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Plan your visit to the London IFS Cloud Cable Car

The London cable car ride offers a scenic aerial journey across the River Thames, connecting Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks. More than just transport, it’s a sightseeing experience featuring skyline views of Canary Wharf, The O2, and London’s docklands regeneration zone. Visitors typically combine the London cable car ride with attractions like The O2 Arena, ExCeL London, or Thames riverside walks.

Travel logistics

Guest using phone at Greenwich Peninsula, London near IFS Cloud Cable Car.

Most visitors start their London cable car ride from either Greenwich Peninsula station (near The O2) or Royal Docks station (near ExCeL London). Both terminals are well connected by London Underground, DLR, buses, and riverboat services. Each crossing takes about 10 minutes. Queues can build during weekends, sunset hours, and school holidays. If planning multiple activities, begin at Greenwich Peninsula, enjoy The O2 or Thames Path, then cross toward Royal Docks for waterfront walks or ExCeL events.

Plan your day

Quick visit (2–3 hrs)

  • Take the London cable car ride return journey
  • Explore The O2 entertainment complex
  • Walk along Thames riverside viewpoints

Half day (4–5 hrs)

  • Ride cable car one way
  • Visit The O2 rooftop or entertainment venues
  • Explore Royal Victoria Dock waterfront

Full day (6+ hrs)

  • London cable car ride both directions
  • Visit ExCeL London or Greenwich Peninsula Design District
  • Riverside walk or river cruise add-on
  • Sunset cable car ride for skyline views

Handy tips

Tickets: You can pay using Oyster card, contactless payment, or purchase single/return tickets. Fast Track tickets reduce queue times during peak hours.

Best times:

  • Early morning (10am–12pm) for shorter queues
  • Sunset for the best skyline photography

Rules:

  • Bikes are allowed during off-peak hours only
  • Large luggage may be restricted during busy periods
  • Cabins are wheelchair accessible

Pro tip: Ride both directions if you want to experience skyline views from different angles.

Respect: Follow staff boarding instructions and avoid blocking cabin windows for photos during crowded rides.

Must-see places during your London cable car ride

The O2

A major entertainment complex featuring concerts, dining, shopping, and rooftop climbing experiences. It’s the most popular starting point for the London cable car ride.

Royal Victoria Dock

Historic docklands transformed into a waterfront leisure area offering walking trails, floating saunas, and skyline views.

Canary Wharf skyline views

The London cable car ride provides elevated views of London’s modern financial district, ideal for photography and architecture enthusiasts.

Greenwich Peninsula Design District

A vibrant creative hub featuring colourful architecture, cafés, art installations, and public events near the cable car terminal.

Know before you book London cable car tickets

  • Guided vs DIY: Most visitors experience the London cable car ride independently using public transport, though some sightseeing tours bundle it with Thames cruises or Greenwich tours.
  • Transfers: The ride itself does not include transport from central London, so plan Tube or DLR connections.
  • Duration: A single crossing takes roughly 10 minutes, while return visits or combined sightseeing typically take 1–2 hours.
  • Group size: Standard cabins seat up to 10 passengers.
  • Accessibility: Cabins are wheelchair accessible and suitable for families and strollers.
  • Seasonality: Operations run year-round, but strong winds or severe weather may temporarily suspend the London cable car ride.

Getting to the London cable car ride

London Underground train with open doors at a station platform.

The easiest independent way to reach the London cable car ride terminals.

  • Time: 20–40 minutes from Central London
  • Cost: £3–£7 depending on zones
  • Best for: Flexible travelers
  • Cons: Transfers may be required

Nearest stations:

  • North Greenwich (Jubilee Line) – for Greenwich Peninsula terminal
  • Royal Victoria (DLR) – for Royal Docks terminal
Red double-decker bus on a London street near historic buildings.

Several Transport for London bus routes serve both cable car stations.

  • Time: 30–60 minutes depending on route
  • Cost: ~£1.75 per ride
  • Best for: Budget travelers
  • Car / Self-Drive

Traffic delays possible

Driver using GPS navigation in car to reach Kuranda Village.

Driving offers flexibility but parking is limited near terminals.

  • Time: 30–50 minutes from central areas
  • Cost: Parking fees + congestion charges
  • Best for: Groups or families
  • Cons: Traffic congestion
Young woman on a boat viewing Tower Bridge in London.

A scenic alternative connecting central London with Greenwich Peninsula.

  • Time: 30–60 minutes depending on route
  • Cost: £8–£15
  • Best for: Scenic travel
  • Cons: Fewer departures than Tube

More things to do near your London cable car ride (if you have the time)

Guests enjoying the view during Up at the O2 Celebration Climb in London.
Aerial view of the O2 Arena and River Thames in London.
Ducks swimming in Everglades National Park.
Crowd walking through an exhibition space in London.
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Up at The O2 Climb

Walk across The O2’s roof for panoramic city views and adventure-style sightseeing.

Thames Path walks

Scenic riverside trails offering skyline viewpoints and quieter walking routes around Docklands.

Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park

A peaceful nature reserve featuring wetlands and wildlife, perfect for a relaxing detour.

ExCeL Waterfront events

Seasonal exhibitions, festivals, and watersports activities hosted at Royal Docks.

Where to eat near your London cable car ride

Good food is part of the london cable car ride experience. Here are a few recommended spots offering convenient locations and authentic dining options.

Busaba The O2

Popular Thai restaurant known for quick, flavourful meals in a lively setting.

Where it is: Inside The O2. View on Maps →
Cuisine: Thai
Rating: ⭐ 4/5
Price point: ££ (mid-range)
Must-try: Pad Thai

Gordon Ramsay Street Burger – The O2

Casual dining spot serving gourmet burgers with Thames Peninsula views.

Where it is: The O2 entertainment district. View on Maps →
Cuisine: American/Burgers
Rating: ⭐ 4.7/5
Price point: ££
Must-try: Hell’s Kitchen Burger

Heroica Lounge – Royal Docks

Waterfront dining space with relaxed atmosphere and global dishes.

Where it is: Royal Victoria Dock waterfront. View on Maps →
Cuisine: International
Rating: ⭐ 4.7/5
Price point: ££
Must-try: Seafood platters

Fox @ ExCeL

Traditional British pub serving classic meals and dockside seating.

Where it is: Next to ExCeL London. View on Maps →
Cuisine: British pub food
Rating: ⭐ 3.6/5
Price point: ££
Must-try: Fish and chips

Where to shop near your London cable car ride

The O2 Outlet Shopping

Retail complex featuring fashion brands and entertainment stores, ideal for combining shopping with the London cable car ride experience.

Shopping at The O2

Greenwich Peninsula Market

Weekend market offering crafts, street food, and artisan products showcasing London’s creative scene.

Dockside Retail Walk

Small waterfront shopping area featuring lifestyle stores and cafés along Royal Docks.

Design District Studios

Creative shops and galleries selling contemporary art, prints, and unique souvenirs.

Tips from locals

  • Ride near sunset → Golden-hour skyline views are the best photography opportunity.
  • Use contactless payment → Faster than buying tickets onsite.
  • Avoid midday weekends → Peak queues can exceed 30 minutes.
  • Start at Greenwich Peninsula → More dining and entertainment options nearby.
  • Combine with Thames Clippers riverboat → Locals often pair both for varied sightseeing.

Frequently asked questions about the London cable car ride

A single crossing takes approximately 10 minutes.

More Reads

About IFS Cloud Cable Car

Timings

Getting There