London: IFS Cloud Cable Car – Glass Floor Experience

Imagine gliding 90 meters above the River Thames in a sleek cable car, with floor-to-ceiling glass beneath your feet and panoramic views stretching across London’s most iconic landmarks. For just $47 per person, you get a round-trip ride over the Thames that lasts about 15 minutes, offering a perspective of the city that’s hard to beat. The experience is located on the Greenwich Peninsula, connecting Greenwich with the Royal Docks, making it a quick yet memorable excursion just a short ride from central London.

What really makes this experience stand out are two things: the thrill of the glass floor, which adds an adrenaline rush and a sense of floating in the sky, and the incredible 360° views of landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard, Canary Wharf, and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. We also appreciate the priority fast-track tickets, meaning you don’t waste time in long queues—always a plus when you’re trying to pack sightseeing into a busy day.

One potential drawback? The ride duration is quite short—only around 10 to 15 minutes—which some might find too fleeting for the price. Plus, the experience isn’t suitable for those with a fear of heights or mobility issues. If you’re after a quick, scenic thrill with excellent views, this ride fits the bill. It’s well-suited for families, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy a mix of adventure and sightseeing with minimal fuss.

Key Points

• Spectacular views: Offers stunning 360° vistas of London’s landmarks like The Shard, Canary Wharf, and the Thames Barrier.
• Thrilling glass floor: Adds excitement and a sense of floating high above the river.
• Convenient location: Just 15 minutes from central London, crossing between Greenwich and the Royal Docks.
• Fast-track tickets: Skip queues with priority access, making the experience smoother.
• Short duration: About 10-15 minutes, so plan accordingly if you want more time at each view.
• Limited inclusions: No food, drinks, or souvenir photos included, so budget extra if you want those.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Setup: Where and How

The ride begins at the Greenwich Peninsula Terminal, easily accessible by public transport or taxi. Once there, you’ll find a well-organized check-in area where you can purchase or reserve your tickets, with options for priority access. The cost is $47, and with the skip-the-line fast-track, you’ll avoid long waits typical of popular sights in London—an especially valuable perk during peak times.

The experience includes a round trip over the Thames, spanning from Greenwich to the Royal Docks, covering over 1 km of scenic river views. The entire process—from check-in to disembarkation—takes about 20-30 minutes, but the actual ride reflects a quick, exhilarating glide over the city.

The Ride: What It Feels Like

Once onboard, the excitement begins as you ascend into the air. The cabins are modern and spacious, with large glass windows providing unobstructed views of London’s skyline. The highlight for many travelers is the glass floor, which is both mesmerizing and slightly nerve-wracking—perfect for those seeking a bit of thrill.

As you float along, you’ll see famous sights such as St Paul’s Cathedral, with its iconic dome, and Canary Wharf, home to some of the tallest buildings in the UK. The ride over the Thames offers a unique perspective as the river winds below, with boats and ferries moving between the docks. The views are especially stunning at sunset or on clear days when the city’s lights sparkle.

The View: What You Can Expect to See

The panoramic vistas are truly impressive. We loved the way the 360° perspective allowed us to spot landmarks like The Shard, The O2, and the Thames Barrier. The aerial vantage point makes it easy to appreciate the scale and layout of London, especially the maritime areas around Greenwich and the extensive docklands.

While the ride is brief, the visual payoff is significant. You might find yourself staring in awe at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, home to the 2012 games, or marveling at the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage site. The ride offers ample photo opportunities, especially with the glass floor adding a unique element to your snapshots.

The Experience: What Travelers Say

Reviews reflect a mix of excitement and some disappointment. One traveler, Claudia, said, “The glass floor made the ride more exciting,” and appreciated the quick access that allowed her to skip the queue. Conversely, Yolanda expressed her frustration, stating, “It’s not worth £56 for such a quick experience, and it should include more—like photos or a light lunch.” She felt the ride was too brief for the price, only lasting about 10 minutes.

Most reviews agree that the views are the main selling point. Stuart simply called it “amazing”, while others highlighted the friendly staff and smooth operation. The fast-track tickets are a real advantage, especially during busy periods, ensuring you’re not wasting precious sightseeing time.

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Practical Details and Tips

• Clothing: Wear comfortable shoes and avoid high heels or sharp objects to protect the glass floor.
• Timing: Sunset or clear days enhance the experience, so plan accordingly.
• Capacity: Each cabin seats up to six people. Sharing with strangers might be inevitable, but it’s a good chance to meet fellow travelers.
• Safety: All passengers must attend a safety briefing, and age or height restrictions apply—this isn’t suitable for those with a fear of heights.
• What to Bring: Pack a camera or smartphone, but avoid bulky items to prevent damage to the glass floor.

Comparing Value and Experience

While the ticket price is reasonable for the views and thrill, some might feel it’s a bit steep for a short ride. If you’re after a more comprehensive experience, other London attractions like the London Eye or The Shard offer longer or more detailed views for similar or slightly higher prices—though they might lack the thrill of the glass floor.

For families or adventure-seekers, the unique vantage point and adrenaline rush make it a worthwhile stop. For those with limited time in London, it’s an efficient way to see the city from above without dedicating a full afternoon.

The IFS Cloud Cable Car with the glass floor offers an exhilarating way to see London’s landmarks from a high, scenic perch. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy a quick thrill and stunning views, and for those eager to experience something a little different from traditional sightseeing. The priority access and spectacular vistas ensure you gain a memorable perspective of London’s skyline in a short amount of time.

However, if you’re looking for a leisurely, in-depth viewing experience, or want to spend more time exploring the sights from above, you might find this ride a bit too brief and costly. Still, the combination of the thrill and views makes it a compelling add-on to any London itinerary—particularly for those who want a fun, memorable moment high above the city.

Is the experience suitable for children?
Yes, children can enjoy the ride, but they must meet the safety requirements and attend the safety briefing. Keep in mind the ride’s height and glass floor, which might be intimidating for very young or sensitive children.

How long does the ride last?
The actual cable car journey takes about 10 minutes, with the entire experience including check-in and disembarkation lasting around 20-30 minutes.

Can I buy tickets on the day?
Yes, tickets are available for purchase at the terminal, but buying in advance with fast-track access is recommended to avoid long lines, especially during busy periods.

Is there a restroom nearby?
Yes, the Greenwich Peninsula area has facilities close to the terminal, but it’s wise to use them before your ride, as facilities on the platform are limited.

What if I’m afraid of heights?
This experience isn’t recommended for those with a fear of heights or mobility issues, as it involves high ascent and a glass floor.

Are there any restrictions on what I can wear?
Yes, avoid high heels or sharp objects that could damage the glass floor, and consider wearing clothing that covers the glass floor comfortably, especially for skirts or dresses.

Can I take photos during the ride?
Absolutely. The panoramic views and unique glass floor make for fantastic photos. Just be mindful of your belongings and avoid bulky items.

Whether you’re after a quick adrenaline rush or simply want to see London from a fresh angle, the IFS Cloud Cable Car’s glass floor experience offers a memorable, scenic adventure—short in duration but big on views.

You can check availability for your dates here: