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Etna for everyone – Effortless access to the summit zone

Mount Etna cable car and 4×4 bus to 2920 meters

  • Start: Etna Sud-Rifugio Sapienza
  • Open from: 08.45 hours
  • Duration: 2,5 hours

Mount Etna cable car and 4x4 bus from 1900 m up to 2900 m + guide

Mount Etna cable car and 4x4 bus from 1900 m up to 2900 m + guide

Do you want to visit the Etna volcano and get as high as possible, but is the tough hike to the top not for you? Then this excursion with the Etna cable car and 4x4 bus is made for you! You'll reach an altitude of 2920 meters from where you'll walk along a crater mouth with a guide before heading back down. Attention: this excursion is at Etna South - Rifugio Sapienza. Not at Piano Provenzana!

  • Start location: Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza
  • Open from: 08.45 hours
  • Duration excursion: 2,5 hours
Itinerary Mount Etna cable car and 4x4 bus to 2900 meters

This excursion starts from Rifugio Sapienza – Etna Sud. By booking, you will receive clear explanations from us on how to get there, where to park, and many other tips for a unique experience.

From Rifugio Sapienza (1900m), take the cable car up to an altitude of 2,500 meters. The cable car ride takes about 12-15 minutes. Along the way, you will enjoy splendid views of old craters, such as the Silvestri craters, and of the various lava flows that headed towards the coast and the city of Catania.

When you get to 2500 meters, get off the cable car and follow the path outside. Here you will transfer to a special offroad 4×4 bus (these used to be jeep buses, but now they are modern off-road 4×4 buses).

This 4×4 bus will take you from 2500 meters to an altitude of about 2900 meters, once known as the Philosopher’s Tower (Torre del Filosofo). Here you will meet the volcanological guide who will accompany you on a walk of about 45 minutes. During this hike you will walk to the border of the Barbagallo crater. From here you will also have a panoramic view of the super active South-Eastern summit crater and the Central Crater of the volcano Etna. After the hike, you will return to the 4×4 bus that will take you back to an altitude of 2500 meters.

Here you can enjoy a snack or a drink at the bar, walk a little more or descend directly by cable car.

In total, the cable car and jeep excursion up to 2920 meters takes about 2,5 hours. But you can extend the hike to your satisfaction by staying longer at 2500 meters.

Details

The excursion starts from Rifugio Sapienza – Etna South.

  • Starting point: Etna Sud-Rifugio Sapienza
  • Total duration: ≃ 2,5 hours
  • Departure time: Ongoing from 08.45 hour
  • Duration by bus: ≃ 20 minutes (oneway)
  • Total elevation gain: 1100 meters
  • Duration trekking: ≃ 45 minutes
  • Difficulty: Easy: suitable for everyone
  • Duration Cable Car: ≃ 15 minutes (oneway)
Price Etna Cable car + 4x4 bus + guide

Price from March 1, 2025

  • Adults: € 80,00 per person (€ 71,00 for the cable car and the 4×4 bus + € 9,00 for the guide)
  • Children 5-10 years: € 50,00 per person (€ 41,00 for cable car and 4×4 bus + € 9,00 for the guide)*
  • Children 0-4 years: free, when they sit on the lap of their parents/caregivers

After online payment you will directly receive by email your valid voucher for the excursion. On the day of the excursion you have priority with your booking and you can get directly your tickets to go to the Etna Cable car to start your experience! Please go with your voucher to the special ‘Office – Uffici’ door, on the left side of the Ticket-office building.

This is what you will receive from us directly by email:

  • Booking confirmation voucher
  • Skip-the-line voucher for the ticket-office
  • The address + link to Google Maps
  • Parking locations
  • Shoe and clothing advise
  • Suggestions for the best Etna experience
  • Extra tips on where to go before or after the excursion as well!
Availability

The cable car is open every day of the year. However, in the event of strong winds and/or heavy rain and/or risk of thunderstorms, the cable car may close (automatic system). Normally from half November to the end of December the cable car might close for maintenance work, but this period changes every year. The 4×4 bus will then be used as a replacement.

Openinghours Etna Cable Car

These are the opening times of the Etna cable car.

