The Taormina cable car at a glance
The Funivia (cable car) Taormina-Mazzarò runs between the old town and the bay below, at Mazzarò. The local transport company ASM operates it. This is an independent guide, not the website of ASM or the town.
Not to be confused with the Mount Etna cable car, which is a different service. For that one, see the Etna cable car guide.
Fares in 2026
New fares from 1 August 2026.
| Ticket | Non-residents | Residents |
|---|---|---|
| One way | €8 | €2 |
| Return | €15 | – |
| Day pass | €20 | – |
| Week pass | €85 | – |
| Month pass | €170 | – |
ASM announced the new fares on 31 July 2026. Older guides quote lower prices, so treat any figure from before August 2026 as out of date. For one trip down and one back, the €15 return is the cheaper choice.
The day, week and month passes are separate products. Do not assume a parking ticket or a bus pass is included.
Hours and breaks in service
Summer and winter timetables differ.
ASM publishes daily service from 8 am to 1:30 am, with a cabin about every 15 minutes. Its FAQ gives winter hours of 8 am to 8 pm. Check the current timetable for the date when the winter hours begin, especially if you plan an evening return to the old town.
The cable car also stops for maintenance. In 2026 it was closed from 12 January and reopened on 28 March, with a replacement bus running between Mazzarò and Via Pirandello. If you travel in winter, check whether works are planned.
Dogs ride with a muzzle and lead. Small dogs must be in a carrier.
Tours around Taormina
Boat trips, Etna excursions and guided visits from Taormina, with live prices and availability.
Cable car, bus or car?
Three ways to reach the coast.
| Option | Cost in 2026 | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Cable car | €8 one way, €15 return | Cabin about every 15 minutes in the published summer service |
| Sea Line bus | – | Links the station, Isola Bella, Mazzarò, Spisone, Mazzeo and Letojanni; run by ASM |
| Car | Parking from €3 an hour | Lumbi and Porta Catania are outside the old town; Mazzarò has two car parks |
ASM sells 24-hour (€3.50), 72-hour (€7) and 7-day (€15) transport tickets. Do not assume they are valid on the cable car. Ask when you buy.
Parking in 2026
ASM rates, low season / high season. The high season runs from 1 April to 31 October.
| Car park | 1 hour | 24 hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lumbi (Via Mario e Nicola Garipoli) | €3 / €3 | €20 / €30 | Open around the clock; shuttle into town |
| Porta Catania (Via Crocefisso) | €3 / €5 | €25 / €34 | Open around the clock |
| Mazzarò, covered | – | €25 (low season) | High season: €6 an hour from 8 am to 2 am, €2 an hour overnight |
| Mazzarò, open | – | – | High season: €4 an hour from 8 am to 2 am, €1 an hour overnight |
The Lumbi shuttle starts early and runs into the night. Check which stop it serves before you board, because ASM's pages name two different stops.
What waits at the bottom
Mazzarò and beyond.
At Mazzarò the lido La Pigna runs a beach bar from 9 am to 6 pm and a restaurant and pizzeria from noon to 6 pm. It offers sunbeds, parasols, showers, changing rooms and towel hire. Ask on the spot for current prices.
The coastal station serves the Mazzarò and Isola Bella area. Read the Isola Bella guide for tickets and the reserve rules. For beach clubs and day prices see the beaches guide.
To reach Taormina from Catania airport, see Catania to Taormina.
Taormina cable car: frequently asked questions
How much is the Taormina cable car in 2026?
Since 1 August 2026 non-residents pay €8 one way and €15 return. A day pass costs €20, a week pass €85 and a month pass €170. Residents pay €2 one way.
What are the cable car hours?
ASM publishes daily service from 8 am to 1:30 am, with a cabin about every 15 minutes. Winter hours are 8 am to 8 pm. Check the timetable for the date the winter hours begin.
Is the cable car closed in winter?
It stops for maintenance at times. In 2026 it was closed from 12 January to 28 March, and a replacement bus ran between Mazzarò and Via Pirandello.
Can I take my dog?
Yes, with a muzzle and lead. Small dogs must travel in a carrier.
Does the day pass include parking?
Do not assume so. The pass terms are separate from parking tickets, so ask when you buy.
Is this the cable car to Mount Etna?
No. This one connects Taormina with Mazzarò on the coast. The volcano has its own cable car, covered in our sister guide to Etna.