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London Eye River Cruise

Set sail on the River Thames with the London Eye River Cruise

Online from

Purchased separately

£57.50

Ticket includes:

• 30-minute London Eye rotation with iconic 360 degree views of the capital
• 40-minute circular sightseeing boat cruise along the famous River Thames
• The time selected will be for the River Cruise - you must book a visit time for the London Eye separately

£15.50

• 40 minute cruise through the heart of the city along River Thames

Expert commentary provided by our professional and knowledgeable guides on board. Foreign language audio guide available in 10 languages.

There is also a TV screen that displays the commentary in British Sign Language.

• Bar on board with a wide range of refreshments

See London’s most popular landmarks led by expert guides

Embark on a captivating 40-minute round-trip tour along the River Thames with the London Eye River Cruise. Setting sail from The London Eye Pier, you'll witness iconic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben (Palace of Westminster), St. Paul's Cathedral, Tate Modern, Tower of London, and Tower Bridge before returning to your starting point.

What is the London Eye River Cruise?

Our cruise offers a seamless journey without any stops at other piers, ensuring a continuous, scenic experience.

Maximize your visit by pairing The London Eye with the River Cruise, creating an unforgettable experience of London's beauty from both land and water.

What landmarks can I see on the lastminute.com London Eye River Cruise?

Here are just a few of the landmarks that can be seen during the lastminute.com London Eye River Cruise.  Other landmarks include London Bridge, Shakespeare's Globe and the Tate Modern to name a few. 

More about the tour

What's included.

• 40 minute circular boat tour along River Thames
• Live commentary by one of our expert guides to fill you in with everything you need to know about the city
• Audio commentary is available in English, French, German, Spanish, Dutch, Italian, Czech, Hindi, Polish, and Portuguese
• A British Sign Language guide on the indoor deck
• Wheelchair access - for more River Cruise accessibility information for wheelchair users, please refer to our accessibility page here . To make a booking for a wheelchair slot, please follow this link.

How long is the London Eye River Cruise?

It is a 40 minute circular tour that starts and stops at the London Eye Pier with no stop-over in between

What time do I need to arrive?

Your River Cruise booking time corresponds to the departure time of the cruise. Please arrive at boarding point 2 on the Pier at least 15 minutes before your scheduled River Cruise departure.

Please be aware that the cruise will depart punctually as scheduled, and late arrivals will not be accommodated.

How often does the London Eye River Cruise depart?

The London Eye River Cruise departs 45 minutes past every hour. For the most up-to-date opening hours, please visit the opening hours page

I have booked a London Eye River Cruise + London Eye ticket, how do I book my timeslots?

• When booking this ticket, the time you will initially select is for the River Cruise. This is the River Cruise departure time. Please arrive at boarding point 2 on the Pier at least 15 minutes before your River Cruise departure time.
• After completing your purchase, proceed to book a specific time slot for the London Eye >>Reserve your London Eye time slot here.

You have 90 days to visit the London Eye after your River Cruise visit. However, if you would like to do both in one day, we recommend booking your time slots in advance as availability is subject to change.

What happens if it rains?

The London Eye River Cruise has an indoor seating area operating on a first come first serve basis. Customers can still cruise along the river and enjoy the full experience in the comfort and warmth inside.

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River Thames Cruise Prices and Reviews

What is the best london river cruise.

While our free London walking tours are a great way to see and learn a lot about the city, Thames River cruises offer a completely different perspective that you might also enjoy.

The most popular type of river cruise is a hop-on hop-off tour , allowing you to stop and get off the boat at various docks on the Thames.

Here are the top cruise services in London:

City Cruises

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers

Thames river service.

There are also special cruise services such as Tate to Tate by Thames Clippers , connecting both historic museums by boat.

Alternatively, you might also want to consider a circular loop without any stops, or perhaps a speedboat ride during the summer.

Like many cities, there are also lunch and dinner cruises available on the Thames River.

If you're in North London, you might want to consider a canal cruise around Little Venice and Camden Lock instead.

Concerned about the price? Check our list of combo packages that include a Thames River cruise for free!

Although we do our best to provide a balanced look at these services, it's important to get other perspectives, so we've also included a selection of recommendations from members of our London Travel Tips Facebook group.

Disclosure:  While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the  full text .

TIP: When planning your boat tour or cruise, make sure to check out the  weather in London beforehand.

HOP-ON-HOP-OFF THAMES RIVER CRUISES

If you’re looking for a boat tour or cruise that will allow you the freedom to explore at your own pace, consider one of the following companies.

Although there aren’t many London boat services that specialize specifically in hop-on-hop-off Thames cruises, there are a few that provide the opportunity to explore London however you wish.

You can choose to purchase one single ride, a cheaper return ticket, or a 24-hour travel pass with unlimited rides.

TIP: Many of these cruises are included for free or at a lower cost with any of the many London tourist attraction passes available to you.

City Cruises is probably the most well-known company offering a basic Thames River cruise. They are also the best value for the money.

City Cruises also offers speedboat tours and lunch and dinner cruises .

