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Home / Abruzzo / Activities / Campo Imperatore and Gran Sasso: cable car, road and tours
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Site naturel · Abruzzo

Campo Imperatore and Gran Sasso: cable car, road and tours

Reach Campo Imperatore by cable car or by road, explore the plateau on an e-bike or scooter, or join a guided tour of its film locations. Each option has its own departure point and arrangements.

Campo Imperatore, Gran Sasso massif A few hours to a full day, depending on your chosen activity In the morning, when the road and cable car are operating. Verified on 4 August 2026
Contents

Which Campo Imperatore experience should you choose?

Official cable car ticket par Centro Turistico del Gran Sasso · Official ticket office

Fonte Cerreto–Campo Imperatore return cable car ticket

⏱ Journey time and operating hours vary
Pourquoi nous la recommandons

The simplest way up from Fonte Cerreto. The return fare is €16.50 in the summer 2026 tariff. The ticket covers only the cable car journey. Check the last descent before setting off.

  • Cable car ride from Fonte Cerreto
  • Arrival on the western side of Campo Imperatore
  • Return cable car journey, subject to operating hours
From 16.50 €
Buy the official return ticket
For film lovers par GetYourGuide · L’Aquila Itinerante

Private tour of Campo Imperatore’s film locations

⏱ 10 hours
Pourquoi nous la recommandons

A guided day from Castel del Monte exploring the plateau’s film locations. The tour lasts 10 hours, is offered in Italian or English and includes insurance. The cable car is not included. Arrange your own travel and transfers. Full-refund cancellation is available up to 24 hours before.

  • Guided tour of Campo Imperatore’s film locations
  • Commentary on the Italian and international films shot here
  • Insurance listed by the organiser
From 40.00 €
View the film-location tour
For cyclists par GetYourGuide · COOP VIVI CALASCIO

E-bike ride to the Campo Imperatore canyon

⏱ 4 hours
Pourquoi nous la recommandons

A 4-hour ride from Calascio with a local guide, an e-bike and a helmet, for up to 10 participants. You must be comfortable handling a bike on uneven tracks. Lunch and the cable car are not included. Full-refund cancellation is available up to 24 hours before.

  • Authorised local guide
  • Electric mountain bike
  • Helmet
★ 5,0 1 avis
From 75.00 €
See the e-bike ride
A day on two wheels par GetYourGuide · LM Tours di Muth Linda

Scooter day trip to Campo Imperatore from Sant’Omero

⏱ 8 hours 30 minutes
Pourquoi nous la recommandons

An 8-hour-30-minute road trip from Sant’Omero, with a helmet, insurance and fuel. The exact meeting point is sent after booking. Meals and the cable car are not included; ask the provider which language is used. Full-refund cancellation is available up to 24 hours before.

  • Helmet and insurance listed by the organiser
  • Fuel for the trip
  • A separate hygienic helmet liner for each rider
From 159.00 €
See the scooter excursion

Which ticket to choose

I only want to reach the plateau

Official return cable car ticket

Take the cable car up from Fonte Cerreto without booking a guided tour.

I want to explore the film locations

Private Movies Tour

This day tour starts in Castel del Monte and explores the plateau’s film locations. Arrange your travel and transfers before booking.

I want an active experience

Electric bike from Calascio

The ride includes a guide, a bike and a helmet for a small-group outing to the Campo Imperatore canyon.

I want to explore by scooter

Scooter from Sant’Omero

This guided day includes a helmet, insurance and fuel, but starts a long way from the plateau and does not include the cable car.

Days, opening times and prices

From 1 August 2026, the first cable car departure is at 08:00. Check the last return before heading up.

Bad weather, safety concerns or a technical fault may delay or stop the cable car.

When to goHorairesLast admissionRemarque
Since 1 August 2026 08:00 – Varies Varies The first departure is at 8:00. Check the last descent time.

Fermetures et exceptions

  • Depending on operating conditions — Bad weather, technical problems or safety reasons · Check the Centro Turistico del Gran Sasso website before setting off.

Tarifs officiels

Standard return cable car ticket, summer 2026Includes the return cable car journey, without a guided tour.16.50 €
One-way cable car ticket uphillThe operator’s summer 2026 fare.11.00 €
One-way cable car ticket downhillThe operator’s summer 2026 fare.11.00 €
Bicycle transport, each wayThis is an extra charge on top of your passenger ticket. It does not include bike hire.6.00 €

How to visit Campo Imperatore

The cable car takes you quickly from Fonte Cerreto to the western side of Campo Imperatore, rather than across the whole plateau. Road trips and excursions use other starting points.

Choose between a cable car ride, a film-location tour, an e-bike ride and a scooter day trip. These are separate bookings.

Choose how to reach the plateau

First choose how to get there: cable car, road or excursion. Their starting points are far apart.

  1. 1. The cable car from Fonte Cerreto

    1. The cable car from Fonte CerretoRaboe001 — CC BY-SA 3.0

    Choose the cable car for an independent visit to the western side. The ticket covers the cable car journey, without a guide, a meal or trips across the plateau.

    Note the time of the last descent before leaving the station.

  2. 2. The road to the Albergo di Campo Imperatore

    2. The road to the Albergo di Campo Imperatore© Ra Boe / Wikipedia — CC BY-SA 3.0 de

    The upper road reopened after the spring 2026 snow clearing. Its condition may change: check that it is open before leaving.

