Just think of the thrill of gliding for miles. With floating above the clouds and crossing entire valleys just on a steel thread. Or flying noiselessly over a big, blue ocean. This is the experience that the longest cable car in the world provides. It is possible with the help of engineering wonders. They conquer geography to join places that are often very difficult to reach. By definition, a cable car system is simply a reversible aerial tramway. With one or two large cabins traveling back and forth. It is distinguished from a gondola lift. That is a continuous loop with smaller, covering cabins. Both are important as vital transportation in city spaces. It is also an interesting tourist attraction.
The scale of contemporary cable systems is amazing. The longest uninterrupted three-rope cable car extends almost 7.9 kilometers. Giving guests a stunning one-way experience. This can take as long a time as 15-20 minutes according to the Guinness World Records. These enormous structures redefine the limits of possibility. Turning what is otherwise challenging terrain into beautiful commutes. Now, let’s get more insight into the longest cable car in the world. And understand how travel is combined with technology.
What Makes a Cable Car ‘the Longest’?
The longest cable car in the world is defined primarily by the total distance. It covers between its start and end points. It is often measured in kilometers or miles. Elevation difference also plays a critical role. With some cables climbing steep vertical distances. It is contributing to their “longest” status by altitude gained. Ride duration reflects the operational speed and length that passengers experience.
Technically, aerial tramways differ from gondola lifts and funiculars. The aerial tramways have fixed cables with cabins shuttling back and forth on a single span. Whereas gondola lifts have continuously circulating cabins on loops. And the funiculars run on rails pulled by cables on slopes.
Length matters because longer cable cars offer extended scenic coverage, tackle greater altitude challenges. It has become a major tourist attraction. Due to their engineering prestige and panoramic views. The longest cable car systems offer unique transport and experience. Blending distance, height, and technology into one remarkable journey.
This is the List of the Longest Cable Car in the World:
These engineering advancements are transforming transit. With tourism from soaring mountain peaks to hovering above an expansive ocean. Explore the top 10 longest cable cars in the world. These are systems with the longest and most spectacular trips while flying high in the skies.
| Name | Length | Speed |
| Hon Thom Cable Car — Phu Quoc, Vietnam | 7.9 km (7,899.9 meters) | 8.5 m/s |
| Tianmen Mountain Cableway — Zhangjiajie, China | 7.455 km (7,455 meters) | 6 m/s |
| Norsjö Aerial Ropeway — Norsjö, Sweden | Approximately 96 km (59.5 miles) | 2.8 – 3.1 m/s |
| Bà Nà Hills Cable Car — Da Nang, Vietnam | 5,042 meters (5.04 km) | 10 m/s |
| Wings of Tatev (Tatev Ropeway) — Tatev, Armenia | 5.75 km (5,752 meters) | 10.3 m/s |
| Mi Teleférico — La Paz ⇄ El Alto, Bolivia | Over 30 km network | 6 m/s |
| Peak 2 Peak Gondola — Whistler / Blackcomb, Canada | 4.4 km (4,400 meters) | 7 m/s |
| Ngong Ping 360 — Lantau Island, Hong Kong | 5.7 km (5,700 meters) | 6 m/s |
| Rosh HaNikra Cable Car — Rosh HaNikra, Israel | About 60 meters | 8.5 m/s |
| Gulmarg Gondola — Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir, India | 5.1 km total (Phase 1=2.3 km, Phase 2=2.8 km) | 6 m/s |
1. Hon Thom Cable Car — Phu Quoc, Vietnam
- Construction timeline: Completed and inaugurated in February 2018
- Total Length: 7.9 km (7,899.9 meters)
- Line Speed: Maximum 8.5 m/s (30.6 km/h)
- Capacity: 69 cabins, each up to 30 passengers
- Ride Time: About 15 minutes
- Unique Feature: Guinness World Record for longest 3-wire sea-crossing cable car, panoramic sea views
The Hon Thom Cable Car, recognized as the Longest Cable Car in the World. It offers a breathtaking 15-minute journey over turquoise waters and lush islands. This record-breaking ride connects An Thoi to Hon Thom Island. Providing panoramic views of the An Thoi archipelago. Passengers can enjoy the scenic beauty of the sea and islands. This makes it a must-visit attraction in Vietnam.
