Soar Above London: Your Guide to the IFS Cloud Cable Car

If you’re looking for a unique way to experience London from above, let me inspire you to add the IFS Cloud Cable Cars to your London Itinerary in my Soar Above London: Your Guide to the IFS Cloud Cable Car article. The IFS Cloud Cable Car is UK’s first and only urban cable car! Formerly known as the Emirates Air Line, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the River Thames, The O2 arena, Canary Wharf, and beyond. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a London local looking for a fresh perspective, this aerial ride is a must-try sightseeing experience.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know before taking flight, including ticket prices, best visiting times, must-see views, and practical tips to make the most of your journey across the Thames!

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Visitor Information & Practical Tips

Embarking on the IFS Cloud Cable Car offers a unique aerial perspective of London. To ensure a seamless experience, here’s essential visitor information and practical tips:

Opening Hours & Best Times to Visit

• General Operating Hours:
  • Monday to Thursday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Friday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Sunday and Bank Holidays: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Best Times to Visit:

• Weekdays: Mornings between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM are typically less crowded.
• Evenings: After 7:00 PM, enjoy extended “night flights” lasting approximately 12-13 minutes, offering stunning views of London’s illuminated skyline.

Ticket Prices & Booking Options

• One-Way Trip:
  • Adult: £6
  • Child (5-15 years): £3
  • Children under 5: Free
• Round Trip:
  • Adult: £12
  • Child (5-15 years): £6
  • Family Ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children): £30

Payment Methods:

• Contactless: Use your contactless debit/credit card or mobile payment device.
• Oyster Card: Accepted for pay-as-you-go travel.
• Online Booking: Purchase tickets in advance to secure your preferred time slot and potentially receive discounts.

How to Get There

IFS Cloud Greenwich Peninsula Terminal:

• Address: Edmund Halley Way, London SE10 0FR
• Nearest Tube Station: North Greenwich (Jubilee Line)
• Bus: North Greenwich Bus Station (routes include 188 from Central London)
• River: North Greenwich Pier
• Parking: Available at North Greenwich Underground Station and The O2.

IFS Cloud Royal Docks Terminal:

• Address: 27 Western Gateway, London E16 1FA
• Nearest DLR Station: Royal Victoria

Pro Tip: For a scenic approach, consider arriving via the Thames Clippers river bus service to North Greenwich Pier!

Accessibility & Facilities

• Step-Free Access: The cable car is fully accessible to wheelchair users and those with mobility scooters.
• Bicycles: Bicycles are accepted at all times. Cyclists travel free before 9:30 AM on weekdays, excluding bank holidays.
• Cabin Capacity: Each cabin can accommodate up to 10 passengers.
• Facilities: While there are no restrooms on-site, facilities are available nearby at North Greenwich Station and The O2.

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What to Expect on the IFS Cloud Cable Car Ride

Here’s what you can expect during your journey in the IFS Cloud Cable Cars!

• Duration: Each one-way trip lasts approximately 10 minutes, providing ample time to soak in the panoramic views.
• Altitude: The cable car ascends to a height of 90 meters (295 feet) above the River Thames, making it the highest observation point over the river.

Views: Passengers are treated to stunning vistas of London’s iconic landmarks, including:

• The O2 Arena
• Canary Wharf
• River Thames
• The Shard

Cabin Experience: The journey is smooth and leisurely, with cabins designed to minimize sway. Each cabin can accommodate up to 10 passengers, but during less busy times, you might have one to yourself. The cabins are also wheelchair accessible and can accommodate bicycles.

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Nearby Attractions & Things to Do

Exploring the IFS Cloud Cable Car not only offers breathtaking views of London but also places you in proximity to a variety of attractions on both sides of the River Thames. Here’s a guide to nearby points of interest to enhance your visit:

Greenwich Peninsula

Located on the southern end of the cable car route, the Greenwich Peninsula is a vibrant area teeming with activities:

• The O2 Arena: A premier entertainment venue hosting world-class concerts, sporting events, and shows. Beyond performances, The O2 houses a cinema, diverse restaurants, and bars.
• Up at The O2: For adventure enthusiasts, this experience offers guided climbs over The O2’s roof, providing panoramic views of London’s skyline.

• Outlet Shopping at The O2: Shop over 60 designer brands, including Adidas, Calvin Klein, and Nike, with up to 70% off regular prices. Spend £35 or more and enjoy four hours of free parking!

Royal Docks

On the northern side of the cable car, the Royal Docks area offers a blend of business and leisure destinations:

• ExCeL London: A leading exhibition and international convention center hosting a range of events, from conferences to exhibitions. Be sure to check their event calendar to see if anything interesting is happening during your visit!
• Emirates Aviation Experience: Dive into the world of aviation with interactive exhibits, flight simulators, and detailed insights into modern aircraft operations. This could be a great activity for kids, especially those interested in planes and how they work. While I haven’t personally been, it seems like an interesting stop for families visiting the area.

Thames Clippers River Cruise

Enhance your journey by combining the cable car ride with a river cruise:

• Uber Boat by Thames Clippers: Offering a unique perspective of London’s landmarks from the water, these river buses connect various piers along the Thames. Consider purchasing a combined ticket for both the cable car and river cruise for a seamless travel experience at Get Your Guide!

By exploring these attractions, you can maximize your visit to the IFS Cloud Cable Car and immerse yourself in the diverse experiences that both the Greenwich Peninsula and Royal Docks have to offer.

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My Personal Experience on the IFS Cloud Cable Car

I’ve been on the IFS Cloud Cable Car three times now, and I absolutely love it! The ride is smooth, the views are stunning, and it’s such a unique way to experience East London.

The first time I went was with my best friend, and we were both amazed at how high up it goes and how much of London you can see from up there. Since then, I’ve brought my brother and other friends along to experience it as well. Especially those who were visiting London for the first time or hadn’t seen much of East London and Greenwich before, thought it was a fun activity to explore this part of London. It’s a fantastic tourist attraction and a great way to introduce people to a different side of the city!

Smooth, Easy & Like Public Transport

One of the best things about the IFS Cloud Cable Car is that it’s super convenient to ride. It’s just like public transport. You don’t even need to buy tickets in advance if you don’t want to. Just tap your contactless bank card, phone, or Oyster card (London’s transport card) at the gate, and you’re good to go! No hassle, no long queues.

Best Route & Photo Tip

My favorite way to ride is from Royal Docks to Greenwich O2. That way, you get to see the stunning O2 Arena in the distance as you approach, without having to turn around to capture the view. It makes for some great photo opportunities, especially if you go at sunset!

Is It Worth It?

Okay, I’ll be honest… it’s a bit pricey for a 10-minute one-way ride. But, in my opinion, it’s worth it for the experience and the views. Definitely, if you’re a tourist looking for a unique experience in London! If you’re on a budget, I’d recommend going one way only and then using cheaper public transport to get back. The views don’t change that much on the return trip, so you’re not missing out.

Would I Recommend It?

Absolutely! It’s a fantastic experience for tourists and even locals who want a fresh perspective of London. However, I have noticed that some young children find it too scary because it does go very high. I’ve seen little ones refusing to get on while their parents tried to convince them. Totally understandable! So if you’re bringing kids, just be aware that it might be a bit intimidating for them.

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Thank you for reading! I hope this guide has helped you plan your visit to the IFS Cloud Cable Car. Whether you’re looking for stunning views, a fun way to explore East London, or a unique experience to add to your itinerary, this cable car ride is definitely worth considering! If you have any questions or want to share your own experience, feel free to drop a comment.

Xo Bug Girl

Instagram: @thebuggirladventures