An adventure activity that you must add to your bucket list in the United Kingdom would be ride the London Cable Car or the Emirates Air Line. It is a different sightseeing experience where you will take to the skies over the river Thames and be greeted by some of the panoramic views of the whole city.
What is the Emirates Cable Car?
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The Emirates Cable Car is a cable car route over the river Thames in east London between the Greenwich Peninsula, on the south bank of the river Thames and the Royal Docks on the north bank.
The cable car was opened in June 2012 for 60 million euros and according to the internet, it nicknamed The Dangle way. Spanning over one kilometer across the River Thames, North Greenwich and Royal Docks.
A one-way trip around 10 minutes, with the cable cars coming about every 30 seconds to pick you up. But do not worry, the cars slow down so you can board safely and easily, so it is accessible for disabled person, carers, wheelchair users and buggies.
How to get to the Emirates Cable Car?
If you are heading to the Greenwich Peninsula to catch the London Cable car, then you have a few options as follows-
Tube- Jubilee line to North Greenwich station.
River- North Greenwich Pier.
Car- Parking is available at North Greenwich Tube Station and the O2 Arena.
Address-The Emirates Cable Car, Edmund, Halley Way, London, SE10 OFR.
If you are heading to the north bank to catch the Emirates Cable Car from Emirates Royal Docks, use the DLR.
DLR- Royal Victoria Station.
Address- Royal Docks, 27 Western Gateway, London, E16 1FA.
If you have enough time then I recommend you catch the Docklands Light Railways (DLR) to Royal Victoria Station, pick up the Thames Path National Trail westbound and head to Greenwich. You would not have to pay for a return ticket that way and you can enjoy a walk along the Thames Path into Greenwich.
Where do the London cable cars take you?
The London cable car experience takes you on an aerial cabin trip from the Emirates Greenwich Peninsula by the O2 Arena and the Emirates Royal Docks by the ExCeL.
The ride is of one kilometer over the river Thames where you will reach heights of up to 90 meters which is the highest observation point over the Thames. When you are up in the sky then you will get to see beautiful sites of London like the O2 Arena, Saint Paul’s Cathedral, Thames Barrier and Olympic Park.
How to find the London Cable Cars?
There are 2 ways that you can find the London cable cars-
- Emirates Greenwich Peninsula- Emirates Greenwich Peninsula is the nearest tube station that is located in North Greenwich on the Jubilee Line. It is located at a 5-minute walk behind the O2 Arena to the cabin station. In case you are on a riverboat then it is North Greenwich Pier. In case you are driving then you can park up at the O2 Arena. But by bus, you can take the 188 services to Noeth Greenwich Bus Station.
- Emirates Royal Docks- Royal Victoria is the nearest tube station on DLR service. It is a 4-minute walk to the London Cable Cars from there and you will find it on the Royal Victoria Dock.
You are free to either take a one-way journey between either station or a return journey depending on where you want to go next.
What can you expect at Emirates cable car?
You will see beautiful views of the city of London from Air Line cable car’s capsule. Some of the landmarks that can be seen are the Shard, Canary Wharf, The O2 Arena, Saint Paul’s Cathedral, the Maritime Greenwich, the river Thames and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park which is home of the West Ham football club.
This is the different opportunity to sit back relax and enjoy panoramic aerial views of the capital’s landscape from the sky and have the experience of a lifetime together with your family or friends. You can board the Emirate Cable Car from Greenwich Peninsula (for the O2) or the Royal Docks (near ExCel London) and the whole one-way journey lasts around 10 minutes.
At around 90 meters high, the Emirates Cable Car is the highest observation point over the river Thames and it is definitely an experience not to miss on your trip. You will see the city from a bird’s eye view aboard one of the 34 Emirates Cable Car.
By using the cable car, you can beat the traffic and get from Emirates Greenwich Peninsula to the Royal Docks in 10 minutes. You must try to catch car during sunset to get bonus picturesque views of the city at dusk.
How long is the Emirates Cable Car?
The Emirates Cable Car takes around 10 minutes one way to get over the 1100 meters or 3600 feet line but after 7 in the evening, the ride is extended to about 12 to 13 minutes each way for you to enjoy the views at a slower space, especially during those darker evenings.