Low/Midseason opening hours Etna Cable Car

  • Open: 08.30 hours
  • Closed: 16.00 hours
  • Last descent: 15.50 hours
  • Last complete excursion (cable car + 4×4 bus): 13.30 – 14.00 hours

Summer hours Etna cable car (high season)

  • Open: 08.30 hours
  • Closed: 17.45 hours
  • Last descent: 17.30 hours
  • Last departure of complete excursion (cable car + 4×4 bus): 3.00 – 3.30 p.m. approx.

In high season, 4×4 buses leave every 5 minutes or when full. In low season, 4×4 buses leave every 30/40 minutes or earlier when full.

Timeschedule

We advise you to arrive 30 minutes before you want to go up with the Etna cable car. This way you have enough time to park your car (paid parking!), to use the bathroom if you need to, to take some pictures and to walk in direction of the cable car. But most important of all: get used to the altitude.

The tour takes more less 2,5 hours in total, depending on the group, de number of questions for the guide and the weather.

Including and Excluding
  • Etna cable car from Rifugio Sapienza to 2500m (roundway)
  • 4x4 Bus from 2500m to 2920m (roundway)
  • Arriving at the 'Philosopher's Tower
  • Official volcanological guide
  • 45-minute trek to the border of the Barbagallo Crater
  • Panoramic view of the summit craters, the South-East Crater and the Central Crater
  • Advise on getting there
  • Clothing advise
  • Parking advise
  • Extra local tips for an unforgettable Etna experience!
  • Drinks and food
  • Parking
  • Tips for the guide and driver (not obligatory)
  • Rental jacket and/or shoes (not obligatory)
What to bring & clothing advise

Weather conditions on Mount Etna can change quickly, especially at higher altitudes. Even in late spring or summer, temperatures at 2900 meters can drop significantly. For example, in May, it’s not unusual to experience around 8°C (46°F), and strong winds often make it feel even colder.

To ensure a comfortable and safe experience, we recommend the following:

  • Dress in layers so you can adjust to changing temperatures.
  • Wear a windproof and warm jacket – even in summer!
  • Bring a hat and scarf or buff. If you don’t have a hat, a hoodie can also help protect you from the wind.
  • Choose sturdy, closed shoes with good grip – preferably hiking boots or sports shoes suitable for rough terrain.

Even during the high season, conditions near the summit can be chilly. That’s why we always advise bringing a jacket, no matter how warm it is at sea level.

  • Layered clothes
  • Hiking or sports shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • (wind)Jacket
  • High socks
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat or hoody
  • Water
  • Phone
FAQ Cable car and jeep up to 2920 metres

In general, we always recommend dressing in layers. Wear good sports shoes or hiking boots. Also, always take a hoodie or jacket with you, even in the middle of summer. It is really cooler high up on the volcano. In winter, we recommend that you wear winter or ski clothing. Even if there is no snow, it is colder on the volcano. It is often the wind that makes the weather cold. So remember to wear a hat and/or scarf. Don't have a hat with you? Then think about a sweater with a hood or a jacket with a hood. For children, gloves are recommended. In summer, it is sometimes possible to do the Etna excursion in shorts. However, you will never meet a volcano guide in shorts. This is because long trousers offer protection from the heat of the sun, which is also reflected in the black lava. It can also get cold in the summer because of the wind. This is why we always recommend taking a jacket or hoodie with you at an altitude of 2920 metres! Do you have a windbreaker? Always a good idea!

We recommend good sports shoes or hiking shoes. If you choose good sports shoes, it is important that they have good grip. With hiking boots, your feet and ankles will be better protected. However, most people wear their own (good) sports shoes during this hike. With flip-flops, sandals or heels, you just can't do it! (Yes, seriously, sometimes people climb Mount Etna in heels).

We often recommend choosing the morning. This is because there is often a higher probability of cloud cover during the day, which means (somewhat) reduced visibility. Long hikes often start between 08.30 and 09.00 in the morning. At that time you will often find guides with their groups queuing up. For this reason, we consider the best time to be between 09.00 and 10.00 am.

If the volcano erupts and is close to the cable car area, it is very likely that the cable car will be closed. The safety of everyone is crucial. If you are already at the top at that moment, the official guides are informed in real time and ensure that you get down safely without any risk as quickly as possible. To this end, 4x4 buses are used. Please note that the volcano's vibrations are monitored daily by the Institute of Volcanology. Should the state of activity increase, the maximum number of visits permitted may be changed. In this case, you will be offered an alternative excursion. You can read about this alternative excursion below.

