TC2 Bus & Tibidabo Funicular (Cuca de Llum) from J.F. Kennedy

About the Tibidabo Funicular & Tram Blau

The Funicular de Tibidabo, now rebranded as Cuca de Llum, is the fastest way to reach Tibidabo Amusement Park and the summit of Mount Tibidabo. It connects Plaza Doctor Andreu to the park entrance via a steep 1,130-meter track with a 275-meter elevation gain.

While it’s the quickest route, it’s also the most expensive and not part of the Barcelona integrated fare system. Travel cards like T-Casual or Hola BCN cannot be used. For budget travelers, the Vallvidrera Funicular & 111 Bus route offers a cheaper alternative.

For hikers, skip the funicular and try the scenic Barcelona to Tibidabo Walking Route via Avenida Tibidabo and Collserola forest trails.

History of the Tibidabo Funicular

Spain’s first funicular railway was the brainchild of Dr. Salvador Andreu i Grau, a wealthy pharmacist and developer of the Avenida Tibidabo residential area. Inspired by a Swiss funicular brochure brought home by his children’s piano teacher, he launched the project in 1900.

Bonaventura Roig i Queralt led the engineering team. The railway made its first test ascent on July 3, 1901 and was officially inaugurated in October of the same year. The original wooden carriages had six compartments and could carry up to 80 passengers.

In 1958, the wooden cars were replaced by metal ones, which remained in service until 2019. The funicular was then modernized and reopened in spring 2022 with sleek glass cabins offering panoramic views, now known as Cuca de Llum.

History of the Tram Blau

The Tramvia Blau, or Blue Tram, was also initiated by Dr. Salvador Andreu to connect Avenida Tibidabo to the lower Tibidabo Funicular station at Plaza Doctor Andreu. It began operating in 1901 and underwent refurbishments in 1922 and 1958.

In 1954, FGC Line 7 extended to Av. Tibidabo station under Plaza John F. Kennedy, linking the tram to the broader rail network. Despite being part of the Barcelona integrated transport system, the tram required a separate fare — paid directly to the conductor in cash.

Tram Blau has been closed since 2018 with no confirmed reopening date. It has been replaced by the TC2 interconnect bus (included in the funicular ticket) and the TMB 196 bus (valid with T-Casual or Hola BCN cards).

Image Gallery For TC2 Bus & Funicular Tibidabo

Click on any of the 8 images to open the full screen gallery player. Note that viewing images is subject to our Fair Use Policy .

Map for TC2 Bus & Funicular Tibidabo