Ash
Written by Ash

Tibidabo Amusement Park: Barcelona’s Retro Theme Park Visit

| 38 comments

Update (08/01/22): Tibidabo Amusement Park is currently closed for the season. Opening is expected in mid March, and hours will be updated as information comes in.

That high rising mountain with its little glowing basilica hat keeps watch over the city and can be seen from just about anywhere in Barcelona.

That’s Tibidabo Mountain – meaning ‘I will give you’ in Latin.

And just how much does it give, my prospective Barcelona tourist? Well, for starters it gives us the Tibidabo Amusement Park – but that’s only the half of it.

Visiting Tibidabo Mountain

While it’s not one of the essential things to do in Barcelona I still recommend people, especially families with kids, to get your Tibidabo Amusement Park tickets and head up this 512 meter (1700 feet) mountain backdrop.

This unique Barcelona mountain escape offers you the chance to:

  • Spend the afternoon with family away from the chaos of the city.
  • Enjoy the most breathtaking panoramic views of Barcelona.
  • See the postcard-esque basilica Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
  • Get thrilled at a vintage Amusement Park built in 1889.

The emblematic, completely restored 100 year old Ferris Wheel takes you to even greater heights and short of a €500.00 private helicopter tour is the best view of the entire city.

Those going for Tibidabo Amusement Park and its rides will find it divided in two separate theme parks: one that’s perfect for kids where you find all the classics, and another called Sky Walk for those looking for a bit more risk.

To give you a better idea of the park check out my Tibidabo Mountain album.

Tibidabo Amusement Park – Parc d’Atraccions Tibidabo

This Barcelona theme park is about games, entertainment, and adrenaline.

Let your kids run wild on Mount Tibidabo with maze of mysterious castles, trampolines, bumper cars, giant swings, and rollercoasters. With your Tibidabo theme park ticket you’ll get ‘double entrance’ to all the rides of the Sky Walk as well.

Of the more than 25 rides some highlights are:

Talaia

This can only be explained as a swinging piece of uncooked spaghetti with a steel cage on either end. A Youtube video claimed this to be the scariest amusement park ride in the entire world but I say that’s a bit of an exaggeration.

That view from this 1921-built ‘vantage point ride’ are spectacular.

Height restrictions:

  • 120 cm+ (3’9″) can ride solo.
  • 80 cm to 120 cm (2’6″-3’9″) with guardian.
  • Under 80 cm (3’11”) cannot go on the ride.

Giradabo

The aforementioned Ferris Wheel was inaugurated in 2014 and has taken city views to new heights – literally!

Being situated at the highest point of the mountain you’ll get amazing views of the city and the sea, so get the cameras ready because one round on this beast will yield you enough Instagram vacation-envy to last a lifetime.

Height restrictions:

  • 130 cm+ (4’2″) can ride solo.
  • 95 cm to 130 cm (3’11”-4’2″) with guardian.
  • Under 95 cm (3’11”) cannot go on the ride.

L’Avio

It’s known as the worlds first flight simulator but it’s actually a scaled replica of the plane that flew Iberian Airlines’ first commercial flight between Barcelona and Madrid in 1927.

The guest of honour on the flight was none other than King Alfonso XIII.

Height restrictions:

  • 120 cm+ (3’9″) can ride solo.
  • 0 cm to 120 cm (2’6″-3’9″) with guardian.

Tibidabo Amusement Park Prices

The strange thing about Tibidabo Amusement Park prices is that they don’t differentiate between ages – here the name of the game is centimeters! 

  • Over 120 cm (3’9″): €28.50 €27.08.
  • Under 120 cm: €10.30 €9.78.
  • Under 90 cm: free (with paid accompanying visitor).
  • Over 60: €9.00.
  • Disabled visitors: €5.60.

As always I recommend buying your attraction tickets online to save money and avoid lines.

Tibidabo Amusement Park Tickets Online

By clicking the blue button below you’ll be transported to the official Barcelona Tourism Office and receive a 5% discount on tickets.

All tickets include 25 amusement park rides, shows, street theater, and Sky Walk entrance.

BCN AMUSEMENT PARK
Book my tickets now!