When the volcano is active or there are signs of danger, special rules are given to be safe. These rules may restrict access to the highest parts of the volcano. But don't worry, if this happens, there is still a way to do an Etna excursion in total safety! Here is the alternative hike: Take the Etna cable car up to an altitude of 2500 meters. Then the 4x4 bus takes you up to an altitude of about 2750 meters, to a place called Belvedere. You will take an easy walk of about half an hour with your guide, near the craters of the volcano, with a beautiful view of the Valle del Bove. After this stop, the 4x4 bus will take you to the 2001 Crater. Here, with another guide, you will take another walk of about half an hour on the rim of the crater. You will then return to the starting point of the cable car at an altitude of 2500 metres. This alternative excursion also takes about 2.5 hours. It will still be an exciting and safe adventure, with lots to see and learn!

Yes, you can rent a jacket or hiking boots. You can rent them in one of the souvenir shops around the cable car or even at the arrival point at 2,500 meters. Jacket rental: € 5.00 per jacket Shoe rental: € 5.00 per pair Socks: only on sale: € 3.50 per pair

Yes, the cable car and jeep hike up to 2920 metres is also suitable for children. The cable car is often the first attraction for children. And then the sturdy 4x4 all-terrain bus. The hike up to 2920 metres can be a little tough, as you have to walk a little uphill. But with mum and dad's help it should work. It is and always will be a unique experience! A minimum age of 3 years is recommended for children. Of course, children aged 1 and 2 can also climb. However, the height difference can be uncomfortable for their ears. If you still want to climb, take this advice into consideration: Climb in stages. Acclimatise for 15 minutes at each altitude before climbing further. (So 15 minutes in the car park, 15 minutes at 2,500 metres before taking the 4x4 bus and so on). Do the same on the way back. Protect your ears. Think of a hat or scarf for children. The wind is very annoying for the ears! Bring drinks for them. Drinking helps to 'free' the ears. Another option is something to suck on (dummy or candy).

The weather is the only thing we cannot control for you. In case of bad weather on the day you wish to climb Mount Etna, please send us an e-mail or message with your name and voucher number. We will change your booking free of charge! Can't or don't want to change the date? No problem, cancellation is always free of charge. Be careful though! Did you know that sometimes at the starting point, at 1900 meters, it can be cloudy, while at 2500 meters the sky is blue? In this case you climb above the clouds. And honestly? That makes the experience even more unique!!! Want to know what the weather is like on the day of your hike? Then check the Etna cable car webcam. They have a webcam at 2500 meters (the cable car arrival point) and one at 2900 meters, the 4x4 bus stop point.

We always recommend booking. You will also receive lots of extra tips and information with your booking to ensure that your excursion starts worry-free. What's more, you pay nothing for booking online! We receive a fee from the cable car for each 'customer' we bring. You pay nothing extra for this (kind of affiliate construction). So, by booking with us, you help us to continue to offer a lot of free information such as these you have just read! =)

100% honest and up-to-date information No hidden extra costs Best Price Guarantee Explanation and support in English Lots of free extra tips and explanations

At 1900 meters, the starting point of the cable car, you will find many restaurants where you can have something to eat. Another option is to eat something at the bar at 2500 meters, where you arrive by cable car. Here you can find, for example, a pizza by the slice, an arancino or a sandwich. You can sit in this bar inside or on the small terrace outside with a view of the cable car. In addition, we always recommend taking something to eat and drink with you. Make sure you always take water with you and something sweet and savoury to eat.

No, choosing a time slot is not required — and also not possible. Your ticket is valid for the entire day, so you can arrive at any time within the official opening hours. Just make sure to come early enough to enjoy the full experience. Bonus: with your online ticket, you’ll have priority access at the ticket office, so no waiting in line!

On the left side of the Ticketoffice building you find a door for the "ticketoffice offices". Enter here and knock on the door. My colleagues will open de door and switch the voucher for the passes! Very quick, very easy!

You don't have a personal volcano guide, but there is a guide for the complete group of the 4x4 bus. The volcano guide is waiting up at 2900m as soon as you get of the 4x4 bus. So you don't have to look for him. Just get of the 4x4 bus and stay with the group. He will be there and give you a sign when the hike to the Barbagallo crater starts.
per person

€ 80.00

Mount Etna cable car and 4x4 bus to 2900 meters

  • All-inclusive: cable car + 4x4 bus + guide
  • Priority ticket for the ticketoffice!

Book now!

