A lift installation (1) comprises a first lift car (5), a second lift car (6), a drive-machine unit (20) and a plurality of traction means (22) running over a driving sheave (21) of the drive-machine unit (20). The lift cars (5, 6) here can be displaced one above the other by the drive-machine unit (20), using the traction means (22), in a passageway (16) provided for the joint travel of the lift cars (5, 6). The traction means (20) are divided up into a first traction-means assembly (23) and a second traction-means assembly (24). Also provided is an adjustment mechanism (35) which is in a fixed position relative to the passageway (16) and interacts with the second traction-means assembly (24) between the driving sheave (21) and the second lift car (6). The adjustment mechanism (35) here interacts with the second traction-means assembly (24) such that it is possible to vary a distance (15) between the lift cars (5, 6). The lift installation (1) is distinguished in that the distance (15) can be adjusted independently of the driving sheave (21), in particular even with the driving sheave (21) at a standstill. It is specifically possible for the adjustment mechanism (35) to have a roller arrangement (36), wherein an adjustable roller (39) of the roller arrangement (36) can be adjusted by an adjustment drive (40) in order to vary the length (45) of a portion (43) of the second traction-means assembly (24) between the adjustment mechanism (35) and the second lift car (6).