London: Uber Boat Single Trip and London Cable Car

London looks different from the water and from the sky. This ticket combines both views in one day: a single Uber Boat journey along the Thames and a roundtrip on the IFS Cloud Cable Car near North Greenwich.

I like the freedom to board at one of 18 piers between Battersea Power Station and Barking Riverside, and I like the price of $29.36 per person for two very different rides. The main catch is practical: you must choose the right boat destination and exchange your voucher at a Thames Clippers ticket office, since the cable car does not accept the original booking voucher directly.

Key points to know before you go

• Start at almost any Central or East Zone pier: Board between Battersea Power Station and Barking Riverside, with stops including Westminster, the London Eye, Embankment, London Bridge, and the Tower of London.
• Plan for North Greenwich: The IFS Cloud Cable Car is closest to North Greenwich Pier, but some boats may terminate at Greenwich instead.
• The boat ticket is one way only: You can travel in either direction, but the river portion is not a return trip.
• The cable car is roundtrip: You cross the Thames and return, with views of The O2, the Olympic Park, and the wider London skyline.
• Use the timetable, not guesswork: Weekday and weekend services differ, and live departure times are posted at each pier.
• Allow time to redeem your voucher: Exchange your printed or electronic voucher at a Thames Clippers ticket office between 10 AM and 6 PM.

Two London rides for the price of one

This experience works because the boat and cable car show you different sides of London. The Uber Boat gives you a moving view at river level, where bridges, towers, old docks, modern apartments, and famous buildings pass by in sequence. The cable car then lifts you above the Thames for a slower look at the river and East London.

At the listed price of $29.36, the combination is good value if you plan to use both rides. A normal sightseeing cruise can cost more while covering only the river, and the cable car adds a separate view without requiring another full attraction ticket.

The value is less impressive if you only want a short boat hop or if your day is already packed around central London. This is transport with sightseeing benefits, not a guided tour with a fixed route and running commentary.

Choosing your starting pier

You can begin at any Uber Boat by Thames Clippers pier in the Central and East zones, from Battersea Power Station to Barking Riverside. That gives you useful flexibility, especially if you are already near Westminster, the South Bank, the Tower of London, or London Bridge.

The most central choices include:

• Battersea Power Station: A useful western starting point, though the West Zone service to or from Putney is not included.
• Westminster: Handy for the Houses of Parliament area and a good place to begin if you are sightseeing in central London.
• London Eye Pier: Convenient for the South Bank and close to one of London’s best-known attractions.
• Embankment: A central choice near Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, and the riverfront.
• London Bridge: Practical for Borough Market, the City, and the Tower Bridge area.
• Tower Pier: The best choice for direct access to the Tower of London and nearby historic sights.
• North Greenwich: The key stop for the cable car, beside The O2.
• Barking Riverside: The eastern end of the included route.

You are not locked into a narrated sightseeing circuit. You can use the boat as a scenic way to get across London, then make the cable car the main event. That makes the ticket useful for an afternoon or evening plan rather than a formal tour.

What the Uber Boat ride feels like

The Thames Clippers boats are high-speed catamarans with indoor seating and covered outdoor areas. I like this arrangement because you can move between shelter and open air depending on the weather and the view.

From inside, you get protection from wind and rain, but the windows may not give the same clear photographic angle as the outdoor deck. On a warm, sunny day, the enclosed area can feel uncomfortable if the air conditioning is not running well. For the best all-around experience, check both seating areas when you board rather than settling immediately.

The ride is relaxed, but it is not a slow old-fashioned cruise. The catamaran moves at a useful pace, so you can cover a good section of the Thames without giving up most of your day. You will pass well-known sights from a viewpoint that roads and pavements cannot provide.

The central stretch is especially rewarding. The boat can take you past Westminster, the London Eye, Embankment, London Bridge, the Tower of London, and other riverside attractions. You will see these places from the water, where their position along the Thames makes more sense.

Do not expect a full tour commentary. A free digital river guide is available online, but the ride itself may not provide detailed narration. If you want historical context, keep the digital guide open on your phone or read up before boarding.

The important destination trap: North Greenwich or Greenwich

This is the detail most likely to cause trouble. The nearest pier for the IFS Cloud Cable Car is North Greenwich, but a boat may terminate at Greenwich instead. Those are different places, and arriving at the wrong one can create confusion and cost you time.

Before boarding, check the final destination shown for your service. Tell staff that you are connecting to the cable car at North Greenwich if you are unsure. Do not assume that a boat heading toward Greenwich will deliver you beside The O2.

This matters most if you are using the boat as a direct connection rather than simply riding for pleasure. Build in extra time, especially on a busy day or when services are less frequent.

Arriving at North Greenwich and taking the cable car

North Greenwich is the natural handoff point for the second half of the experience. From there, you take the IFS Cloud Cable Car for a return crossing over the Thames.

The cable car gives you a high view of The O2 arena, the river, the London skyline, and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The perspective is quite different from the boat. On the water, you look up at buildings and bridges. In the cable car, you see the shape of the river, roads, development, and open areas from above.

The roundtrip format is convenient. You do not need to arrange a separate return journey after crossing. You can enjoy the view on the way over, then look again from a slightly different angle on the return.

The ride is weather dependent in how much you can see. Clear conditions should give you the broadest views, while cloudy or hazy weather will reduce the distance. The experience still works in the evening, when lights from riverside buildings and attractions can make the crossing feel special.

One practical point deserves attention: the IFS Cloud Cable Car does not accept the GetYourGuide voucher itself. You must first redeem the voucher at a Thames Clippers ticket office. Staff availability at the cable car booth may not be immediate, so complete this step before you reach North Greenwich if possible.

Timing your day around the Thames

The ticket is valid for one selected day, not for an open period. Boat travel times vary by weekday and weekend timetable, and the cable car also has its own operating schedule.

Start by checking the timetable for your chosen pier. Then check the departure times at North Greenwich before setting off. This is particularly important if you want to arrive at the cable car near sunset or after dark.

A simple plan is to ride the boat toward North Greenwich in the late afternoon, then take the cable car around sunset. This gives you daylight on the river and changing light above the Thames. Another good option is an evening boat ride after dark, when London’s riverside buildings and landmarks are lit.

Do not make your connection too tight. Boats can be busy, queues can be untidy, and you may need time to find the correct ticket office. Give yourself enough room to handle a missed departure without losing the cable car portion of your day.

You can redeem your voucher between 10 AM and 6 PM at an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers ticket office. The ticket office step is not just a minor formality, so include it in your schedule.

Crowds, queues, and comfort

The boats are comfortable, but the boarding process may feel less orderly at busy times. Numbers of people getting on and off can create confusion, and you may find people moving ahead in the queue.

If you want an outdoor seat or a good window position, arrive early at the pier. Stand where you can clearly see the boarding area and check the destination before joining the line. A little patience helps, especially in summer.

The cable car can also draw a crowd, but the short crossing and roundtrip setup keep the experience straightforward. On a clear evening, expect the best viewing times to be popular.

Families should note that children up to age 10 must be accompanied by an adult. The experience is wheelchair accessible, which makes it a useful option for visitors who want sightseeing without a long walking route.

Food and drinks are not included, though they are available for purchase. You can also treat the boat as a calm break in a busy London day, with a coffee, a seat, and a view rather than another crowded indoor attraction.

Is the boat better by day or after dark?

Both versions have a case. During daylight, you can make out the details of the riverfront, bridges, buildings, and changing development along the Thames. This is the better choice if you want to understand the city’s layout or take clear photographs.

At sunset, the ride becomes more atmospheric. The river reflects the changing light, and the city begins to glow. After dark, illuminated buildings and landmarks provide the strongest mood, although you lose some detail in the distance.

The cable car also changes character with the time of day. Daylight gives you broader views toward the Olympic Park and the city. Evening lights create the most dramatic effect, but poor weather can reduce what you see.

If you have flexibility, choose based on your priorities. Pick daylight for clear sightseeing and photography. Pick sunset or evening for atmosphere.

What is included, and what is not

Your ticket includes one Uber Boat journey from or to any included pier between Battersea Power Station and Barking Riverside. It also includes indoor seating and covered outdoor areas on the boat, plus a roundtrip IFS Cloud Cable Car ride.

The following are not included:

• Travel on the O2 Post Show Express
• West Zone services between Putney and Battersea Power Station
• Food and beverages
• Entry tickets to other attractions
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

The boat portion is not a private cruise, and the cable car is not a private cabin experience. You are buying access to regular public services. That keeps the cost reasonable, but it also means you should plan around timetables and other passengers.

Who will get the most from this ticket?

I would recommend it to first-time visitors who want a broad view of London without spending the day on foot. It also suits repeat visitors who have already seen the main sights from street level and want a fresh way to connect central London with East London.

Families can enjoy the change of pace, especially since the boat offers covered seating and the cable car does not require a long sightseeing walk. Couples and friends may prefer an evening ride, when the lights along the river create a calmer mood.

It is less suitable if you need a tightly guided historical tour, since detailed live commentary is not the main feature. It is also a poor fit if you are unwilling to check timetables or pay attention to the difference between Greenwich and North Greenwich.

The strongest use of the ticket is as part of a larger day. Visit a central attraction, board near Westminster or Embankment, ride east, take the cable car from North Greenwich, and continue your plans around The O2 or the Olympic Park area.

Cancellation and booking details

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. The ticket is valid only on the date you select.

Present a printed or electronic voucher at any eligible Thames Clippers ticket office or pier. Since the cable car does not accept the original voucher directly, redeem it before trying to board the cable car.

Should you book the London boat and cable car ticket?

Book it if you value views, flexibility, and good use of a day ticket. The combination of a river journey and a high crossing offers two genuinely different ways to see London, and the listed price is fair when you use both parts.

Choose your starting pier carefully, confirm that the boat reaches North Greenwich, and leave time for voucher redemption. If you follow those steps, this is an easy way to trade crowded roads and long walks for a comfortable ride past London’s best-known riverside sights.

FAQ

How long is the ticket valid?

The ticket is valid for one selected day.

Where can I board the Uber Boat?

You can board at any eligible pier within the Central and East zones, between Battersea Power Station and Barking Riverside.

Is the Uber Boat journey one way or roundtrip?

The Uber Boat portion is a single journey. You may travel from or to any included pier along the stated route.

Is the IFS Cloud Cable Car ride roundtrip?

Yes. The ticket includes a return ride on the IFS Cloud Cable Car.

Where should I get off for the cable car?

North Greenwich Pier is the nearest pier for the IFS Cloud Cable Car.

Can I use the voucher directly at the cable car?

No. The cable car does not accept the GetYourGuide voucher directly. Redeem it at an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers ticket office first.

What time can I redeem the voucher?

Voucher redemption is available between 10 AM and 6 PM at the stated Thames Clippers ticket offices and piers.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, though they are available for purchase.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible.

Must children be accompanied by an adult?

Yes. Children up to age 10 must always be accompanied by an adult.