Tibidabo Skywalk Only Tickets

Ticket includes all the Sky Walk rides (Talaia, Carrousel, Giradabo, Avió, Automata Museum, Cel Building and three children’s rides: Les Llaunes, Pony Rodeo and Río Grande).

  • Adults: €12.70.
  • Under 120 cm: €7.80.
  • Under 90 cm: free (with paid accompanying visitor).
  • Over 60: €6.70.
  • Disabled: €3.30.
sagrada familia passion façade under construction sagrada familia passion façade under construction
Saving 10% on attractions is just the beginning!

How to Get to Tibidabo from Barcelona

By Shuttle Bus

The TIBIBUS is a direct shuttle bus service that costs €3.00 for a single ticket (€6.00 return).

If you’re buying Tibidabo Amusement Park tickets at the top you can get a refund on this money at the ticket office.

The Tibibus runs from the following locations:

Visiting Barcelona? Chances are the T2A is your best bet as it is the most central shuttle bus – it runs from 10:00-2:00 every 45 minutes, from 2:00- 5:45 every 90 minutes, and from 5:54 pm until close every 45 minutes.

By Train + Tram + Funicular

Update (08/01/22): the Tramvia Blau is currently out of service for maintenance.

Update (08/01/22): The Tibidabo Funicular has finally gotten its face lift – the new Cuca de Llum (Firefly) service is larger (252 passengers), faster (3 minutes from top to bottom) , and offers a panoramic view with its floor to ceiling windows. There is also new audio educational info. This is free with Tibidabo theme park entrance tickets or €12.00 for visitors without tickets.

Take the FGC (the Catalonian Regional Rail services) brown line L7 from Plaça Catalunya to Av.Tibidabo or jump on the Bus Turistic to get dropped off right there.

Once you’re there you’ll see the historic San Francisco-esque blue tram line called the Tramvia Blau – it’ll take you up to the Tibidabo Funicular station (Cuca de Llum) which will take you right to the Tibidabo amusement park entrance.

Hours are limited so if the Tramvia Blau isn’t running that particular day the 196 bus will do the same.

Tickets cost €2.40 (L7) + €5.50 or €2.40 (Tramvia Blau or bus 196) + €12.00 (Tibidabo Funicular, return).

Those taking the Bus Turistic get a 50% discount on the Tibidabo Funicular at €6.00

Return price: €12.20 – €19.90 depending on method.

Time: about an hour.

By Train + Funicular + Bus

Getting a Barcelona discount travel card like the Hola Bcn or Barcelona Card will get you to Tibidabo on the cheap – for more information check out my post on the differences between the two transport passes.

With your travel card grab FGC train S1 or S2 from Plaça Catalunya and get off at Peu de Funicolar.

From here you can get the Vallvidrera Funicular to Vallvidrera Superior where you’ll get bus 111 (every 30 minutes) to leave you right at the Tibidabo Amusement Park entrance.

Return price: free

Time: about an hour.

Tibidabo Amusement Park Hours

Mount Tibidabo Amusement Park is currently closed until March 2022.

Tibidabo hours are constantly in change so it’s best to look at the official site.

In general the Sky Walk is open every day while the Tibidabo Amusement Park is only open weekends during low season and daily during summer. 

The Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

For those not looking to visit the Tibidabo Amusement Park there’s certainly the option to come up, go for a little walk, and take a few photos over a quiet afternoon.

Exploring the area around the amusement park will give you a few options – there’s even a bar and a xurreria where you’ll find some delicious churros con chocolate.

The other of the top attractions up there though is the wordy Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Basilica that pokes up into the sky and gifts you yet another magnificent view of the city.

The Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was constructed in the beginning of the 900’s in conjunction with the park and was naturally situated at the highest point of Tibidabo Mountain. One of the good things here is that temple visits are free.

If you want to take the elevator to the top though it’ll cost you €4.00.

