Sapanca Cable Car: A Complete Visitor’s Guide

Overview

The Sapanca Cable Car is the newest attraction in the scenic district of Sapanca, Sakarya. It offers visitors a panoramic journey over lush forests with stunning views of Lake Sapanca. The route connects two stations—the lower station in the Kırkpınar/Hasanpaşa neighborhood and the upper station in Mahmudiye—using modern cabins and high-standard safety measures.

Location & Access

• Lower Station (Starting Point): Hasanpaşa Neighborhood, Kırkpınar, Şehit Cevdet Koç Street No. 78, Sapanca/Sakarya.
• Distances: Approximately 117 km from Istanbul’s Asian side, 139 km from the European side, and about 30 km from Izmit.
• By Car: Parking is available in front of the lower station building (free for the first 20 minutes, then paid).

Technical Details & Ride Experience

• Number of Stations: 2 (Lower & Upper).
• Structure: 9 support towers and 36 cabins.
• Route Length: Around 1,450 meters, with an elevation difference of nearly 400 meters, providing wide-open views of the lake and surrounding forests.
• Capacity per Cabin: Up to 8 passengers (Family Cabins available for private use).

Opening Hours & Ticket Prices (Updated)

• Opening Hours: Daily from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM (may vary seasonally).
• Ticket Prices:
  • Adult Round Trip: 450 TL.
  • Student Round Trip: 300 TL (valid student ID required).
• Notes: Tickets are valid for the day of purchase only. Group discounts available. Extra services such as VIP, Fast Track, and Family Cabins are charged separately. No official online sales yet.

Activities & Facilities at the Upper Station

• Outdoor Adventures: Zipline, ATV safari tours in the forest, and trekking trails for nature walks.
• Nearby Accommodation: Bungalow houses surrounded by greenery for short stays.
• Comfort & Leisure: VIP lounges with refreshments and Wi-Fi, Fast Track service to skip queues, and Family Cabins for privacy.
• Souvenir Shop & Info Center: Selling local gifts such as honey, Turkish delights, and handmade soaps, plus multilingual assistance.

Restaurants, Cafes & Shops

• On-Site: Cafes and restaurants with views of the forest and lake at the upper station.
• Nearby: A variety of Turkish restaurants and coffee shops around the cable car base, including Şahin Islama Köfte, Titiz Izgara, and Bianca Shisha Lounge.

Visiting Tips

1. Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon until sunset offers the best photography conditions, but weekends can be crowded.
2. Weather Check: Strong winds or rain may affect operations, so check conditions on the same day.
3. Clothing: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket during cooler seasons.
4. For Families: Book a Family Cabin for complete privacy, and consider Fast Track service during peak times.
5. Combine Your Trip: Pair your cable car ride with visits to Sapanca Lake and Maşukiye/Mahmudiye Village with its waterfalls and countryside restaurants.