Cable car rides offer a fun way to travel between two points and give riders a unique perspective on a destination or attraction, be it a journey up a mountain or over a rainforest. They also almost always mean you’ll be getting beautiful views that you wouldn’t be able to get any other way. With that in mind we’re sharing some of the most amazing cable car rides around the world.
Whirlpool Aero Car, Niagara Falls, Canada
Get a totally new perspective on the mighty Niagara Falls with a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car. The aerial antique cable car travels between two different points on the Canadian shore of the Niagara River where you can see the swirl of the Niagara Whirlpool below. The cable car has been in operation since 1916 and a round trip is about one mile long.
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Peak2Peak Gondola, British Columbia, Canada
The Peak2Peak Gondola ride in Whistler, British Columbia is an 11 minute ride that connects Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. It is the world’s longest continuous lift system and spans 2.7 miles. Peak2Peak also holds the world records for the longest unsupported span in the world and for being the highest lift of its kind.
Stanserhorn Cabrio, Stans, Switzerland
Ride to the top of the 6,233-foot Mount Stanserhorn in Stans, Switzerland on the Stanserhorn Cabrio. What’s so unique about this cable car is that it happens to be double decker, the world’s first cable car with an upper deck. You can choose to hang out on the lower level, which has wall-to-wall windows, or take a staircase up to the sun deck to enjoy 360° panoramic views while getting some fresh air and sunshine.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, California, United States
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the world’s largest rotating tramcar and takes riders up the cliffs of Chino Canyon. The 10 minute ride starts at an elevation of more than 2,625 feet and goes up to an elevation of nearly 8,530 feet. Since 1963 nearly 18 million people have made the scenic journey.
Ba Na Hills Cable Car, Da Nang, Vietnam
The Ba Na Hills Cable Car at the Ba Na Hills Mountain Resort in Da Nang, Vietnam first opened to the public in 2009. It boasts four Guinness World Records, which include the longest single-wire cable car system (which equals a three mile ride), the highest difference between departure and arrival terminals, the longest non-stop cable and the heaviest cable roll. The trip takes you over lush jungles and once you reach the top, various trails lead to lookouts and waterfalls.
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, Cape Town, South Africa
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is a five minute trip to the top of Table Mountain, 3,573 feet above Cape Town. It has attracted more than 24 million visitors since opening in 1929. Once you get the top you can take in (and photograph) the 360-degree views of Cape Town, Table Bay, surrounding mountains and the rest of Table Mountain National Park. There are hiking trails to explore, a café if you’re hungry and 30 minute guided walks that happen hourly between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Cairns, Australia
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway in Cairns spans 4.5 miles over a spectacular stretch of tropical rainforest. The trip is around one-and-one-half hours one way or two to two-and-one-half hours round trip and puts you 10 feet above the forest canopy for amazing views. The ride includes stops at two rainforest mid-stations where you disembark to explore the forest more closely.
Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car, Lantau, Hong Kong
Known as one of Hong Kong’s must-see attractions, the Ngong Ping 360 is a 3.5-mile cable car ride that travels between Tung Chung Town Center and Ngong Ping on Lantau Island. During the journey riders will get fantastic views of the South China Sea, the giant bronze Tian Tan Buddha Statue, Hong Kong International Airport and North Lantau Country Park. There are three types of cable car to choose from including standard, a crystal cabin with a glass bottom for an even more unique perspective, and a private cabin.
Skyline Gondola Queenstown, Queenstown, New Zealand
Skyline Gondola Queenstown in New Zealand is the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere. The gondola carries riders 1,476 feet above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu to the top of Bob’s Peak. Along the journey you’ll get breathtaking views and at the top there are viewing platforms and outdoor terraces to further enjoy the view. You can also make use of mountain bike trails, a luge ride and dining options.
Featured image: Stephen Lai
