A cable car gliding across the Thames between Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks — a short, novelty ride with skyline views. Branded the Emirates Air Line at its 2012 launch and the IFS Cloud Cable Car until early 2026, it now runs simply as the London Cable Car.
🛡️ Independent — no pay-to-rank🔎 Graded for who you are✓ Verified 2026-06-17How we grade →
The verdict
Who it's worth it for
Great for
—
Depends
If you've only got a day
Families with kids
Couples
Solo travellers
Photographers
Adventurers
Not for
Travellers on a budget
Worth it for the right traveller.
Why we say this
Insider secrets & local vibes
For the price of a bus ride you get a genuinely good aerial sweep over the Thames, Canary Wharf's towers and the O2's spikes — a view you'd otherwise pay observation-deck money for.
Not independently verified — estimated
It's a five-minute hop between two out-of-the-way spots with little around either station, so it only makes sense bolted onto a Greenwich or O2 visit rather than as its own outing.
Not independently verified — estimated
What it feels like
Reading the room, traveller by traveller
With kids
The dangle-over-the-river ride is a genuine little thrill for children and the cabins feel like a fairground gondola.
As a couple
A quirky, cheap detour at dusk when the Docklands lights come on, but not worth a special trip on its own.
Good to know
Before you go
Cost
~£6 single
Time
30 min
Last verified
2026-06-17
Best time
A clear day for the views; combine with a visit to the O2 or Greenwich.
Getting there
North Greenwich Tube to the south terminal, or Royal Victoria DLR to the north.
Booking
No booking needed; pay with contactless or Oyster on the day.