Mount Etna by Cable Car – Skip the Line + Free Local Advice
Mount Etna cable car | 2500 meters
Rifugio Sapienza - Etna Sud
Open: 08.45 - 16.00 hour
Duration: Unrestricted
Mount Etna cable car from 1900 m up to 2500 m
Mount Etna cable car from 1900 m up to 2500 mDiscover the Etna volcano in a fun way, by yourself? Take the cable car from Rifugio Sapienza to 2500 m high. From here you have a beautiful view of the lava landscape with old craters. Attention: this excursion is at Etna South - Rifugio Sapienza. Not at Piano Provenzana!
- Start location: Rifugio Sapienza - Etna Sud
- Openingstime: 08.30 am - 4 pm
- Duration excursion: Unrestricted
Itinerary Mount Etna cable car
Your adventure begins at Rifugio Sapienza, the departure point of the Etna cable car. After exchanging your voucher at the ticket office, you’ll receive your access passes and can board the cable car that will smoothly take you up to an altitude of 2,500 meters.
The ride itself takes approximately 12 to 15 minutes, gliding just 30–40 meters above the volcanic terrain — so no worries about soaring heights or deep drops. Along the way, enjoy the ever-changing scenery of ancient lava flows and rugged volcanic landscapes.
Once you arrive at the top station at 2500 meters, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views. From here, you can admire the dramatic black lava fields below and catch a glimpse of the Sud-Est Crater — the most active crater of Mount Etna — in the distance.
You’re free to explore and stay as long as you like at the top station. When you’re ready, simply take the cable car back down to Rifugio Sapienza at your own pace. Just remember: the last descent is approximately 20 minutes before closing time, so keep an eye on the clock!
Openingtimes
The Etna cable car is open every day, including Sundays and public holidays. However, opening hours vary depending on the season, so we always recommend checking the exact schedule directly at the ticket office on the day of your visit, as it may change due to weather or volcanic conditions.
Low Season Schedule
(approx. October to June)
- Opening: 08:45 AM
- Last Ascent: 03:15 PM
- Last Descent: 03:40 PM
- Closing: 04:00 PM
High Season Schedule
(approx. June to September)
- Opening: 08:30 AM
- Last Ascent: 04:30 PM
- Last Descent: 05:10 PM
- Closing: 05:30 PM
Please make sure to arrive early enough to enjoy your visit without rushing — especially if you want to take photos, explore the area, or combine the cable car with other activities.
Start time
When you purchase your ticket(s), your voucher is valid for the entire day. There’s no need – or option – to select a specific time slot. Just make sure to arrive within the opening hours of the cable car.
We recommend visiting in the morning, as the weather on Mount Etna is usually clearer early in the day and again later in the afternoon. Around midday, clouds often gather around the volcano, reducing visibility.
Please note:
- Many guided hikes start around 09:00, and tour buses tend to arrive from 10:00 onward.
- A great time to go is between 09:15 and 10:00, when it’s still relatively quiet.
- On Sundays and public holidays, the area can get busy. The later you arrive, the harder it might be to find parking.
Plan smart – and enjoy the views!
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Starting point: Rifugio Sapienza -
Openingstime 08.45 - 16.00 hour -
Total duration: Unrestricted -
Total elevation gain 2500 meters -
Time in cable car 12-15 min.
Price Etna cable car
- Adults: € 52,00 per person round trip
- Children 5-10 years: € 30,00 per person round trip
- Children 0-4 years: free
Including and excluding
- Etna Cable car from 1900m to 2500m (round trip)
- Priority at the ticket-office
- Address + link Google maps
- Tips for a hike at 2500 meters
- Tips for a hike at 1900 meters
- Clothing tips
- Drinks and food
- Rental jacket and/or shoes (not obligatory)
- Parking costs
What to bring
Clothing tips
Depending on the time of year for this tour, the temperature can be very low. Often it is the wind that makes it feel cold.
Therefore, be sure to wear layered clothing and a good windproof jacket. A hat and scarf are also helpful! If you do not have a hat, consider a hoodie, for example. It is also advisable to wear good closed shoes. For example, hiking boots or sports shoes with good grip.
Keep in mind that even in high season the temperature at Mount Etna drops. We therefore always recommend to bring a jacket or hoodie for example!
Rental clothes and shoes
It is also possible to rent a jacket and/or shoes. You can go to one of the souvenir shops for this rental service or rent a jacket at the office at 2500 meters after you leave the cable car.
- Rental jacket: € 5,00
- Rental shoes: € 5,00
Food and drinks
If you want to bring food and drinks on the tour you can buy something in one of the restaurants and bars at Etna South. Or you can buy something at the bar at 2500 meters after you leave the cable car.
- Layered clothes
- Good sport shoes
- Backpack
- (Wind)jacket
- Sunglasses
- Water
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Snack
A few tips:
- Book always in advance
- Book this Mount Etna tour on the first day you can visit Mount Etna, this way you can reschedule your Mount Etna visit to another day, in case of bad weather or illness!
- Wear colored clothes, it looks nicer in the pictures!
Alternative excursion
Looking for a more complete excursion? You can also choose to take the cable car to 2500 meters and the 4×4 bus to bring you 4-5 km up to 2750 meters! Find out more about this option here: Mount Etna Cable car + 4×4 bus to 2750 meters.
Why Book Your Etna Cable Car Tickets With Us?
✔ Free Extra Service – No Extra Costs
With your reservation, you pay exactly the same as you would at the ticket office. No booking fees, no hidden costs. Only with the online booking you get priority at the ticket-office and all the free extra service and smart tips! No cue up anymore and safe easily 30 minutes of waiting time!
