Ride a Cable Car Across the Thames
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Published June 28th 2012
When it comes to traversing London's River Thames, you can drive across one of its many bridges, take a bus, or hop on an overground train. You can also travel underneath on the tube, go by car via the Dartford road tunnel, or even walk along one of the foot tunnels.
If you want to get a whiff of the water, you could sail across on one of the many boats that ply its waters, or, if you're a bit on the eccentric side (as well as extremely brave), you could swim across.
There's one more way too. In fact, it's London's latest way to get across the Thames, and it's called the Emirates Air Line cable car.
Opened in June 2012, the cable car travels between the O2 Arena in Greenwich and the ExCel Exhibition Centre at the Royal Docks.
Reaching heights of up to 90 metres, passengers will be treated to spectacular views of east London, including famous sights such as Canary Wharf, the Olympic Park and the Thames Barrier.
The journey takes just five minutes and costs £3.20 for adults (with an Oyster card) and £1.60 for children. It operates seven days a week, opening at 7am on weekdays, 8am on Saturdays, and 9am on Sundays. The service closes every day at 9pm.
The UK's first ever urban cable car comprises 34 cabins, capable of carrying up to 2,500 passengers an hour.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has described the service as a "stunning addition to London's transport network."
If you're OK with heights and like the idea of soaring over one of the world's most famous rivers in a mode of transport more often associated with the Swiss Alps than a bustling city, then hey, the Emirates Air Line cable car could be just the ticket.
If you want to get a whiff of the water, you could sail across on one of the many boats that ply its waters, or, if you're a bit on the eccentric side (as well as extremely brave), you could swim across.
There's one more way too. In fact, it's London's latest way to get across the Thames, and it's called the Emirates Air Line cable car.
Reaching heights of up to 90 metres, passengers will be treated to spectacular views of east London, including famous sights such as Canary Wharf, the Olympic Park and the Thames Barrier.
The iconic River Thames with the Tower of London and Gherkin in the background.
The journey takes just five minutes and costs £3.20 for adults (with an Oyster card) and £1.60 for children. It operates seven days a week, opening at 7am on weekdays, 8am on Saturdays, and 9am on Sundays. The service closes every day at 9pm.
The UK's first ever urban cable car comprises 34 cabins, capable of carrying up to 2,500 passengers an hour.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has described the service as a "stunning addition to London's transport network."
If you're OK with heights and like the idea of soaring over one of the world's most famous rivers in a mode of transport more often associated with the Swiss Alps than a bustling city, then hey, the Emirates Air Line cable car could be just the ticket.
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Why? It's the newest and highest way to cross the Thames.
When: Mon - Fri: 7am-9pm; Sat: 8am-9pm; Sun: 9am-9pm
Where: Between the O2 Arena in Greenwich and the ExCel exhibition centre at the Royal Docks.
Cost: Adult: £3.20 with an Oyster card or £16 for 10 journeys. Child: £1.60
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