Tibidabo Amusement Park Tips

  • Go as early a possible to avoid crowds.
  • Don’t line up to buy funicular tickets at windows – the automated machines are in Spanish but are intuitive (it says ‘funicular’ and asks for a quantity) and will save you 20 minutes on a busy day.
  • Don’t bank on taking a taxi back down – it’s nearly impossible to flag one.
  • Ask about the awe-inspiring closing laser show (seasonal) at 21:30.
  • Check the weather forecast/smog index to ensure the best city views.
  • Outside of peak summer times the wind gets pretty high – bring a sweater!
  • Consider walking back down Tibidabo Mountain nstead of taking the blue tram (cheaper and avoids crowds).
  • Once you get to the top of Tibidabo Mountain the ability to buy food and drink is extremely limited – if you don’t wanna pay a fortune for low quality food make sure to pack your own.
  • Pack a picnic lunch and take advantage of the views from the many steps and benches provided.
  • If you’re looking for some quality tapas after head to nearby Bar Mirablau (near the Tramvia Blau) for a cold beer and some amazing fried calamari.
  • Climbing the basilica steps to the top is a workout – not recommended for those with limited mobility.

Mount Tibidabo Theme Park FAQ

  • How to reach Mount Tibidabo?

    The fastest way to get to Tibidabo is by taking one of the three shuttle buses called the Tibibus. The T2A service is the most central, departing from the bus stop at Estació del Nord, near Arc de Triomf. Tickets cost €3.00 one way. Shuttle buses run from 10:00 am till 30 minutes after the park closes. Expect the ride to take about 30 minutes depending on traffic.

  • Is Tibidabo worth it?

    For lovers of theme parks, especially retro ones which date back over 100 years, visiting Tibidabo Mountain is a unique, thrilling, and ultimately rewarding experience. Beyond the theme park, the Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Basilica is one of the most beautiful buildings in all of Catalunya – it offers visitors the chance of a small religious pilgrimage. In the end, the entire area is beautiful and offers an amazing panoramic view of the city. For these three reasons it’s well worth the visit.

  • Can you walk to Tibidabo?

    Tibidabo is reachable on foot, through the famous Barcelona green lung known as Parc de Collserola. This beautiful wooded area of hiking trails, viewpoints, and local vegetation is a great escape from the city.

    It’s easily accessible from Plaça Catalunya via the S1 or S2 train. From just outside the Baixador de Vallvidrera train stop you’ll find the trail called Carretera de les Aigues – El Tibidabo. From here it’s a 3.5 hour hike to make sure you bring durable shoes.

  • Is Mount Tibidabo free?

    Provided you can arrange your own way up the mountain, like having your own car or even hiking, access to Tibidabo is completely free. Visits to the basilica are also free. However, once at the top if you’d like to visit the Tibidabo Amusement Park you will have to pay for tickets which start at €12.70

  • Is there parking at Mount Tibdabo?

    Yes, at the top of the mountain you’ll find a 5-level, 500 space car park. Tickets cost €0.05 a minute or €13.00 for the whole day. Due to limited spots tickets should be reserved online and must be booked at least 24 hours beforehand.

Questions About Tibidabo Amusement Park?

Going to Tibidabo Amusement Park isn’t any good for anyone without some sharing: so tell me, how was it? Did I miss anything in the article that could be explained better?

Also, remember that any Barcelona city question will be answered ASAP in the comments below.

