Santiago Cable Car
Opening Hours

Santiago Cable Car Hours

The Santiago cable car runs six days a week, connecting the city's Bellavista district to the summit of San Cristóbal Hill. Understanding the teleférico's operating schedule helps you avoid the closed day and plan around maintenance windows that occasionally pause service.

7 min read Updated 2026-08-24 Fact-checked
Santiago Cable Car Hours

Quick answer

The Santiago cable car operates Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 18:45, with last boarding approximately 15 minutes before closing. The system is closed every Monday for routine maintenance. Seasonal adjustments are rare, but occasional extended closures occur for technical upgrades or adverse weather conditions that affect the Cumbre station at 880 meters elevation.

San Cristóbal Hill's teleférico carries more than half a million passengers annually along its twin routes, making it one of the Southern Hemisphere's busiest urban cable car systems. The Oasis–Cumbre line climbs 485 vertical meters in under ten minutes, while the Zoológico spur provides access from the eastern slope. Both lines share the same operating window, but each cabin departs independently based on passenger demand and crew rotation schedules. The Monday closure policy dates to the system's 2016 modernization, when Swiss-built cabins replaced the original 1980 gondolas. Weekly downtime allows technicians to inspect haul ropes, tension sheaves, and braking assemblies without disrupting weekend traffic. Summer maintenance windows occasionally extend beyond the standard Monday shutdown, particularly in January and February when high temperatures stress the drive mechanism at the Cumbre terminal. The official website posts closure notices at least 72 hours in advance, though unscheduled stoppages due to afternoon wind shear occur several times each season. Arrival timing matters more than many visitors expect. Mid-morning departures from either base station—Oasis on Av. El Cerro 750 or Zoológico at Pío Nono 485—avoid the midday queues that form between 13:00 and 15:00, when tour groups converge with independent travelers. The 10:00 opening sees minimal wait times, and the climb delivers clearer visibility before afternoon haze settles over the Mapocho River valley. Evening descents offer the reverse advantage: queues thin after 17:00, and the westward view captures the Andes ridge in full alpenglow. The teleférico schedule aligns with the Metropolitan Park's broader operating rhythm. The Cumbre esplanade, the Virgen de la Inmaculada Concepción statue, and the Santiago viewpoint all remain accessible during cable car hours, but the downhill funicular—a separate system—runs on its own timetable and often closes earlier for track maintenance. Visitors planning a loop route should confirm both systems' availability before committing to a one-way ticket.

“Weekly downtime allows technicians to inspect haul ropes, tension sheaves, and braking assemblies without disrupting weekend traffic.”
Opening hours

Official Santiago Cable Car Hours and Weekly Schedule

The Santiago Cable Car operates throughout the week, though it remains closed every Monday for maintenance. Tuesday through Sunday, the system maintains consistent operational hours.

Monday
Closed
Tuesday
10:00–18:45
Wednesday
10:00–18:45
Thursday
10:00–18:45
Friday
10:00–18:45
Saturday
10:00–18:45
Sunday
10:00–18:45
The final boarding time for the cable car is typically shortly before the 18:45 closing time.

Operating hours remain consistent throughout the year, though visitors should consult the official site at https://www.telefericosantiago.cl for any notices regarding exceptional maintenance closures.

Timing

Best Time to Visit Santiago Cable Car Hours and Seasonal Info

The best arrival window is 10:00–12:00 to avoid mid-afternoon queues and peak heat during summer months. Planning your visit for these morning hours ensures a more consistent experience regardless of the season.

Weekday mornings

Low crowd density

Visit early to enjoy shorter wait times at the stations. This period provides the most efficient access to the cable car system.

Summer months (Dec–Feb)

High volume of tourists

Hot with temperatures reaching 30°C

Morning visits are essential to avoid peak heat and high humidity levels.

Spring and Autumn

Moderate attendance

Mild and pleasant weather

These seasons offer comfortable temperatures for exploring San Cristóbal Hill at a relaxed pace.

Verdict: The optimal time to visit is Tuesday to Thursday between 10:00 and 12:00 during the months of April or October.

Prices

Santiago Cable Car Hours and Admission Pricing

Admission fees for the Santiago Cable Car are determined based on the specific route selected and the day of the week. Prices start from 2,000 CLP for a single journey.

Single Journey Starting price for a one-way trip
2,000 CLP
Round Trip Cost depends on route and day
Pricing Varies
Children/Seniors Reduced rates available for specific groups
Pricing Varies

Verdict: A typical adult starts at 2,000 CLP, with final costs varying by the chosen route and day of travel.

Directions

Directions and Arrival During Santiago Cable Car Hours

The Santiago Cable Car operates from two primary stations located within San Cristóbal Hill in Providencia. Visitors can access the system via the Oasis Station or the Zoológico Station depending on their preferred starting point.

Metro 15 min

Line 1 to Pedro de Valdivia Station, then walk to Av. El Cerro 750

Bus 10 min

Route 411 or 409 to Av. El Cerro stop

Taxi varies

Direct drop-off at Av. El Cerro 750 or Pío Nono 485

The Oasis Station is located at Av. El Cerro 750, while the Zoológico Station is at Pío Nono 485. Planning to arrive between 10:00 and 12:00 is recommended to avoid mid-afternoon queues and peak heat.

Checklist

Pre-Visit Checklist for Santiago Cable Car Hours

Complete these steps before your visit to ensure smooth access to the cable car.

Book

Check availability

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about santiago cable car hours

Everything you need to know about santiago cable car hours

What are the current santiago cable car hours?

The cable car operates from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–18:45. Please check the official site for any updates to these santiago cable car hours before your visit.

Are there specific santiago cable car hours for weekends?

Weekend schedules for the cable car mirror the weekday timings, running from 10:00 until 18:45. These consistent santiago cable car hours help visitors plan their leisure time in the park effectively.

Is the Teleférico de Santiago open on Mondays?

The system is closed every Monday for maintenance and operational rest. Ensure your itinerary accounts for this weekly closure when planning your trip to the San Cristóbal Hill park.

What is the best time to visit the cable car at San Cristóbal Hill?

We recommend arriving between 10:00 and 12:00 to enjoy your visit. This window helps you avoid mid-afternoon queues and peak heat during the summer months.

Do santiago cable car hours change during holidays?

While regular operating hours remain consistent, it is wise to consult the official portal for any special maintenance alerts. Keeping track of the latest santiago cable car hours ensures you avoid unexpected service interruptions.

Is there a recommended arrival window to avoid crowds at this city landmark?

Visiting early in the day is the most effective way to experience this city landmark without waiting in long lines. This approach allows you to explore the summit and observation deck with more comfort.

What is the starting price for a journey on the Santiago aerial lift?

The starting price for a single journey is 2,000 CLP, though costs may vary depending on your specific route. You can find further details regarding ticket options on the official website.

How should I plan my transport to the Providencia entrance?

You can access the facility at Av. El Cerro 750 for the Oasis Station or Pío Nono 485 for the Zoológico Station. Both locations are situated in Providencia and serve as the main gateways to the mountain ascent.

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