the 'coffin-lift,' provides a heart-pounding experience. Serving the Sassolungo peak, which rises to 3,181 meters, this lift features narrow, two-person cabins designed to navigate tight rock passages. Originally built in the 1950s with basket-style lifts, it was updated in 1971 to the current coffin-like design.
The 15-minute journey requires passengers to quickly board in pairs, as the lifts do not stop. Described as 'squeaking' and 'swaying' in the wind, it has earned a reputation as one of Europe's scariest cable cars, yet reviewers on TripAdvisor call it 'iconic' and a must-do adventure. A return ticket costs €15 (approximately £13).
Europe's Longest Urban Cable Car: Câble C1 in Paris
While not focused on scenic views, Paris's Câble C1 is a significant addition to Europe's cable car network. Opened in December 2025 after 17 years of planning, it is the continent's longest urban cable car, connecting isolated outskirts with the Métro network in southeastern suburbs. The system features 105 gondolas with 10 seats each, capable of carrying around 11,000 passengers daily.
The 18-minute journey time is revolutionary, cutting travel from 40 minutes by bus or car. Commuters can use it with a Navigo pass, while others pay €2 for the cable car and €2.50 for Métro Line 8. This project highlights cable cars' role in enhancing urban mobility beyond tourism.
From Alpine heights to city skies, Europe's cable cars offer diverse and thrilling travel experiences. Whether seeking adrenaline, scenery, or convenience, these rides elevate ordinary journeys into extraordinary adventures.
