The Transbordador cable journey is not for the faint hearted! The ride begins with a lift ride to the top of the cable car tower, which, in itself, requires a certain amount of courage. Passengers are quickly ushered on to the cable car.
According to a sign inside of the car it holds a maximum of twenty people but even with ten to twelve people on board it is fairly difficult to manoeuvre around the car and there is some quiet jostling for the windows with the best views.
The entire journey lasts approximately seven minutes and the car moves continuously throughout the trip. Mid-way through the journey the cable car travels through a central tower- the Torre de Jaume I - breath a swift sigh of relief before continuing on your journey.
There are no seats inside the car and people generally move around the space, giving you the opportunity to check out different views from different windows. The car travels directly over the large World Trade Centre. To your left you can view Barcelona's working port and a great expanse of sea. To your right all of Barcelona is there for you to see. It is enjoyable to pick out the spots that you recognise- La Ramblas, the Arc de Triomf, your hotel! As you near the end of the trip you can take in the views of Montjuïc mountain. You will see the iconic Montjuïc Communications Tower.
On arrival at the Torre de Miramar on Montjuïc mountain passengers alight in the Costa i Llobera Gardens. This is an idyllic place to view the harbour area. There are various statues in the gardens and gravel footpaths to walk around the space.
The Gardens are watched over by the impressive and looming art-deco building- Hotel Miramar. There is also the Cafeteria Miramar- a terrace offering a relaxing area to take in the views of the city at this level. Directly below you is the Poble Sec area, however, the gardens are high enough to ensure that you can take in views of the entire city.
There are numerous useful maps and signposts dotted all around Montjuïc Mountian that will help you to find your bearings. It is important to refer to them as closely as possible as it is quite easy to get lost.
You may choose to make your way back down Montjuïc mountain. Alternatively you can hop on the funicular, using a standard underground metro ticket, at Estació Funicular. You will be transported to Paral.lel metro station where you can then take the metro to any part of the city centre.
The Transbordador is perhaps past its glory days- prices are high, staff can be lack-lustre and the stations are slightly shabby. Despite all of this, on a sunny day, the cable ride is arguably the most stunning and exhilarating way to view Barcelona and links two of the city's prime locations - the beach and Montjuïc.
How To Find The Port Cable Car:
The Metro: Barceloneta (Yellow Line, L4) is a fifteen minute walk from the tower. On exiting the metro station you will see the harbour full of boats ahead of you on the right. Head down Passeig de Joan Borbó with the harbour on your right. As you approach you will see the large tower of the cable car ahead of you. It is on the street that you are on, just keep walking! Or take Bus 17, 39, 64.Ticket Prices For Port Cable Car:
Round trip: €12.50One Way: €9.00
Children of 6 years and under travel for free.
