Discover Claudia's day-to-day as the driver of the Montjuïc Cable Car, and her recommendations to make the most of the experience aboard this tourist attraction.
Step into Claudia's daily routine, one of the drivers who keeps the Montjuïc Cable Car in motion. Claudia shares with us the details of her day, from early morning briefings with colleagues to evenings ensuring the perfect itinerary for passengers. Additionally, she provides exclusive recommendations for fully enjoying the experience aboard this iconic tourist attraction
Tell us a bit about yourself and your day-to-day as a driver of the Cable Car..
I am 29 years old and have been the responsible driver of the Montjuïc Cable Car for 7 years. My day begins with a small briefing with my colleagues to assess the staff and service status. We also analyze how to manage the morning and if there are pending groups to come. This information allows us to have a real-time view of the situation. With the rest of the team, we organize the afternoon, ensuring that the stations receive the necessary reinforcements according to passenger flow. I also handle matters related to vouchers. In case of technical issues, I am responsible for coordinating and trying to resolve them.
Why are you called 'drivers'?
It is the registered designation for the profession in the sector, but we are not conventional drivers like those of the metro and the bus. We are more like passive operators who act in cases of involuntary stops on the cable car. This nomenclature is established by law. In our team, there is an operations manager, a maintenance assistant, designated drivers, and assistants.
What are the main points of interest or notable places that can be seen from the Cable Car?
I would highlight primarily the Sagrada Família, always captivating all the passengers' gazes. You can also see the Camp Nou, the viewpoint of Torre Glòries, the MNAC, the World Trade Center, the Columbus Monument, Tibidabo, and, above all, our final destination, Montjuïc Castle. Additionally, you can observe the three chimneys of Sant Adrià del Besòs, the city where I'm from and feel very proud.
What is the duration of the journey, and what is the distance it covers?
The journey has a duration of approximately 20 minutes and covers a distance of 750 meters, with an elevation of 84.5 meters between Montjuïc Park and the Castle.
What relationship exists between the Montjuïc Cable Car and the city of Barcelona?
The Cable Car is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Barcelona. It was officially inaugurated in 1970 as part of the improvement plans for the Castle area and its surroundings, transforming it into a tourist point of interest, a goal that has been successfully achieved. This past summer 2023, we reached record visitor numbers.
What makes the cable car experience unique?
Enjoying the best views of the city would be a good answer. However, adding that the cabins have a maximum capacity of 8 people makes the experience much more intimate and welcoming.
What are its notable amenities?
I would emphasize that it is a service accessible to all users, highly adapted for people with reduced mobility. Individuals with wheelchairs, families with strollers, etc., can access it without any problem at any point in our stations.
What advice would you give to visitors to make the most of the landscape during the journey?
I would recommend, for a moment, they set aside their mobile phones and pay close attention to the rooftops of the buildings, the waves of the sea, letting themselves be carried away by the tranquility of the moment and fixing their gaze on the infinite, imagining and dreaming at the same time.
What are the best moments of the day to take the journey?
It depends on what one is looking for. For those who want to explore Montjuïc to the fullest, the best time would be early in the day, following the itinerary through the Castle, gardens, or museums. For those seeking a more intimate experience, undoubtedly, the sunset hour is ideal, as the sky surprises with its reddish hues.
What advantages does the cable car offer as a means of transportation for tourists compared to other options?"
The views! It is a tourist attraction, let's not forget, but that doesn't mean that anyone coming to discover or explore the city always has to do so with a conventional public transportation. Since the Montjuïc Cable Car provides this opportunity, it should be seized.
If you want to know more and explore this journey on the Montjuïc Cable Car, don't think twice and enjoy a spectacular day in the sky of Barcelona. Hola Barcelona takes you there!
