Skip to content
How it worksAdd your verdict
London

Is Cable Car worth it?

Worth it if…Lives up to the hype · +22TfL gondola over the Thames between the O2 and Royal Docks, about 10 minutes each way
Cable Car
Greenwich Peninsula · Google Maps
Cable Car
Niroshan · Google Maps
Cable Car
Kamal Chawla · Google Maps
Cable Car
Tom Smith · Google Maps
Cable Car
Anushka Gopeechund · Google Maps

Worth it, with conditions. 4.6 from 6,266 Google reviews, yet mixed reviews call it nice but not must-see, with East London rather than landmark views.

Hype34How famous and hyped it is
Reality56Evidence-based, votes take over as they come in
The gap+22Lives up to the hypeHow we score
4.6 ★ Google · 6,266 reviews— hypegap votes · be one of the first

Been to Cable Car? Was it worth it?

One tap. No account. Your vote moves the Reality score.

Is it worth it for you?

Worth itEditorial verdict until 5 families with kids vote

Child fares are £3.50 one way and reviewers say kids love it; one family of five paid £24.50.

Why Reality is 56

Lives up to its fame3/54.6 from 6,266 Google reviews, yet mixed reviews call it nice but not must-see, with East London rather than landmark views.
Value for money4/5£7 one way or £13 return is cheap for an aerial ride in London, though the ride is brief.
Can’t get it elsewhere3/5London's only urban cable car, but better central skyline views exist at Sky Garden and Primrose Hill.
Easy to do3/5Contactless tap-in and almost no queues, but it's about 30 minutes from the centre and pauses in strong wind.

What people loved

Cheap for a London aerial view: £13 round trip versus far pricier observation attractionsPrivate-feeling cabins with good views of the Thames, the O2, Canary Wharf and City Airport planesShort waits and efficient, helpful staff, including for access needsEasy add-on to a Greenwich day, with the Elizabeth line/DLR from Royal Docks back to the centre

What wore them down

Short ride; several reviewers say it's pleasant but not something to go out of your way forViews are mostly of East London's docks and development rather than the classic central skylineOut of the centre, and service can pause in high wind or stormsSo little used that TfL cut opening hours in 2024 — the upside is no queues

Know before you go

See something out of date? Fix it right here.

Booking: Walk up and tap in with contactless/Oyster, or pre-book online; queues are usually short

FareOnline: adult £7 one way / £13 round trip; child (5–15) £3.50 / £6.50. Fast Track £25, Glass Floor Experience £35. Contactless and Oyster pay-as-you-go also acceptedSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
HoursSince Dec 2024 winter timetable: 8am–10pm Mon–Thu, 9am–10pm Fri–Sun; check TfL for current seasonal hoursSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Ride timeUp to 10 minutes each way; a return lets you stay on board for the trip backSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Weather closuresCan close temporarily in very strong wind or nearby lightning; check TfL status or call 0343 222 1234Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Getting thereNorth Greenwich (Jubilee line) beside the O2 at the south end; Royal Victoria DLR at the north end. Roughly 30 min from Trafalgar Square / Covent Garden via the Jubilee lineSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Time neededAbout 30 min for a round trip including boardingSource: Google reviews · Checked Oct 16, 2026

In their words

“it’s not particularly mind blowing or something you’d go out of your way for.”
Jameela Gidden · Google review · 6 months ago
“Personally, I prefer it to the London Eye because the journey feels more dynamic and exciting.”
Shalatel · Google review · 4 months ago
“Ride is okay but feels shorter for prise that you pay . Prefer night time to see aeroplane lineup and city lights”
adesh Kanthale · Google review · 3 months ago
“Kids were flabbergasted!”
Cardinal Zetta · Google review · 6 months ago

Tips from people who went

No tips yet. Be the first to share one.

0/400 · no links · posts right away

Questions people ask

How much is the London cable car?

Booking online, adults pay £7 one way or £13 round trip; children 5–15 pay £3.50 or £6.50. Contactless and Oyster also work.

How long is the IFS Cloud Cable Car ride?

Up to about 10 minutes each way, depending on passenger flow and weather.

Where does the London cable car go?

Across the Thames between Greenwich Peninsula (North Greenwich tube, by the O2) and Royal Docks (Royal Victoria DLR).

Does the cable car run in bad weather?

It may close temporarily in very strong winds or if lightning is nearby; TfL posts status updates.

Do you need to book the cable car?

No. You can tap in with contactless or Oyster; pre-booking online is optional.

Better fits, according to people who went

London Eye — photo by Matthias UllrichSkip itReality 39 −48London Eye★ 4.5City, Tower & South Bank · ViewpointThe classic central aerial view of Westminster, at a much higher price.Greenwich — photo by shaunWorth it if…Reality 69 +14Greenwich★ 4.6Greenwich & day trips · HistoryPair the ride with the Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark across the river.Sky Garden — photo by Remco van LingeWorth it if…Reality 66 −8Sky Garden★ 4.6City, Tower & South Bank · ViewpointFree, closer to the centre and with the landmark City skyline view (booking needed).Hampstead Heath — photo by Janusz NowakWorth itReality 90 +35Hampstead Heath★ 4.7North & East London · ParkWild heathland with swimming ponds, Kenwood House and the Parliament Hill skyline view

Sources

Verdict by The Hype Gap editors. No one paid for it. Facts checked Oct 16, 2026. How we score · Standards