London: IFS Cable Car + Uber Boat One Way River Thames Cruise

Experience London from Two Unique Vantage Points with the IFS Cloud Cable Car & Uber Boat by Thames Clippers

If you’re looking for a fresh way to see London, this combo ticket offers rides on the IFS Cloud Cable Car and the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers—two of the most scenic yet practical ways to explore the city. For about $33 per person, you get a one-way river cruise and a round-trip aerial cable car journey, lasting roughly 1 to 4 hours depending on how long you linger. These rides take you from the bustling Thames to the sky-high views of London’s skyline, providing an experience that balances excitement, convenience, and a touch of adventure.

What we love about this experience is how it combines spectacular views over the Thames and the city’s iconic landmarks with a relaxed and accessible form of transportation. The high-speed Thames catamarans are not just for getting from A to B—they’re enjoyable in their own right, with indoor cabins, outdoor decks, and friendly staff. Likewise, the cable car ride offers a bird’s-eye view of landmarks like Canary Wharf, St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard, and The O2—perfect for photographers or anyone craving a different perspective.

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that some travelers have found the logistics slightly confusing, especially regarding ticket redemption and navigating the piers. The instructions aren’t always crystal clear, so arriving prepared with your e-ticket and knowing exactly where to go can save you some hassle. This tour is best suited for those who enjoy a blend of sightseeing and transportation rather than fixed itinerary visits to landmarks.

If you’re comfortable with a bit of planning and keen to see London from the water and the sky, this combo tour offers great value for the views and experience. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want a relaxing, scenic outing that avoids London’s traffic jams and gives a fresh, aerial perspective of the city’s skyline.

Key Points

Stunning Views: Offers panoramic vistas of London’s most famous landmarks, perfect for photo lovers.
Flexible Transportation: Includes a one-way Thames river cruise and round-trip cable car, ideal for seeing the city from different angles.
Cost-Effective: At around $33, it provides good value compared to booking separate tickets for these attractions.
Easy to Use: Mobile ticketing simplifies the process, though ticket redemption instructions could be clearer.
Convenient Locations: Piers and cable car stations are accessible via public transport, making it easy to integrate into your day.
Authentic Experience: Combines modern transportation with iconic sights, appealing to both travelers and locals alike.

Exploring the London Experience: A Deep Dive

The Thames River Uber Boat: An Efficient and Enjoyable Commute

Starting your journey on the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, you’ll board one of their sleek, high-speed catamarans. Departures are approximately every 20 minutes from key piers within the Central and East zones, stretching from Battersea Power Station to Barking Riverside. These boats are more than just transit—they’re a floating viewpoint of London’s riverside activity, with climate-controlled indoor cabins, outdoor decks, and licensed coffee bars.

From the reviews, we see mixed feelings about the logistics. Some travelers, like Jessica, were disappointed, noting that their tickets only covered one stop at North Greenwich and that additional tickets were necessary to reach central London or the cable car station. She mentions, “Your ticket is only valid for one stop. You must buy additional Uber Boat to get to the Cable Car,” which reminds us that planning ahead is crucial.

On the plus side, many find the boat comfortable and the journey scenic. Robert called his experience “fantastic” and praised how booking was straightforward. The boats move quickly, enabling travelers to hop between attractions efficiently—ideal for a quick sightseeing fix or a relaxing cruise during a busy day.

The IFS Cloud Cable Car: London’s Sky-High Perspective

One of the highlights of this combo is the IFS Cloud Cable Car, stretching nearly 300 feet above the Thames. It runs between the Greenwich Peninsula near The O2 and the Royal Docks near ExCeL London, offering a unique aerial view of the city.

From the reviews, opinions vary. Many, like Craig, found the experience “really good,” praising the spectacular views and the “no waiting” convenience. The ride itself is smooth, and the sightlines across London’s cityscape make it worth the price. You’ll spot Canary Wharf, St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard, and the Thames Barriers—aerial sights that are simply impossible to get from street level.

Some reviewers, like Jacqueline, mentioned that most below the cable car was land under development, which slightly detracts from the scenic grandeur, but overall, the vistas remain impressive. The experience is heightened by the ability to see from above, giving a fresh perspective on London’s iconic skyline.

