CityBuddy
Madrid Cable Car
Best time to visit
Late afternoon on a clear day, when the golden light washes over the city skyline and the sunset views over the Sierra de Guadarrama are at their most dramatic.
Budget tips
A round-trip ticket costs around โฌ12-13 for adults, with discounts for children under 7. Save money by buying a one-way ticket and walking back through the park or taking the bus from Casa de Campo.
Recommended for
Families with kids, Couples seeking a romantic perspective, Photography enthusiasts, First-time visitors wanting a city orientation
Plan your visit
45-60 min
About
Quick facts: The cable car glides 2.5 kilometers over Madrid's treetops, reaching heights of 40 meters above the Manzanares River valley. Each cabin carries up to six passengers on the 11-minute journey between Parque del Oeste and Casa de Campo.
Highlights: From the highest point of the ride, you can spot all four of Madrid's major landmarks at once: the Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral, Debod Temple, and the distant Sierra de Guadarrama mountains. The cable car originally debuted at the 1969 International Fair and still uses its original route, offering a time capsule view of how the city has grown around it.
Insider tips
- Request a cabin to yourself by stepping aside if the queue is short, giving you unobstructed 360-degree views.
- Sit facing the opposite direction of the departing station for the best panoramic city views during the ride.
- Combine the trip with a visit to Casa de Campo's zoo, amusement park, or outdoor swimming pools for a full day out.
- Check the wind forecast before going: the cable car shuts down in strong winds, especially common in late winter and early spring.
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