How does the cable car to the top of the Rock work, and is it open?

Question

Accepted Answer

The Gibraltar Cable Car closed on Tuesday 18 November 2025 for a full rebuild and is not operating in 2026, with reopening expected in 2027. Until then, visitors reach the Upper Rock on foot, by licensed taxi Rock Tour, or by bus to the edge of the Nature Reserve.
Current status
The cable car, which opened in 1966, made its final run on Tuesday 18 November 2025. The operator, MH Bland, is demolishing the old stations and building a new system in a project expected to take around two years. Reopening is expected in 2027, but no firm date has been published, and new fares will be announced when it reopens.
What the new cable car will offer
GBC reported that the new system is designed to be more wind-resistant, to carry up to 80 passengers per cabin instead of 30, and to cut the journey from six minutes to about four.
Where it runs from
The base station is at Grand Parade, near the southern end of Main Street and just off Red Sands Road, beside the Alameda Botanic Gardens. The top station sits at 412 metres.
Last fares before closure
When it closed, an adult return including Upper Rock Nature Reserve entry cost £49, with reduced fares for children and residents.
Getting up the Rock in the meantime
On foot: several routes climb from town, and the Mediterranean Steps offer a steeper scenic route. Enter at the Moorish Castle, Devil's Gap or Jews' Gate. Allow a couple of hours and take water.
By taxi Rock Tour: licensed operators run tours covering the main sites, usually with entry included.
By bus: Route 1 ends near the Moorish Castle, the nearest bus stop to the Nature Reserve. Nature Reserve tickets collected at the Market Place bus station can be upgraded to include a return shuttle.
Non-resident private cars cannot enter the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, except for Blue Badge holders.
Nature Reserve entry
Entry is charged separately at £30 for adults and £22 for children aged 5 to 11, with under-5s free, and covers attractions such as St Michael's Cave, the Great Siege Tunnels and the Apes' Den. From October to April the reserve opens from 09:00 to 18:15, with last entry at 17:45.
Weather
When operating, the cable car has historically been suspended in high winds, which are common with the Levanter. The new system is designed to cope better with wind.

How does the cable car to the top of the Rock work, and is it open?

Short answer

Detailed answer

Current status

The new cable car

Where it runs from

Last fares

Getting up the Rock now

Nature Reserve entry

Weather