Silvertown Tunnel cycle shuttle
Cycling and walking through the tunnel will not be possible - instead, this high-frequency service will give cyclists another option to cross the river safely.
The shuttle will be free to use until at least April 2026. All buses will be zero-emission at the tailpipe.
When and where it runs
Journeys through the tunnel will take around 10-12 minutes.
The shuttle service will run:
- 06:30-21:30 every day except 25 December (Christmas Day)
- Approximately every 12 minutes
The shuttle will stop at bespoke shelters on:
- Seagull Lane in the Royal Docks
- Millennium Way on the Greenwich Peninsula
It will connect to cycle routes either side of the river.
You'll be able to plan your cycle route with the shuttle on Journey Planner or TfL Go when the tunnel opens.
Using the shuttle
There's no need to book. Just turn up at either of the shuttle stops and get on with your cycle.
You do not need to tap in or out of this service - it's free to use until at least 7 April 2026.
Who can board the shuttle
- People with a cycle - standard and non-standard - that fits the size criteria
- Anyone accompanying either a child cyclist or an adult cyclist who needs support to use the service
Boarding
Boarding will be managed on a first-come, first-served basis, although non-standard adaptive cycles have priority in the wheelchair bay.
Anyone not on an adaptive cycle will be expected to dismount at the stop - this includes children in a trailer.
- The bus will be lowered to let you board - you must be able to get on and off without help from the driver
- Ramps will be deployed when requested
- Use the middle doors only
- Park in one of the designated areas - make sure not to block the gangway
- Secure the cycle with the straps provided - the driver will not leave unless all cycles are buckled in
- Adaptive cycles and other non-standard cycles (for example, cargo bikes) go in the wheelchair bay - apply parking brakes if you have them
- Seating is available for anyone who needs it
You may be asked to remove bulky items from your cycle and store them in the luggage area or hold them at your seat.
On board
The shuttle's cycle bay and wheelchair bay can each hold up to 4 standard cycles (including smaller and child cycles) when empty. However, the wheelchair bay will usually only hold 1 non-standard cycle at a time - and that will have priority over standard bikes.
Up to 7 folding cycles can also be stored in luggage bays. Folding e-bikes cannot be put into the rear luggage racks.
Cycles can be:
- Pedal bikes with 2 or 3 wheels attached to a frame
- Adaptive cycles
- Cargo bikes
- E-bikes
- Santander Cycles and 3rd party hire bikes or e-bikes
Non-standard cycles can be no more than:
- Length: 2.14 metres
- Width: 0.76 metres
- Height: 1.4 metres at the handlebar
- Weight: 300kg including rider and property
E-scooters and kick scooters (unless carried by an accompanying adult) are not allowed on the service.
Other transport options
Bus
As well as the new cycle shuttle service, 21 buses an hour will run during peak times (07:00-19:00 Monday to Friday) once Silvertown Tunnel opens.
Free pay as you go bus fares will be available on these routes after the tunnel opens until at least 7 April 2026:
- New Superloop SL4 - an express service stopping in key town centres between Canary Wharf and Grove Park via Silvertown Tunnel
- Route 129 - the newly extended route will run between Great Eastern Quay (Gallions Reach) and Lewisham shopping centre through Silvertown Tunnel
- Route 108 - will run between Stratford International and Lewisham station through Blackwall Tunnel
Non-folding cycles are not allowed on these routes.
DLR
Once Silvertown Tunnel opens, customers will be able to get a refund for pay as you go journeys made between these stations until at least 7 April 2026:
- Greenwich or Cutty Sark and Island Gardens
- Woolwich Arsenal and King George V
Find out more about bus and DLR travel concessions.
IFS Cloud Cable Car
Bicycles (but not e-bikes) can be taken on the IFS Cloud Cable Car.
Guests with bicycles travel for free on the cable car before 09:30 on weekdays, excluding bank holidays. The maximum weight is 300kg and the maximum size is 0.7 metres by 1.3 metres.