✔ Priority Access & Smart Tips
When you book through us, you’ll get priority at the ticket office and all the practical information you need:
– Where to go and how to get there
– Our best walking suggestions for after your cable car ride
– Tips to avoid the crowds and make the most of your visit
Booking now means you can start your Etna adventure relaxed, well-prepared and with insider knowledge – without paying a cent more. Don’t wait in line: book your spot now and enjoy the view!
FAQ
No, you don’t need to select a time slot (not possible too). Your ticket is valid all day on the date you choose. Just make sure to arrive within the official opening hours of the cable car.
Opening hours vary depending on the season.
- Low Season: 08:45 – 16:00 (last ascent at 15:15, last descent at 15:40)
- High Season: 08:30 – 17:30 (last ascent at 16:30, last descent at 17:10)
We advise checking the exact times locally on the day of your visit.
The cable car departs from Rifugio Sapienza, located on the south side of Mount Etna at 1900 meters altitude.
The ride to 2500 meters takes about 12 to 15 minutes. The cable car hangs 30–40 meters above the ground, not over deep ravines – so it's also suitable for people with a fear of heights.
Yes, you are free to stay at 2500 meters as long as you like, as long as you return before the last descent. We recommend keeping an eye on the clock and weather conditions.
If availability allows, yes. Just keep an eye on the openingtimes of the Etna Cable car, so you are sure to have enough time to explore.
Absolutely not! Our service is completely free of charge. You pay the same price as at the ticket office, but only with us you skip the line and receive personal tips and advice for your visit. Choose wisely, choose the best preparation to enjoy Mount Etna.
Yes, the cable car is suitable for all ages. Children often enjoy the ride and the view, and elderly guests can take their time at 2500 meters without needing to hike.
In case of strong winds, snowfall, or thunderstorms, the Etna cable car may be suspended for safety reasons. The system is fully automated and equipped with safety sensors: as soon as wind speeds exceed the safe limit, the system shuts down automatically to prevent any risks. If weather conditions allow, 4x4 buses may be used as an alternative to bring visitors up the mountain. This depends on visibility and terrain conditions and is decided on-site by the cable car operator and mountain guides.
Yes, dogs are welcome on the Etna cable car and can join the ride free of charge. Just make sure your dog is leashed and behaves well around other visitors.
Yes, you can bring your bicycle on board at no additional cost. This makes it perfect if you plan to explore Etna’s upper slopes by bike. Just be mindful of space and respectful of other passengers.
Yes—Sicilian residents qualify for a special discounted rate on the Etna cable car. To receive this discount, you must present a valid passport or Italian national ID card showing residence in Sicily at the ticket office. Important: A driver’s license is not accepted as proof of residence. The resident discount cannot be booked online; it is only available on-site upon presentation of the required ID.
Free Extra Service – No Extra Costs With your reservation, you pay exactly the same as you would at the ticket office. No booking fees, no hidden costs. Only with the online booking you get priority at the ticket-office and all the free extra service and smart tips! No cue up anymore and safe easily 30 minutes of waiting time! Priority Access & Smart Tips When you book through us, you’ll get priority at the ticket office and all the practical information you need:
– Where to go and how to get there
– Our best walking suggestions for after your cable car ride
– Tips to avoid the crowds and make the most of your visit Booking now means you can start your Etna adventure relaxed, well-prepared and with insider knowledge – without paying a cent more. Don’t wait in line: book your spot now and enjoy the view!
per person
€ 52.00
Mount Etna cable car | 2500 meters
Ticket office priority ticket + free extra walking tips!- Children age 5-10: € 30,00 p.p. round trip
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
Need help or you want advise?
Need help? Me and my team will gladly help you choose your excursion!
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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. 
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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. 
WhatsApp: +39 347 327 3842
E-mail: team@pianoprovenzana.itEvery day available from 09.00 hour to 21.00 hour, also on Sundays!
Restrictions Mount Etna cable car
Taking the Etna cable car is not recommended for infants aged 0–3 months, due to the risk of ear pressure problems caused by the rapid change in altitude.
Although there are no strict medical restrictions for using the cable car, we recommend that visitors with certain health conditions—such as severe heart or respiratory problems—consult their doctor before ascending to higher altitudes.
At 2500 meters, the air is thinner and the pressure lower than at sea level, which could lead to lightheadedness or shortness of breath, especially if you’re not used to altitude. If you’re feeling unwell or have recently had surgery, it’s best to check with a medical professional before your visit.
Additional tips:
- If you are prone to motion sickness, be aware that the cable car may sway slightly, especially on windy days.
- If you suffer from vertigo or fear of heights, please consider this before taking the ride.
- Pregnant women can generally use the cable car, but it is always advisable to consult with your physician, especially during later stages of pregnancy.
Finally, all visitors should listen to the staff’s safety instructions and check the weather and operational status of the cable car before heading up, especially during winter or stormy conditions or with volcanic activity.
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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.
"Fantastic customer service"
Anniek at Pianoprovenzana provided fantastic customer service and information. Even though we booked our trip very last minute, she provided up to date information that was invaluable for our trip to Etna. Highly recommended!
28 August 2023 - LJ White, United Kingdom"Salita Etna"
Ottimo servizio, gentili e disponibili, ci hanno permesso di avere il biglietto ridotto per il ragazzo di 12 anni
06 January 2022 - Luisa, Italy© Pianoprovenzana.com - all rights reserved
