Kasprowy Wierch Cableway

The Kasprowy Wierch cable car is Poland's most famous mountain lift: in about 20 minutes it carries you from Kuźnice, on the edge of Zakopane, to 1,959 m (6,427 ft), just below the summit of Kasprowy Wierch in the Tatra Mountains. Running since 1936 and rebuilt in 2007–2008, it is the easiest way to get high into the Tatras without a long hike, and one of the top things to do in Zakopane.

How to get there

Zakopane is about 100 km (62 miles) south of Kraków, roughly two hours by bus or minibus, with rail connections as well; Kraków Airport is the nearest international gateway. The lower station is at Kuźnice 14, about 3 km above central Zakopane. Private cars are not allowed up to Kuźnice, so park in town and take a local minibus or taxi, or walk.

A little history

The line was built remarkably fast, in about seven months across 1935 and 1936, and the first passengers rode to the top on March 15, 1936. It was the first cableway of its kind in Poland, and from the start conservationists objected, since the whole route lies in what is now Tatra National Park. A complete rebuild finished in December 2007, and the new line was officially opened on January 18, 2008. Cabins now travel at 8 m/s and carry up to 60 people each; in 2021 the park allowed capacity to rise from 180 to 360 passengers an hour.

The ride in numbers

• length: about 4.25 km
• vertical rise: 936 m, with an average gradient of about 22%
• two sections, with a change at the Myślenickie Turnie mid-station
• top station: 1,959 m, a few minutes' walk from the 1,987 m summit
• travel time: about 20 minutes one way

Cabins normally run every 10 minutes, or every 30 minutes in poor weather or when it is quiet. Service can be suspended in winds above 20 m/s, icing or extreme cold, and the line closes for inspections in spring and autumn.

Tickets and hours (as of October 2026)

Official PKL low-season prices (October 1 – December 18, 2026):

• round trip: PLN 129 standard, PLN 109 reduced (ages 5–26 and 65+)
• one way: PLN 119 standard, PLN 95 reduced
• express ticket with a reserved time: PLN 159 / 129 round trip

Children up to 4 ride free. A round-trip ticket gives you 1 hour 40 minutes at the top. Online tickets come with a set departure time, and you must be at the gate 20 minutes early. Return tickets are sold until 2 hours before the last departure.

Maintenance closure: no service from October 19 to November 6, 2026. First and last departures vary by season; check pkl.pl before you go.

Is it worth it?

Yes, especially on a clear day. Allow at least 2–3 hours for the ride, the short walk to the summit and the ride down. Book online in summer and during winter holidays, when queues can be long. Bring a warm jacket: it can be much colder and windier at the top than in Zakopane. Dogs are not allowed in Tatra National Park (guide dogs excepted). If you plan to hike down, for example via Hala Gąsienicowa, buy a one-way ticket.