Don’t Look Down – London’s Cable Car Just Got Bottomless

If you thought the London Cable Car (now officially the IFS Cloud Cable Car) was thrilling before, get ready for a peak-in-your-socks moment—because now, it’s got a bottomless twist.

On Monday, June 23, 2025, two of the cable car cabins were transformed—with full glass floor installations that let you literally look down at the River Thames and the world racing beneath your feet.

What’s New? The Glass Floor Experience

Transport for London (TfL) introduced this new premium experience after surveying passengers over the past year. Respondents made it clear: they wanted more than panoramic window views—they wanted floor-to-ceiling thrills. So, TfL created two specially equipped cabins with reinforced glass floors, stripped of visual clutter to maximize that vertigo-inducing effect.

The glass comprises two layers of toughened reinforced panes, with a top surface that behaves like ordinary glass for safety and foot traffic. So while you’re seated, the sense of danger is muted—but trust me, it’s still exhilarating

Just be sure to book ahead—only two cabins have the glass floor, and not every ride includes them.

Tickets, Prices & Booking

The Glass Floor Experience has a premium price tag:

  • Peak times (weekends, school holidays): £35 per adult / £17.50 per child

  • Off-peak: £25 per adult / £12.50 per child

That includes a queue-jump pass, no waiting to board the special cabins.

If you're booking before August 31, use code GFE20 to get a generous 20% off (valid when you buy online). And note: the ride must start at North Greenwich; it’s a return trip from there only.

What to Expect on the Ride

  • A 10-minute journey 90m above the Thames, between Greenwich Peninsula and Royal Docks — same route as always 

  • The glass floor fills most of the cabin, so there’s no traditional floor—only transparent panels beneath your feet.

  • Since the glass rests in the seating area, your first instinct might be to sit—and that’s wise if you're uneasy at heights.

  • The glass is engineered for strength, made of reinforced panes designed to withstand loads and protect the top surface .

Once you’re onboard, resist just staring down—turn your gaze sideways and soak in enlarged, dramatic views of the Thames, Canary Wharf, The O2, QEOP, and more 

Why This Matters

The glass-floor cabins open up several new “firsts” for London:

  1. A new aerial experience—not just scenic, but immersive.

  2. Design innovation—removal of distractions (like decals) to enhance the transparent effect.

  3. A premium offering—TfL listened to user feedback to create a memorable, elevated ride.

TfL’s cable car, operating since 2012, has always been a beloved—and sometimes quirky—part of London’s skyline. Now, it’s evolving to stay fresh and exciting

👀 Passenger Reactions & Local Buzz

Reddit users, while skeptical of its transport value, love the novelty:

“We just decided to ride out and back … we had a great view of the river and London’s skyline … Great fun, completely impromptu and unanticipated!”

While critics call it a “vanity project,” riders swear by its charm and the scenic payoff. These glass floors? That’s next-level architecture-meets-tourist thrill.

Tips to Make the Most of It

  1. Book early—top-daytime slots fill fast, especially on weekends.

  2. Use the promo code GFE20 for 20% off adult fares before August 31.

  3. Arrive at North Greenwich Terminal because it’s mandatory for glass-floor rides.

  4. Bring a camera (no flash)—you’ll want shots of your feet dangling above the Thames.

  5. Go off-peak to avoid crowds, especially midday on weekdays.

  6. Pair it with a visit to The O2, Thames Path walks, or a Thames Clippers ride for a full day out.

Why It’s a Must-Do

  • Thrill Factor: A 90m drop with a clear floor—on London's only cable car.

  • Unique Views: Get an elevated perspective on classic London landmarks like The Shard, Canary Wharf, and the Thames Barrier.

  • Accessibility Built-In: Wheelchair and bike access means it's inclusive for all 

  • Picnic Possibility: Go for late rides—cabin access until 22:00 on Fridays and Saturdays .

Final Take

London rarely reinvents its tourism icons—Big Ben chimes, the Eye spins, but the cable car? It just went glass-floor bold.

If you're looking for a memorable summer ride that’s part sightseeing, part thrill, and fully London—this is it.

📌 Save for Later

Never miss updates:

  • Grab your discounted Glass Floor rides before August 31 with GFE20.

  • Follow @Londonyaar for more hidden experiences and new London adventures.

  • Share this with someone who’d dare to look down!

Previous
Previous

I Said “I Do” on a Highway? My Day at Amsterdam’s A10 Ring Road Festival

Next
Next

Why London Has a Mayor… But Also a Lord Mayor?