Delving Into the Cable Car Experience

Once you disembark, you’re invited to explore the interactive exhibits, which include activities like the Selfie Factory, Teddy Workshop, and Virtual Reality experiences. These add a fun, engaging element—especially for families or those wanting a break from pure sightseeing.

The round-trip cable car ride is around 30 minutes in total, making it manageable within a busy itinerary. Some reviews express a desire for longer rides or more extensive commentary, but the primary draw remains the incredible views.

Combining Water and Sky for a Complete London Perspective

What makes this tour particularly appealing is how it combines the two modes of transportation. Traveling by water gets you up close to London’s riverside attractions and lessens the reliance on crowded buses or tubes, while the aerial cable car gives a sense of scale and grandeur, ideal for photography or simply taking in the sprawling city.

Reviewers like Janice appreciated the smooth ride on the Uber Boat and found the cable car “great fun and interesting,” reinforcing its appeal. Meanwhile, some noted that the boat trip could be enhanced with more commentary on the sights—an idea worth considering if you’re looking for educational value along with scenic views.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Tour

• Plan your route carefully—some reviews mention the importance of understanding pier locations and ticket validity zones.
• Arrive early at your departure pier to avoid missing the boat, especially during peak times.
• Bring your printed or digital ticket to streamline boarding, but be aware that some users have faced technical issues at redemption points, so patience is key.
• Weather matters—the cable car is outdoor, so dress accordingly on windy or rainy days.
• Combine the experience with other London attractions: this tour pairs well with nearby sights but isn’t a substitute for comprehensive sightseeing.

What the Tour Does Well and Where It Could Improve

This tour excels at delivering remarkable views at a reasonable price—a fantastic combination for travelers eager to see London from new angles without spending a fortune. The scenic boat ride and elevated cable car are both memorable experiences, especially when weather conditions cooperate.

On the flip side, some logistical issues—like unclear instructions, limited ticket validity (one stop for some), and the need for additional tickets to continue beyond the initial zones—can cause frustration. You may want to verify your plans beforehand and allow extra time for ticket redemption or navigation.

The interactive exhibits at the cable car station add a fun element, but could be better advertised or extended for a richer experience.

Who Would Benefit Most from This Tour?

This experience suits first-time visitors who want a quick, scenic overview of London’s key sights from the air and water. It’s perfect for photographers and families looking for a relaxed outing with spectacular views. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the value for money, especially when combined with the ease of using mobile tickets.

However, those expecting an in-depth sightseeing tour or extensive commentary might find it somewhat limited. Likewise, travelers who are uncomfortable with logistical uncertainties or who need clearer instructions should prepare accordingly.

If your goal is to see London from above and along the river in one relaxed afternoon, this combo tour offers a memorable, hands-on way to do just that.

FAQ

Is the ticket valid for a round trip on the cable car?
Yes, your ticket includes a round-trip ride on the IFS Cloud Cable Car.

Can I use the Uber Boat ticket to go to The O2?
No, tickets are not valid for The O2 Post Show Express or West Zone services.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a single journey on Uber Boat by Thames Clippers and a round-trip ride on the cable car, along with access to indoor seating and outdoor decks.

Are the tickets valid on the day of booking?
Yes, your tickets are valid for the day you select during booking, within the designated zones.

What should I do if I have mobility scooters?
Some models of mobility scooters can travel on Uber Boat vessels, but it’s best to contact Uber Boat directly beforehand to confirm.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children up to age 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

How do I redeem my tickets?
You can redeem your mobile or printed ticket at any Uber Boat pier within the specified zones, but check the instructions carefully to avoid confusion.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, there is free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled experience for a full refund.

How long does the entire experience take?
Depending on how long you spend at each stop, expect roughly 1 to 4 hours. The rides themselves are relatively short—about 30 minutes for the cable car and variable for the boat—so plan accordingly.

To sum it up, this combo tour offers a practical, visually stunning way to experience London from above and along the river. It’s best suited for travelers who value unique perspectives without overextending their schedule or budget. While some logistical quirks exist, the extraordinary views and fun rides make it a worthwhile addition to your London itinerary, especially if you’re keen on photography or simply want to enjoy a relaxed, scenic outing.