London looks different from the river and sky. This combo pairs a Thames Clippers high-speed catamaran with a cable car hop above the Thames for wide-open city views.
I love the panoramic payoff: you glide past the riverside sights at a relaxing pace, then go above it for an even bigger perspective. I also like the flexibility—you can choose many Uber Boat piers between Battersea Power Station and Barking Riverside.
One thing to plan for: double-check where your boat is headed and follow the pier instructions closely, since crowds can get chaotic and final stops can vary.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- Thames Clippers + IFS Cloud Cable Car: Two Views in One Day
- Where You Board the Uber Boat: Piers Between Battersea and Barking
- Riding the Thames Clippers Catamaran: Get Landmarks From the Best Seat
- Comfort notes that actually matter
- North Greenwich to the IFS Cloud Cable Car: The Skyline From Above
- A practical tip: your cable car timing
- Timing, Queues, and the One-Stop Confusion Check
- Price and Value: What You’re Really Getting for Around $29
- What to Expect on the Day: A Simple Flow That Works
- Comfort, Accessibility, and Weather Reality
- Who This Is Best For (and Who Might Want Something Else)
- Should You Book This Thames + Cable Car Combo?
- FAQ
- Where can I board the Uber Boat for this experience?
- What is the nearest pier for the IFS Cloud Cable Car?
- How long is the ticket valid?
- Are there indoor seats on the Uber Boat?
- Do I need to redeem my voucher for the cable car at a specific place?
- When can I redeem my voucher at the piers?
- Do I need separate tickets for food, drinks, or attractions?
- Is this experience wheelchair accessible?
Key things to know before you go

- Two different “wow” angles: river views on a fast catamaran, then bird’s-eye views on the IFS Cloud Cable Car.
- Choose your boarding pier: pick from piers within the Central and East zone between Battersea Power Station and Barking Riverside.
- North Greenwich is the cable car jump-off: you’ll head to the IFS Cloud Cable Car from there for a roundtrip ride.
- Indoor seating and covered areas: you can stay comfortable even if the weather turns.
- Timing matters: night views can be stunning, but daytime can be busy—especially in peak months.
Thames Clippers + IFS Cloud Cable Car: Two Views in One Day

If London is your goal, this is a smart way to see it without turning your day into a sprint. You get one single Thames cruise on a high-speed catamaran, then one roundtrip cable car ride from North Greenwich for the skyline-and-river angle.
What makes this combo especially practical is that it mixes “sit back” travel with “look around” sightseeing. On the boat, you can settle in and watch the riverfront flow by—no stations to navigate, no queues for ticket lines at every stop. Then the cable car gives you the kind of aerial perspective that makes landmarks snap into place in your head.
For me, the best part is the contrast. From the Thames, London feels long and linear, shaped by the river curves and bridges. From above, everything suddenly feels more connected: the O2, the Olympic Park area, and the Thames route all line up in one view.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in London
Where You Board the Uber Boat: Piers Between Battersea and Barking

You don’t have to commit to one exact departure pier in advance. The ticket lets you redeem and board within the Central and East zone area, with options that run from Battersea Power Station to Barking Riverside.
That matters because it gives you leverage. If your day starts near Westminster, London Bridge, or Embankment, you can pick the pier that keeps your morning simple. If you’re already in the east side of town, you can board closer to that area and save time.
Also, once you redeem your voucher, you can travel to any of the 18 piers between Battersea Power Station and Barking Riverside. Translation: you’re not locked into a rigid route the moment you buy.
A key practical detail: voucher redemption at the piers is time-limited to 10 AM to 6 PM. So if you’re planning an evening ride, plan your redemption window first, then let the timing do the rest.
Riding the Thames Clippers Catamaran: Get Landmarks From the Best Seat

After boarding, you’ll be on a Thames Clippers Uber Boat—a fast catamaran built for comfort and quick movement along the river. You’ll find indoor seating and covered outdoor areas, so you can choose how you want to experience it depending on the weather.
The cruise is set up so you get big-name river sights as you go. You’ll pass well-known spots such as Westminster, the London Eye area, Embankment, London Bridge, the Tower of London, and more along the central stretch. Even if you’ve walked past these areas before, seeing them from water changes the scale. Buildings look taller. Bridges look sharper. The river makes the whole city look intentional.
And yes, there’s a real convenience factor: you’re not zigzagging across London to stitch together viewpoints. You’re going straight along the Thames, which is exactly what you want when day tickets and limited time are the rule.
One extra helpful item included: a free digital river guide online. You can use it as a quick “what am I seeing right now” companion while you’re seated.
Comfort notes that actually matter
- If it’s hot, you might feel it. The boat can have parts that feel like they’re not built for heavy AC reliance, so bring a light layer and water if you’re sensitive to heat.
- In cold weather, the covered areas help. But if you want maximum viewing, choose your seat early so you’re positioned where you can see without constantly shifting.
North Greenwich to the IFS Cloud Cable Car: The Skyline From Above

After your river leg, you’ll disembark at North Greenwich Pier—the nearest pier for the IFS Cloud Cable Car. This is the pivot point that turns your day from “riverside sightseeing” into “aerial London.”
From the cable car, you’re lifted into a perspective that’s hard to replicate on foot. You’ll get views of the O2 arena, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and the wider London cityscape stretching into the distance.
That roundtrip ride is a big deal. A one-way view is fine; a roundtrip lets you see the river and skyline from more than one angle while the cabin glides along the route.
What I like about this stage is that it makes the Thames feel like a line connecting different parts of the city. From up high, the river becomes the organizing principle for your mental map of London.
A practical tip: your cable car timing
The boat has its own schedule, and the cable car also runs on departures. So your day works best if you give yourself buffer time between getting off the boat and getting into the cable car line.
If you’re going after dark for lights, aim to time your transition so you’re on the cable car during the best viewing window. Night can make the skyline look completely different, with lights reflecting off the Thames.
Timing, Queues, and the One-Stop Confusion Check

