The Moscow Cable Car is a gondola line of about 720 meters across the Moskva River, linking the Sparrow Hills viewing platform with the Luzhniki sports complex. Moscow Cable Car tickets are one-way or return fares that vary by day, and the ride takes about five minutes each way.
It replaced an older cable car of 1953 and opened in November 2018 with three stations. The cabins have screens, and the views take in Sparrow Hills, Luzhniki Stadium and, beyond the river, Moscow City. This guide explains the stations, the fares, the weather closures and how to reach it from the metro.
Quick Facts
| Russian name | Канатная дорога на Воробьёвых горах |
|---|---|
| Built / opened | 2018 |
| Address | Kosygin Street 28 (top station), Moscow, Russia OpenStreetMap · Google Maps |
| District | Khamovniki |
| Metro | Vorobyovy Gory (Line 1 (Sokolnicheskaya, red), walk down to the riverside station; the exact time was not verified, and the top station is about 2 km away) Luzhniki (Line 1 (Sokolnicheskaya, red), about 10–15 min walk to the Luzhniki station; the exact time was not verified) |
| Opening hours | Hours differ by weekday and season. One listing gives Monday from 16:00 to 22:00, Tuesday to Thursday from 11:00 to 22:00, Friday from 11:00 to 23:00 and Saturday from 10:00 to 23:00, while the line opened in 2018 with 11:00 to 23:00 daily.
The cable car does not run in winds over 15 meters per second, thunderstorms or lightning (as of October 2026 – check the official ticket page for the current schedule). |
| Admission | A ticket is needed, with separate one-way and return fares that vary by day of the week. Older figures put a one-way ride at budget level (₽) on Monday and at a higher budget-level fare (₽) at weekends and holidays, with return fares of about ₽–₽₽ (from 2020), so check current prices. |
| Best time to visit | Clear days give the best views, and the ride is calm in the morning on weekdays. Evenings and weekends are busier, and fares are higher at weekends and holidays.
The line stops in winds over 15 meters per second and in thunderstorms, so check the weather before you go. In winter, the hill is snowy and skiers use the line. |
| Recommended duration | 45–90 minutes |
| Last updated | October 6, 2026 |
What Is (and Isn't) Part of a Visit to Moscow Cable Car?
| Part | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cable car ride between stations | Included in the standard ticket | Covered by a one-way or return ticket. |
| Premium (VIP) cabin | Separate ticket or institution | A four-seat cabin with leather seats and a much higher price. |
| Sparrow Hills viewing platform | Outside / not part of it | Free to visit; the top station is beside it. See the Sparrow Hills Moscow article. |
| Luzhniki Stadium tours | Outside / not part of it | Stadium tours and matches are separate and have their own tickets. |
| Moscow State University | Outside / not part of it | The campus near the top station is not open inside; see its article. |
| Sports equipment rental | Separate ticket or institution | Available at the riverside station, with separate payment. |
| Operation in wind, storms or lightning | Not open to visitors | The cable car stops in winds over 15 meters per second, thunderstorms and lightning. |
Why Visit Moscow Cable Car?
The ride is a short, easy way to see Moscow from above. The line crosses the Moskva River for about 720 meters, between the foot and the top of Sparrow Hills and Luzhniki, with views of the river, Luzhniki Stadium and Moscow City.
It also works as transport. A trip between Sparrow Hills and Luzhniki by road took about 15 to 20 minutes, while the cabins take about five minutes, so it links two large visitor areas, the viewing platform and the sports complex.
It combines easily with the Sparrow Hills viewing platform, Moscow State University and Novodevichy Convent. The cabins have hooks for bicycles, skis and snowboards, and the ride is open late on most days.
Highlights of Moscow Cable Car
The crossing over the Moskva River
The line is about 720 meters long and crosses the Moskva River in a few minutes, between the Luzhniki sports complex on the east bank and the foot of Sparrow Hills on the west bank.
The cabins glide above the water, the embankment and the Luzhniki metro bridge, with views along the river.
Tip: Sit on the river side of the cabin for the best view of the water and the bridge.
Views of Sparrow Hills and Moscow City
From the cabins, passengers see the wooded slope of Sparrow Hills, Luzhniki Stadium and, farther away, the towers of Moscow City.
The cabins have screens, and the views change with the direction of travel.
Tip: Look back toward the hill on the way out and toward the stadium on the way back.
The top station and viewing platform
The top station is at the Sparrow Hills observation platform on Kosygin Street, with the main building of Moscow State University nearby.
The viewing platform itself is free, and the cable car saves the walk up the slope.