Boarding Passes for Emirates Cable Car Cabin
Emirates Cable Car is not included in the travel card system. If you want to make use of Emirates Cable Cars should purchase the pass or should make use of the Oyster pass for availing this facility. The Emirates Cable Car has three kinds of passes.
The single pass is one which allows the traveler to make a single trip on the Emirates Cable Car. Return pass is also available for passengers who wish to make the return journey on a day of purchase. There is a number of discounts and offers offered by them which can be explored and used by travelers.
The London Cable Car Price?
You can get on and off the London Cable Car just like any other public transport in London, you can tap on your bank card or Oyster card. You can also turn up and buy cable car tickets at the terminals via the ticket office if you do not have a suitable bank card to tap in and out. On the other hand, if you would like to book your cable car tickets in advance then you can do it online.
Other options to book online tickets are the Clipper combo tickets or VIP Fast Track Experience are available. But to be honest and frank, it probably never gets busy enough that you need to worry about skipping the long queue and paying for the privilege. It is cheaper to pay any other way than at the ticket office.
The Emirates Cable Car prices are as follows
- For an adult the ticket price of one-way trip is 5 euros and for a round trip the price is 10 euros.
- For children aged between 5 to 15 the ticket price of one-way trip is 2.50 euros and for a round trip the ticket price is id 5 euros.
- For children under 5 with fare paying adult the ticket is free.
What to do and see
Buy the tickets and plan your route
The Emirates Cable Car is under a 5-minute walk from the North Greenwich tube station and Royal Victoria at the other end of the line. In case, the weather is good then the views will be fantastic in all directions. From its highest observation point, which is 90 meters ahead, you will be able to see various London landmarks as I said above.
When departing from the Royal Docks, the cable car touches down south of the river Thames in the Royal Borough of Greenwich which is located just by the O2 Arena. As you approach the cabins the vibe is one of a slick and stylish airport. After you take off, the views are mesmerizingly beautiful and offer you the best views of London from an entirely new perspective.
The amazing Greenwich skyline on a bright, sunny say will leave you astonished. This cable car ride takes about 10 minutes, but it is such fun, it feels like a minute, and you will definitely want to go again and again. You will land only 10 minutes away from the massive entertainment complex of the O2 Arena, which features a number of bars, a cinema, live music venues and a nightclub.
Witness the capital at various times of the day
Evening cable car flights are recommended for a romantic sunset trip or if you want to admire the city lights than you should take nighttime flights.
Discovery Experience
You must make most of the London Cable Car by booking the Discovery Experience tour for a return trip with great value extras. The Discovery Experience incorporates an interesting video tour and free entrance to one of the tourist destinations in London, the Emirate Aviation Experience. You will also receive a souvenir guide that is filled with interesting facts.
Champagne Flight Experience
This could be the ultimate way to enjoy the high life with a glass of indulgent champagne in your private cable car cabin, while flying 90 meters above the river Thames. You will be greeted at the cable car by welcoming member of staff, who will guide you to your own private cable car cabin with a glass of chilled champagne. You will then depart on a non-stop return trip on the Emirates Cable Car with a duration of 0 minutes, accompanied by background music and a souvenir in flight guide.
The Emirates Aviation Experience
The Emirates Aviation Experience is conveniently located next to the Emirates Air Line Greenwich Peninsula terminal. It offers you fascinating insights into the workings and achievements of international air travel. Interactive screens and life size aircraft models make this a wholly immersive experience that will appeal to all ages.
Facts about the Emirates Cable Car
- The Gondolas of the Emirates Cable Car arrive approximately every 30 seconds and flights have a duration of 10 minutes each way.
- The Emirates Cable Car cost 60m euros to build, more than twice the original estimate.
- The Emirates Cable Car is 1150 meter long and 90 meters high.
- The Emirates Cable Car has 34 cabins, each of which has a capacity for ten passengers and there are also two empty gondolas used for maintenance staff.
- The cable car cabin is capable of carrying 5 thousand people an hour.
