REVIEW · LONDON
London: Uber Boat Single Trip and London Cable Car
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Two ways to see London from the same voucher. This combo pairs Uber Boat by Thames Clippers with the IFS Cloud Cable Car so you get iconic river views, then a high, wide look over London from North Greenwich. It’s a smart way to feel like you changed dimensions without changing your plans every ten minutes.
I really like the flexibility: you can choose any departure pier within the Central and East zones (between Battersea Power Station and Barking Riverside) and still end up with the cable car connection at North Greenwich. I also like how the sky view can turn into your best photo hour—especially if you go late enough to catch the city lights reflecting off the river. One possible drawback: this can get crowded, and the handoff between boat and cable car needs you to double-check where you’re getting off so you don’t end up at Greenwich when you meant North Greenwich.
In This Review
- Key Points at a Glance
- Two Rides, One Great Skyline Day: What This Combo Really Delivers
- Uber Boat by Thames Clippers: Choosing Your Pier and Reading the River
- The Stop That Makes It Work: Why North Greenwich Matters
- IFS Cloud Cable Car Roundtrip: O2, Olympic Park, and London from Above
- Comfort on Board: Seating, Weather, and What to Pack
- Price and Value: Is $29.36 a Smart Deal?
- The Logistics That Trip People Up (and How You Avoid Them)
- Who Should Book This London Combo
- Should You Book This? My Take
- FAQ
- How long is the ticket valid?
- Where can I board the Uber Boat?
- How do I reach the IFS Cloud Cable Car after the boat ride?
- Does the IFS Cloud Cable Car accept GetYourGuide vouchers?
- What parts of the Uber Boat ride are included?
- Are food and drinks included?
- Are children allowed without an adult?
Key Points at a Glance
- Pick from 18 piers between Battersea Power Station and Barking Riverside for your Thames boat ride
- Icon sights from the water, with common stops like Westminster, London Eye, Embankment, London Bridge, and Tower area viewpoints
- North Greenwich is your cable car pivot point, making the second ride easy to line up
- Roundtrip on the IFS Cloud Cable Car gives you both outbound and return skyline angles
- Good value for two transport experiences compared with paying for each separately
- Plan for crowds and lines so boarding feels smoother, especially during peak times
Two Rides, One Great Skyline Day: What This Combo Really Delivers
This isn’t just a ride. It’s a day-plan shortcut. You get to see London from two angles that you can’t easily recreate from the Tube: from the river’s level on a Thames catamaran, then from above on the cable car.
On the boat, you’re close enough to pick out landmarks along the waterfront without craning your neck the whole time. On the cable car, you’re high enough to see how London pieces fit together—O2, Olympic Park, and the skyline stretching into the distance. That contrast is the whole appeal.
The best part is that you can keep your day flexible. You don’t have to commit to one neighborhood first. You choose where you start from among the piers in the Central and East zones, then the route carries you toward North Greenwich for the sky ride.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in London
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers: Choosing Your Pier and Reading the River
You board Uber Boat at an available pier in the Central and East zones. The service area is between Battersea Power Station and Barking Riverside, and there are 18 piers to choose from. That matters because it lets you match the boat to your day—start near where you already are, instead of backtracking across town.
A few piers listed for departures (so you can recognize them on maps) include Battersea Power Station, Westminster, London Eye, Embankment, London Bridge, and the Tower of London area. The boat also passes many other well-known riverside spots as you cruise.
What you’ll enjoy most here is the pacing. This isn’t a hop-on, hop-off bus where you spend time re-entering the system. It’s a smooth river ride. You can settle into seats (indoor and covered areas are available) and just watch London slide by. That calmer tempo is why people describe the boat ride as peaceful and comfortable.
A practical tip: use the free digital river guide online. It’s made for identifying what you’re seeing along the Thames, and it helps you stop feeling like you’re just passing buildings. It turns the ride into something you can actually connect to.
The Stop That Makes It Work: Why North Greenwich Matters
The “combo” part depends on one detail: your cable car access is tied to North Greenwich. This is the nearest pier for the IFS Cloud Cable Car, and the usual plan is to disembark at North Greenwich after your Thames cruise.
That handoff is also where you need to stay alert. One common problem is confusion about where the boat terminates. If your boat ends somewhere else in the Greenwich area, you could lose time trying to reach the correct North Greenwich boarding point.
So here’s the move: before you board, check your final destination (the pier listed for your trip). And when you get to the end of the boat ride, confirm that it’s North Greenwich before you wander off. It’s worth a 30-second check that can save a lot of frustration.
If you’re going with the family, this is especially important. The ride itself is manageable, but kids can get impatient fast when you’re doing a scramble across the waterfront.
IFS Cloud Cable Car Roundtrip: O2, Olympic Park, and London from Above
Once you’re in the North Greenwich area, you switch from water-level views to a bird’s-eye perspective. The cable car gives you a roundtrip ride, so you’re not just getting one angle—you get two.
From up in the cabins, you’ll see:
- the O2 arena
- Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
- and wide-ranging city views stretching outward beyond the immediate riverfront
This is where timing can make or break the experience. If you catch it around sunset or after dark, the skyline looks different. The lights help the city feel layered instead of flat. That’s the kind of moment people talk about as a wow factor—especially if they feel they’ve seen the landmarks already and still manage to be surprised.
One caution: the view can include areas under development. On some days, you might spot construction or scaffolding from above. It doesn’t ruin the ride, but if you’re expecting postcard-perfect views the whole time, adjust your expectations.
Comfort on Board: Seating, Weather, and What to Pack
Uber Boat includes indoor seating and covered outdoor areas, which is great in London weather. If it’s cool, you can stay inside. If it’s pleasant, you can sit outside without getting fully soaked.
That said, don’t assume every part of the boat feels climate-controlled. On hot, sunny days, you may find that enclosed sections aren’t as breezy as you’d like. If you run warm easily, choose a seat strategically and dress for that British-weather roulette.
What to bring:
- A light layer (London can shift fast)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen if you’re traveling in strong sun
- A phone battery pack, because you’ll likely use the digital guide and take lots of photos
- A small snack or plan to buy drinks onboard (food and beverages are not included, but you can purchase them)
Also note that wheelchair access is supported, which is a big plus for people planning accessible sightseeing.
Price and Value: Is $29.36 a Smart Deal?
At $29.36 per person, you’re buying two paid attractions/transport experiences in one: a Thames boat ride plus a roundtrip on the IFS Cloud Cable Car. The value comes from the fact that both are transport-based and observation-based, not ticketed “museum hours.”
You’re not paying extra for entry to major attractions (those aren’t included). But you are paying for views and movement—often the hardest part of sightseeing in London, where crossing between landmarks can waste half a day.
If your goal is classic London views without a huge schedule, this combo is a strong fit. If your goal is a specific attraction you need to enter (like a museum or paid viewpoint beyond the cable car itself), you’ll still need separate tickets for those.
The Logistics That Trip People Up (and How You Avoid Them)
This is one of those “simple once you know it” tickets.
Two details matter a lot:
1) The cable car does not accept GetYourGuide vouchers.
The IFS Cloud Cable Car doesn’t take those vouchers directly. You need to redeem your voucher at Uber Boat by Thames Clippers ticket offices.
2) Confirm where you’re getting off.
If your Thames boat ends at a different pier than North Greenwich, you can waste time. Check the destination pier for your exact sailing.
Then there’s the human element. On busy days, boarding can get messy. People can move fast at doors and during seating changes. If you want an easier start, arrive with a little extra buffer, keep an eye on the pier’s boarding flow, and avoid last-minute rushing.
Also: the activity runs by timetable. Travel time can change based on weekday vs. weekend schedules, so don’t lock your plans down to the minute.
Who Should Book This London Combo
I’d book this if you want:
- icon views without committing to a heavy walking route
- a relaxed river segment that feels like a break from London’s pace
- a second perspective from above that makes your day feel more complete
- a good value plan that combines two different kinds of sightseeing
It’s also a nice option if you already know the big landmarks and want a new way to see them. The boat covers the riverside viewpoints people expect—then the cable car reframes the whole city plan from North Greenwich.
Think twice if:
- you hate crowds and lines
- you’re very sensitive to heat in enclosed vehicle sections
- you want spoken, guided commentary as a major part of the experience (there’s no guarantee of that kind of narration during the ride)
For families: kids up to 10 need an adult with them.
Should You Book This? My Take
Yes, I’d usually book it—especially if you’re planning a one-day dose of London with minimal stress. The reason is simple: it pairs two different viewpoints (river and sky) into one priced plan, and the result feels like more than the sum of its parts.
Book it if you can go later in the day. After sunset, the cable car and river both feel more dramatic, and you’ll likely get those memorable light-and-reflection moments people rave about.
Skip it if you have strict timing and zero tolerance for any boarding confusion. The experience is smooth when things line up, but the connection is only as easy as your attention to the pier details.
If you want, tell me your travel month and where you’re staying (rough area is fine). I’ll suggest the best time of day and which piers usually make the most sense for a low-stress route.
FAQ
How long is the ticket valid?
The ticket is valid for 1 day. You’ll need to check availability to see starting times for your chosen date.
Where can I board the Uber Boat?
You can board at any pier within the Central and East zones, between Battersea Power Station and Barking Riverside. There are 18 piers in that range.
How do I reach the IFS Cloud Cable Car after the boat ride?
The nearest pier for the IFS Cloud Cable Car is North Greenwich. Your plan should include disembarking at North Greenwich to board the cable car.
Does the IFS Cloud Cable Car accept GetYourGuide vouchers?
No. The IFS Cloud Cable Car does not accept GetYourGuide vouchers. You need to redeem your voucher at Uber Boat by Thames Clippers ticket offices.
What parts of the Uber Boat ride are included?
You get a single journey on Uber Boat by Thames Clippers from/to the piers covered in the Central and East zones (between Battersea Power Station and Barking Riverside). Indoor seating and covered outdoor areas are available onboard.
Are food and drinks included?
No. Food and beverages aren’t included, but you can purchase them.
Are children allowed without an adult?
No. Children up to age 10 must always be accompanied by an adult.
