The IFS Cloud cable car is the first cable car built in the UK and was opened to the public in June 2012, before the beginning of the London Olympics. The cable car was a new fun thing in London that many people liked. It was put there to help people move around easily during the busiest time of the Olympics. The project, the London Thames Cable, received major sponsorship from Emirates Airlines until September 2022.
At approximately 90 meters in height, the cable car offers the highest observation point over the River Thames. From this vantage point, visitors can enjoy stunning views of landmarks such as Canary Wharf, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Shard, the O2, the Thames River, Maritime Greenwich, and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
The construction of the cable car project incurred a total cost of £60 million, with Emirates contributing £24 million as the primary sponsor. TFL invested £36 million in the remaining. However, the sponsorship contract with Emirates recently ended, and IFS has taken over as the cable car sponsor for the next two years.
How can you get to the IFS London Cable Car?
To reach the IFS London Cable Car, the nearest train station is Royal Victoria DLR. From there, it’s just a short 4-minute walk to the IFS Cloud Royal Docks, where the cable car is located. The area is surrounded by various cafes, burger joints, and restaurants, providing plenty of options for dining before or after your visit to the cable car.
Directions for reaching the IFS London Cable Car are as follows:
You have two options to board the cable car: IFS Greenwich Peninsula or IFS Royal Docks. Here are the addresses and nearest transportation options for each:
IFS Cloud Greenwich Peninsula
Address: IFS Greenwich Peninsula Terminal, Edmund Halley Way, London SE10 0FR
Tube: North Greenwich Underground Station (Jubilee line)
River: North Greenwich Pier
Bus: North Greenwich Bus Station (take the 188 from Central London)
Car parking facilities are available, including at North Greenwich Underground station and the O2.
Where does the IFS cable car start and finish?
Experience something truly unique just 15 minutes away from central London with the UK’s first and only urban cable car. The IFS Cloud Cable Car conveniently spans the River Thames between Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks, a mere 5-minute walk from the O2 and North Greenwich Underground stations.
As you soar 90 metres above the River Thames, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of iconic London landmarks such as
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
- The Gherkin
- Thames Barrier
- Maritime Greenwich
- Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
IFS cable cars offer plenty of space and comfortable seating, with a distinctive Transport for London touch. Discover this extraordinary hidden gem just a short distance from central London and embark on a memorable journey above the city’s skyline.
How much does the London IFS cable car cost?
Tickets for the IFS Cloud Cable Car can be conveniently pre-booked online. Alternatively, you have the option to travel using a contactless payment card or device, or an Oyster card, allowing you to pay as you go for your journey.
Prices for online and pay-as-you-go:
| IFS Cloud Cable Care Online Fares | One Way | Round Trip |
| Adult Boarding Pass | £6.00 | £10.00 |
| Child Boarding Pass (aged 5–15) | £3.00 | £5.00 |
| Child under 5 (with a fare-paying adult) | Free | Free |
| Family ticket (maximum of 2 adults and 3 children) | N/A | £30.00 |
| Fast track per adult (16+) | N/A | £25.00 |
| Fast track per child (5–15) | N/A | £12.50 |
| Fast track per Toddler (0–4) | N/A | Free |
Fares by cash at the IFC Cloud Cable car ticket office:
| Rate | One Way | Round Trip |
| Adult Boarding Pass | £6.00 | £12.00 |
| Child Boarding Pass (aged 5–15) | £3.00 | £6.00 |
| Child under 5 (with a fare-paying adult) | Free | Free |
Opening hours for the IFS Cloud Cable Car
| Day | Time |
| 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 |
Closing for maintenance
Please note that the IFS Cloud Cable Car will be temporarily closed for essential maintenance from March 18 to March 27, 2024.
Additionally, on bank holidays, the cable car will operate according to a Sunday timetable.
London IFS Cable Car
How long does the IFS Cloud Cable Car take?
With a soaring height of 90 meters, the IFS Cloud Cable Car in London provides awe-inspiring aerial vistas of the city’s skyline. Stretching just over 1 kilometer across the River Thames, this cable car stands as the tallest observation point over the river, reaching nearly 300 feet in height.
A must-do leisure activity for both Londoners and visitors alike, the cable car is renowned as one of the capital’s most sought-after observation attractions. Cabins arrive at intervals of 30 seconds, and a typical single crossing typically lasts around 10 minutes.
A Night Time journey on the IFS Cable Car
Starting at 19:00 each day, the IFS Cable Car offers extended flight experiences lasting approximately 25 minutes (12–13 minutes each way). This allows you to enjoy a more leisurely journey across the Thames and soak in the stunning views.
During these extended hours, music and videos are also available to enhance your in-flight experience and make it even more enjoyable.
A Bird’s-Eye view of the IFS Cloud Cable Car
The IFS Cloud Cable Car offers a panoramic 360-degree view of East London, including sights such as Olympic Park, the O2 Arena, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Old Royal Naval College Greenwich, and the striking new Crystal Building. The journey culminates at IFS Greenwich Peninsula station, where visitors can explore the O2 arena and take in stunning views of the Thames River. For regular travelers, there’s convenient access to bus and train services from North Greenwich Station.
Thames River
Highlights of the London IFS Cable Car
You have the option to embark from either the Greenwich Peninsula or Royal Victoria banks of the river, with round-trip journeys offered.
The cable car ensures accessibility for most wheelchairs and strollers.
It provides step-free access and accommodates bicycles in each cabin.
Parking facilities are accessible, including at North Greenwich Tube Station and the O2 Arena. The closest restroom facilities are located at North Greenwich Tube Station.
Please be aware that private cabins are not assured in any of the experiences; however, during quieter times, staff will endeavor to provide them.
Each cabin has a capacity of up to 10 passengers.
Summary
Enjoy a non-stop return journey on the IFS Cloud Cable Car Tickets. Cable Car London, where you’ll glide over the River Thames, treating yourself to breathtaking views of London. Boarding is convenient from either the Greenwich Peninsula or the Royal Victoria banks of the river. The cable car ensures full accessibility for most wheelchairs and pushchairs, with step-free access and room for bicycles in each cabin. Parking facilities are provided, including options at North Greenwich Tube Station and the O2 Arena.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the IFS cable car start and finish?
The service consists of a gondola line spanning 0.62 miles (1.00 km), traversing the Thames from the Greenwich Peninsula to the Royal Victoria Dock, situated west of ExCeL London.
IFS cable car opening times?
The operating hours for the IFS Cloud Cable Car are as follows:
| 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 |
Please be advised that the IFS Cloud Cable Car will be temporarily closed for essential maintenance from March 18 to March 27, 2024.
Furthermore, on bank holidays, the cable car will follow a Sunday timetable.
Can you just turn up the Emirates cable car?
Oyster cards can also be loaded with pay-as-you-go credit. Emirates Air Line operates on a turn-up-and-go basis, meaning tickets must be purchased at the terminals and cannot be pre-purchased or obtained online. The nearest station is Royal Victoria, served by the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), located approximately 200 yards away from the cable car terminals.
IFS cloud cable car route?
The IFS Cloud Cable Car spans the River Thames, connecting the Greenwich Peninsula to the Royal Docks, conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from the O2 Arena and North Greenwich Underground station.
How much does the London cable car cost?
You can purchase adult single tickets for £6 and child tickets for £3 on the IFS Cloud Cable Car. Alternatively, round-trip tickets are available, priced at £12 for adults and £6 for children.
How long does the IFS Cloud Cable Car take?
Cabins arrive approximately every 30 seconds, and a single crossing typically takes around 10 minutes. Please note that the IFS Cable Car will be closed from March 18th to March 27th.
