Sight guide · Tenerife · Spain
Visiting Teide cable car and summit
The cable car rises from its base station at about 2,350 metres to La Rambleta at 3,555 metres in around eight minutes.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Teide cable car and summit is an experience in Las Cañadas del Teide, Tenerife. Allow 2–3 hours; it is mid-priced. Book cable-car slots online in advance, and apply for the summit permit weeks or months ahead because daily numbers are strictly limited.
Key facts
- Type
- Experience
- Area
- Las Cañadas del Teide
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Book ahead
- Recommended
- Good for
- views, active and nature
- Best months
- April–June
About Teide cable car and summit
The cable car rises from its base station at about 2,350 metres to La Rambleta at 3,555 metres in around eight minutes. From the upper station, short paths lead to viewpoints over the Pico Viejo crater and, on clear days, La Gomera, La Palma and Gran Canaria. The final climb to the crater rim on the Telesforo Bravo trail needs a separate free permit from the national park.
Tip: The altitude can cause dizziness and breathlessness; move slowly at the top, and skip the ride if you have heart or breathing problems or are pregnant.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 2–3 hours.
- Cost: Mid-priced.
- Book ahead: Book cable-car slots online in advance, and apply for the summit permit weeks or months ahead because daily numbers are strictly limited.
- Where: Las Cañadas del Teide.
Best time to visit Teide cable car and summit
Teide cable car and summit is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- May: 24°C (75°F) highs, about 1 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- June: 26°C (79°F) highs, about 0 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- April: 23°C (73°F) highs, about 2 rainy days, busy crowds.
For the view at golden hour: in mid-May the sun sets at about 20:49 local time (calculated for Tenerife).
When to visit Tenerife has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Tenerife itinerary visits Teide cable car and summit on day 1, together with Teide National Park, San Cristóbal de La Laguna old town and Auditorio de Tenerife.
- No. 2 of the 19 sights in our Tenerife things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 5-day plan.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Tenerife.
Near Teide cable car and summit
Also in Las Cañadas del Teide, so you can walk between them:
- Teide National Park — half to full day, free
If you like Teide cable car and summit
- Los Gigantes cliffs — Los Gigantes, 2–3 hours by boat
- Whale and dolphin watching — South and west coasts, 2–5 hours
- Anaga Rural Park — Anaga, Full day
- Masca village and gorge — Teno, 2–3 hours for the village
Staying near Teide cable car and summit
Where to stay in Tenerife compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Teide cable car and summit?
Plan 2–3 hours. With Teide National Park nearby, it fits a half-day in Las Cañadas del Teide.
+Is Teide cable car and summit free?
No, it is mid-priced. Booking ahead is advised.
+When is the best time to visit Teide cable car and summit?
April–June for the most comfortable weather. The altitude can cause dizziness and breathlessness; move slowly at the top, and skip the ride if you have heart or breathing problems or are pregnant.
+Do I need to book Teide cable car and summit in advance?
Book cable-car slots online in advance, and apply for the summit permit weeks or months ahead because daily numbers are strictly limited.