The cable car and funicular in Barcelona is a convenient way to get to the top of Montjuic Mountain. Montjuic funicular is part of the city’s metro system, so it will not only make the route to the mountain quicker and easier, but also much cheaper. In addition, the cable car in Barcelona and funicular allow you to enjoy the magnificent panoramic scenery.
Montjuic funicular
Mountjuic funicular is a very convenient means of transportation in Barcelona, allowing you to quickly reach the top of the mountain. More than half of his route is in the tunnel, connecting the Parallel metro station (located on the L3 and L2 lines) with the station Parc de Montjuic, near which there are many interesting objects.
The upper funicular station and the lower station on Montjuic Mountain are very close together. Therefore, after climbing the funicular, you can continue to climb up to Montjuic Castle on top of the mountain.
The funicular opened in 1928, on the eve of the World’s Fair, which was held in Barcelona in 1929. In 1992 it was reconstructed before the Summer Olympics. The time of climbing up (and down) on the funicular is no more than three minutes. The total length of the way is 758 m, the difference in height between the upper and lower stations – 76 m, the maximum slope – 18%. The train leaves every 10 minutes.
With the help of the funicular everyone can enjoy the city landscapes up to 100 m above sea level. You can see Barceloneta Beach, the Old Port Vell, the Columbus Monument, the palm-lined promenade, the W Barcelona Hotel, and the Agbar Tower, which is shimmering with colorful lights, in the dark.
How to get there?
You can take the metro by getting off at Parallel station located on L3 and L2 lines. It is possible to switch directly from the metro to the funicular station.
The Parallel stop is also part of many bus routes: no. 20, 21, 64, 88, 121, D20, H14, N0 and N6.
Montjuic funicular is a part of Barcelona’s integrated public transport system, so payment is possible with Barcelona’s general transport tickets (T-10 in particular).
If less than 1 hour and 15 minutes have elapsed between the start of the ride and the transfer to the funicular, the entire trip will be counted as one, so the money will not be charged additionally.
The funicular costs 2.20 euros per ticket for 1 trip or 10.20 euros per T-10 ticket for 10 trips.
Working time
In autumn and winter, from Monday to Friday, the funicular is open from 07:30 a.m. to 08:00 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 09:00 a.m. to 08:00 p.m.
In spring and summer from Monday to Friday the funicular works from 07:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays – from 09:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Cable car
The cable car in Barcelona offers a unique panorama of the Catalan capital. You can look at the city from above while climbing up to Montjuic Castle. From the cockpit you can see the Agbar Tower, the Sagrada Familia and other famous sights.
Climbing up in the cockpit, you can see the panorama of Barcelona, ranging from the Collserola mountains, among which is the lunar park of Tibidabo, to the city’s beaches, promenade and sea. One of the most famous buildings in Barcelona is the Sagrada Familia, as well as the Cathedral of Barcelona, Plaça de Catalunya, the Port Vell, the Agbar Tower, the Olympic Village towers, the Collserola TV tower and the Port Forum.
This cable car started to work in 1970. From 2004 to 2007, it was closed for repair, the purpose of which was to increase its capacity. Then there appeared 55 new cabins, each of which can accommodate up to eight people. The entire route takes about 8 minutes. Its total length is 752 m and the height difference is 85.5 m.
This cable car includes 3 stations: Parc Montjuic, Mirador and Castell.
Parc Monjuic
Nearby are the main cultural sites on Montjuic Mountain: the National Museum of Catalonia, the Joan Miro Foundation, the Spanish Village. In addition, you can get acquainted with the sports facilities built for the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona: the Olympic Rings, the Sports Museum, the Olympic Museum and the Sant Jordi Sports Palace, where various sports competitions are held.
Mirador
From this station you can go to the Miradir de l’Alcade, a landscaped terrace overlooking the port. Nearby there is a botanical garden with succulents and a good view of the sea and coast.
Castell
This is the upper station, near which Montjuic Castle is located – the oldest military building on the top of the mountain. The Castle was built in 1640. The heritage of the Castle is carefully maintained and cultural events are constantly held here, for example, such a fun sporting event as the Buff Epic Run Barcelona. Also nearby at an altitude of 70 m above the sea is the Torre d´Alta Mar restaurant, where there is an international atmosphere. The interior design is very skillful. Mediterranean cuisine is served here, as well as local Catalan delicacies such as truffles and sea devils.
How to get there?
You can get off at the Parallel metro station and then take the funicular up.
You can also take the city bus no. 50, 55, 61 or 150 to the Telefèric de Montjuic stop.
As the cable car, unlike the funicular, does not belong to the city’s integrated fare collection system, you need to buy a separate ticket for it.
Working time
The cable car is open from January to March inclusively from 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. In April and May – from 10:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m. From June to September – from 10:00 a.m. to 09:00 p.m. In October – from 10:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m., and from November to December – from 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
Annually in January, the funicular and cable car on Montjuic Mountain are closed for three weeks of maintenance work. The start date and completion date of the work are determined anew each year and may vary slightly from the previous year. During maintenance work, a special bus runs from the Parallel metro station to Parc Montjuic cable car station. Then you can take the bus no. 150, which will take you to Montjuic Castle.
Fare
The cost of a ticket only for ascent – 11 euros, at two ends (ascent and descent) – 16.5 euros.
