Emirates Air Line to open in time for Olympics

The UK's first urban cable car will connect the two key Olympic venues when it opens on 28 June.

It will create a new river crossing between Greenwich and the Royal Docks, carrying up to 2,500 people an hour in each direction. There will be extended opening hours during Olympic and other local events at the venues.

The cable car is sponsored by Emirates which has invested £36m in a 10-year deal.

TfL announced plans for the cable car back in 2010, after opposition to plans for a six-lane road bridge to link The O2 and Excel.

The Emirates Air Line will operate seven days a week and passengers will be able to touch in at the gates using an Oyster pay as you go card. A cash-only single fare between the venues will be £4.30 and the fee using an Oyster card will be £3.20. 'Frequent flyer' boarding pass will also be on offer for people planning to use the cable car on a regular basis.

Travellers on the car will see views of Canary Wharf, the Thames Barrier and the Olympic Park.

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