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Silvertown Tunnel cycle shuttle

 

Cycling and walking through the tunnel is not 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 are zero-emission at the tailpipe.

When and where it runs

Journeys through the tunnel take around 10-12 minutes.

The shuttle service runs:

  • 06:30-21:30 every day except 25 December (Christmas Day)
  • Approximately every 12 minutes

The shuttle stops at bespoke shelters on:

It connects to cycle routes either side of the river.

You can plan your cycle route with the shuttle on Journey Planner or TfL Go.

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 is managed on a first-come, first-served basis, although there is a specific bay where non-standard adaptive cycles have priority.

Anyone not on an adaptive cycle is 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 non-standard 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 non-standard bay can each hold up to 4 standard cycles (including smaller and child cycles) when empty. However, the non-standard 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
  • Cargo bikes
  • E-bikes
  • Santander Cycles and 3rd party hire bikes or e-bikes
  • Adaptive cycles

We recognise that not all cyclists can dismount their cycle. We have tried to make sure the cycle shuttle can accommodate as many different types of non-standard cycles as possible, within the physical and regulatory constraints on the bus.

Customers who are unable to dismount their cycles are likely to find it difficult to board safely, manoeuvre their cycle into position or get off without help. (Drivers are not able to assist physically.)

We're monitoring demand for the service and how it is used to understand what support we can offer to customers who are unable to dismount their cycles.

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 are not allowed on the service. kick scooters are only allowed if carried by an accompanying adult.

Other transport options

Bus

As well as the new cycle shuttle service, 21 buses an hour run during peak times (07:00-19:00 Monday to Friday) through the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels.

Pay as you go travel is free on these routes 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 extended route runs between Great Eastern Quay (Gallions Reach) and Lewisham shopping centre through Silvertown Tunnel
  • Route 108 - runs between Stratford International and Lewisham station through Blackwall Tunnel

Find out more about the Silvertown Tunnel bus changes.

Non-folding cycles are not allowed on these routes.

DLR

Customers can get a refund for pay as you go journeys 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.

Person on a cycle in a cycle skills session