Teide excursion with cable car

A Teide excursion with cable car combines transport from your accommodation area, a guided route through the national park and a cable car ride up to the La Rambleta upper station, at 3,555 metres. It is the most direct way to see the park from above without driving or sorting out tickets yourself.

The cable car ticket does not give access to the crater. That requires a different booking and a different product. Here we explain what this format includes, how long you spend at the top and what happens if the cable car closes.

At a glance

What happens on an excursion with cable car

The excursion starts like any guided visit to the park: pick-up, the drive up and a stop or two at viewpoints or the Roques de García. The highlight is the cable car ride from the base station.

According to its operator, the cable car has two cabins that take about 8 minutes to go up. Each cabin holds up to 44 people, although fewer usually board for comfort.

What you can do at the top

Several short trails with free access start from the upper station:

• La Rambleta viewpoint, with views towards Las Cañadas.
• La Fortaleza trail, facing the north of the island.
• Pico Viejo viewpoint, overlooking the crater of this volcano and, on a clear day, other islands.

The third trail, the Telesforo Bravo (PNT 10), leads to the crater and requires a separate official booking. If you only have a cable car ticket, you will not be able to walk it.

According to the operator, there is no café at the top, only toilets, Wi-Fi and vending machines. Plan to eat at the base station or before going up.

Available formats

Where departures leave from

The offers reviewed arrange pick-ups in the south (Costa Adeje, Las Américas, Los Cristianos and outlying areas), the north (Puerto de la Cruz and La Orotava) and the Santa Cruz and Candelaria area. Some areas do not have a departure every day.

If you are staying outside the areas covered, you may have to make your own way to a meeting point. A long pick-up round can add considerably to the journey, so it is worth asking for a door-to-door estimate.

Who it suits

• Travellers without a car who want to ride the cable car without coordinating tickets or timetables.
• First-time visitors to Teide who want to see the park from above.
• People in good shape who can walk a little at over 3,500 metres.
• Anyone who would rather not look for parking at the base station.

Who it may not suit, and what to weigh up

• Pregnant women, children under 3 and people with cardiovascular problems: according to the operator, they cannot ride the cable car.
• People with reduced physical or motor mobility: they cannot ride either, because safe evacuation cannot be guaranteed.
• Anyone who wants to reach the crater: the PNT 10 permit is required.
• Anyone who wants plenty of time at the top: time at the upper station is limited.
• Mixed groups: if someone cannot go up, they will wait at the base station while the others do. Ask how long that wait lasts.

How to choose the right excursion

1. Is the cable car ticket included or bought separately?
2. How much time is there at the upper station, and how much at the base?
3. What happens if the cable car closes because of wind? Is there another route? Which part is refunded?
4. How long does the pick-up round take?
5. Are there stops at shops or bars along the way? Some reviews mention them without prior notice.
6. What language is your particular departure in?
7. What is the cancellation policy?

What is usually included and what to check

Safety, health and requirements

According to the rules published by the cable car operator:

• Not permitted to ride: people with cardiovascular problems, pregnant women or children under 3, because of the effects of altitude.
• Also not permitted: people with reduced physical or motor mobility, for evacuation reasons.
• Required footwear: closed trainers or hiking boots with grippy soles. Heels, wedges, platforms, smooth soles and open footwear are not allowed.
• If the cable car stops because of a technical fault, anyone at the top would have to walk down on mountain trails.
• Suitcases, large bags and animals are not allowed, except guide and therapy dogs.

Above 3,500 metres there is less oxygen. Walk slowly, drink water and, if you feel dizzy or have a severe headache, go down. If you have any doubts about your health, consult your doctor before booking.

Weather: when the cable car is not running

The cable car closes in strong wind, snow or ice, sometimes at short notice.

• If it closes before you go up: in the offers reviewed, the excursion continues through the park and the cable car portion of the ticket is refunded.
• If there is snow or ice at the top: the cable car may run while the summit trails are closed. The visit is then limited to the viewpoint.
• In winter access roads may also be closed.

Check the cable car status the day before and ask the provider to confirm the planned alternative.

Price: what it depends on

We do not give a reference figure because there are not enough directly comparable offers on the same basis.

The price per person of an excursion with cable car depends on:

• The cable car ticket, which is the most expensive component. In September 2026, its operator put the up-and-down portion for a non-resident adult on this excursion at €43.
• The pick-up area.
• Child or resident rates, which require proof of eligibility.
• The format: private or shared.

Always compare the full price, not just the transport.

What to bring

• A jacket, hat and gloves, especially outside summer: it can be much colder at the top.
• Closed shoes with good soles. They are compulsory.
• Sunglasses and high-factor sun protection.
• Water and a snack.
• Proof of eligibility if you have a resident or child rate.
• Your booking confirmation on your phone or printed.

Alternatives and how to compare them