The Cable Car is a funicular railway rising 119 metres over a length of 609 metres to the hilly suburb of Kelburn, through three tunnels and over three bridges. A must-do attraction for visitors to Wellington for over 120 years, its use is not simply confined to tourists, with many Kelburn residents and University students still travelling on the cars daily.

In addition to the beautiful view over the city, located at the top of the hill: The Wellington Botanic Gardens, the Cable Car Museum, Space Place, Cable Top Eatery, Fragrifert Victorian Perfumery, a free shuttle to Zealandia Bird Sanctuary, Victoria University and the suburb of Kelburn.

Find us at Lambton Quay, View Google Map

The Cable Car lower terminal is located at 280 Lambton Quay, Wellington. The entrance is located at the end of the Cable Car Lane between Countdown supermarket and Flight Centre, near McDonalds.

Find us at Kelburn, View Google Map

The Cable Car upper terminal is located at 1 Upland Road, Kelburn. Next to the Cable Car Museum.

Yes, you can. Roll your wheels to the top landing of the car with no extra charge.

Please note that during busy periods, you may not be able to board straight away while the cars have limited space.

There are no dedicated car parks provided by the Cable Car, Please see the 'Parking' page for more information.

You can buy a Return or a One Way ticket:

Return tickets entitle you to one uphill and one downhill trip on the Cable Car.

One Way tickets can be used for one trip in either direction between Lambton Quay and Kelburn Station.

Intermediate stations

If you would like to visit the intermediate stations, request a stop to hop off. These stop buttons are located on the top and bottom landings of the car, positioned on the poles closest to each door. Press these before the next station to request an intermediate station stop.

To embark again from the same station, press the stop request button found at the station.

Yes, dogs have been welcome on the Cable Car since December 2021. 

Im-paw-tant information to know before you and your furry friend travel with us

• 2 dogs max per person, and anyone handling a dog must be 16 years of age
• Service dogs take priority
• Dogs must enter, exit and travel on the lower landing
• Dogs can travel at any time within our opening hours
• Dogs ride free

Check out more about dogs on the Cable Car here.

The journey one way is usually 4-5 minutes. The length of the ride is dependent on whether intermediate station stops are requested, and whether the car speed is increased due to higher foot traffic to maintain the flow of passengers. 

As the cars depart every 10 minutes, a return trip is a minimum of 15 – 20 minutes.

You do not have to use your return ticket straight away, you can explore the other attractions at the top of the hill and catch a different service later to come downhill. Please check the Timetable page for the time of our first and last trip of the day.