London’s cable car is currently presented by TfL as London Cable Car. Its previous names were Emirates Air Line and IFS Cloud Cable Car, which may still appear on older maps or websites. It crosses the Thames between Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks.
Connecting these two areas, it offers panoramic views and an experience enjoyed by visitors and residents.
What is London Cable Car?
The cable car opened in 2012 as Emirates Air Line, sponsored by Emirates. Today it is presented as London Cable Car. It offers a different view of east London while crossing between Greenwich Peninsula and Royal Docks.
Main features of London’s cable car
- Route and duration: It crosses approximately one kilometre over the Thames. TfL gives journey times of up to around 10 minutes each way, varying with demand and weather. A single is different from a round-trip ticket or special experience.
- Capacity and frequency: Cabins hold up to 10 people and arrive approximately every 30 seconds. They may be shared at busy times; cabin frequency is not the same as queueing time.
London Cable Car terminals
The cable car has two terminals, with transport connections and attractions in the surrounding areas.
1. Greenwich Peninsula Terminal, near North Greenwich
- Location: Greenwich Peninsula, near North Greenwich Underground station on the Jubilee line.
- Nearby attractions: The O2, restaurants and Greenwich Peninsula spaces. Cutty Sark and the Observatory are in historic Greenwich and require another journey; they are not beside this terminal.
2. Royal Docks Terminal, near Royal Victoria
- Location: Royal Docks, near Royal Victoria DLR station.
- Nearby attractions: Royal Victoria Dock and the area around ExCeL London. Allow time to walk to your event’s entrance; the cable car does not take you inside the venue.
Making the most of the cable car
- Choose your time: Sunset or after dark can offer different views as the city lights come on.
- Combine visits: It can fit a trip to The O2 and Royal Docks. If adding historic Greenwich, allow time to travel between the areas.
- Check offers: Packages may combine the crossing with activities such as Thames boat trips. Check their actual inclusions.
- Photography: Bring a camera or phone for the panoramic views.
Cable car map
London Cable Car opening hours
TfL publishes these usual hours; check exceptions for your date:
- Monday to Thursday: 08:00–21:00.
- Friday: 09:00–22:00.
- Saturday: 09:00–23:00.
- Sunday and bank holidays: 09:00–21:00.
Check official hours and service status before travelling. Strong winds, thunderstorms or extreme heat can cause temporary closures. London Cable Car Experience activity hours differ from the crossing hours.
London Cable Car fares and discounts
Distinguish singles, round trips and payment methods when comparing current prices:
- Standard fare: Adult single £7; children aged 5–15 £3.50 with a child ticket. Under-5s travel free. A standard adult round-trip ticket costs £13.50, compared with £14 for two pay as you go singles. Online offers may apply to selected products and dates.
- Oyster, contactless and Travelcards: Oyster and contactless are accepted, but the cable car is charged separately and does not count towards TfL caps. It is not included with a Travelcard. You cannot top up Oyster at the terminals; do so beforehand if needed.
- Frequent travellers: The £20 Multi-journey ticket covers 10 singles and lasts 12 months from issue. Buy it at terminal ticket offices. It is personal and does not include priority boarding.
- 2FOR1 offers: A National Rail ticket alone is not enough. Check that a current offer exists for this attraction, that your rail ticket qualifies and what booking conditions apply before relying on a two-for-one deal.
- Combined tickets: The official shop offers cable car and boat products. Compare inclusions with what you will use; a package does not automatically save money against separate tickets.
- Groups: Request a quote for your date and numbers rather than assuming an automatic discount for 10 or more travellers.
- Seasonal promotions: Check the official website for current offers and their conditions.
Cable car accessibility
The cable car has step-free access and accommodates many wheelchairs, including powered wheelchairs, and mobility scooters. TfL specifies a maximum of 300kg and 700 × 1,300mm; check your equipment with the operator. The same door is used for boarding and leaving, so reversing may be necessary. Cabins can be slowed for boarding; electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters must be switched off inside. Confirm arrangements for pushchairs and individual requirements before visiting.
Bicycles and electric vehicles
London Cable Car accepts conventional bicycles during operating hours. Current conditions distinguish these from electric vehicles:
- Bicycles: Accepted throughout operating hours. TfL says passengers with bicycles travel free before 10:30 on weekdays, excluding bank holidays; check the conditions for your date.
- E-bikes: Prohibited under TfL’s published policy. Do not assume a previously described temporary suspension has ended without official confirmation.
- E-scooters and electric unicycles: Prohibited on London Cable Car under TfL policy.
Check TfL’s latest rules before bringing a bicycle or electric vehicle.
Transport connections
The terminals connect with other London transport through nearby stations:
- North Greenwich: Jubilee line and several bus routes.
- Royal Victoria: DLR connections to other parts of London.
What can you see from the cable car?
Views during the crossing include:
- The O2: The major events venue, visible from the cabins.
- Canary Wharf: Its financial district and tall buildings.
- Royal Docks: An area with a history of industry and trade.
- The Thames: The route crosses between its two terminals; it does not make several river crossings or reach central London’s historic sights.
The cable car as a visitor attraction
London Cable Car combines transport with a panoramic experience. It may fit a visit to The O2 or Royal Docks, or an opportunity to see this part of the Thames from above. For transport alone, compare time, fare and walks with Underground and DLR alternatives. For views, check daylight, visibility and service status.
Single or round trip?
If you want to cross and continue exploring on the other bank, compare a single with your onward connection. To return to your starting point, the standard adult round-trip ticket (£13.50) costs £0.50 less than two pay as you go singles (£14), before any offers. Check the return conditions of your product: do not assume every ticket lets you leave, explore and return later.
See TfL’s payment and discount information and the official shop. Choose the appropriate ticket for children or eligible carers rather than expecting a bank card to apply a discount automatically.
Last reviewed: 16 October 2026.
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