London Cable Car tickets 2026: official vs resellers, combo deals & insider tips
Compare the standard £6.00 one-way transport fare against the £13.50 'Discovery Experience' round-trip that includes a souvenir guide and entry to the London Cable Car Experience museum. Tapping in with Contactless or Oyster costs the same as a standard online 'Boarding Pass', making it the most flexible option for a single crossing.
Honest price comparison Updated 6h ago 6 live rows
For a simple crossing, pay-as-you-go with a contactless card is the cheapest official method, but pre-booking a roundtrip ticket is ideal for visitors wanting a single QR code for both directions. If you are exploring Greenwich or the O2, choose a bundle that includes the Uber Boat or a river cruise to save on total transport costs while traveling between Central London and the Royal Docks.
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Just want the standard roundtrip experience
This matches the official benchmark price for a roundtrip and provides a digital ticket that includes the London Cable Car Experience museum.
It combines a 1-day Uber Boat hop-on hop-off pass with the cable car, offering the best value for those using the Thames as their primary transit route.
Standard online 'Boarding Pass' tickets cost the same as tapping in with Oyster or Contactless (£6.00 single); however, third-party 'Experience' tickets often default to the higher £13.50 rate because they include the museum and souvenir guide.
The cable car frequently closes due to high winds or lightning; while official fares are not charged if you cannot tap-in, third-party combo tickets may have rigid 'no-refund' policies for partial cancellations.
There is no genuine 'Skip-the-Line' for boarding; all ticket holders must join the same physical queue to enter the gondolas once they have passed the ticket barriers.
Bicycles are permitted on the cable car at all times, including peak hours, at no extra charge; however, space is limited to two bikes per cabin and staff may restrict access if the service is exceptionally busy.
There are no luggage storage facilities at the terminals; while small bags are allowed, oversized suitcases may be restricted during busy periods for safety reasons.
Insider tips
4 things to know before your visit
Entrance: The IFS Cloud Cable Car operates between two terminals: North Greenwich (near The O2) and Royal Docks (near ExCeL). North Greenwich is the primary entrance for most tourists and experiences significantly longer queues, especially during O2 Arena events; starting at Royal Docks often provides a faster boarding experience. There is no dedicated 'Fast Track' or 'Skip-the-Line' lane that bypasses the boarding queue; pre-purchased tickets or 'skip-the-line' vouchers only save you from queuing at the ticket machines. For the fastest entry, use Contactless or Oyster directly at the barriers. Security performs random bag searches, so travel light to avoid delays. If you require a private cabin, these are generally only guaranteed with specific 'Champagne' or 'Experience' packages; otherwise, you may be grouped with other passengers during peak periods.
Price: Official adult fares for May 2026 are £6.00 for a single journey and £12.00 for a round-trip 'Boarding Pass'. The £13.50 'Discovery Experience' (often sold by partners) includes a return journey plus museum entry and a souvenir guide. Contactless and Oyster pay-as-you-go rates match the standard online fare. Children under 5 travel free, and holders of 60+ Oyster or Freedom Passes are eligible for a 50% discount at the ticket office with valid proof.
Discounts: Children under 5 travel free of charge and do not require a ticket or reservation when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. Reduced-price tickets are available for children aged 5–15. For adults, the most flexible way to pay is via Oyster or contactless at the gate, though pre-paid online vouchers are accepted. Note that Freedom Pass and 60+ Oyster card holders are eligible for a 50% discount but cannot 'touch in' at the barriers; they must present their pass at the ticket office to purchase a discounted fare. There are no timed entry requirements, as the service operates on a continuous boarding basis.
Timing: Arrive early enough for security checks, ticket scanning and wayfinding.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my Oyster or contactless card to pay for the London Cable Car?
Yes, you can tap in and out at the barriers using a contactless card or Oyster credit. The fare is the same as a standard online 'Boarding Pass' (£6.00), though it does not include the museum entry or souvenir guides included in 'Experience' tickets.
Do I need to book a specific time slot for my visit?
No, the service operates as a continuous transport link. Online tickets are valid for the entire day of your booking; you simply join the boarding queue at either the North Greenwich or Royal Docks terminal.
What is the difference between a single ticket and a round-trip (return) ticket?
A single ticket covers a one-way journey of approximately 10 minutes. A round-trip ticket allows you to stay in the cabin for a 'non-stop' return journey, which is ideal for sightseeing.
Are there discounts for children, students, or seniors?
Children under 5 travel for free. Reduced fares are available for children aged 5–15. Freedom Pass and 60+ Oyster holders get a 50% discount but must purchase their ticket at the terminal office.
Does the cable car close during bad weather?
The service may close during high winds or lightning. If you have a pre-booked ticket and the service is closed, contact your provider or the terminal desk for a refund or revalidation.
Is the London Cable Car fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?
Yes, both terminals have step-free access via lifts. Cabins accommodate most wheelchairs and strollers; staff can slow the cabins for easier boarding.
Can I bring a bicycle on the cable car?
Bicycles are permitted at all times, including peak hours, at no extra charge. Space is limited to two bikes per cabin, and access is subject to capacity.