Enjoy a breath-taking trip on Scotland’s only Funicular Railway, the highest in the UK, reaching the Ptarmigan Top Station at over 1,097m above sea level. The railway returned to service on Thursday 27 February 2025.
The 2km funicular railway runs a regular service taking customers to the top station in around 5 – 8 minutes.
As you travel up the mountainside you’ll get the chance to capture spectacular views of the mountains, forests and glistening Loch Morlich below. You may also be lucky enough to spot our regular neighbours, the free roaming Cairngorm Mountain reindeer herd.
As you approach the ‘passing loop’ you’ll see the other train passing on the way down. Your train guide will point out any wildlife and special views to take in as you travel with us.
Once you reach the top station, you’ll find the UK’s highest restaurant, The Ptarmigan.
Enjoy lunch in the restaurant or sampling local Cairngorm gins whilst taking in the views from the floor to ceiling windows.
The restaurant serves a range of locally inspired hot dishes such as Highland venison chilli and Speyside beef curry, together with a range of sandwiches, homemade soups and more.
Finish off with a hot chocolate in front of the log fire.
Adjacent to the Ptarmigan restaurant and gin bar, you’ll find the outdoor terrace.
Take in the panoramic views of the mountains, forests and Loch Morlich from over 1,000 metres above sea level.
You’ll also find some picnic benches to enjoy a drink and breath in the highland air!
Downstairs from the Ptarmigan restaurant you can explore the mountains through our 270-degree immersive film, and feel like you’re standing on the edge of the mountain.
Next door there’s a small exhibition which tells the story of Cairngorm Mountain through the ages.
Entry is included free as part of your mountain railway ticket, and highly recommended!
You’ll find the interactive sandboxes next to The Shop at The Top, downstairs from the Ptarmigan restaurant.
Let the kids’ imaginations run wild with a wide range of creations to make in the sand.
Please note that children should be supervised by an adult in this area, and it’s fun for adults too!
Entry is included free as part of your mountain railway ticket, and a great experience for children.
Our gift shop at the top station is re-opening for the Easter holidays. You’ll find lots of locally inspired gifts including retro Cairngorm Mountain prints.
You’ll also find luxury Scottish candles, outdoor essentials, local books, children’s toys and much more.
The gift shop is located directly opposite the interactive sandboxes and perfect for a souvenir or just some retail therapy.
| Return Day Ticket | Standard Price | Reduced Price |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (18-64 yrs) | £22.00 | £17.00 |
| Junior (6-17 yrs) | £12.50 | £9.50 |
| Student (18 yrs+& in FT education) | £18.50 | £14.00 |
| Senior (65 yrs+) | £18.50 | £14.00 |
| Child (0-5) | FREE | FREE |
| Family 1 Adult & 2 Juniors | £38.00 | £28.00 |
| Family 2 Adults & 1 Junior | £46.00 | £35.00 |
| Family 2 Adults & 2 Juniors | £56.00 | £42.00 |
If you are a walker/climber and only require a single ticket for the railway journey from the Top Station to the Base Station, you can purchase a down ticket from the Top Ptarmigan Restaurant.
| Down Ticket Only | Standard Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (18-64 yrs) | £11.00 |
| Junior (6-17 yrs) | £6.25 |
| Student (18 yrs+& in FT education) | £9.25 |
| Senior (65 yrs+) | £9.25 |
| Dog | £2.00 |
During the snowsports season the journey takes around 5 minutes each way. Outside of the snowsports season, the funicular journey takes 8 minutes each way.
In order to protect the plateau and comply with our Visitor Management Plan only assistance dogs (on production of certification) can travel up on the mountain railway (since there are no facilities to walk your dog at the Top Station). However, you can walk up to the top station with your dog and take the railway back down since you are travelling to the Base Station with facilities for dogs. Please note that dogs must be kept on a leash however you can bring them into the Ptarmigan Restaurant. Purchase your down ticket from The Shop at The Top. Please note dogs are also welcome in our cafes in the Day Lodge.
The Top Station at Cairngorm Mountain is a great day out for all ages and includes:
*Open subject to weather conditions
During the snowsports season, railway passengers are allowed to go outside but must stay within the ski boundary area. If you are a walker/climber and wish to go outside of the ski boundary area, you cannot travel up on the railway, however you can purchase a down ticket from the Top Station.
In order to protect the plateau, when we are not open for snow-sports funicular passengers are not permitted to exit the top station building to go onto the mountain unless they are booked onto a guided walk. Access to our Ptarmigan Restaurant, exhibition, learning zone, shop and viewing terrace are available all year round (weather permitting for the terrace).
Funicular Railway tickets can be purchased online or from our Ticket Office at Cairngorm Mountain.
Our funicular railway is fully accessible for all abilities including wheelchair access. You’ll find lift access on the lower floor of the Base Station to take you to the railway platform. Once at the top station you’ll also find lift access to reach each level of the building effortlessly. If you require any further assistance, just speak with our Ticket Office Team when you arrive or give us a call ahead of your arrival to discuss on 01479 861261.
© Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Limited | Registered in Scotland No.SC614703
