Top 5 Most Impressive Elevators Around the Globe
- John
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
5 of the World’s Most Impressive Elevators Around the World
Elevators are an essential part of modern life—but in some places, they’re much more than transportation. Around the world, a select few lifts have become icons of engineering, design, and human creativity. These elevators push boundaries, break records, and offer unforgettable experiences that attract millions of visitors each year.
From cliff-side glass cabins to high-speed skyscraper shuttles, here are five of the most impressive elevators worldwide—and what makes each one truly extraordinary.
1. Bailong Elevator – Zhangjiajie, China
The World’s Tallest Outdoor Elevator
Rising an astonishing 326 metres up the sandstone cliffs of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the Bailong Elevator holds the Guinness World Record as the tallest outdoor lift on Earth.
Built directly onto a sheer cliff face, the three glass double-deck cabins offer stunning panoramic views of the region’s towering rock formations—believed to have inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar.
Key Facts:
Height: 326 metres
Speed: Up to 5 m/s
Capacity: Approx. 4,900 kg (~50–64 people depending on load)
Unique feature: Triple glass cabins on a cliff wall
A ride on the Bailong Elevator replaces what was once a challenging climb, making the area accessible to all visitors while creating one of the most dramatic elevator experiences in the world.
2. Lacerda Elevator – Salvador, Brazil
One of the Oldest Urban Elevators Still in Operation
The Lacerda Elevator is not just a mode of transport—it’s a symbol of Salvador. First opened in 1873, this iconic Art Deco tower connects the city’s upper and lower districts, overcoming a 72-metre elevation difference.
Carrying around 33,000 passengers per day, it remains an essential piece of the city’s infrastructure and one of its most recognisable landmarks.
Key Facts:
Elevation change: 72 metres
Daily passengers: ~33,000
Architecture: Art Deco design with four lift cabins
Cultural status: Historic icon of Salvador
The ride is quick, but the views over the Bay of All Saints make it one of the most scenic urban elevators in the world.
3. Taipei 101 High-Speed Elevators – Taipei, Taiwan
Among the Fastest Elevators Ever Built
Inside Taipei 101—once the tallest building on earth—are some of the fastest elevators ever engineered. These high-speed marvels reach an incredible 60.6 km/h, transporting visitors from the 5th floor to the 89th-floor observatory in just 37 seconds.
To ensure passenger comfort at such speeds, the cabins use advanced pressurisation systems to reduce ear popping, creating a smooth and quiet ascent.
Key Facts:
Speed: 60.6 km/h (1,010 m/min)
Travel time: 37 seconds to the observatory
Technology: Pressurised cabins + high-speed drive systems
Riding this elevator feels more like taking off in an aircraft than travelling in a building—an unforgettable highlight for anyone visiting Taipei.
4. Hammetschwand Elevator – Lake Lucerne, Switzerland
Europe’s Highest Outdoor Elevator
Opened in 1905, the Hammetschwand Elevator climbs 153 metres up the cliffs of the Bürgenstock mountain overlooking Lake Lucerne. Although over a century old, the lift has been fully modernised and now travels at up to 3.15 m/s.
The elevator begins inside a rock tunnel before emerging onto an exposed metal tower, offering breathtaking views across the Swiss Alps.
Key Facts:
Height: 153 metres
Opened: 1905
Speed: ~3.15 m/s
Experience: Alpine panorama from the summit
It’s a perfect blend of engineering innovation and natural beauty—one of Switzerland’s most memorable attractions.
5. Burj Khalifa Elevators – Dubai, UAE
Engineering Excellence in the World’s Tallest Building
The Burj Khalifa stands at an incredible 828 metres, and its elevator system is designed to match that scale. One of its lifts holds the record for the tallest elevator rise, travelling a single continuous distance of 504 metres.
These double-deck elevators operate at speeds of around 10 m/s and use advanced traffic management to move visitors efficiently through the skyscraper’s many floors.
Key Facts:
Maximum single ride: 504 metres
Speed: ~10 m/s
Technology: Double-deck design + smart control systems
A ride in the Burj Khalifa’s elevators is not just transportation—it’s part of the experience of visiting the tallest building on the planet.
Final Thoughts
Whether built into mountains, soaring up skyscrapers, or connecting historic city districts, these elevators show what’s possible when engineering meets imagination. Each one offers a glimpse into how far vertical transportation has come—and how much further it can go.