38 comments
  • February 17, 2020 at 9:55 pm
    Lorna
    Hey, Can you help me with opening times, will the rides be open 1st March or only open on the 7th march? I'm seeing conflicting dates on the official website so I'm not sure! Thank You!
    • February 18, 2020 at 1:07 pm
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      Hi Lorna, I've just checked again and even though the first weekend day is technically Sunday, March 1st... the park has decided this year that the first day for the amusement park is March the 7th. Apologies if there was any confusion! I will update the info now. Cheers, Ash
      • February 18, 2020 at 7:15 pm
        Lorna
        Hi Ash, Thanks so much for confirming that, shame that were going to just miss it! You're website is absolutely fab, and I'm sure I will be using it a lot when we are there!
        • February 19, 2020 at 10:22 am
          ashley
          Team Member
          Ash
          Too bad indeed, all the more reason to come back though, eh? ;) Thanks for the kind words, please let me know if you have any more questions!
  • January 11, 2020 at 8:13 pm
    Jennifer Schwartz
    Is there any reason to buy tickets in advance for tibidabo amusement park? We will be going on April 8, which I think may be the first weekday that it is open for the season.
    • January 12, 2020 at 4:03 am
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      Hi Jennifer, As with most things it'll be cheaper buying online and plus you won't run the risk of having to wait in lines while you're there. On the first day it's open it can get quite busy... there's really no disadvantage to buying in advance, always recommended :) Cheers, Ash
      • January 18, 2020 at 4:07 pm
        Jennifer
        Thank you! My husband doesn’t like rides. Someone told me that she thought that if we got him the ticket to the pa organic area he could walk around the regular amusement area for free without going on rides. Is that right? I thought that you had to buy a day pass to get into the amusement section regardless of whether you go on rides and the only free access is to the panoramic section if you aren’t going on rides.
        • January 18, 2020 at 9:30 pm
          ashley
          Team Member
          Ash
          Hi Jennifer, Yes indeed... the Panoramic Area ticket is €12.70 and doesn't have access to the main rides but still allows people to walk through and enjoy the other park attractions. Otherwise, you can simply go in for free. More info in their FAQ. Cheers, Ash
          • January 18, 2020 at 10:17 pm
            Jennifer
            Thank you. That’s great and saves us a little money.
            • January 20, 2020 at 9:10 am
              ashley
              Team Member
              Ash
              No problem :)
  • August 15, 2019 at 5:33 am
    Stephanie
    I am very much enjoying this website, thank you for all the information. Do you think TIBIDABO AMUSEMENT PARK has enough rides/entertainment for a 16 and 13 year old? Thank you.
    • August 15, 2019 at 10:51 am
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      Hola! It is definitely not Disneyland or Alton Towers but it should be enough for a decent afternoon in my opinion :) Cheers, Ash
  • July 8, 2019 at 7:42 am
    Jenae
    Hi, great site. Very helpful. Wanted to ask a couple of questions... I love taking photographs. However, my friend who will be on the trip w/ me to Barcelona is afraid of heights so I feel bad about asking her to pay an entrance fee to the amusement park. Is there any other way to get such a great vantage point of church for a photograph as it is from the Talaia ride ? Or can we just go there and I pay for that one ride ? Or do we need to pay a fee to get into the park? I want to take a shot of the church at that height and was not sure if there are other areas where I can photograph that? Also, where would you recommend to go to get the best photograph of the ferris wheel? I would also prefer I high shot of that too. And lastly, any other photo spots you recommend let me know. Thank you so much
    • July 9, 2019 at 9:03 am
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      Hola Jenae, Unfortunately as far as I know you can't get individual ride tickets, however to lighten up on the cost you could go to the official site and simply get the 'panoramic ticket' which includes less rides but is a lot cheaper. That said, I've never been there with somebody who didn't buy a ticket so I'm not sure if an unpaid guest can walk around while a friend visits. You may want to clear that up contacting them here. Unfortunately there are not higher points than the Talaia - the ferris wheel will be slightly shorter and behind it so the photography won't be as good. The best shot of the ferris wheel, since on one side it kind of dips down into an abyss, is between the wheel and the Talaia... you can get it all into the frame easily. Again, this is based on my limited memory of visiting 4-5 years ago! For other photo spots I would head to the Bunkers of Carmel, Montjuic Castle, or Raval (street photography). Cheers, Ash
      • July 24, 2019 at 8:09 pm
        Jenae
