Cairngorms National Park
Cairngorm Mountain Funicular
About
Cairngorm Mountain Funicular
The Cairngorm Mountain Funicular, Scotland’s only mountain railway and the tallest in the UK, takes passengers up a 2km track from the Base Station (635m) to the Ptarmigan Top Station (1,097m) in just 5-8 minutes. It is open all year round and is fully accessible, providing beautiful views across the Grampian Mountains, Rothiemurchus pine woods, and Loch Morlich throughout the route. At the top, visitors can enjoy the UK’s highest restaurant and gin bar, and outdoor observation terrace, the immersive ‘Cairngorm Story’ exhibition, a leading zone and gift shop - all set within a conservation-minded visitor experience that protects the fragile plateau remains.
Things to see & do
FAQs
The ride takes about 8 minutes from the base station at 635m up to the Ptarmigan top station at 1,097m, a rise of 462 metres over 1,970 metres of track.
The Cairngorm Mountain Funicular runs year-round, open daily from 10am. High winds can occasionally stop it, so check cairngormmountain.org for current prices and any weather closures.
From the top station, waymarked trails cross the plateau, including routes toward the Cairngorm summit at 1,244m. Mountain weather turns quickly, so always carry proper clothing and layers.
Prices shift with the season, so confirm at cairngormmountain.org. As a rough guide, adult return tickets sit in the £15 to £20 range. Winter ski and snowboard passes cover the funicular too. Capacity is limited, so Hopscotch guests should book ahead in peak season.
Book a private tour and explore
Cairngorm Mountain Funicular
with a local expert guide.
Tours visiting this attraction
Start Planning Your Scotland Adventure
Please contact us if you’d like to customise an existing tour or if you want to create a bespoke tour specifically for you and your group.
Our expert team of advisors are here to help.
.avif)
