IFS Cloud Cable Car
A ride on the IFS Cloud Cable Car (formerly the Emirates Air Line London Cable Car) offers spectacular views of East London
A ride high above the River Thames on the IFS Cloud Cable Car offers spectacular views of East London including the famous O2 Arena. While it is part of the Transport for London network, the IFS Cloud Cable Car has become more of a tourist attraction than a vital mode of transportation.
The well maintained gondolas provide an enjoyable way to cross the Thames River and experience great views of East London at a very affordable rate compared to options.
Climbing to a height of 90 metres above the river the gondolas transport up to 2500 passengers per hour between the Royal Victoria Docks and the O2 or North Greewich Underground on the Greenwich Peninsula.
You may want to consider boarding the Gondola just before sunset and then returning after dark for a great view of the city lights.
The trip across takes a leisurely 10 minutes but they speed it up to 5 minutes during peak hours to help accommodate the increased number of passengers.
The gondolas do sway and rock a little, especially on windy days. Keep that in mind if you experience motion sickness or have a fear of heights. During thunderstorms or very strong winds service is suspended until the conditions improve.
There are plenty of things to explore on each side of the ride. On the south side you can walk along the Thames river to Cutty Sark, The National Maritime Museum and the Thames Barrier. On the north side you can checkout Newham City Farm and the Museum of London at Docklands.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Yes. See London Transport Fares for rates.IFS Cloud Cable Car Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: Closed
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Address: 27 Western Gateway, London E16 1FA, UK
Phone: 0343 222 1234
Official Website: IFS Cloud Cable Car
IFS Cloud Cable Car Reviews
Rated out of 5![]()
Excellent customer service, Bonaventure and Oguz were so helpful, not just about the cable cars but our plans for the rest of the day too. Thank you.
Thoroughly enjoyed our experience and felt it was a reasonable price. There was what appeared to be a long queue when we arrived for our return journey but it moved quickly. Staff were very efficient. I was expecting to have to share as it was busy but that wasn't the case . Would recommend
Judith Evans - 3 months ago
Best experience in London! We went when it wasn’t busy and they were so kind and let us ride a few extra rounds! Stunning view.
K.P - 2 months ago
The London Cable Car is truly one of the most unique and enjoyable experiences in the city. It offers a completely different perspective of London, with breathtaking views over the River Thames and the surrounding landmarks. It’s definitely worth trying at least once, whether you’re a tourist or a local looking for something special.
The entire area is clean, well-organized, and easy to access, which makes the experience smooth and enjoyable from start to finish. The staff are friendly, professional, and always ready to help, adding to the overall pleasant atmosphere. The ride itself is calm and peaceful, making it a great choice for couples, families, or even a solo adventure.
The views during the ride are simply stunning. For the price, we paid 7 pounds as an adult. Overall, this is an activity I highly recommend to anyone visiting London; it’s an unforgettable experience that combines relaxation, scenic beauty, and a touch of adventure.
Mona Zare - 8 months ago
TLDR: Beautiful scenery and a convenient crossing, but inconsistent pod-sharing and long queues detracted from what could have been a memorable trip.
We used the IFS Cloud Cable Car to travel between ExCeL and The O2 for dinner and back. Tickets were easy to purchase, although interestingly they were not checked at any point during either journey.
Queues & Organisation:
Both trips involved queuing, which is understandable at busy times. However, what felt odd was the inconsistency around pod allocation. Initially, a pod per booking appeared to be the approach, but as queues grew, staff began asking passengers to share cabins with strangers.
Experience & Comfort:
While the views of London at night were genuinely lovely, the enforced sharing made the journey feel slightly uncomfortable. On what was clearly a popular evening for couples, the atmosphere inside the cabin was notably subdued — several of us quietly avoiding eye contact as we crossed the Thames.
A small design quirk: the screen inside the pod reflects noticeably on the windows at night, which somewhat detracts from the otherwise excellent skyline views. It’s not clear what practical purpose the screen serves during such a short ride.
Overall Impression:
The cable car certainly delivers on its core promise — a smooth and scenic river crossing. The visual experience is excellent. However, the unpredictability of sharing arrangements can make what should feel relaxed or romantic instead feel a bit awkward.
Overall:
A worthwhile experience for the views alone, but the overall enjoyment will depend heavily on timing and crowd levels.
TwoSarus - 2 months ago
The London Cable Car is a fantastic experience! The ride is smooth, safe, and offers breathtaking views across the Thames, Canary Wharf, the O2, and beyond. It’s easy to get to with great transport links, and the cabins are spacious and comfortable. Daytime rides give you sweeping panoramas, while at night the city lights make it magical. The ticket price is very reasonable compared to other London attractions, making it excellent value for money.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor, a couple looking for something romantic, or a family wanting a fun activity, this is a must-do in London.
razia khan - 7 months ago
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Directions
| Tube Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Jubilee Line | North Greenwich | 5 minutes |
How to get to IFS Cloud Cable Car by Tube
From North Greenwich exit onto Peninsula Square and go right on Monro Way then take the next left on East Parkside. Continue on Edmund Halley Way to the Amirates Airline Station.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near IFS Cloud Cable Car:
Photo Gallery
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IFS Cloud Cable Car at the Royal Victoria Docks Station cc licensed photo by Karen Roe -
View of the Royal Victoria Docks from the IFS Cloud Cable Car cc licensed photo by Alexander Baxevanis -
Photo Credit: Richard Szwejkowski - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: tompagenet - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: tompagenet - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: tompagenet - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: tompagenet - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: tompagenet - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: davidwilson1949 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Croydon Clicker - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Croydon Clicker - cc license via Flickr