Book and pay for your excursion now and receive the confirmation voucher directly in your email inbox!

  • All-inclusive price! (Cable car + 4x4 bus round trip + volcanological guide)
  • Skip-the-line priority ticket!
  • Already over 76,000 satisfied customers

Select the number of participants

Adults (ages 11-99)
Children (ages 5-10)
Children (ages 0-4)
Excursion date

Need help or you want advise?

Need help? Me and my team will gladly help you choose your excursion!

  • Anniek I live in Linguaglossa and I’m an official touristic guide. It is my goal to give you the best memory of your holiday! I speak Italian, English and Dutch.
  • Ellen I live in Salerno and I love Sicily as a holiday destination. It is my goal to answer your request as soon as possible and to give you the best tips! I speak Italian, English and Dutch.
  • Alessandro I was born in Linguaglossa and I have over 40 years of experience on Mount Etna. Also, I’m an official volcano guide. I speak Italian, English, French and the Sicilian Dialect.
Contact us this way

Every day available from 09.00 hour to 21.00 hour, also on Sundays!

The guide and languages

The cable car and jeep tour up to 2920 metres is led by expert volcanological guides. The volcanological guides always speak Italian and English. Sometimes it is possible to find a guide who also speaks another language, such as French or German. Unfortunately it is not possible to book a language and/or guide in advance with this excursion.

Some Etna advise:

  • Always book in advance
  • Book this Etna tour on the first day you can visit Etna, that way you can always reschedule your Etna visit on another day in case of bad weather!
  • Wear colourful clothes, they look better in photos!

You want to book?

Would you like to book the cable car and jeep excursion up to 2920 meters? Fill out the booking form and after payment you receive directly your priority voucher for the excursion.
Please note that our e-mails (especially with Hotmail and Live addresses) sometimes end up in the spam folder. So please check your spam folder if you do not see a message from us.

Alternative options

Looking for a cheaper excursion? You can also choose to only take the cable car to 2500 meters. From here you can go for a short walk by yourself to the crater of 2001 for example. Here you find more information about taking only the Mount Etna cable car to 2500 meter.

Or, if you’re looking for a less touristic excursion, you can opt for the excursion from Etna North. There you have fixed starting times and a wonderfull excursion up to almost 3000m during daytime, or at sunset!

Restrictions

This tour is not recommended for:

  • Pregnant women
  • Children from 0 to 1 year
  • People with back problems
  • People with heart problems
  • People with respiratory problems
  • People with severe knee/walking problems

The reason for these limitations is the height at which they are reached. This is not good for the ears of small children, for example. Another reason is the bus trip, which takes place off-road on solidified lava. This is an extremely bumpy ride that is certainly not good for the foetus.

 

    • Reviews from our customers

    The reviews you find here are 100% authentic and voluntarily written by people who have actually experienced an excursion with us. Only our guests can leave feedback, thus ensuring transparency and quality. Our guests' opinions help us to constantly improve and offer more memorable experiences. Discover our excursions through the eyes of those who have already chosen Piano Provenzana and get inspired for your next adventure!

    Only reviews from customers who have made the excursion.

    Rated by 14 customers

    4,8

    • The itinerary of the excursion:
    • Price/quality excursion:
    • Guide service:
    "Excellent Customer Service from start to finish"

    I did not take the ride in the truck, I stayed behind with my mother because she could not do the ride. A very nice gentleman Yuri helped us with getting tickets for the cable car so she could at least see her other children and grandchildren when they came back from the excursion. I would recommend using this company if you are going to Etna because they are very accommodating from start to finish. My family said it was great. There are so many different other outfits there but I personally recommend this one and booking it online. Arrive early because it does become hectic in the parking area

    25 June 2025 - Annamaria Daniels, United States
    "“Great experience!”"

    We did the Mount Etna cable car and 4×4 bus to 2900 meters excursion and it was a great experience overall. The communication with Anniek was extremely helpful and she was very responsive at all hours even before actually booking the tickets ??? even advising against booking due to weather conditions. I am happy with Piano Provenzana and I'd book again, thanks!

    20 May 2025 - Martina, Bulgaria
    "“Great communication throughout ”"

    I've booked my trip up to Torre del Filosofo with Anniek. She was super friendly and responsive to any questions I had, and she helped me rebook my trip on very short notice. Would definitely recommend Piano Provenzana!

