For players exploring the detailed worlds of Grand Theft Auto, environmental features like cable cars add to the immersion. They are not typical vehicles you can commandeer, but they serve as functional set pieces. This guide explains how they work in practice across both games, based on common player experiences and their limitations.

What Can You Actually Do with the Cable Car?

In both Grand Theft Auto IV and Grand Theft Auto V, the cable car is a non-controllable transit vehicle. Most players discover them while exploring the map and decide to take a ride for the scenery or to reach a different area quickly. You can board them when they are stopped at a station, similar to entering a train. Once inside, your character will automatically take a seat. You cannot move around the cabin, look freely out of all windows, or interact with anything inside. Your view is generally locked to a fixed perspective, though in GTA IV, you can access a first-person view through the camera on your character's phone, which some players use to take screenshots during the ride. NPCs are not programmed to use these cars, so you will typically ride alone.

Can You Interfere with or Destroy the Cable Car?

In general, you cannot. The cable car operates on a fixed scripted path, much like the subway trains in both games. Most players who have tried to shoot at it, throw explosives, or use vehicles to block its path find that it is essentially indestructible. It will continue on its route unimpeded. You also cannot jump and grab onto the outside of the car while it is moving between stations. Its primary purpose is as a scenic, automated transport system, not an interactive vehicle.

What Are the Key Differences Between GTA IV and GTA V's Cable Cars?

While functionally identical in gameplay, the two versions have distinct designs and inspirations.

In Grand Theft Auto IV, the cable car operates on the Skycar line over the Humboldt River. It is modeled after the old Roosevelt Island Tramway in New York City. The cabin is large, angular, and only appears in a garnet red color. It's officially part of the Liberty City Transport Authority (LTA) system. It feels more like a public transit vehicle integrated into the city's fabric.

In Grand Theft Auto V, the cable car is part of the Pala Springs Aerial Tramway near Mount Chiliad. Interestingly, the moving tram you ride is different from the static prop models you see on the cables at a distance—a detail only very observant players usually notice. Its design is inspired by the original Palm Springs Aerial Tramway cabins. It has a more modern, rectangular look with a worn white, gray, and light blue color scheme. Some players note that the interior lights do not function at night, making the ride quite dark.

Why Include Such a Feature if You Can't Control It?

For most players, features like the cable car are about world-building. They make the game's environment feel lived-in and functional beyond just the player's actions. Taking a slow ride offers a unique vantage point to view the game's landscape, plan future activities, or simply take a break from the chaos. It's a deliberate design choice to have elements in the world that exist outside of the player's direct control, adding to the realism and scale. This attention to ambient detail is part of what sustains the game's longevity, alongside player-driven activities and, for some, the use of externally acquired resources. For instance, you might see discussions online where players with advanced capabilities mention how they obtained certain items, noting that GTA 5 Modded Accounts for sale are sometimes sought by those looking to bypass early-game grind to access more complex content or exploration tools faster.

Should You Make Time to Ride It?

If you are a player who enjoys soaking in the details of the game's world, then yes, it is worth experiencing at least once. The rides are relatively short and provide unique scenic views you can't get elsewhere—especially the ascent to the peak of Mount Chiliad in GTA V. For players solely focused on missions, heists, or freeroam mayhem, the cable car serves little practical purpose, as it doesn't offer strategic advantages or shortcuts that aren't available by other means. In general, it's considered a niche feature for exploration and sightseeing.