2. Tianmen Mountain Cableway — Zhangjiajie, China
- Construction timeline: Built in 2005
- Total Length: 7.455 km (7,455 meters)
- Line Speed: 6 m/s
- Capacity: 98 cars
- Ride Time: Around 28-30 minutes
- Unique Feature: Longest high mountain cableway in the world, ascends 1,277 meters with up to a 37-degree slope, stunning views of Tianmen Cave and “Heaven’s Gate,” glass skywalks nearby.
The Tianmen Mountain Cableway, another candidate for the title of Longest Cable Car in the World. It ascends 1,279 meters to the summit of Tianmen Mountain. The journey offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Including the famous “99 Bends” road. It’s a thrilling experience for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.
3. Norsjö Aerial Ropeway — Norsjö, Sweden
- Construction timeline: Built 1943-1947
- Total Length: Approximately 96 km (59.5 miles)
- Line Speed: 2.8 – 3.1 m/s
- Capacity: Primarily for ore transport, not passenger
- Ride Time: Several hours if the passenger
- Unique Feature: One of the longest aerial ropeways historically used for mining transport
The Norsjö Ropeway, the world’s longest ropeway system. Stretches over 13 kilometers. Originally constructed in the 1940s to transport ore. It now serves as a unique tourist attraction. Offering passengers a glimpse into Sweden’s industrial history and natural beauty. The ride provides views over woodlands, marshes, and lakes. Making it a scenic journey through Swedish Lapland.
4. Bà Nà Hills Cable Car — Da Nang, Vietnam
- Construction timeline: Opened June 2013
- Total Length: 5,042 meters (5.04 km)
- Line Speed: About 10 m/s
- Capacity: Approximately 35 passengers per cabin
- Ride Time: Around 15 minutes
- Unique Feature: Holds record for longest non-stop single track cable car with the highest gradient, views of the forest and mountain
The Ba Na Hills Cable Car, once the Longest Cable Car in the World. It offers a 17-minute ride through dense forests and over waterfalls. The journey takes passengers to the top of Ba Na Mountain. Where they can explore the Golden Bridge. A pedestrian bridge held up by giant stone hands. The cable car ride itself is an attraction. Providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
5. Wings of Tatev (Tatev Ropeway) — Tatev, Armenia
- Construction timeline: Opened in 2010
- Total Length: 5.75 km (5,752 meters)
- Line Speed: About 37 km/h (10.3 m/s)
- Capacity: 30 passengers per gondola
- Ride Time: 11 minutes
- Unique Feature: Longest reversible aerial tramway in the world, breathtaking mountainous landscape views
The Wings of Tatev, a remarkable feat of engineering. It connects the village of Halidzor to the Tatev Monastery. This cable car system offers a 12-minute journey over the Vorotan Gorge. Providing passengers with stunning views of the canyon and the monastery perched on its edge. It’s a unique way to experience Armenia’s rich history and natural beauty.
6. Mi Teleférico — La Paz ⇄ El Alto, Bolivia
- Construction timeline: The First line opened in 2014, and the system is an ongoing expansion
- Total Length: Over 30 km network
- Line Speed: 6 m/s
- Capacity: Up to 10-12 passengers per cabin, depending on the line
- Ride Time: Varies by line, around 15-20 minutes per segment
- Unique Feature: World’s largest urban cable car network, widely used for public transportation
Mi Teleférico, the world’s longest urban cable car network. It spans over 30 kilometers across La Paz and El Alto. Serving as a vital public transportation system. It connects various neighborhoods, reducing traffic congestion. It provides commuters with a scenic view of the city and the surrounding mountains. It’s a testament to innovative urban planning in challenging terrains.
7. Peak 2 Peak Gondola — Whistler / Blackcomb, Canada
- Construction timeline: Opened in 2008
- Total Length: 4.4 km (4,400 meters)
- Line Speed: 7 m/s
- Capacity: 28 passengers per gondola
- Ride Time: Around 11 minutes
- Unique Feature: Holds record for longest free span between ropeway towers (3.03 km), connects two ski mountains
The Peak 2 Peak Gondola, an engineering marvel. It connects Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. It holds the record for the highest lift in the world. With an unsupported span of 3.03 kilometers. The gondola offers stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding alpine landscape. Making it a popular attraction for visitors year-round.