Tip: Use the cable car to go up if you want the platform view, and walk down through the park.
The riverside station
A lower station on Vorobyovskaya Embankment at the foot of the hill serves the river pier and is used for renting sports equipment.
Its name differs between sources, appearing as Vorobyovy Gory or Novaya Liga, so check the station names on the day.
Tip: Check which stations your ticket allows, since fares can differ by section.
The Luzhniki station
The Luzhniki station is on the east bank of the river near the Grand Sports Arena, a short distance from Luzhniki Stadium and Novodevichy Convent.
It makes the line useful for visitors going between the stadium area and the hills.
Tip: Combine the ride with a walk to Novodevichy Convent, which is close to the Luzhniki side.
The VIP cabin and cabins for bikes and skis
Most cabins seat eight people, and two premium cabins for four have leather seats. All cabins have hooks for bicycles, skis and snowboards.
The premium cabin costs much more than a normal ticket.
Tip: Check the current price of the premium cabin if you want a private ride.
Atmosphere
The cabins move quietly above the river, with a soft hum from the cable and the sound of wind in the stations. Below, joggers, cyclists and tourists use the embankment, and the wooded slope of Sparrow Hills rises on one side.
The ride is short, so visitors mostly stand at the windows taking photographs. Evenings and weekends bring families and couples, and the lights of Luzhniki Stadium and the city appear after dark.
In winter the hillside is white and the cabins carry skiers and snowboarders. In summer the view is green, and the line is busiest at weekends and in fine weather.
History of Moscow Cable Car
The original cable car on Sparrow Hills was built in 1953 to give access to a ski slope on the hill, which was then called the Lenin Hills. It had two stations and was later dismantled.
The new cable car project was started in January 2017, with construction beginning in May 2017. It was meant to connect the Luzhniki sports complex and the Sparrow Hills observation platform in time for the 2018 World Cup, with an intermediate stop on Vorobyovskaya Embankment.
The line did not enter commercial service before the World Cup ended. The new cable car, about 720 meters long and with three stations, was officially opened on 26 November 2018 by the mayor of Moscow, and became available to passengers the following day.
At the opening, the city said that a trip that would have taken about 20 minutes by road became a five-minute glide, with up to 1,600 people an hour able to travel in the eight-person cabins. A separate line for athletes with open chairs was planned.
According to local reports, about 1.8 million passengers used the cable car in its first year of operation.
Today the line is a tourist attraction and a short link between two large visitor areas. It does not run in strong wind or storms, and its schedule and fares vary by day of the week.
Tickets and Booking for Moscow Cable Car
| Ticket | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| One-way ticket, adult | See the official page | A single ride between stations; older figures were lower on Mondays and higher at weekends and holidays (₽₽, 2020). |
| Return ticket, adult | See the official page | A ride in both directions; older figures were moderately priced, depending on the day (₽₽, 2020). |
| Premium (VIP) cabin, return | See the official page | A return ride in a four-seat cabin with leather seats; an older figure was very expensive (₽₽₽₽, 2020). |
₽ budget · ₽₽ moderate · ₽₽₽ upscale · ₽₽₽₽ splurge. Price levels are estimates compared with typical prices for visitors.
Buy tickets at the ticket offices and terminals at the stations, or on the cable car’s official website, which also publishes the schedule. A printed voucher from a reseller can be exchanged for a ticket at any cable car ticket office. The official site address, the online booking window and the current prices were not confirmed, so check the ticket page for your date; if a date does not show, sales for it may not have opened yet.
- Fares: one-way and return fares vary by day of the week, with higher prices at weekends and holidays.
- Weather: the line does not run in strong wind, thunderstorms or lightning, so a ticket may be unusable on such days.
Payment options for foreign cards and metro cards were not verified, so carry some cash. Rates for Russian citizens and concessions differ. Check the official ticket page of the Moscow Cable Car for all categories.
Plan and Book
Suggested itineraries Moscow Cable Car
45 minutes
Ride from the Luzhniki station to the top station and back, looking at the river and Moscow City from the cabin.
1.5 hours
Take the cable car to the top station, see the viewing platform and the main building of Moscow State University, then walk down through the park.
Half day
Combine the ride with the Sparrow Hills viewing platform and a walk to Novodevichy Convent from the Luzhniki side.
How to Get to Moscow Cable Car
The cable car links Sparrow Hills with the Luzhniki sports complex on the opposite bank of the Moskva River.
- Vorobyovy Gory (Line 1, Sokolnicheskaya, red): the glass-walled station on the Luzhniki metro bridge, with a walk down to the riverside cable car station; the exact time was not verified, and the viewing platform at the top is about 2 km away.