City Cruises offers both single tickets and a hop-on-hop-off service with 4 stops between Westminster and Greenwich. The hop-on-hop-off ticket is called the River Pass.

The River Pass is a 24-hour pass that gives you unlimited access to the river for 24 hours. There is live commentary on every journey.

For just a few pounds more, you can get a 72-hour River Pass giving you three days to use the service.

Guests can sit on the open-aired top of the boat, or inside downstairs if the London weather gets a bit wet or chilly.

TIP:  City Cruises' hop-on-hop-off service is  included for free for holders of a London Pass , a tourist attraction concession card. It is also  included for free  with the purchase of a 24 or 48-hour hop-on, hop-off open-top bus ticket with Tootbus Tours.

Click on the map for a larger view .

Single Tickets

Single-ride tickets vary depending on your starting and ending point. Prices start at £10.80/adult (16+), £7.05/child (5-15), and free for infants 4 and under.

See their full list of single and return ticket prices here .

If you are planning on taking at least two rides, we recommend that you buy a River Pass. This pass gives you unlimited travel between their piers.

River Pass Tickets

24-Hour Pass

• £23 Adults (16+)
• £15.45 for Children (5-15)
• Free for Infants (4 and under)

More information or to purchase tickets .

Cruises run every 30 minutes. Exact departure times depend on which pier you wish to depart from. (Frequency changes seasonally).

Highlights along the cruise include the London Eye, OXO Tower, London Bridge, The Shard, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and Greenwich.

TIP:  City Cruises hop-on-hop-off service is usually  included for free for holders of a London Sightseeing Pass , a tourist attraction concession card. It is also  included for free  with the purchase of a 24 or 48-hour hop-on, hop-off open-top bus ticket with Tootbus Tours.

Reviews of City Cruises

City Cruises sports a 4 out of 5 stars  rating on TripAdvisor along with mostly positive reviews.

Thousands of reviewers have given them a 5-star rating, which is a good sign.

The negative comments that have been left often mention unforeseen technical issues with the boats or scheduling software.

To avoid any issues, make sure to arrive early for your cruise and call them the day before your excursion to make sure there are no problems.

Thames Clippers is a commuter boat service that sells single-ride tickets.

But, they also offer a day ticket, called Uber Boat, that gives you unlimited hop-on, hop-off travel for one day (between 10 am and 11 pm).

The Uber Boat is valid in their Central and East Zone lines which include 18 piers including Greenwich, Tower, Westminster, and more. Boats depart every 20 minutes.

Some of the central London landmarks you can get to easily from the Uber Boat piers:

• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Tower of London
• Tower Bridge
• Tate Modern
• Covent Garden
• Trafalgar Square
• Borough Market 
• National Gallery of Art
• British Museum
• Houses of Parliament
• Churchill War Rooms
• HMS Belfast
• Shakespeare's Globe
• Palace of Westminster

You can download their free audio tour (available in English, Spanish, French, and German) if you are taking the boat for sightseeing purposes.

Also, you can buy refreshments on board.

Uber Boat Ticket Prices

• £22.10 Adults (16+)
• £11.05 for Children (5-15)
• This cruise is included with the London Pass .

Thames Clippers has received a 4 out of 5 stars  rating on both TripAdvisor and Viator.

Most reviews are very positive, stating that it is great value for the money. The staff is said to be courteous and helpful.

Also, guests said that the boat went just fast enough to get from point A to point B efficiently while still being slow enough to enjoy sightseeing with the downloadable app. 

Read reviews here .

Thames River Services (TRS) offers a variety of guided sightseeing tours that cover several different highlights along the river.

Prices and the length of the trip vary depending on what route you select.

There are a total of ten different tours offered out of Westminster, Greenwich, and St. Katharine's.

Additionally, this boat tour company provides transportation to popular sightseeing locations such as the Thames Barrier and the Tower of London.

Guests have the option to pay for a one-way ticket or round-trip fare as well as a hop-on, hop-off ticket (through Circular Cruises).

With a 4 ½ out of 5 stars  rating on both Yelp and TripAdvisor, TRS is one of the highest-rated cruise companies in London. 

A majority of reviews are very positive, but there are a few negative comments. 

Complaints tend to focus on the fact that this is a sightseeing cruise, which means it might not be as speedy as other services.

If you’re looking for a quicker boat tour, you might want to consider one of the hop-on, hop-off options.

Other than these issues, most passengers love Thames River Services!

Find out more about Thames River Service Tours .

Tate to Tate by Thames Clippers

This route on the Thames Clippers service is the "RB2 Tate to Tate".

It takes visitors between the two Tate Museums: the free  Tate Modern  at Bankside Pier and Tate Britain at Millbank Pier.

Boats run every 30 minutes. It is a 20-minute ride and is within the Central Zone so this is a one-zone ticket.

The boats have both outdoor and indoor seating. As this is not a sightseeing boat there is no live commentary.

It is, however, a great way to get out onto the water and move quickly between museums and their surrounding neighborhoods.

You can purchase tickets in advance online from the Tate Shop website , or before you board a boat from a self-serve kiosk on the pier.

You can also use your  Oyster card , if you have one, upon boarding the boat.

