Beyond the Tube: London's most unique transport experiences
London’s famous red buses and Underground network move millions daily, but two London transport options offer something totally different. From gliding above the Thames on the IFS Cloud Cable Car to cruising its waters on Uber Boats by Thames Clippers, discover two of the city’s most unique ways to get around.
Unique TfL transport types
IFS Cloud Cable Car
The IFS Cable Car is a one-kilometre gondola line, from the Greenwich Peninsula (near the O2 Arena) to the Royal Victoria Dock (near ExCel London and London City Airport), that reaches heights of 90 meters above the Thames. Taking this 10-minute ride will give you unique views of Canary Wharf, the Olympic Park, and East London’s skyline.
This elevated perspective reveals London’s layout in ways street-level transport cannot. You’ll see how the Thames curves through East London and how historic Greenwich contrasts with its more modern developments. Clear days will provide you with stunning views extending to London’s iconic central landmarks, such as The Shard and St. Paul’s Cathedral. One IFS Cable Car gondola can fit up to 10 passengers, making it also a great option for group travel.
Accessibility
All gondolas are fully accessible for those using wheelchairs, including ones with leg rest extensions. Luggage is permitted on the gondolas, which is great if you’re flying into nearby London City Airport – but do be aware that space can be limited during busy periods.
Operating Times
The IFS Cable Car service operates throughout the day and evening – evening rides are particularly atmospheric, as the city lights illuminate the urban landscape. They run from Monday – Friday: 7am – 9pm, Saturday: 8am – 9pm, Sunday: 9am – 9pm.
Visitor Oyster card for IFS Cloud Cable Car
Did you know?
The IFS Cloud Cable Car accepts Visitor Oyster card payments, making it easy to incorporate into your daily travel plans.
Skip the queues and travel on London's public transport network with ease with this prepaid travel smartcard
IFS Cable Car FAQs
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Can I use my Visitor Oyster card on the IFS Cable Car?
Yes, the cable car accepts Visitor Oyster cards as well as contactless payments. No separate ticket required. Please note that the daily capping will not include the IFS Cable car fare. Please ensure you have enough credit on your Visitor Oyster card before reaching the venue.
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How much does the IFS Cable Car cost?
Standard adult fares with your Visitor Oyster card or contactless payment are £7 for a one-way trip and £13 for a return trip for adults, £3.50 for a one-way trip and £6.50 for a return trip for children aged 5-15. You can also buy IFS Cloud Cable Car tickets online in advance in the VisitBritain Shop.
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How do I “touch in” when paying by Visitor Oyster card or contactless card on a cable car?
You’ll need to tap in and tap out when you make a journey on the IFS Cloud Cable Car. Much like the other TfL transport services, there will be yellow card readers upon entrance and exit that you can use to tap in and out.
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How long does the cable car journey take?
The journey takes approximately 10 minutes each way between Greenwich Peninsula and Royal Docks.
Unique TfL transport types
Uber Boats by Thames Clippers
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers services connect key destinations from Putney to Greenwich, making the Thames a practical and scenic way to get around London.
These boats pass by some major London landmarks including the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, and Tate Modern, offering you a unique new perspective on these classic London gems, and turning a standard journey into a fun sightseeing opportunity. Live commentary is provided by London Experts which gives you a great insight to London’s history as you travel the Thames.
River boats can often prove faster than equivalent bus journeys, particularly during rush hour. On board, you’ll find comfortable seating in climate-controlled cabins, though you can also enjoy the fresh air on the outside back deck. Boats also have onboard café bars serving coffees, snacks and alcoholic drinks.
Onboard facilities
Most vessels have accessible toilet facilities with some larger boats featuring baby changing tables. Free Wi-Fi is available at main piers and onboard, and you can bring your bike on board at no extra charge – larger vessels can carry up to 14 bikes.
Accessibility
All boats are wheelchair, mobility scooter and pram accessible by ramp, with accessible toilets on most vessels, and most piers are step-free and wheelchair accessible (see exceptions in FAQs below). Any person with a disability, children aged between 5-15, and carriers of a Freedom Pass or 60+ Oyster card, will receive a 50% discount on their Uber Boat by Thames Clippers fare. If you need a carer to assist, they will receive a complimentary companion ticket – you can claim this from any staffed ticket office.
Uber Boats by Thames Clippers route timetable
RB1 – Daily Service
RB1 runs daily from early morning to late at night across the Central and East Zones. Services operate between Battersea Power Station or London Eye (Waterloo) and Barking Riverside (depending on the time of day), stopping at piers along the route and connecting you to landmarks including Westminster, the London Eye, Tower, and Greenwich.
RB2 – Weekend Service
RB2 runs on weekends only, offering a 10-minute direct service from Charing Cross / Victoria Embankment to Battersea Power Station. From Embankment Pier it goes non-stop to Battersea; the return journey also calls at Vauxhall (St George Wharf) and Millbank piers.
RB4 – Cross River Ferry
RB4 operates seven days a week, providing regular crossings between Canary Wharf and Rotherhithe.
RB6 – Daily Service
RB6 runs daily from early morning to late at night across the West, Central, and East Zones. It makes more stops than RB1, with calling points varying by time of day and day of the week. Services operate between Putney and Canary Wharf or North Greenwich (depending on the time of day), with access to landmarks such as Battersea, Westminster, and Tower.
Ticket options for Uber Boats by Thames Clippers
Did you know?
You can use your Visitor Oyster card on Uber Boats by Thames Clippers services, making them both a practical and interesting travel option for getting around London.
If you are carrying a London Day Travelcard, you’ll save a third on fares when you show your Travelcard when you purchase your ticket.
Skip the queues and travel on London's public transport network with ease with this prepaid travel...
Enjoy unlimited travel on London's public transport, including bus, Tube, tram, DLR, London...
Skip the queues and travel on London's public transport network with ease with this prepaid travel...
Enjoy unlimited travel on London's public transport, including bus, Tube, tram, DLR, London...
Uber Boats by Thames Clippers FAQs
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Do Uber Boats accept Visitor Oyster cards?
Yes, all Thames Clipper services accept Visitor Oyster cards as well as contactless payments. You can also purchase your tickets online in advance at the VisitBritain Shop. If you have a London Day Travelcard or Group London Day Travelcard, you can save ⅓ on your fare when you present your Travelcard when you purchase tickets on the day.
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Do I need to book an Uber Boats by Thames Clippers journey?
No, you do not need to pre-book in advance. The boats operate on a hop-on, hop-off basis, with a first-come, first-served boarding process. However, you can purchase tickets in advance if you wish at the VisitBritain Shop. We recommend you arrive at least 10 minutes before your intended sailing to allow for queues.
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How much do Uber Boats cost?
Fares vary by journey length – single fares are typically £5.90 – £9.90 for adults with Visitor Oyster cards. London Day Travelcards and Group London Day Travelcard customers will get ⅓ off their fare when presenting their Travelcard upon payment.
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How many people can fit on an Uber Boat?
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers have the largest fleet of vessels on the River Thames, each with its own colour, name, and character. The smallest of the fleet carries just 12 passengers, while the largest holds a whopping 230!