8. Ngong Ping 360 — Lantau Island, Hong Kong
- Construction timeline: Opened 2006
- Total Length: 5.7 km (5,700 meters)
- Line Speed: 6 m/s
- Capacity: 10 passengers per cabin
- Ride Time: 25 minutes
- Unique Feature: Scenic views of mountains, the South China Sea, and the Big Buddha statue
The Ngong Ping 360 cable car system offers a scenic 25-minute ride. Starting from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping on Lantau Island. Passengers can enjoy panoramic views of the South China Sea. Along with the airport and the lush greenery of Lantau Island. At the top, visitors can explore the Ngong Ping Village. And the Tian Tan Buddha, a major cultural landmark.
9. Rosh HaNikra Cable Car — Rosh HaNikra, Israel
- Construction timeline: Opened in 1968
- Total Length: About 60 meters (short ride)
- Line Speed: 8.5 m/s
- Capacity: 20-30 passengers per cabin
- Ride Time: Under 1 minute
- Unique Feature: Takes passengers down to the Mediterranean sea grottoes
The Rosh HaNikra Cable Car offers a short but steep descent to the Mediterranean coast. It’s the world’s shortest cable car in terms of duration. It takes just two minutes to reach the sea grottos. Despite its brevity, the journey provides stunning views of the white cliffs and the turquoise waters below.
10. Gulmarg Gondola — Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir, India
- Construction timeline: Phase 1 opened in 1998, Phase 2 in 2005
- Total Length: 5.1 km total (Phase 1=2.3 km, Phase 2=2.8 km)
- Line Speed: Around 6 m/s
- Capacity: 6 passengers per chair
- Ride Time: 15-20 minutes total
- Unique Feature: One of Asia’s highest cable cars reaching Gulmarg’s high-altitude ski slopes
The Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest operating cable cars in the world. It takes passengers from the town of Gulmarg to the Apharwat Peak. The ride offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayas. It is a gateway to skiing and snowboarding adventures in the region. It’s a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
Engineering Behind the Longest Cable Car in the World:
The longest cable car in the world, the Hon Thom Cable Car in Vietnam. It showcases advanced engineering primarily by Doppelmayr/Garaventa. It is a leader in ropeway technology. BauCon ZT GmbH collaborated on structural design for stations and towers. It includes the world’s second, third, and fourth-highest cableway towers. It is overcoming challenges such as wind speed, corrosion from the marine environment, and power stability. The system uses a 3S (tri-cable) technology. It combines two track ropes and one haul rope. This provides exceptional stability and resistance to high winds.
Wind sensors are integrated to monitor conditions in real time. And halt operations if necessary. Rescue protocols include emergency brakes and evacuation plans. Environmentally, the project minimized forest impact by assembling sections gradually. It is balancing tourism development with nature conservation. The low-carbon footprint cable car improves access. While preserving the breathtaking seascape and island ecosystem. This exemplifies sustainable infrastructure in challenging conditions.
Why do Tourist Love these Sky Journeys?
Tourists love cable cars because they offer more than mere transportation. They provide immersive experiences with breathtaking aerial views. It is perfect for photography and eco-friendly sightseeing. These sky journeys connect travelers to natural wonders and cultural landmarks. They also minimize environmental impact. The longest cable car in the world such as the Hon Thom Cable Car. It often becomes a national icon. Significantly boosting local economies through increased tourism revenue and job creation.
According to market research, the global cable cars and ropeways market is growing rapidly. They are driven by rising tourism and sustainable travel demand. This highlights their critical role in modern tourism infrastructure.
Conclusion:
These aerial systems are more than just an experience. They range from the stunning over-sea journey of the Guinness World Record holder. The longest cable car in the world is in Phu Quoc, to the important urban transit in La Paz. They are representations of human ingenuity. Using ways of developing sustainable solutions for hard-to-access terrain and exceptional views. All while using superb engineering. So, whether you crave elevations above treetops or landscapes and views spanning the ocean. These aerial systems are unforgettable experiences at any altitude!
FAQ:
1. Are the longest cable cars safe to ride?
Yes. Modern cable cars including the world’s longest systems. They adhere to strict international safety standards. They are equipped with features like wind sensors, automatic braking, and emergency evacuation procedures. Making them safe for tourists and locals alike.
2. Are the longest cable cars used only for tourism?
Not always. While many serve tourists. Some systems, like Mi Teleférico in Bolivia. They are vital urban transportation networks. Helping residents commute efficiently across mountainous cities. While also offering spectacular scenic views.
3. Can I ride the longest cable cars year-round?
Most cable cars operate year-round. Though schedules can be affected by extreme weather conditions. Such as heavy rain, snow, or high winds. It’s best to check local operating hours and weather updates before planning your trip.
