- Up at The O2 & arena entertainment: Climb across the iconic roof of The O2 on a guided walkway, or catch world-class concerts, comedy shows, and live sports.
- Icon Outlet & dining hub: Shop designer and high-street brands at heavily discounted outlet prices under The O2 roof, alongside dozens of global restaurants, bars, and a multi-screen cinema. Know more
- The Line sculpture trail: Walk along London’s dedicated outdoor modern sculpture trail, which runs along the Greenwich Peninsula waterfront and features public art installations by renowned international artists.
- Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park: Escape into a serene 4-acre freshwater wetland reserve, featuring scenic wooden boardwalks, bird hides, and tranquil natural pond life right beside the river.
- NOW Gallery: A free public art and design exhibition space located right next to North Greenwich station, hosting rotating modern art, fashion, and architectural installations.
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If you are looking for elevated panoramas of London's skyline, a flight on the IFS Cloud Cable Car offers a unique vantage point over the River Thames. Reaching heights of up to 90 metres (300 feet), the UK’s first urban cable car links the Greenwich Peninsula on the south side with the Royal Docks on the north. Whether you are taking a daytime flight to admire East London's modern architecture or boarding after dusk to watch the city glow, it serves as both an exciting scenic tour and an effortless shortcut across the river. Read on to explore ticket options, journey features, sights along the route, and essential tips for your visit!
Why should you take the London cable car?
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Panoramic Thames views
Soar high above the water to take in sweeping 360° vistas of iconic modern landmarks, historic docklands, and the surrounding capital.
Sunset & night flights
Experience the city lights reflecting across the River Thames on extended evening rides, featuring dimmed interior lighting for optimal photo opportunities.
Effortless river crossing
Skip traffic and crowded transit connections—enjoy a smooth ~10-minute journey that bridges Greenwich Peninsula directly to the Royal Docks.
SkyOrb glass-floor cabins
Thrill-seekers can opt for specialised glass-bottom gondolas to look straight down at the Thames 90 metres below.
Things to know before booking your London cable car ride
Choose your route & terminals
- Greenwich Peninsula Terminal (South): Located right next to The O2. Accessible via North Greenwich Station (Jubilee Line) or Uber Boat by Thames Clippers (North Greenwich Pier). Ideal for visiting Up at The O2, Greenwich Market, or local riverfront parks.
- Royal Docks Terminal (North): Positioned near the ExCeL London exhibition centre. Accessible via Royal Victoria (DLR) or Custom House (Elizabeth Line / DLR). Perfect if you are attending an event at ExCeL or exploring the historic docklands.
Understanding your ticket options & payment
- Pay-as-you-go (Oyster/Contactless): Touch in and out at the gates using your Contactless card or Oyster card just like on the Tube.
- Daily caps: While operated by Transport for London (TfL), the cable car is treated as a separate attraction. Cable car fares do not count toward your daily Tube/Bus pay-as-you-go caps.
- Round-trip vs. one-way: Choose a standard single ticket for quick river crossings or a round-trip ticket to return to your original side without exiting.
- Experience upgrades: Special options include champagne or glass-floor cabin experiences for uninterrupted photo opportunities.
Weather disruption & operational closures
- Wind & lightning closures: Service is automatically suspended during high winds, extreme weather, or thunder/lightning risks for passenger safety.
- Live status check: Always check the TfL status updates or live travel board before heading out on breezy or stormy days to ensure the line is running.
Timing your flight
- Commuter hours vs. leisure: During weekday morning/evening peak hours, cabins travel slightly faster (~5–7 minutes) to service commuters. During off-peak times, the speed drops to give leisure passengers a full ~10-minute scenic flight.
- Night flights: Flights operating after 7pm automatically slow down to ~12–13 minutes each way. Cabin lights are dimmed and atmospheric audio plays, offering views of the lit-up London skyline. Know more
Accessibility, bikes & pets
- Step-free access: Both terminals feature full step-free access from street level right into the cabin. Cabins accommodate standard wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
- Bicycles & pushchairs: Non-folding bicycles, e-bikes, and prams/strollers are allowed on board free of charge at all times.
