London Cable Car reveals east London’s landmarks from 90 metres up
Passengers see Thames Barrier, London City Airport and Olympic Park during 10-minute crossing
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A cable car crossing the Thames between Greenwich Peninsula and Royal Docks gives passengers views of east London’s landmarks from 90 metres above the river. The journey, which takes about 10 minutes, shows the Thames Barrier, London City Airport and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Transport for London said.
The London Cable Car, which opened in 2012, runs just over a kilometre across the river. It was originally called the IFS Cloud Cable Car. Transport for London lists the Thames Barrier and London City Airport as visible landmarks during the crossing, as reported by This Is Local London.
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What passengers can see from the cable car
Looking east along the Thames, passengers spot the Thames Barrier, part of London’s flood defences. The silver structures sit downstream from the cable car. Transport for London highlights this as a key sight, according to This Is Local London.
Near the Royal Docks, London City Airport comes into view. Aircraft descending towards the runway can sometimes be seen from the cable car. Transport for London’s guide confirms the airport is visible with the naked eye from the Royal Docks terminal.
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The cable car also offers views of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, created for the 2012 London Olympics. Transport for London includes it among the major landmarks visible during the journey. The park sits in the distance, beyond the Royal Docks.
Passengers can see the vast roof of The O2 arena on Greenwich Peninsula. Visitors climbing the arena’s roof as part of the Up at The O2 experience appear as tiny figures from the cable car, showing the building’s scale. The cable car’s height makes the arena’s white roof stand out.
A Glass Floor Experience, launched in June 2025, allows passengers in specially booked cabins to look directly down at the Thames. The cabins reach the cable car’s highest point, 90 metres above the river. Boats and barges on the Thames appear small from this height.
Views of east London’s changing landscape
The cable car passes over an area where docks, warehouses and new developments sit side by side. From above, passengers see railway lines, roads, cranes and riverside construction sites. Transport for London says the journey reveals east London’s shape in a way not visible at street level.
Royal Victoria Dock, ExCeL London exhibition centre and the Royal Victoria Dock Footbridge are visible below. The docks reflect east London’s industrial history, despite the modern apartment blocks and developments surrounding them. The mix of old and new creates a distinctive urban view.
On clear days, passengers can see as far as St Paul’s Cathedral and The Gherkin in central London. The Shard and Canary Wharf’s towers are also visible. Transport for London notes these landmarks can be spotted from the cable car, turning the journey into a skyline challenge.
The cable car’s route also links modern east London to Maritime Greenwich. Passengers can see the Old Royal Naval College and Cutty Sark in the distance. The contrast between historic Greenwich and the skyscrapers of Docklands is visible from the cabins.
What happens next
The London Cable Car remains a Transport for London service. No changes to the route or operation have been announced. Passengers can continue to book the Glass Floor Experience for cabins with direct views of the Thames below.
Questions this report answers
+How long does the London Cable Car journey take?
The London Cable Car journey between Greenwich Peninsula and Royal Docks takes around 10 minutes each way. The crossing covers just over a kilometre across the Thames, as confirmed by Transport for London.
+What landmarks can you see from the London Cable Car?
Passengers can see the Thames Barrier, London City Airport and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park from the cable car. Transport for London lists these as visible landmarks during the 10-minute crossing.
+When did the London Cable Car open?
The London Cable Car opened in 2012. It was originally called the IFS Cloud Cable Car and remains a Transport for London service connecting Greenwich Peninsula and Royal Docks.
+What is the Glass Floor Experience on the London Cable Car?
The Glass Floor Experience, introduced in June 2025, allows passengers in specially booked cabins to look directly down at the Thames from 90 metres up. It offers a view of boats and barges on the river below.
WE FILE
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The London Travel Desk assembled this report from the outlets listed below. Language-model drafting is reviewed under human editorial supervision, with scoring notes and corrections kept visible.
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