Cairngorm Funicular Railway
Scotland's only funicular railway, whisking you to the UK's highest restaurant with stunning Cairngorms views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better views
Cairngorm Funicular Railway
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Scotland's only funicular railway, whisking you to the UK's highest restaurant with stunning Cairngorms views.
"The experience of riding the Cairngorm Mountain Railway to the summit was fantastic, truly memorable."
Book Online & Save! :ticket:
Booking your Cairngorm Funicular tickets in advance online can save you money compared to on-the-day purchases.
Dress for All Weather :cloud:
Be prepared for wind, rain, and sun. Layers are essential, and waterproofs are highly recommended for the mountain environment.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Funicular Journey
Base Station to Ptarmigan Top Station
Ride the UK's highest funicular railway for a swift 2km ascent with breathtaking panoramic views of the Cairngorms.
Ptarmigan Top Station Views
Ptarmigan Top Station
Experience Scotland's only mountain railway's summit, offering incredible vistas and the UK's highest restaurant.
+1
Cairngorm Reindeer Herd
Near Cairngorm Mountain
Visit Britain's only free-ranging reindeer herd on a guided hike for a unique wildlife encounter.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Best Funicular Prices
Weather Preparedness is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Online & Save! :ticket:
Booking your Cairngorm Funicular tickets in advance online can save you money compared to on-the-day purchases.
Dress for All Weather :cloud:
Be prepared for wind, rain, and sun. Layers are essential, and waterproofs are highly recommended for the mountain environment.
Top Station Access Limited :warning:
Note that you cannot freely explore outside the upper station due to safety concerns and conservation efforts.
Family Fun at Base :child:
The base station area offers an adventure play area with zip lines and tubing for younger visitors.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Online & Save! :ticket:
Booking your Cairngorm Funicular tickets in advance online can save you money compared to on-the-day purchases.
Dress for All Weather :cloud:
Be prepared for wind, rain, and sun. Layers are essential, and waterproofs are highly recommended for the mountain environment.
Top Station Access Limited :warning:
Note that you cannot freely explore outside the upper station due to safety concerns and conservation efforts.
Family Fun at Base :child:
The base station area offers an adventure play area with zip lines and tubing for younger visitors.
Enjoy the Summit Cafe :coffee:
The Ptarmigan restaurant at the top offers great views and isn't overly expensive for food and drinks. [^Review]
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Cairngorm Funicular Railway for its unique experience and breathtaking views, calling it a highlight of their trip. The journey itself is smooth and scenic, and the summit restaurant offers a pleasant spot with panoramic vistas. However, some note that outdoor exploration at the top is restricted due to safety and conservation, and weather can significantly impact the experience.
"Expect extreme winds, lovely cafe and restaurant at the top, not extremely overpriced either which is a bonus. Do not expect a lot to explore at the top (they do inform you cannot explore outside of the station as it can be quite dangerous due to the winds I expect). You are visiting for the experience in the 7mins railway and the view at top only."
Rhoda Whitfield
"Even though it was a misty day, the experience of riding the Cairngorm Mountain Railway to the summit was fantastic. The views, the journey, and the overall experience made it truly memorable. Highly recommended!🎢"
Amber
"Being a mountain enthusiast but rather hiking up them, for those that cannot do that for whatever reason, this is the next best thing. I took my mum up here so she could see the views and she loved it.
I fully agree with the conservation idea that you can't escape the confines of the upper station in order to protect the area, but still the views are wonderful 🙌⛰️🏔"
Rob Gardner
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cairngorm Funicular Railway is located in the Cairngorms National Park, near Aviemore. It's about a 25-minute drive from Aviemore. You can reach it by car, and there is parking available at the base station.
Yes, there is parking available at the base station of the Cairngorm Funicular Railway. It's advisable to arrive early during busy periods.
Yes, you can drive up to the base station. For those who enjoy hiking, it's also possible to hike to the top and take the funicular back down.
The nearest town is Aviemore, a popular hub for exploring the Cairngorms National Park. +1
While direct public transport to the funicular base station can be limited, Aviemore is well-connected by train and bus, from where you can arrange local transport or taxis.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary. Booking online in advance is generally cheaper than purchasing on the day. Expect around £17-£19 for adults, with concessions for children and seniors.
Yes, you can buy tickets on the day, but it's recommended to book online in advance to secure your spot and potentially get a better price.
Yes, there are typically cheaper fares for children and senior citizens. Children under six often travel for free. +1
The funicular operates daily, weather permitting. It's always best to check the official website for the most up-to-date operating hours and any potential closures.
The railway operates seasonally and is weather-dependent. It's advisable to check the official website for current operating status, especially during winter months.
🎫 ⛰️ Onsite Experience
At the Ptarmigan Top Station, you can enjoy the UK's highest restaurant and gin bar, explore the viewing terrace, and watch a 270-degree film.
Access to the outdoors from the upper station is restricted due to safety concerns related to extreme winds and conservation efforts.
Yes, it's a great family experience. The base station has an adventure play area, and the ride itself is exciting for all ages.
The views are breathtaking, offering panoramic vistas of the Cairngorms National Park, Glenmore, and Strathspey, weather permitting.
While direct exploration outside the station is limited, you can hike from the top station, and some visitors opt to hike up and take the funicular down.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Ptarmigan Top Station features the UK's highest restaurant and a gin bar, offering meals and drinks with stunning views.
Reviews suggest that the restaurant at the top station is not excessively overpriced, making it a pleasant spot for a meal or drink. [^Review]
While the main dining experience is at the top, there are usually facilities at the base station for refreshments.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning panoramic shots from the viewing terrace at the Ptarmigan Top Station. The funicular ride itself also offers great photographic moments.
Yes, you can take photos during the journey up the mountain, capturing the changing landscapes as you ascend.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive mountain vistas. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance sky and landscape colors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The ride itself is exciting, and the interactive elements at the top station, like the sand area and film, will keep younger ones engaged. Remember to pack snacks and drinks, and be prepared for the weather, as it can impact outdoor activities. 🚶 Hikers & Outdoor Enthusiasts
Some visitors choose to hike up and then take the funicular back down. The surrounding Cairngorms National Park is a paradise for hikers, with trails for all levels, from gentle loch-side strolls to challenging mountain climbs like Ben Macdui. 📸 Photographers
+1 The funicular journey itself provides unique perspectives of the rugged Highland landscape. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the scenery and a polarizing filter to enhance the skies. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Cairngorm Funicular Railway Experience
+1 The ride itself is an experience, offering increasingly dramatic views of the surrounding Cairngorms National Park as you climb. Many visitors find the journey to be a highlight, especially on clear days. At the summit, the Ptarmigan building houses the UK's highest restaurant and a gin bar, providing a unique spot to relax and soak in the scenery.
+1 There's also an interactive sand area for children and a 270-degree film experience. However, it's important to note that due to safety and conservation reasons, visitors are not permitted to freely explore the outside environment from the top station. [^Review]Booking in advance online is highly recommended to secure your tickets and potentially get a better price.
Be prepared for variable weather conditions, as the Cairngorms are known for strong winds and mist, even in summer. Dressing in layers and bringing waterproofs is essential. Beyond the Funicular: Exploring the Cairngorms
For wildlife enthusiasts, a visit to the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd is a must. Britain's only free-ranging reindeer herd can be seen on guided hikes, offering a truly unique encounter.
For those interested in hiking, the Cairngorms offer numerous trails ranging from gentle walks to challenging mountain ascents like Ben Macdui and Cairngorm itself.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit