Cable Cars are wonderfully magical things. They lift you far, far up into the sky and allow you to glimpse breathtaking birds-eye views of the world. If you love a good cable car ride, we’ve put together this list of some of the most amazing in the world.
1. Table Mountain Aerial Cableway – Cape Town, South Africa
Table Mountain is one of the most amazing sights to see if you’re ever in Cape Town, and the cable car here is a must-ride. In five minutes, you’ll travel 1,089 metres up above Cape Town to the summit of the mountain. The best time to go is between 11/and February each year.
2. Skyline Gondola – Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown is famed for its easy access to New Zealand’s Southern Alps, and the cable car ride here is breathtaking. It’s the steepest cable car ride you’ll find in our in hemisphere and at 450 metres up you’ll be treated to amazing views of Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables, Walter and Coronet Peaks and Queenstown.
3. Yungu Cable Car – Yellow Mountains, China
It’s hard to find something on par with China’s unique mountain ranges. If you’re exploring the Yellow Mountains (otherwise known as Huangshan), get yourself onto the Yungu Cable Car. This 2,804-metre ride will take you from the Cloud Valley Temple to White Goose Ridge, offering spectacular views along the way.
If you’re a cable car fanatic, there are also three more cable cars you can take here: the Yuping Gondola, the Taiping Cableway and the Grand Canyon Cable Car.
4. Sugarloaf Cable Car – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
In the exciting melting pot of Rio, it’s easy to forget that it is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. The cable car here, which has been operating since 1912, will take you all the way to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. Views of Rio, Niterói and Guanabara Bay, as well as the surrounding oceans and forests, make this cable car ride particularly spectacular.
5. Hakone Ropeway – Sounzan, Japan
Japan’s natural scenery is postcard perfect at the best of times and a ride on the Hakone Ropeway, starting at Togendai, will prove it! This glorious cable car ride will bring you magnificent views of the famous Mount Fuji, as well as the surrounding national park. All up, this ride lasts around 24 minutes.
6. PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola – Whistler, Canada
Complement your skiing trip or summer trek at Whistler and jump aboard this cool gondola ride. You’ll get to see dazzling views of all Whistler has to offer, including its mountain peaks, lakes and forests. At the top, treat yourself to a luxurious meal and continue soaking up the views at the iconic Rendezvous Restaurant.
7. Ba Na Cable Car – Da Nang, Vietnam
Say hello to the world’s longest and highest cable car journey! This ride will have you soaring for nearly 6 kilometres into the air and up to Ba Na Hills, which was established by the French in the 1920s. Once you reach the hills you’ll discover incredible European-ish attractions like the French Village Resort, the Alpine Coaster and the Fantasy Park, as well as a range of Vietnamese temples and restaurants.
8. Titlis Rotair – Mount Titlis, Switzerland
In the centre of Switzerland, you’ll find the world’s first revolving cable car – Rotair. This superb 5-minute ride will take you up to over 3,000 metres above sea level where you’ll have exquisite views of the Swiss Alps and glaciers.
9. El Teleferico – Zacatecas, Mexico
Get yourself from Cerro del Grillo to the summit of Cerro de la Bufa on this remarkable cable car ride, which you’ll find in the city of Zacatecas in north-central Mexico. This ride lasts for 650 metres (around 7-8 minutes) and will bring you fabulous views of the city below. Keep in mind, however, that the cable car doesn’t run if it is raining or if it’s overly windy.
10. Langkawi SkyCab – Langkawi, Malaysia
If you want a enjoy a ride on the steepest cable car journey in the world, simply head to Malaysia’s gorgeous Langkawi. While the islands are a prime attraction here, a SkyCab ride will have you flying 708 metres above sea level to the top of Mt. Machinchang. Once you’ve ogled at the views, don’t forget to test your fear of heights on the SkyBridge!