Up, Up and Away: Level Up on These Sky Trams for the Best Views and a Serious Adrenaline Rush
If you’re looking for a unique and thrilling way to take in a destination’s natural beauty and cultural landmarks, riding on sky trams may be just what you need.
From the towering peaks of the Swiss Alps to the bustling cityscapes of Rio de Janeiro and Hong Kong, countless destinations worldwide offer breathtaking cable car rides.
In this list, we’ll share the best sky trams to experience, including some of the planet’s highest, longest, and most scenic cable car rides.
Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for a new way to explore a destination, these sky trams will surely provide an unforgettable ride.
Here are some popular destinations where you can ride sky trams:
- Banff Gondola, Canada: In the Canadian Rockies, the Banff Gondola offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The 8-minute ride takes visitors to the top of Sulphur Mountain, where they can enjoy panoramic views, hiking trails, and a variety of dining and shopping options.
- Sugarloaf Mountain, Brazil: The Sugarloaf Mountain sky tram in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, takes visitors to the top of the iconic peak, which offers spectacular views of the city, the harbor, and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities, such as hiking and rock climbing, or relax and enjoy the stunning views.
- Roosevelt Island Tramway, USA: The Roosevelt Island Tramway in New York City offers a unique way to see the city skyline and the East River. The ride takes visitors from Manhattan to Roosevelt Island, where they can explore the island’s parks and attractions, such as the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park.
- Ngong Ping 360, Hong Kong: The Ngong Ping 360 is one of those jaw-dropping sky trams in Hong Kong, that takes visitors on a 25-minute ride over Lantau Island, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and coastline. The ride ends at the famous Tian Tan Buddha statue and the Po Lin Monastery, popular tourist attractions.
- Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, South Africa: The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway in Cape Town, South Africa, offers visitors a scenic ride to the top of Table Mountain, one of the most iconic landmarks in the country. The ride takes visitors 1,089 meters above sea level and offers stunning views of the city, the ocean, and the surrounding mountains.
- SkyCab, Malaysia: The SkyCab in Langkawi, Malaysia, is one of the steepest cable car systems in the world, taking visitors on a 15-minute ride up to the peak of Mount Mat Cincang. The ride offers panoramic views of the island’s lush rainforest, stunning coastline, and nearby islands.
- Peak 2 Peak Gondola, Canada: The Peak 2 Peak Gondola in Whistler, Canada, is the world’s longest and highest unsupported cable car span, offering visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and forests. The ride takes visitors on a 4.4-kilometer journey between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, where they can explore hiking trails, restaurants, and other attractions.
- Dubrovnik Cable Car, Croatia: The Dubrovnik Cable Car in Croatia offers visitors a quick ride to the top of Mount Srd, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the city, the Adriatic Sea, and the nearby islands. The ride takes visitors 405 meters above sea level and offers a unique perspective on the city’s architecture and history.
- SkyView Atlanta, USA: SkyView Atlanta is a 200-foot tall Ferris wheel with 42 air-conditioned gondolas that offer panoramic views of downtown Atlanta. The ride takes visitors 20 stories above Centennial Olympic Park and provides a unique perspective on the city’s skyline and landmarks.
- Mount Titlis Cable Car, Switzerland: The Mount Titlis Cable Car in Switzerland is one of Europe’s highest sky trams, taking visitors to the top of Mount Titlis at 3,000 meters. The ride offers breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps, glaciers, and mountain lakes and access to a range of winter sports and hiking trails.
- The Hakone Ropeway, Japan: The Hakone is one of those memorable sky trams that takes visitors on a 30-minute ride through the Hakone mountains, offering panoramic views of Lake Ashi, Mount Fuji, and the surrounding forests and hills. The ride also provides access to hot springs, hiking trails, and other attractions.
- Skyline Queenstown, New Zealand: Skyline Queenstown is a gondola that takes visitors on a scenic ride to the top of Bob’s Peak in Queenstown, New Zealand. The ride offers breathtaking views of the Remarkables mountain range, Lake Wakatipu, and the surrounding countryside and access to various attractions and activities at the top.
- Skyway Monte Bianco, Italy: The Skyway Monte Bianco in Italy is a cable car system that takes visitors on a 360-degree panoramic journey to Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe. The ride offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and valleys and access to hiking trails, restaurants, and other attractions.
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, USA: A popular tourist attraction in Palm Springs, California, this rotating tramcar travels up the cliffs of Chino Canyon to the top of Mount San Jacinto. The journey provides stunning views of the desert landscape and the surrounding mountains. At the top, visitors can explore hiking trails, restaurants, and a gift shop.
Did you know?
The first tourist cable car was built in 1907 in Switzerland, providing visitors with a unique way to explore the mountains and enjoy the stunning views.
A little history:
Sky trams aka cable cars were first used in mining operations to transport workers and equipment up and down steep mountain slopes.
The first cable car systems were powered by steam engines, pulling a cable through several pulleys, allowing the cars to travel up and down the hill.
This technology revolutionized mining operations, allowing workers to transport large amounts of ore and supplies more efficiently.
As technology improved, cable cars or sky trams became more sophisticated and were eventually adapted for use in recreational activities. Over time, cable cars became popular tourist attractions worldwide, with many countries developing their versions of the technology.
Sky trams of today are used in various applications, including tourism, transportation, and mining. They can be found in locations all around the world, from bustling cities to remote mountainous regions.
Many sky trams offer breathtaking views and are popular attractions for tourists looking to experience the natural beauty of a destination from a unique perspective.
