Enjoy a breath-taking trip on Scotland’s only Funicular Railway, the highest in the UK, reaching the Ptarmigan Top Station at over 1,097m above sea level. The railway returned to service on Thursday 27 February 2025.
The 2km funicular railway runs a regular service taking customers to the top station in around 5 – 8 minutes.
As you travel up the mountainside you’ll get the chance to capture spectacular views of the mountains, forests and glistening Loch Morlich below. You may also be lucky enough to spot our regular neighbours, the free roaming Cairngorm Mountain reindeer herd.
As you approach the ‘passing loop’ you’ll see the other train passing on the way down. Your train guide will point out any wildlife and special views to take in as you travel with us.
Once you reach the top station, you’ll find the UK’s highest restaurant, The Ptarmigan. You’ll also find the Cairngorm Gin Bar and a breathtaking viewing terrace.
Enjoy dining in the restaurant, sampling local gins or beers whilst taking in the views from the floor to ceiling windows.
We’ll also be opening our 270-degree immersive film, exhibition, interactive sandboxes and gift shop soon!
Due to there being a reduced offering in the Ptarmigan building return passes for the Funicular will be sold at the reduced price.
| Return Day Ticket | Standard Price | Reduced Price |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (18-64 yrs) | £22.00 | £17.00 |
| Junior (6-17 yrs) | £12.50 | £9.50 |
| Student (18 yrs+& in FT education) | £18.50 | £14.00 |
| Senior (65 yrs+) | £18.50 | £14.00 |
| Child (0-5) | FREE | FREE |
| Family 1 Adult & 2 Juniors | £38.00 | £28.00 |
| Family 2 Adults & 1 Junior | £46.00 | £35.00 |
| Family 2 Adults & 2 Juniors | £56.00 | £42.00 |
If you are a walker/climber and only require a single ticket for the railway journey from the Top Station to the Base Station, you can purchase a down ticket from the Top Ptarmigan Restaurant.
| Down Ticket Only | Standard Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (18-64 yrs) | £11.00 |
| Junior (6-17 yrs) | £6.25 |
| Student (18 yrs+& in FT education) | £9.25 |
| Senior (65 yrs+) | £9.25 |
| Dog | £2.00 |
During the snowsports season the journey takes around 5 minutes each way. Outside of the snowsports season, the funicular journey takes 8 minutes each way.
In order to protect the plateau and comply with our Visitor Management Plan only assistance dogs (on production of certification) can travel up on the mountain railway (since there are no facilities to walk your dog at the Top Station). However, you can walk up to the top station with your dog and take the railway back down since you are travelling to the Base Station with facilities for dogs. Please note that dogs must be kept on a leash however you can bring them into the Ptarmigan Restaurant. Purchase your down ticket from The Shop at The Top. Please note dogs are also welcome in our cafes in the Day Lodge.
The Top Station at Cairngorm Mountain is a great day out for all ages and includes:
*Open subject to weather conditions
During the snowsports season, railway passengers are allowed to go outside but must stay within the ski boundary area. If you are a walker/climber and wish to go outside of the ski boundary area, you cannot travel up on the railway, however you can purchase a down ticket from the Top Station.
In order to protect the plateau, when we are not open for snow-sports funicular passengers are not permitted to exit the top station building to go onto the mountain unless they are booked onto a guided walk. Access to our Ptarmigan Restaurant, exhibition, learning zone, shop and viewing terrace are available all year round (weather permitting for the terrace).
Funicular Railway tickets can be purchased online or from our Ticket Office at Cairngorm Mountain.
Our funicular railway is fully accessible for all abilities including wheelchair access. You’ll find lift access on the lower floor of the Base Station to take you to the railway platform. Once at the top station you’ll also find lift access to reach each level of the building effortlessly. If you require any further assistance, just speak with our Ticket Office Team when you arrive or give us a call ahead of your arrival to discuss on 01479 861261.
© Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Limited | Registered in Scotland No.SC614703