- Luzhniki (Line 1, Sokolnicheskaya, red): about 10 to 15 minutes on foot to the Luzhniki cable car station; the exact time was not verified.
The top station is on Kosygin Street 28, beside the viewing platform. A taxi can drop you at the top station, and the walk down through the park is pleasant.
Accessibility
Accessibility details were not confirmed. The cabins are enclosed and the stations are modern, but boarding arrangements for wheelchairs and strollers were not verified. Contact the operator before visiting if you need step-free access or assistance.
Food Nearby
There are cafes and kiosks near the top station and the viewing platform, and the embankment and the Luzhniki area have more options. Specific venues were not verified, so check opening hours before you go.
What to Bring
Bring a camera and a warm layer, since it is windy near the river, and your phone to check the line's status. In winter bring gloves for the viewing platform.
Best Views and Photo Spots of Moscow Cable Car
Cabin window over the river
The river, the embankment and the Luzhniki bridge seen from the cabin, with the hillside behind.
Best time: Clear mornings, with less glare
Top station viewing platform
The wide view over the Moskva River, Luzhniki Stadium and the skyline of Moscow City.
Best time: Late afternoon light
Riverside embankment
The cabins crossing above the river seen from the embankment, with the wooded slope as backdrop.
Best time: Sunset
Luzhniki station
The station on the east bank with the stadium nearby, a view of the line from below.
Best time: Midday, with even light
Photography Rules
Photography from the cabins is generally easy, though rules were not confirmed. Photographing through the cabin windows can cause reflections, so keep the lens close to the glass. Drone rules in Moscow are strict and change, so do not fly one near the line.
Family Suitability
The ride is short and easy, which suits families with older children, and the cabins are enclosed and have screens. Young children may be nervous about the height. Stroller access was not confirmed, so check at the station, and remember that the line stops in strong wind.
Moscow Vibes Tips
- Check the weather first, since strong wind and storms stop the cabins.
- Use the cable car going up and walk down through the Sparrow Hills park, which is the easier direction.
- Check the day of the week before you buy, because fares are much higher at weekends and holidays.
- Sit on the river side of the cabin for the best view of the water and Moscow City.
- Look at the station names on the day; sources call the lower station Vorobyovy Gory or Novaya Liga.
- Combine the ride with Novodevichy Convent, which is a short walk from the Luzhniki side.
Explore Nearby Moscow Cable Car
Sights near Moscow Cable Car
Sparrow Hills Moscowabout 300 m away (~5 min walk) · typical visit: 1.5–3 hours including the walk upMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Moscow State Universityabout 1.5 km away (~25 min walk) · typical visit: 1–2 hours for the campus and the viewMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Novodevichy Convent Moscow – about 1.7 km away (~28 min walk) · typical visit: 1.5–2 hours for the convent; 3–4 hours with the cemeteryMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Moscow Metro · typical visit: 1.5–3 hours for a tour of showcase stationsMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Novodevichy Cemetery Moscowabout 1.5 km away (~24 min walk) · typical visit: About 1.5 to 2 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Novodevichy Pond Moscowabout 1.9 km away (~31 min walk) · typical visit: 45–90 minutesMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Metro stations near Moscow Cable Car
Vorobyovy Gory Metro Stationabout 600 m away (~9 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Hotels near Moscow Cable Car
Korston Club Hotel Moscowabout 1.1 km away (~19 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Spektr Hotel Moscowabout 1.5 km away (~24 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Train stations and river piers near Moscow Cable Car
Luzhniki River Pierabout 400 m away (~7 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Events and traditions near Moscow Cable Car
Moscow Marathonabout 600 m away (~10 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
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FAQ: Moscow Cable Car
How long is the ride?
The line is about 720 meters long, and the ride takes about five minutes each way.
When did it open?
The new cable car opened on 26 November 2018 and replaced a cable car of 1953.
How many stations are there?
Three: Luzhniki, a riverside station on Vorobyovskaya Embankment and a top station at the Sparrow Hills viewing platform.
Does it run in bad weather?
No. It stops in winds over 15 meters per second, thunderstorms and lightning. See the booking section.
Can I take a bicycle or skis?
Yes. The cabins have hooks for bicycles, skis and snowboards.
Is the viewing platform included?
No. The Sparrow Hills viewing platform is free and separate from the cable car ticket.
How many people fit in a cabin?
Eight in most cabins, and four in the two premium cabins.
How do I get there by metro?
By Line 1 to Vorobyovy Gory or Luzhniki station, then a walk to the nearest cable car station. See the getting there section.
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Last updated: October 6, 2026.
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