Information
Landmark: Dajti Ekspres Cable CarCity: Tirana
Country: Albania
Continent: Europe
Dajti Ekspres Cable Car, Tirana, Albania, Europe
Overview
The Dajti Ekspres is the longest cable car in the Balkans, gliding high above the trees as it carries you to the summit of Mount Dajti on Tirana’s edge.Tourists and locals flock here for the sweeping city views, the crisp scent of mountain air, and the chance to hike, picnic, or simply linger in the sun.Number one.The Dajti Ekspres cable car starts in the village of Linzë, just a 15‑minute drive from central Tirana, and glides 4.7 kilometers-about 2.9 miles-up to Dajti National Park on Mount Dajti, which rises 1,613 meters (5,292 feet) above sea level; the trip takes roughly 15 minutes each way, with modern, state‑of‑the‑art cabins that keep the ride smooth and safe as the city slowly shrinks below.The Austrian-Swiss company Doppelmayr-Garaventa built it, drawing on decades of experience crafting cable cars that glide over mountain peaks across the globe.The cable cars have roomy cabins with wide windows, perfect for soaking in the scenery as you glide upward.Each one fits up to six people-great for families or small groups-and they’re fully enclosed, keeping you warm and dry no matter the season.As you climb, Tirana’s rooftops spread out below, giving way to scattered villages, rolling countryside, and the deep green slopes of Mount Dajti; on a clear day, the Adriatic glints faintly on the horizon.At the summit, you step onto the Dajti Mountain Plateau, part of Dajti National Park, where oak and pine forests shelter wildlife and trails wind through picnic areas.Hikers can choose anything from gentle paths to challenging treks, while adventure seekers launch into the sky on paragliders.When it’s time to refuel, the Ballkoni i Dajtit Restaurant serves hearty local dishes alongside familiar international favorites.The rotating platform lets diners take in a full 360-degree view as they eat, maybe catching the shimmer of rooftops in the distance.Nearby cafés and snack bars serve drinks and light bites.Families can enjoy playgrounds, mini-golf, and even horseback rides for all ages.Several viewing decks offer sweeping panoramas of Tirana and the hills that cradle the city.These platforms are a dream for photography lovers, with crisp mountain air and sweeping views that beg to be captured.In summer, you can ride from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; in winter, it’s 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., though hours might shift on holidays or when the weather turns.A round-trip ticket for adults runs about 8–10 EUR, and kids often get discounted fares, with family or group deals sometimes available.If you’re driving, head to the lower station in Linzë, where there’s plenty of parking; buses from Tirana’s center will also get you there, but a taxi or rideshare is quicker.Morning trips offer cool breezes and crystal-clear views, while sunset rides bathe the mountains in gold and pink.Wear layers-the air is always cooler up on Mount Dajti-and sturdy shoes for wandering the park’s trails.Give yourself a good two to three hours for the ride, a meal, and time on the plateau; bring water, snacks, and gear if you plan to hike.The cable car’s kept in excellent condition, and safety procedures are followed closely.Still, it’s smart to check the weather first-strong winds can shut things down.So why go?The Dajti Ekspres Cable Car isn’t just a ride; it’s an experience, gliding high above the trees with the mountains unfolding around you.Blending nature, adventure, and sweeping mountain views, the Dajti Ekspres Cable Car has something for everyone-wander through the fresh pine-scented trails of Dajti National Park, share a family meal with a view, steal a quiet moment for two, or chase thrills with a hike or a glide through the air-and it’s easily one of Tirana’s must‑try experiences.It’s a rare chance to leave the city’s noise behind and lose yourself in the quiet, pine-scented slopes of Mount Dajti.Whether you’re here to unwind, seek out new sights, or chase a bit of adventure, this cable car ride delivers an experience you won’t forget, gliding high above Albania’s rolling green hills.