    The road may be open when the cable car is closed, and vice versa.

  3. 3. Tours from Castel del Monte or Calascio

    3. Tours from Castel del Monte or CalascioBerthold Werner — CC BY-SA 3.0

    The film-location tour and e-bike ride start in villages south of the plateau. Neither includes the cable car.

    Check the meeting point before choosing where to stay.

  4. 4. The road trip from Sant’Omero

    4. The road trip from Sant’OmeroErmanon — CC BY-SA 3.0

    The scooter excursion starts in Sant’Omero and lasts 8 hours 30 minutes. You do not collect the scooter on the plateau.

    The exact meeting point is sent after booking.

Campo Imperatore on screen

Campo Imperatore has featured in Italian and international films. The guided tour visits filming locations and explains how the plateau has been used on screen.

The tour starts in Castel del Monte, lasts 10 hours and is offered in Italian or English. The cable car is not included. Confirm how you will travel between stops before booking.

Choose a plan that suits your day

Choose a plan that suits your day
A Passerini — CC BY-SA 4.0

For a straightforward visit, take the cable car and leave time to walk around the upper station.

For an active outing, ride an e-bike from Calascio. The guide, bike and helmet are included; lunch is not.

The film-location tour takes a full day and starts in Castel del Monte. The scooter excursion starts in Sant’Omero and lasts 8 hours 30 minutes. Always check road conditions and whether the cable car is operating before setting off.

Location and access

📍 Lower cable car station, Fonte Cerreto, Assergi (L’Aquila), Italy

By car

The SR 17 Bis dir. C reaches the Albergo di Campo Imperatore from the Ruderi Sant’Egidio junction. The Province announced its reopening on 16 May 2026 after snow clearing. Check traffic notices before setting off: this road operates separately from the cable car.

En transports

For travel to Fonte Cerreto without a car, check the services for your date with Centro Turistico del Gran Sasso or the local transport network. Confirm the connection before relying on it.

Stationnement

The Ostello and neighbouring forecourt are temporarily closed during summer 2026. Check parking and drop-off arrangements with the operator.

Accessibility

Before buying, ask the operator about parking, boarding assistance, cabin access and getting around at the upper station. E-bike and scooter trips have separate participation requirements.

Conseils pour la visite

  1. Check the condition of the facilities

    Weather, safety concerns or technical faults can delay or stop the cable car. Check the operator’s website before travelling to Fonte Cerreto.

  2. Check where your trip starts

    The excursions start from Castel del Monte, Calascio or Sant’Omero. They do not start at the cable car station.

  3. The cable car ticket does not include excursions

    The official ticket covers only the cable car ride. You must book guides, meals, bikes and scooters separately.

  4. Dress for the mountains

    Bring water and clothing suited to your activity. Follow the operator’s equipment instructions for an e-bike or scooter trip.

  5. Keep a backup plan

    If road conditions change or the cable car stops running, you may need to change your plans. Allow plenty of time for connections.

Mistakes to avoid

Assuming every excursion includes the cable car

None of the three GetYourGuide excursions includes the cable car. Buy a separate ticket only if your itinerary requires one.

Confusing road access with cable car operation

The road may be open when the cable car is closed, and vice versa.

Booking the scooter trip as if it started on the plateau

The meeting point is in Sant’Omero; the exact location is sent after booking.

Expecting an effortless e-bike ride

The ride from Calascio follows uneven tracks: you must already be comfortable handling an e-bike.

Underestimating distances

The plateau, cable car stations and departure villages are a long way apart. Plan the journeys before setting off.

FAQ

Cable car and opening times

How much does the Campo Imperatore cable car cost in 2026?

The standard return fare is €16.50 in the summer 2026 tariff. An uphill or downhill single costs €11. Taking a bicycle costs €6 each way.

What time is the first cable car departure?

From 1 August 2026, the first cable car departure is at 08:00. Check the last return before heading up.

Does the cable car run in bad weather?

It may be delayed or stopped because of bad weather, safety concerns or a technical fault.

Road access

Can I drive to Campo Imperatore?

Yes, when the SR 17 Bis dir. C is open. The Province announced the upper section’s reopening on 16 May 2026. Check road conditions for your travel date.

Do the road and the cable car follow the same route?

No. The cable car leaves from Fonte Cerreto; the upper road reaches the Albergo di Campo Imperatore from the Ruderi Sant’Egidio junction.

Where can I park?

Check parking and drop-off arrangements with the operator, especially during the summer closure of the Ostello and neighbouring forecourt.

Excursions and inclusions

Does the film-location tour include the cable car?

No. It starts in Castel del Monte and includes a guide and insurance. Confirm travel and transfers before booking.

What does the electric bike trip include?

The Calascio trip includes an authorised local guide, an electric mountain bike and a helmet. Lunch and the cable car are not included.

Does the e-bike ride reach Campo Imperatore?

Yes. It leaves from Calascio and reaches the Campo Imperatore canyon. Check the route and meeting point shown when booking.

Preparation and accessibility

Are the cable car and plateau wheelchair accessible?

Ask the operator about parking, boarding assistance and support at the upper station before you book.

Do I need cycling experience for the e-bike ride?

You need to be comfortable riding an e-bike. Much of the route follows tracks with uneven gravel surfaces.

Which languages are the excursions offered in?

The film-location tour and e-bike ride are advertised in Italian and English. Ask the provider which language is used on the scooter excursion.