        Thank you so much for all of your advice. I truly appreciate all of this information. I would definitely be the only one going on the ride , because my friend is afraid of heights. Would she be able to even go to theme park at all if she is afraid of heights? Like is it on top of a mountain ? And if so, is there a way to see the church from ground level or do you have to go up on a mountain to see it? I am basically trying to determine if I should skip going here w/ her b/c of her fear of heights and then just come back another time on my next Spain trip? Thank you so much again!
        • July 25, 2019 at 10:37 am
          ashley
          Team Member
          Ash
          Hi Jenae, You're very welcome :) The theme park is indeed on the top of Tibidabo Mountain but it's not exactly hanging off the cliff edge haha. I don't think she'd have a problem merely being up there. You can see the church from Barcelona but it's essentially a tiny dot on the horizon! If you want to get up close you'll have to go up the mountain. I would tell her that the only way to get over your fears is to confront them directly, and realize they're irrational ;) I mean, I'm not a big fan of heights either and not going on a ride is understandable... but not going up to the top of a mountain to get an amazing view of the city seems a bit extreme! Ash
          • July 25, 2019 at 11:43 pm
            Jenae
            Hi Ash, Thank you! You are so helpful and I could not agree more. I love your site. I am going to talk to her about doing this. I am assuming it would be best for us to rely on the bus ONLY to take us up there? I am assuming she would get anxiety using the funicular. Does the bus only option take you back down too? Thank you!!
            • July 26, 2019 at 10:08 am
              ashley
              Team Member
              Ash
              Hi Jenae, Yes for sure there's a return bus! You could also get the Tibibus in high season which connects Plaça Catalunya with Tibidabo. Best of luck :) Ash
              • July 28, 2019 at 7:27 am
                Jenae
                Awesome!! Thank you so much! Where do you got buy these bus tickets?
                • July 28, 2019 at 10:42 am
                  ashley
                  Team Member
                  Ash
                  Hi, You can by them on board, no need to book in advance :) All the info is above! Cheers, Ash
                  • July 28, 2019 at 4:00 pm
                    Jenae
                    Thank you!
  • May 12, 2019 at 9:36 pm
    YSpencer
    Hello! This site is soooo informative and helpful! Could you help me figure out the best way to travel from the Hilton Diagnal Mar Barcelona to the Tibidabo Amusement Park? I will be with our 3 and 5 year old but can't figure out how far it is from our hotel. Thank you!! Spencer
    • May 13, 2019 at 2:35 pm
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      Hi Spencer, Thanks so much for the kind words :) Tibidabo will be quite far from your hotel so it will involve a few different means of transport. According to Google there are a few different ways and all of them seem to take about 80-90 minutes... not having done this very specific and uncommon trip myself I wouldn't know any secret workarounds to make it faster... only that it would probably be better to be doing some of your central sightseeing around the area of Plaça Catalunya before going up, that way you kill two birds with one stone. I'll leave the Google recommendations here. Cheers, Ash
  • March 24, 2019 at 3:33 am
    Angie Saputri
    Hi Ash, First of all, just wanted to say how great your site is! You have lots of helpful information and so fun to read; so glad that I stumbled upon this! Keep up the great work. :) Anyway, could you tell me how long does it take if I plan to visit the Temple Sacred heart of Jesus without visiting the theme park from the city? So I know what other sites that we can arrange for the rest of the day. Many thanks! Angie
    • March 24, 2019 at 12:23 pm
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      Hi Angie, Thanks so much for the amazing compliments on the blog :) Your trip time would depend a lot on the transport you use... but just to go up and visit the church and enjoy the views without any big amusement park commitment I would allocate about 3/3.5 hours round trip from the city centre (Plaça Catalunya). Maybe bump it up to about 4 if you want a coffee and not to be in a rush :) Ash
  • March 20, 2019 at 1:28 am
    Paula
    Hi Ash, Visiting BCN next week and have bought Hola Barcelona travel tickets.. Can we use them for the shuttle bus from Playa de Catalunya to Tibidabo? If not, do you know if the blue tram and fennicular run on the last Saturday in March? We want to visit the Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Thanks
  • March 4, 2019 at 9:57 pm
    Yvonna
    Hi Ash! First off, thank you SO MUCH for your amazing, informative site! I wish I'd stumbled upon it sooner; I've been planning my Barcelona trip for about 2 months now and it would have saved me a TON of research. Anyway...I digress. My question: Sorry if I'm being obtuse, but is the Tibidabo Skywalk area open even if the amusement park itself is not? I'm visiting 27.3.19, and the park is still open only on weekends during that time. Thank you again for all the fantastic information you've provided! Best, ~Yvonna