London can be crowded, and this combo is popular because it’s easy to understand: boat, then cable car. That popularity is good value, but it can also create confusion if you don’t stay alert.
Here are the practical things I’d do:
- Arrive early enough that you’re not rushing at the boarding point.
- Check the destination signage before boarding. One reason this experience can go sideways is when people assume the trip ends where they expected. Make sure you’re on the boat that ends at the correct point for the next step.
- Follow the pier setup. There can be disorganization around boarding numbers, and people sometimes push forward. A calm approach works best: find your marked area, then wait.
Another detail worth knowing: the cable car portion can involve voucher redemption rules that differ from what you might expect. The IFS Cloud Cable Car doesn’t accept the type of voucher directly, so you’ll need to redeem your voucher at Uber Boat by Thames Clippers ticket offices before heading to the cable car.
If you plan ahead, you avoid the “wait for the right person at the right booth” moment.
Price and Value: What You’re Really Getting for Around $29

At about $29.36 per person, you’re basically paying for two major viewing experiences on the same day: one Thames catamaran ride and a roundtrip cable car ride.
Is it expensive compared with free sightseeing? Sure, obviously. But compared with paying for separate attractions and transport hops across town, it’s a solid deal—especially because the boat does real work for you. It takes you past many top sights in one go.
Also, you get included comforts:
- Indoor and covered areas on the boat
- Free digital river guide
- Frequent, quick departures during the day (as reflected by how easy it is to choose a pier and make your plan)
What you don’t get (so you can budget like a grown-up):
- Food and drinks are not included
- Attraction entry tickets aren’t included
- Hotel pickup/drop-off isn’t included
So for value, think of this as a “transport + views” package rather than a ticket bundle for museum-style entry.
What to Expect on the Day: A Simple Flow That Works
Here’s how the day typically makes sense when it goes right:
- Redeem your voucher at an Uber Boat ticket office at a pier location during the 10 AM to 6 PM window.
- Board the Thames Clippers boat at your chosen pier within the eligible area.
- Ride the Thames and take in iconic riverside views while staying comfortable inside or under cover.
- Get off at North Greenwich Pier.
- Ride the IFS Cloud Cable Car roundtrip for elevated views of the O2 area and Olympic Park.
The included digital river guide is handy for step 3. It helps you connect what you see with the name of what you’re seeing, without having to stare at your phone nonstop.
And don’t underestimate how good it feels to do this with minimal planning. You’re not trying to coordinate multiple transit lines and timing the best walking route between viewpoints.
Comfort, Accessibility, and Weather Reality
The experience is wheelchair accessible, which is a real plus for people who need step-free options.
As for weather, London does London things. The boat’s covered areas and indoor seating help. But you should still bring:
- Layers (even in mild seasons)
- Water on hot days
- A light jacket for breeze during the open-air portions
One note from experience-based feedback patterns: the boat can feel warm on sunny days, so don’t assume it’ll feel like an airplane. If temperature control is your top priority, plan to spend more time in the indoor area.
For the cable car, dress for an exposed feel. You’ll be above the river with wind possible, and it’s better to be slightly warm than slightly miserable.
Who This Is Best For (and Who Might Want Something Else)

This combo is a great fit if you:
- Want a high-impact views day without complicated ticketing for every stop
- Like the idea of seeing many landmarks with less walking
- Prefer comfortable “watch the city” transportation over constant sightseeing grind
- Are traveling with mixed-energy people—some will enjoy the views right away, others will relax because it feels like transit with a reward
It’s also a strong option for first-timers who already feel like they’ve missed the Thames angle before.
You might reconsider if:
- You hate crowds and get stressed in queue systems (this route can be busy)
- You want lots of time at stops for photos and extended exploring on land (this is more “views in motion” than “stroll and linger”)
- You’re very sensitive to timing missteps, because you’ll want to confirm your boat’s end point for the cable car connection
Should You Book This Thames + Cable Car Combo?
Yes, I’d book it if you want a straightforward, good-value sightseeing plan with two major perspective changes in one day. The river ride gives you the classic London visuals at a relaxed pace, and the cable car adds the aerial perspective that makes the city feel bigger and more connected.
Book it especially if you can manage your timing so you’re riding during the better light—night can make the skyline feel magical.
If you do book it, go in with two habits:
- Check the boat destination signage before you settle into your seat.
- Redeem the voucher at the Uber Boat ticket offices so the cable car part works smoothly.
That simple checklist turns a fun day from smooth to excellent.
FAQ
Where can I board the Uber Boat for this experience?
You can redeem your voucher and board at Uber Boat by Thames Clippers piers within the Central and East zone, from Battersea Power Station to Barking Riverside.
What is the nearest pier for the IFS Cloud Cable Car?
North Greenwich is the nearest pier for the IFS Cloud Cable Car.
How long is the ticket valid?
The ticket is valid for 1 day, on the specific date you selected.
Are there indoor seats on the Uber Boat?
Yes. The Uber Boat ride includes access to indoor seating and covered outdoor areas.
Do I need to redeem my voucher for the cable car at a specific place?
Yes. The IFS Cloud Cable Car does not accept GetYourGuide vouchers, so you need to redeem your voucher at Uber Boat by Thames Clippers ticket offices.
When can I redeem my voucher at the piers?
You can redeem your voucher between 10 AM and 6 PM.
Do I need separate tickets for food, drinks, or attractions?
Food and beverages aren’t included, and attraction entry tickets are not included. You’ll need to pay separately if you want those.
Is this experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible.



