- Pets: Dogs and well-behaved small pets travel free. Dogs must be carried or kept under close control depending on size and staff instructions.
London cable car route map
Highlights & skyline views
Things to do near the London Cable Car terminals
The IFS Cloud Cable Car connects two distinct, thriving East London hubs. Whether you start on the Greenwich side or in the Royal Docks, both terminals put you within walking distance of world-class entertainment, outdoor adventures, culture, and dining.
Greenwich Peninsula Terminal (South Side)
Royal Docks Terminal (North Side)
- ExCeL London & Immerse LDN: Explore the capital's largest international exhibition space, hosting major global conventions, pop-culture expos, and immersive entertainment experiences.
- WakeUp Docklands & water sports: Try open-water swimming, wakeboarding, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) directly in the sheltered waters of Royal Victoria Dock.
- London City Hall: Walk along the dockside past the striking glass headquarters of London’s municipal government.
- Thames Barrier Park: Stroll east toward this award-winning green space, offering landscaped gardens, fountain plazas, and direct views of the famous Thames Barrier flood defence structure.
- Dockside dining & floating bars: Relax at local waterside eateries, craft breweries, and restored historic warehouse venues lining the docklands.
Know before you go
- Monday – Thursday: 8am – 9pm
- Friday: 9am – 10pm
- Saturday: 9am – 11pm
- Sunday & bank holidays: 9am – 9pm
Flight duration: A standard one-way flight takes roughly 10 minutes during normal hours. Peak commuter hours (7am–9am weekdays) run slightly faster (~5–7 minutes), while night flights after 7pm slow down to ~12–13 minutes for extended skyline viewing.
- South Terminal — Greenwich Peninsula:
- Address: Edmund Halley Way, Greenwich Peninsula, London SE10 0FR
- By Tube: Jubilee Line to North Greenwich Station (5-minute walk; exit via The O2).
- By bus: Routes 108, 188, 422, 472, and 486 stop at North Greenwich Bus Station.
- By boat: Uber Boat by Thames Clippers directly to North Greenwich Pier.
- Address: Edmund Halley Way, Greenwich Peninsula, London SE10 0FR
- North Terminal — Royal Docks:
- Address: 27 Western Gateway, Royal Docks, London E16 1FA
- By DLR: Docklands Light Railway to Royal Victoria Station (3-minute walk).
- By Elizabeth Line: Exit at Custom House Station (approx. 10-minute walk through ExCeL London).
- Address: 27 Western Gateway, Royal Docks, London E16 1FA
- Restrooms & baby changing: Full restroom facilities, including accessible and gender-neutral toilets, are available inside both terminal buildings.
- Cafes & dining:
- Greenwich Peninsula Terminal: Grab-and-go cafes, coffee shops, and nearby restaurants located within The O2 complex.
- Royal Docks Terminal: On-site refreshment kiosks and waterfront eateries lining Royal Victoria Dock.
- Greenwich Peninsula Terminal: Grab-and-go cafes, coffee shops, and nearby restaurants located within The O2 complex.
- Gift shops & interactive zone: The Greenwich Peninsula side features a visitor hub with an official TfL gift shop, VR experiences, photo booths, and interactive exhibits detailing the construction of the cable car. More about the London Cable Car Experience
- Luggage & strollers: Foldable pushchairs, standard luggage, and backpacks are permitted inside the cabins. Very large items may be restricted at staff discretion during busy periods.
- Bicycles & e-bikes: Non-folding bikes, road bikes, and e-bikes are allowed on board free of charge at all times.
- Pets: Dogs and well-behaved small pets travel free but must be kept on a leash or inside a carrier.
- Food & drinks: Small snacks and non-alcoholic bottled drinks are allowed, but hot meals, open alcoholic beverages, and smoking/vaping are strictly prohibited inside cabins.
- Budget stays:
- ibis London Docklands (Royal Docks — 400 m)
- Travelodge London Greenwich High Road (Greenwich — 15 min bus ride)
- ibis London Docklands (Royal Docks — 400 m)
- Mid-range stays:
- Aloft London ExCeL (Royal Docks — 600 m)
- Novotel London ExCeL (Royal Docks — 350 m)
- Radisson RED London Greenwich The O2 (Greenwich — 800 m)
- Aloft London ExCeL (Royal Docks — 600 m)
- Luxury & waterfront stays:
- InterContinental London - The O2 (Greenwich Peninsula — 500 m)
- Good Hotel London (Floating hotel at Royal Victoria Dock — 200 m)
- InterContinental London - The O2 (Greenwich Peninsula — 500 m)
- Avoid The O2 event crowds: Queues peak right before major arena concerts and exit heavily around 10pm–10:30pm. Plan to ride before 5:30pm if visiting on a major show night.
- Golden hour photography: For the best lighting over Canary Wharf and the river, aim to board 30–45 minutes prior to sunset.
- Check live weather updates: High winds, heavy thunderstorms, or fog can cause temporary service halts. Check the Transport for London Status Board prior to travel.
- Pair with river travel: Maximise your journey by buying a joint ticket with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers to combine a flight through the air with a cruise down the Thames.
Frequently asked questions about London cable car tickets
You can buy tickets directly online to take advantage of advance booking discounts. Alternatively, you can simply tap in and out at the gates using a contactless payment card or Oyster card, or purchase paper tickets at the terminal ticket machines.
The two terminals are on opposite sides of the River Thames:
- Greenwich Peninsula Terminal (South): Located near The O2, ICON Outlet, and North Greenwich Underground Station (Jubilee Line).
- Royal Docks Terminal (North): Located near the ExCeL London exhibition centre, Royal Victoria DLR Station, and Custom House Station (Elizabeth Line).
A standard one-way ride takes roughly 10 minutes during normal operational hours. During weekday peak commute hours (7am–9am), the cable car runs faster (~5–7 minutes). On night flights past 7pm, the speed drops to allow for a scenic 12–13 minute journey.
The London Cable Car operates a point-to-point single line between Greenwich Peninsula and Royal Docks. With a round-trip ticket, you will travel across the river and back. If you wish to step off to explore the other bank, you can simply do so and rejoin the line when you are ready to make your return trip.
No. Although operated by Transport for London (TfL), the cable car is classed as a special attraction. Payments made at the cable car gates do not count toward your daily or weekly Tube, Bus, or DLR fare caps.
Yes! Children under 5 travel for free. Children aged 5–15 receive discounted single (£3.50) and return (£6.75) rates. Family return passes (covering 2 adults + 2 children) are also available at discounted rates.
- Monday – Thursday: 8am – 9pm
- Friday: 9am – 10pm
- Saturday: 9am – 11pm
- Sunday & bank holidays: 9am – 9pm
Note: Operating hours can vary slightly during winter months or scheduled maintenance periods.
To avoid long queues, visit on weekday mornings before 11am or in the evening after 6pm. Weekend afternoons and time slots right before major concerts or events at The O2 tend to be the busiest.
Yes! Sunset and night flights are among the most popular options. After 7pm, the cabins slow down, cabin interior lights are dimmed, and you can enjoy panoramic illuminated views of Canary Wharf, the Docklands, and the Thames.
Yes. Both terminals feature complete step-free access from street level into the cabins. Cabins can easily accommodate standard wheelchairs, power chairs, and mobility scooters.
While eating hot food and drinking alcohol are prohibited inside the cabins, both terminals feature local cafes and grab-and-go kiosks. Furthermore, the Greenwich side connects directly to dozens of restaurants inside The O2 complex, and the Royal Docks side features waterfront dining along Royal Victoria Dock.
Yes. Dogs and well-behaved small pets travel free of charge, provided they are kept on a leash or in a suitable carrier under staff direction.
- Bicycles & e-bikes: Allowed on board free of charge at all times.
- Luggage & strollers: Strollers, pushchairs, and standard travel luggage are permitted inside the cabin. Exceptionally bulky freight items may be restricted at staff discretion during peak periods.
For safety reasons, operations are temporarily paused during periods of high wind speeds, heavy lightning storms, or extreme low-visibility fog. You can check live service status on the TfL Cable Car Status Page prior to heading out.
