Getting around Gibraltar
There are a variety of ways to get around the rock:
On Foot
Gibraltar is so small (about 6 square kilometres) that getting around town - and around The Rock, in general - is a feasible option, if you have the time and energy.
Walking to the lookout point where the cable car stops is a considerable hike that could take at least 2 hours, or much more, depending on your level of fitness
By bus
There are five bus routes in Gibraltar (routes 2, 3, 4, 9, and 10) and buses run to most areas of the territory apart from the Upper Rock, which is a nature reserve. The Gibraltar Bus Company runs four routes, with its distinctive modern fleet of Dennis Dart buses. These are:
- Route 2: From Referendum House Terminus to Willis's Road Terminus.
- Route 3: From Air Terminal Terminus to Europa Point Terminus.
- Route 4: From Rosia Terminus to Both Worlds Terminus.
- Route 9: From Air Terminal Terminus to Market Place Terminus.
The Calypso Bus Company runs the remaining route (route 10) with a more elderly fleet of red double-decker buses. Although at first sight similar in appearance to London's red buses, these left-hand-drive vehicles are actually second-hand from Germany (Berlin continues to operate similar double-deck buses).
If you are considering using the bus system as a medium of sightseeing, the Gibraltar Bus Company offers a 'Hopper Bus' Ticket priced at £6.60 for adults and £4.40 for children. This permits full day access on all routes. The bus terminal at Market Place (Casemates) is the ideal place to begin your journey (which can be accessed by routes 5 or 10 from the border). To get to the Easternly beaches, bus routes 4 and 8 towards the direction of Both Worlds are advised. For the Westerly beaches and Europa Point, you need to take routes 2,3,4 or 9. For those interested in accessing the Upper Rock on a budget, bus line 2 will take you to Garrisson Gym where you can then about 20 minutes uphill to the Pillars of Hercules which is a great starting point for experiencing what the Nature Reserve has to offer. Alternatively, to reach the Cable Car stop routes 4 or 9 will leave you the closest.
Rental Car
Cars are available for hire in Gibraltar and for travelling in Spain. See more info on our Gibraltar Airport Car Hire page. More>
Taxi
Gibraltar's taxi drivers provide tailor made tours and can be hired at the following locations:
- Frontier
- Gibraltar Coach Terminus
- Casemates Square
- John Mackintosh Square (The Piazza)-Town Centre
- Holy Trinity-Cathedral Square
- Trafalgar Cemetery
- Cruise Terminal
If you wish to start your tour straight from the frontier tours depart every 15 minutes from the Gibraltar frontier 09:30 to 15:30 7 days a week.
The price set by the Gibraltar Taxi Association is £50 per person, including the entry ticket to all Upper Rock sites (£30 ticket price is included in the taxi fare). Customised tours can also be negotiated for different time lengths. The standard tour includes a knowledgeable introduction to the following sites: The Great Siege Tunnels, The Moorish Castle, St Michael's Cave, The Rock Apes (monkeys), Europa Point, 9.2" Coastal Guns.
Cable car
The cable car that takes you to a spectacular lookout point at the top of The Rock is more than an attraction in itself. This is a way to travel - at least for those without vertigo. The cable car costs £19 round trip for adults and £9 round trip for children over 7. Children 6 and under travel free.
You will also find a snack bar and a souvenir shop within the top station complex.
The Cable Car Opening Times 0930-1915hrs 7 days a week.
Last Cable Car down 1945hrs Except 1st Nov to 31st March 0930-1715hrs.
Last Cable Car down 1745hrs
The Cable Car runs continuously throughout the day, approx every 10 min. No reservation is required.
To note, if you intend to book a Taxi Tour, Cable Car and/or Dolphin Adventure Safari, then package tickets can be purchased for a discounted price on the official Gibraltar Nature Reserve website.
Bike
You can hire an e-bike in Gibraltar from £35 half-day or £49 full-day (watch out for seasonal discount and family/group discounts on the official website). Alternatively, the E-bike company does take private Rock tours with prices starting from £89 (includes £30 entrance fee to Upper Rock).
E-bike Experience Store, Imperial Ocean Plaza, Ocean Village, Gibraltar, GX111AA
Car rental travel may be the best form of transportation into Gibraltar- if you don't have a rigid schedule and are prepared to test your defensive driving skills on Spain's speedy highways. Although a little more expensive than bus travel, car rentals allow the greatest amount of flexibility for sightseeing along the way and visiting many historical, old towns you would have otherwise missed. Have a good trip!
