Cable Cars: Top 7 Breathtaking Rides Across the World


When you travel the world, you want to immortalize your journey. Sometimes, it will be with photos of yourself in front of various famous attractions and landmarks. Other times, it will be a a photo of the mesmerizing scenery that you’ll want to capture. To get that perfect picture, you might go through a lot of trouble — unless you have a cable car system nearby. Not only are cable car rides a unique transportation option, they also make the best vantage points. Throw away your hiking boots, and hop into the most breathtaking cable car rides across the globe.

1. Merida Cable Car – Venezuela

Although it closed in 2008, the “teleferico de Merida’ deserves a mention in our list — it was the highest and largest cable car in the world. It linked the 5,380-feet-high city of Merida to the Pico Espejo at 15,600 feet above sea level, getting you there in less than an hour.

2. Mi Teleferico – Bolivia

2014 saw the opening of a cable car to link the capital city of La Paz to nearby El Alto. Operating 12,000 feet high in the Andes Mountains, it’s supposed to be the world’s highest urban cable car ride. If you are visiting Bolivia, you’ve found the best vantage point in the mountainous regions.

3. Sugarloaf Mountain Air Tram – Brazil

It’s impossible to make a list of cable car rides across the world without mentioning Rio’s century-old system. The ride offers splendid views of Rio’s most scenic landmarks. The 2,000-feet rise to the top of the Sugarloaf Mountain transits by Moro da Urca where you could stop to eat or shop. Enjoy the perfect views of the Copacabana, Guanabara Bay, and the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer.

4. Suoi Mo Telpher – Vietnam

With a length of 16,500 feet, this cable car ride in the Ba Na hills sets the world record for the longest non-stop cable car ride. The tram system runs from the foot of the Ba Na hills to the peak of the Vong Nguyet Mountain, bringing visitors to the hill station and resort. Along the way, tourists can sip on complementary drinks as they enjoy views of a luxuriant tropical vegetation.

5. Table Mountain Aerial Cableway – Cape Town

If you need a reason other than safaris to visit Africa, here’s one. This cable car ride dominates Cape Town, its gorgeous mountainous landscapes, and other landmarks. The car itself rotates to make sure you get the best possible 360 view. At the top, take a walk in the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden or hike the Silvermine Nature Preserve. At the end of the journey, take in the sunset while sipping on South African wine.

6. Genting Skyway Cable Cars, Malaysia

If you want your cable car ride to feel like a theme park ride, then this is the ride for you. Speeding at 13.6 mph, this scenic ride -the fastest in the world- will take you to Genting Highlands resort. From there, immerse yourself into a world of theme parks, casinos, hotels, and all the amenities you could dream of.

7. Klein Matterhorn Mountain Cableway, Switzerland

No need for skis and hiking boots to enjoy the natural haven of the Swiss Alps. This cable car ride links Zermatt to the Klein Matterhorn Mountain. At a peak altitude of 12,700 feet, it takes time to acclimate along the ascension. But there are no better views onto the rugged peaks and life in the underlying valleys.

Do you know of any other record-holding cable car rides you’d like to add to the list? Which air trams are you dying to try? Tell us more in the comments below.