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London: IFS Cloud Cable Car
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The IFS Cloud Cable Car, also known as the London Cable Car, is an aerial cable car that crosses the River Thames, connecting Greenwich Peninsula with the Royal Docks in approximately 10 minutes. It offers an aerial view of the capital from a height of around 90 metres, passing over landmarks such as Canary Wharf, the O2 Arena and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Opened in June 2012 as the Emirates Air Line to coincide with the London Olympics, this urban cable car quickly became one of the capital’s most photographed attractions. From 2022, following the end of a decade-long sponsorship deal with Emirates, the cable car adopted its current name thanks to a partnership with IFS, a leading Swedish software company.
With over 1.5 million passengers annually, the IFS Cloud Cable Car is far more than just an alternative way to cross the Thames – it’s a genuine tourist attraction that allows you to admire London from a completely different perspective.
During the 10-minute crossing, which extends to 12-13 minutes after 7pm with the “Night Flight” experience, the cable car offers 360-degree views of some of London’s most iconic locations. The maximum height of 90 metres above the Thames represents the highest viewing point over the river, even surpassing the London Eye when it comes to river views.
Looking west, you can admire the skyline of the City of London with the distinctive dome of St Paul’s Cathedral, flanked by ultra-modern skyscrapers of the financial district. The unmistakable silhouette of The Shard, Western Europe’s tallest skyscraper at 310 metres, dominates the horizon, creating a fascinating contrast between historic and contemporary architecture.
To the east, your gaze sweeps across the Canary Wharf complex, the city’s second financial hub, with its glittering towers defining the Docklands skyline. On clear days, you can make out the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in the distance – the lasting legacy of the Olympic Games that completely transformed the Stratford area.
Directly beneath the cable car flows the Thames, its waters changing colour according to the light and tides. To the south stands the iconic structure of The O2 Arena, easily recognisable by its distinctive white domed roof, whilst along the river you can spot the Thames Barrier, the imposing system of moveable flood barriers that protects London from flooding.
Greenwich Peninsula retains traces of its maritime heritage, with former dockside buildings converted into cultural and residential spaces, whilst the Royal Docks exemplify urban regeneration, transforming from a derelict industrial area into a vibrant multi-use district.
In June 2024, the IFS Cloud Cable Car introduced an innovation that revolutionised the cable car experience over the Thames: the Glass Floor Experience. Two of the 34 cabins have been fitted with transparent glass floors, allowing passengers to look directly down whilst floating 90 metres above the river.
This experience requires advance booking and includes a mandatory safety briefing before boarding. Passengers must arrive at the IFS Greenwich Peninsula terminal at least 10 minutes before their scheduled time, as the Glass Floor Experience can only start from this station.
The glass-floored cabins have a standard capacity of 6-8 people, reduced when passengers with wheelchairs or mobility scooters are present. During the round trip, which includes priority “fast track” access, visitors can experience the sensation of walking on air, with the Thames flowing directly beneath their feet and an unobstructed 360-degree view of the entire city.
Transport for London recommends avoiding clothing such as skirts, short dresses and high heels to ensure comfort and safety during the experience. Those suffering from acrophobia, vertigo or heart conditions should consult a doctor before booking, as the direct downward view can be intense even for those without a particular fear of heights.
Buying online saves approximately £1 per ticket and, if purchased at least 7 days in advance, can secure discounts of up to 30% on return tickets during off-peak periods. You can also use Oyster Cards or contactless cards by simply tapping the readers at the entrance, with slightly discounted fares compared to cash purchases.
The IFS Cloud Cable Car operates year-round with opening times that vary slightly according to the day of the week.
Monday to Thursday, the service runs from 8am to 9pm, whilst Friday opening is delayed until 9am with closing at 10pm. Saturday has the latest hours, from 9am to 11pm, perfect if you want to admire the city lights after sunset. On Sundays and public holidays, the cable car operates from 9am to 9pm.
Cabins arrive every 30 seconds throughout the day, ensuring minimal waiting times even during peak periods. Each cabin can accommodate up to 10 people and travels at a constant speed of approximately 6 metres per second, equivalent to 22 kilometres per hour.
The cable car has two terminals, one on each bank of the Thames, perfectly integrated into London’s public transport network, making access extremely easy from anywhere in the city.
Located at Edmund Halley Way, London SE10 0FR, this terminal is just a 5-minute walk from North Greenwich station on the Jubilee Line, one of the Underground’s most modern and efficient lines, which connects directly to central London. From the station, simply follow signs for The O2 and continue past the arena to reach the cable car terminal.
If you prefer to travel by river, you can use the Thames Clippers services, alighting at North Greenwich Pier, which is nearby. From this area you can also easily access the historic Greenwich district, a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to the famous meridian and the Royal Observatory.
The other terminal is located at 27 Western Gateway, London E16 1FA, easily reached from Royal Victoria station on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), an automated light rail system serving east London. The station is just 4 minutes’ walk from the cable car terminal.
The best time to visit depends on your objectives: if you’re after spectacular photographs, you should time your crossing for about an hour before sunset, when the low-angle light creates golden reflections on the Thames and surrounding buildings.
Weekday mornings, particularly between 10am and noon, generally have shorter queues than weekends, when waiting times can reach 1-2 hours during peak tourist seasons.
For the standard experience, advance booking is not mandatory – you can buy tickets directly at the terminals or use your Oyster Card or contactless card. However, booking online in advance saves you approximately £1 per ticket and, for purchases made at least 7 days ahead, you can get discounts of up to 30% on return tickets during off-peak periods. For the Glass Floor Experience, advance booking is strongly recommended as only two special cabins are available.
Yes, each cabin has dedicated space for bicycles, making the cable car a convenient option if you’re cycling the Thames Path. Standard-sized luggage is also permitted. For the Glass Floor Experience, however, there may be restrictions on sharp or bulky items that could damage the glass floor.
For just the round trip on the cable car, allow approximately 30-40 minutes including waiting time (which can be longer at weekends). If you also visit the free London Cable Car Experience at the Greenwich terminal, add another 20-30 minutes. If you’d like to combine the cable car with a visit to The O2 or a walk along the Thames Path, you should plan for at least half a day.
Yes, the IFS Cloud Cable Car is fully accessible. Cabins can be slowed or stopped to facilitate boarding for people using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and both terminals have lifts to reach the departure platforms. The London Cable Car Experience has accessible toilets. Guide dogs for the visually impaired travel free of charge.
The cable car can operate in most weather conditions but is temporarily closed in cases of very strong winds, thunderstorms with lightning or other conditions that could compromise safety. It’s advisable to check the service status before heading to the terminals on days of poor weather. During rainy days, visibility is limited and windows can become misted up, reducing the quality of the panoramic experience.
Yes, each cabin has dedicated space for bicycles, making the cable car a convenient option if you’re cycling the Thames Path. Standard-sized luggage is also permitted. For the Glass Floor Experience, however, there may be restrictions on sharp or bulky items that could damage the glass floor.
City Card allow you to save on public transport and / or on the entrances to the main tourist attractions.
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