Cable Car: Complete Guide to Enjoying the Emirates Air Line

The London Cable Car, also known as the Emirates Air Line or, due to its sponsorship, as the IFS Cloud Cable Car, is a cable car that crosses the River Thames in East London.

Connecting the Greenwich Peninsula with the Royal Docks, this attraction offers spectacular views of the city and is popular with both tourists and locals.

What is the Emirates Air Line?

The Emirates Air Line is London’s first urban cable car, inaugurated in 2012. It was funded in collaboration with Emirates airline, which gave it its original name. Since then, it has become a unique way to cross the Thames, providing a different perspective of London and its surroundings.

Main Features of the Emirates Air Line

• Route and Duration: The journey covers approximately 1 kilometer over the River Thames, taking around 10 minutes. During quieter times, an “experience flight” lasting up to 15 minutes is offered.
• Capacity and Frequency: The gondolas can carry up to 10 passengers each and operate at high frequency, especially during peak hours, with the capacity to transport up to 2,500 passengers per hour in each direction.

Main Stations of the London Cable Car

The London Cable Car has two main stations, both located in areas with easy access and multiple tourist attractions.

1. North Greenwich

• Location: Situated on the Greenwich Peninsula, near North Greenwich station on the Jubilee line of the Underground.
• Nearby attractions: The O2 Arena, the Cutty Sark, and the Greenwich Observatory are nearby, along with restaurants and shops.

2. Royal Victoria

• Location: Located in the Royal Docks, near the Royal Victoria station on the DLR.
• Nearby attractions: Ideal for visitors to the ExCeL London exhibition center, especially during events and fairs.

How to Make the Most of the Emirates Air Line Experience

• Choose the right time: For the best views, consider traveling during sunset or evening, when the city lights begin to shine.
• Combine with other attractions: The Emirates Air Line’s proximity to places like the O2 Arena and ExCeL London allows it to be easily included in a tourist itinerary.
• Take advantage of offers: There are packages that combine the cable car trip with other activities or attractions in London, such as Thames cruises.
• Capture the moment: The panoramic views offer excellent photo opportunities, so bring your camera or smartphone.

Cable Car Map

London Cable Car Operating Hours

The Emirates Air Line operates year-round, though hours may vary by season:

• Monday to Thursday: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
• Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

It is recommended to check the schedule before visiting, as it may vary on holidays or during special events.

London Cable Car Fares and Discounts

The Emirates Air Line offers various fare and discount options:

• Standard fares: The original fare for a single trip was £4.40. Users who pay with an Oyster Card or Travelcard enjoy a reduced fare of £3.30.
• Oyster Card: Using an Oyster card reduces the journey cost to £3.50 per trip, compared to £6 if paying cash.
• Frequent Traveler: This pass offers 10 journeys within a 12-month period, providing a more economical option for those planning multiple visits.
• 2-for-1 offers: National Rail train tickets include 2-for-1 discounts at several attractions, including the Emirates Air Line, as long as the train ticket is presented along with a voucher.
• Combined tickets: There are packages that combine the cable car trip with activities like Thames cruises, saving on both experiences.
• Group discounts: Groups of 10 or more people can get reduced fares by booking as a group.
• Seasonal promotions: Special promotions are available during certain times of the year, so check the official website for the latest offers.

Cable Car Accessibility

The Emirates Air Line is accessible to all users, including those in wheelchairs and with pushchairs, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience for everyone.

Bicycles and Electric Vehicles on the IFS Cloud Cable Car

The IFS Cloud Cable Car allows bicycles at all times, providing a convenient option for cyclists wishing to cross the Thames. However, there are specific policies regarding bicycles and electric vehicles:

• Bicycles: Bicycles are accepted on the cable car without time restrictions. Additionally, passengers with bicycles can travel for free before 9:30 a.m. on weekdays, excluding holidays.
• Electric bicycles (e-bikes): Currently, the use of electric bicycles is temporarily suspended on the cable car while a safety review is conducted to ensure a safe journey for all passengers.
• Electric scooters and unicycles: In line with Transport for London (TfL) policy, electric scooters and unicycles are prohibited on the IFS Cloud Cable Car.

If you plan to bring a bicycle on the Cable Car, make sure to check TfL’s latest policies for updates on electric vehicle regulations.

Transport Connections

The Cable Car stations are well connected to other transport services in London:

• North Greenwich: Connected to the Jubilee line of the Underground and several bus routes.
• Royal Victoria: Connected to the DLR (Docklands Light Railway), making it easy to access other parts of London.

What to See from the London Cable Car

During the journey, you’ll enjoy iconic views of London:

• O2 Arena: One of the world’s most famous event venues, clearly visible from the cabins.
• Canary Wharf: London’s financial district and its towering skyscrapers.
• Royal Docks: A historic area of London, famous for its industry and commercial importance in the past.
• River Thames: The famous London river, crossed by the cable car at several points.

The Cable Car as a Tourist Attraction

The Emirates Air Line is not only a means of transport but a tourist attraction in itself. It offers a unique perspective of London, allowing visitors to appreciate the blend of historic and modern architecture that characterizes the city. It’s an ideal option for those seeking an exciting experience crossing the Thames and for those wanting to enjoy spectacular views.

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