    • March 5, 2019 at 3:20 pm
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      Hi Yvonna, Thanks so much for the kind words, it makes me happy to hear :) I was under the impression that they operated on different hours during low season and after a look on their website it appears to be true! The Sky Walk is open from 11 to 6 on the 27th of March. You can take a look here for more info: https://www.tibidabo.cat/en/plan-your-visit/schedules Cheers, and thanks again for the nice words :) Ash
  • December 30, 2017 at 5:29 pm
    James
    Hi Ash, We are due to go to Barcelona 15th January - 19th January, Tibidabo was an idea for us to go to but we have checked and it looks like will be closed when we are there. Please can you advise if it is still possible to go and admire the views or it is all closed off completely. We were looking to take advantage of the amazing views there. Thank you in advance J
    • December 30, 2017 at 7:23 pm
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      Hi James, To my knowledge, and I apologise for not being clear on here, even the funicular is closed during this time period. Remember though that there is a great and free alternative and that is going to the famous 'Bunkers' You can read all about it here: https://www.barcelonahacks.com/barcelonas-scenic-anti-aircraft-battery-picnic/ The views here of the city are just as good and it'll run you less time, and the history is fascinating. Ash
      • January 3, 2018 at 7:06 pm
        James
        Hi Ash, My apolgies, I must have overlooked the closing period. Yes, the bunkers sounds good so will try that instead - it is in walking distance from Sagrada Familia please. We are resonsibly fit - but maybe not after all the tapas we are expecting to have. Thanks in advance. J
        • January 4, 2018 at 8:56 pm
          ashley
          Team Member
          Ash
          Hi again James, It would be about an hour and 15 minutes uphill walk so not terribly recommended unless you're both fitness freaks or really want a challenge. I would walk the 7 minutes from Sagrada to Verdaguer metro station, take the yellow line up to Alfons X... from there it'll be 20-25 minutes' walk. Get there a bit early around 4/4:30 to get the full sunset experience. Hope the weather holds up! It usually does :) Ash
  • September 24, 2017 at 8:28 pm
    Richard Giles
    Hello Ash. Firstly: What a fantastic web site, so comprehensive. We will be arriving by train (Barcelona Sants) 28th Sept. at 8-35 pm so not much time to do anything other than eat. For Friday we have booked Park Guell for 10-30am and Sagrada Familia for 3pm (we hit on these times before reading all of your blog) We are thinking of visiting the fun fair further up from Park Guell before coming back down for our visit to Sagrada Familia. Is this doable for a couple of fit OAPs. We have two day tickets for the hop on hop off bus (thanks to your web site) On Saturday - our last day we would like to see a flamenco show, with or without food? Please could you point us in the right direction. We are traveling from London, and ignoring rip off Eurostar, our journey for both of us from Paris/ Barcelona return, booked through Trainline cost £160 FIRST CLASS Sorry For all the words! Regards Richard
    • September 25, 2017 at 10:54 am
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      Hi Richard, First off thanks for the compliments, I am so glad I can help :) Let's see. For fit OAPs or otherwise I would say seeing Park Guell from about 10:30-12:00 and then going to the fun fair at the top of Tibidabo before seeing Sagrada Familia at 3:00 is a stretch. First of all Park Guell and Tibidabo are essentially up two separate mountains. The Bus Turistic from Park Guell only takes you to the tramvia blau (the blue tram) which will take you further up, and which point you'll have to change for the Tibidabo Funicular. In total if all goes well it'll take you at least an hour using these three modes of transport to get up to Tibidabo. If you've left 90 minutes for Park Guell (until midday) that means you'd get up to the fun fair at around 1:00/1:15 and you'd only have about 45 minutes or so before you'd have to head to Sagrada Familia. If you're really set on the fun fair then leave it for the Saturday. Racing around and trying to fit too much in can be stressful. And you need to leave time for unseen events or if you want to spend extra time at places like Park Guell. For your second question in case you haven't read my article on flamenco I suggest you take a look. I always recommend the Palacio del Flamenco because the performances are second to none, and they even give you the history and a little class :) Dinner and drinks are also done well but optional. 80 quid each from London return sounds like a really good deal? I might have to consider this for my next visit... how early did you book in advance? I lived in London for 3 years, still yearn for it often... but the sun here certainly takes my mind off it ;) Any more questions I am here! Cheers, Ash
Load more comments
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *