The London Cable Car, officially the IFS Cloud Cable Car, carries passengers across the River Thames between Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks.
This guide was updated in July 2026. Following a fare change that took effect on 1 March 2026, an adult return ticket now costs £13.50, up from £13.00, though the fares page on the operator’s own site still shows an older £12 rate in places. You can avoid any confusion and book in advance through Viator.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Locations | Greenwich Peninsula Terminal, Edmund Halley Way, London SE10 0FR; Royal Docks Terminal, 27 Western Gateway, London E16 1FA |
| Hours | Mon–Thu 07:00–21:00; Fri 07:00–23:00; Sat 08:00–23:00; Sun and bank holidays 09:00–21:00 |
| Adult ticket | £7.00 one-way, £13.50 return |
| Child ticket (5–15) | £3.50 one-way, £6.75 return |
| Under 5 | Free with a paying adult |
| Nearest transit | North Greenwich (Jubilee line) and Royal Victoria (DLR) |
| Journey time | Up to 10 minutes one-way |
Why book London Cable Car tickets?
- 🏛️ Part of the TfL network: the only cable car built into London’s transport system, usable with Oyster or contactless.
- 🎟️ A fare change is in effect: the adult return fare rose to £13.50 in March 2026.
- 🌿 Sweeping Thames views: cross the river in around ten minutes, taking in Docklands and the O2.
- 📜 Step-free and wheelchair accessible: most wheelchairs and mobility scooters can board directly.
- 💰 Free for young children: under-5s travel free when with a paying adult.
Opening hours for the London Cable Car
The cable car runs longer hours than several guides suggest. Current times are Monday to Thursday, 07:00–21:00; Friday, 07:00–23:00; Saturday, 08:00–23:00; and Sunday and bank holidays, 09:00–21:00.
A separate premium ticket, the London Cable Car Experience, runs to its own schedule: 10:00–19:00 during UK school holidays, weekends, and bank holidays, and 10:00–17:00 at all other times. It’s closed on Christmas Day and may close for private events, so check ahead if this is your reason for visiting.
Five great things to do in London
- 🚖 Take a private black cab tour around London’s highlights – with hotel pick-up.
- 🧙 Discover Harry Potter filming locations – and spots that inspired the books – on a wizarding walking tour.
- 🍴 Taste the best of British cuisine on a food tour through Borough Market.
- 🚲 Combine landmarks, pubs and street art – on a guided bike tour.
- ⛴️ Take a sightseeing cruise along the Thames from Westminster to Greenwich.
Ticket prices for the London Cable Car
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult, one-way | £7.00 |
| Adult, return | £13.50 |
| Child (5–15), one-way | £3.50 |
| Child (5–15), return | £6.75 |
| Under 5 (with a paying adult) | Free |
These are the current standard fares following the March 2026 change; the operator’s own fares page is inconsistent and shows lower figures in places, so treat these as the numbers to expect at the gate. Pay as you go with contactless or Oyster doesn’t count towards TfL’s daily price cap. Concession fares for Freedom Pass and 60+ Oyster photocard holders, along with carer’s tickets, are available at the ticket office rather than online. Book through Viator if you’d rather have your ticket confirmed before you travel.
How to get to the London Cable Car
Greenwich Peninsula side: take the Jubilee line to North Greenwich station, or the Thames Clipper river bus to North Greenwich Pier. Bus route 188 from central London stops at North Greenwich Bus Station.
Royal Docks side: take the DLR to Royal Victoria station, a short walk from the terminal.
By car: parking is available at North Greenwich Underground station and at The O2, both close to the Greenwich Peninsula terminal.
Why book The London Pass?
- 🎟️ Access 90+ Attractions: Visit London’s most legendary landmarks, including the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and The View from the Shard.
- 💰 Substantial Savings: Save significantly on total admission costs compared to purchasing individual tickets at the gate for each site.
- 🚌 Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: Includes a 1-day sightseeing bus ticket, making it easy to navigate between major districts and see Big Ben and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
- 📱 Instant Digital Pass: Download your pass directly to your smartphone for quick, paperless entry at every attraction throughout the city.
- ⏱️ Ultimate Flexibility: Choose a pass for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 10 days, allowing you to explore the capital at whatever pace suits your schedule.
Parking
Parking near the Greenwich Peninsula terminal is available at North Greenwich Underground station and at The O2. The official site doesn’t list dedicated parking at the Royal Docks terminal.
How long to spend at the London Cable Car
A single crossing takes up to 10 minutes, so a return trip is easily done within half an hour. Add extra time if you’re upgrading to the Glass Floor or Champagne experiences, or combining your visit with the O2 or ExCeL London.
Accessibility at the London Cable Car
The London Cable Car has step-free access and is accessible to most wheelchairs, including motorised wheelchairs and mobility scooters, up to 300kg and 700mm by 1,300mm in size. Passengers board and alight through the same door, so you may need to reverse a wheelchair or scooter in or out. Cars can be slowed to allow extra boarding time, and electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters must be switched off once inside.
What to see at the London Cable Car
The crossing itself gives sweeping views over the Thames, Docklands, the O2, and the Thames Barrier, all from a cabin carrying up to 10 people.
The Glass Floor Experience replaces the cabin floor with glass for a more dramatic view straight down to the water below.
The Champagne Experience is a fast-track, private-cabin option with a glass of Champagne or a soft drink included per person.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Pay by contactless or Oyster | Fares don’t count towards the daily TfL price cap, but this is still the simplest way to pay without pre-booking. |
| Bring your bike before 9:30am | Bicycles travel free on weekdays before 09:30, excluding bank holidays. |
| Check the weather first | Lightning threats and very strong winds can close the cable car temporarily. |
| Confirm the current fare | The operator’s own fares page still shows some outdated, lower prices, so double-check before you travel. |
| Check for private events | The London Cable Car Experience sometimes closes for private hire, so confirm availability in advance. |
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What are the current opening hours? | Monday to Thursday, 07:00–21:00; Friday, 07:00–23:00; Saturday, 08:00–23:00; Sunday and bank holidays, 09:00–21:00. |
| How much does a ticket cost? | £7.00 one-way or £13.50 return for adults, and £3.50 or £6.75 for children aged 5–15. Booking in advance confirms your fare ahead of the visit. |
| Is it wheelchair accessible? | Yes, it has step-free access and takes most wheelchairs and mobility scooters within its size and weight limits. |
| Can I bring my bike? | Yes, at all times, and free before 9:30am on weekdays excluding bank holidays. E-bikes are temporarily suspended pending a safety review. |
| Why might it close temporarily? | The cable car can close for a threat of lightning and thunder, or for very strong winds. |
Things to do nearby
The O2 is right next to the Greenwich Peninsula terminal, hosting concerts, exhibitions, and restaurants.
ExCeL London is a short walk from the Royal Docks terminal, a major exhibition and events centre on the north side of the river.
Greenwich town centre, with the Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory, is a short DLR or bus ride from North Greenwich.
The Thames Clipper river bus connects North Greenwich Pier to central London, making a scenic alternative route home.
Royal Victoria Dock’s watersports centre, near the Royal Docks terminal, offers cable wakeboarding and kayaking on the dock itself.
More London travel
Other London travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- National Maritime Museum, Greenwich: naval history and the language of the sea
- Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich: practical visitor guide
- HMS Belfast: how to make the most of your visit
- The Golden Hinde, Southwark: visiting Sir Francis Drake’s replica ship
- Tate Modern: how to navigate the Bankside Power Station