    16 April 2025 - Martin, Germany
    "“Great!”"

    It was perfect. Great service and experience. We recommend it!

    05 April 2025 - Eva,, Slovakia
    "I recommend the trip for families"

    I highly recommend the trip - we felt safe with our children. Everything went smooth, there were no delays, the trip was comfortable. Everywhere there are toilettes and bars with food.

    17 March 2025 - GZ, Poland
    "Service Before Excursion"

    I contacted Anniek to get the vouchers for the Mount Etna cable car and 4x4 bus to 2900m. She replied very promptly. We communicated via WhatsApp and email. She was very prompt and provided lots of information both from her and Ellen. As it is both very comprehensive and well presented so, being from one source, I did not have to visit several websites to collect the different bits and pieces. Well done. Please note that we have not made the excursion itself so the 4-star rating is in anticipation. The Pianoprovenzana 5-star rating is accurate and the quality/price evaluation is in anticipation.

    27 July 2024 - Richard M, United States
    "A truly memorable experience"

    While staying in Sicily for holiday, we wanted to go up Etna and explore her beauty. Not knowing where to start about choosing the right excursion, prices etc. we found Piano Provenzana website. The information, prices and advice given was just what we needed for a perfect day on mount Etna. Only negative was we arrived at the cable car office with a big TUI party in front of us and we weren't sure how to "fast track" with our voucher without seeming impolite. Being British we are hesitant to queue jump. Lucky we did not wait long and we were on way. We couldnt find a guide so just followed the TUI crowd with their guide. Etna is stunning and we had the best day. Thankyou for information provided by yourself and I would fully recommend using your services.

    13 May 2024 - Val, United Kingdom
    "Thank you Anniek!"

    Anniek’s communication was excellent. Even when our tour was threatened to be cancelled due to poor weather, she was proactive in helping us arrange alternatives. We wish every tour booking was as well organized and conscientious. 10 out of 10.

    07 May 2024 - Spring, Canada
    "Fabulous excursion”"

    Anniek’s website cuts through what you can expect and what to wear and makes the trip to Etna so much smoother. Allow about 2.5 hours in total, the cable car and 4x4 journey up to 3000 metres is something we’ll cherish forever. The guides for the walk anroind the craters are excellent. All in all a 5* experience and great value!

    15 March 2024 - Peter Ward, United Kingdom
    "Excellent???"

    The help we received while planning our expedition at Mt Etna was invaluable. All my questions were answered efficiently by Anniek Bakker. And when we arrived /no line!!! Just could avoid the chaos and walk right up. Trust me, you need to use this site to make this exciting day even more memorable!

    03 October 2023 - Donna Holmes, United States
    "Fantastic experience"

    The cable car experience was really good. It was comforting to travel by cable car in such a windy day like today. However, it would have been nice to have some discount offered for pre-reservation.

    10 August 2023 - Lakshmi V, India
    "Mt. Etna (June 2023)--Loved it!!"

    We are SO glad we did this with Pianoprovenzana. This is the way to do it if you have young children (less than 14). The skip the line, cable car and the buses make this an easy trip. The walk around is rather short but then you have the option of walking around more by yourself if you really want to. There is NO additional charge for this service anymore than you would have paid for by yourself. It is just that you get to skip the line for free. It sounded odd but that is the way it is. Anniek Bakker was extremely helpful and explained everything via email. The information was very clear and the process was explained step by step. I give this service full points.

    18 June 2023 - Ashay, United States
    "Well organized but part by foot is a joke"

    Very nice contact and well organized. Reservation worked well. Cable car and 4x4 transport as well. Walking part was rather a joke. If you have time and the guts to explore the area additionally by yourself, don't hesitate to do so.

    13 April 2023 - Anonymous, Switzerland
    "Hey Anniek, thanks for your great guidance!"

    On Sunday evening we were puzzled on how to plan and book our Etna trip for the next day. After visiting various websites, we landed at Piano Provenzana and we submitted our booking request via a simple contact form. That same evening all our questions got answered by Anniek via WhatsApp and we received our vouchers, without any prepayment. The next day we took the 'skip the line' and we immediately received our tickets upon mentioning our names. The small promised reduction by Piano Provenzana was honoured as well. How simple can it be! For sure we enjoyed the fantastic Etna scenery, but it was mainly the guidance of Anniek that wowed us! So, thank you, Anniek!

    24 July 2023 - Family Yudhira-Goris, Belgium
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