How to climb the Rock of Gibraltar

An important notice first of all: The cable car is closed since November 2025 for a comprehensive reconstruction, and It is not expected to reopen until 2027.

That leaves Three ways to climb the Rock: tourist taxi, on foot or by electric bike. And there is a fourth one that many people take for granted, but which is not possible.

🚫 You cannot do this in a private car

Private vehicles are not permitted to enter the Nature Reserve. This is not a recommendation because the road is narrow: it is a ban.

You can drive into Gibraltar and park down there, but You have to take a different route up.

The border is no longer a problem

And this really is a recent development: from the 15 July 2026 the land crossing from La Línea de la Concepción has no controls. La Verja is no longer operating as a checkpoint and has been dismantled.

Crossing takes no time at all. For Spanish nationals and citizens of the European Economic Area, a valid national identity card is sufficient, although it is advisable to carry it with you. Checks are still in place at the port and the airport.

The details can be found at What you need to enter Gibraltar.

Admission to the Reserve is charged separately

Whichever medium you choose, You have to pay the entrance fee for the Upper Rock:

• Adults: 30 pounds.
• Children aged 5 to 11: 22 pounds.
• Children under 5: free.

Rates for August 2026. It covers everything: Skywalk, San Miguel Cave, tunnels, Moro Castle, Windsor Bridge and the Monkeys’ Lair.

1. By tourist taxi: the default option now

With the cable car out of service, this is the most practical way. They are official taxis and minibuses —the call Rock Tour— who drive up the road, stopping at the main points along the way.

How it works:

• They are leaving the border area and Grand Parade, where the cable car base station was located.
• It lasts about two hours, with stops at Punta Europa, the San Miguel Cave, the tunnels and the macaque area.
• The driver acts as a guide and knows the route inside out.
• Confirm whether admission to the Reserve is included included in the price or paid for separately.

That’s the right thing to do if you’re travelling with children or elderly people, if the weather’s getting hot, or if you don’t fancy walking in the sun.

2. On foot: which route to take and which ones are closed

It’s free and gives you the greatest freedom, but it’s demanding. Calculate between an hour and a half and two hours all the way to the top, with a continuous incline.

⚠️ The Mediterranean Steps are closed

You need to know this before you plan anything. The best-known and most spectacular walking route —the Mediterranean Steps, the staircase carved into the rock on the south face, which leads up to O’Hara’s battery— It has been closed since a landslide in May 2026, pending assessment.

Check its condition before you go if you’d been expecting that rise.

Walking options

There are still the paths that climb up from the lower area along the western slope; they are less spectacular but still passable.

What to bring: closed shoes with soles, plenty of water, a cap and sun cream.

And set off early. In summer, the south-facing side is very hot at midday.

Note: Until the cable car closed, lots of people would walk up and take the cable car down. That combination is no longer possible: whether you walk up, walk down or take a taxi up.

3. By electric bike

For those looking for something a bit different. On a standard bike, the road is challenging and narrow, and has to be shared with minibuses; the electricity bill makes it affordable.

Please note that Access by bicycle is restricted on some sections in the Reserve, so it is advisable to book with a local operator who is familiar with the permitted routes.

Which one’s right for you?

• When you’re short on time, with children or with older people: a tourist taxi, without a moment’s hesitation.
• You enjoy walking and like to allow plenty of time: on foot, checking beforehand which paths are open.
• If you’re looking for something a bit different and you’re in good shape: guided electric bike tour.
• If you’re coming from Málaga or the Costa del Sol: an organised trip, which also includes transport.

And a word of warning about the times: Before, the cable car took six minutes to reach the top. You’ll now need to allow for a good two hours for the upper part. If you’re coming during the day, make sure you plan ahead.

What you’ll find above

The Skywalk at 340 metres, the San Miguel Cave, the tunnels of the Great Siege and those from the Second World War, the Moorish Castle and the macaques.

Full details at What to see at the Rock of Gibraltar, the monkeys in the monkeys of Gibraltar and the status of the cable car at this page.

The full programme, at what to see in Gibraltar in one day, and for lunch, Where to eat in Gibraltar.

Upload with ease

We are a local tour operator based in Málaga with over 50 years’ experience organising trips around Andalusia. With the cable car closed, the excursion covers the entire ascent: transport from Málaga and the Costa del Sol, border crossing and guided tour of the Rock:

More at Ten interesting facts about Gibraltar.

Frequently asked questions

How do you get to the Rock of Gibraltar in 2026?

There are three ways: by tourist taxi, which is the most convenient option since the cable car closed; on foot, which takes between an hour and a half and two hours to climb; or by electric bike with a guide. The cable car has been out of service since November 2025 due to reconstruction work and is not expected to reopen until around 2027.

Can you drive up to the Rock in a private car?

No. Private vehicles are not permitted in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. You can drive into Gibraltar and park in the lower area, but the ascent must be made by tourist taxi, on foot or by bicycle, subject to the relevant restrictions.

Are the Mediterranean Steps open?

No. This staircase, carved into the rock face on the south side, which leads up to O’Hara’s Battery and is the most spectacular walking route on the Rock, remains closed following a rockfall in May 2026, and its reopening is pending assessment. It is advisable to check the condition of the footpaths before planning a hike.

Do you need a passport to cross into Gibraltar?

Since 15 July 2026, there have been no routine border checks at the land crossing from La Línea de la Concepción, following the entry into force of the agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom. For Spanish nationals and citizens of the European Economic Area, a valid national identity card is sufficient, although it is advisable to carry it with you. Checks remain in place at the port and the airport.

How much does it cost to go up the Rock of Gibraltar?

Entry to the Nature Reserve costs 30 pounds for adults and 22 for children aged 5 to 11; it is free for children under that age, according to the rates for August 2026. You’ll need to add the cost of your chosen transport to this, unless you walk up. It’s worth checking whether the tourist taxi includes the entrance fee or if it’s paid for separately.

How far in advance do you need to book to climb the Rock?

With the cable car out of service, it’s best to allow at least two and a half hours to reach the top. The journey by tourist taxi takes about two hours, including stops, whilst the walk up takes between an hour and a half and two hours for the ascent alone. Previously, with the cable car, the ascent took just six minutes, so plans for the day have changed substantially.