When you purchase, look for the RB2 service, a central zone ticket price.

Find out more or book tickets here.

Prices (single one-way ticket)

• Adult:  One Way - £10.90
• Child 5 to 15:  One Way - £5.45
• Children under 5 travel for free
• Adult TfL Travelcard: One Way - £7.30
• Child 5-15 TfL Travelcard: One Way - £3.65

For a complete timetable of the RB2 route that stops at both Tates, click  here for schedules.

Look for times for Bankside (the Tate Modern) and Millbank (the Tate Britain).

The Tate Boat service has been given a 4 ½ star rating on TripAdvisor.

Although it is not a full five stars, the reality is that they haven’t received any negative ratings.

There is only one complaint thus far, and it focuses on the length of time it may take to get tickets onto the boat.

Even so, the reviewer suggests that you persevere and use this ferry service to get from Tate to Tate.

Most passengers love this form of transportation, so chances are that it’s very reliable.

CIRCULAR LOOP THAMES RIVER SIGHTSEEING CRUISES

A circular loop cruise is specifically a river tour of the Thames.

From the boat, you will see many amazing sights such as  St. Paul’s Cathedral , the Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament , and  Big Ben .

Most circular loop cruises are about an hour long. 

Note that some circular loop cruises are hop-on-hop-off while others allow you to leave the cruise at any pier, but you may not board again.

Thames River Service Circular Cruise

This circular loop cruise allows you to hop on and off whenever you wish so that you can get a better look at the sites located all along the Thames.

The full cruise takes about an hour, but you can embark and disembark at your discretion throughout the day.

This circular cruise will take you past more than a dozen historic locations that are visible from the water.

There is commentary provided along the way to point out significant sights such as Old Scotland Yard or the Houses of Parliament.

Find more information or purchase tickets here.

Ticket Prices 

Click here to purchase tickets .

Single Ticket

• £12.40 for Adults
• £8.40 for Children/Freedom Pass Holders

Return Ticket

• £18.15 for Adults
• £12.25 for Children/Freedom Pass Holders

This cruise service has been in operation for several years, but they don’t have a lot of reviews.

The few negative reviews say that the tour feels short and that you do not see so many sights.

Mostly though the reviews are positive, saying that the live commentary is very informative and humorous.

Reviews say that the boat ride was relaxing and enjoyable, and well-organized.

The London Eye River Cruise

Whether you’re planning to visit the London Eye or you just want a tour around the Thames which focuses on the giant Ferris wheel, this river cruise is a great alternative to other services.

Although the London Eye River Cruise is not as long as other boat tours in the area, it can be a lot more affordable.

This circular loop will take you past locations such as Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, The Tower of London, and the Houses of Parliament.

If you purchase your tickets online, you can save 10% on your fare.

TIP: This cruise is also part of the London Explorer Pass , which could save you between 20-50% off of the retail price.

Find out more or purchase tickets here.

Ticket Prices :

• £19.50 for Adults
• Children under 2 ride for free

Before purchasing tickets, note that this cruise is included in the  London Explorer Pass , which could save you between 20-50% off of the retail price.

• Daily Cruises from 10:45 to 19:45
• Cruise departs *10.45, 11.45, 12.45, 13.45, 14.45, 15.45, 16.45, *17.45, *18.45, *19.45

Note: *Opening times may vary depending on seasonality. Be sure to check their schedule .

This river cruise company has earned a 4 ½ out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor.

Although there is a small contingent of passengers who had negative experiences, most reviews are very positive.

There aren’t enough complaints to suggest that these are common problems. 

Positive reviews for the service indicate that other guests found their tour guides to be quite helpful and informative.

The majority of people who take this cruise find it enjoyable. It’s fair to assume that the few complaints may just be random outliers.

Thames River Tours

In addition to their speedboat tours and lunch and dinner cruises , Thames River Tours provides a circular loop with commentary and sightseeing.

This circular cruise operates out of Westminster Pier and lasts approximately one hour.

Although it isn’t a hop-on-hop-off tour, you are allowed to leave the cruise at any pier. 

If you’re looking for a boat tour that will provide information about the Thames as you glide down the river, this is an excellent option. 

Ticket Prices

• £14.90 Per Person

This boat tour company has a 4 out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor, indicating that they provide quite a good service.

Most of the reviews are 5-star ratings, but a few negative comments are bringing the score down.

Positive comments suggest that the guides on Thames River Tours provide a lot of information and point out relevant sites along the river.

Unhappy customers report that they had a variety of scheduling issues, so it might be in your best interest to arrive early and call ahead to make sure that your cruise is still on schedule.

Sail on a 1920s Barge

Hop aboard a historic wooden Thames Sailing Barge, Lady Daphne, and enjoy a voyage through history along the Thames.

Spend a day or an evening on a wooden sailing vessel built in 1923 and have Tower Bridge raised especially for you during the trip!

Lady Daphne is the last wooden sailing barge still working on the Thames regularly and in addition to their private tours, you can take a public tour when offered.

Most trips begin at Tower Millennium Pier, and you pass through Tower Bridge en route downstream toward Greenwich Pier.

Depending on the time and length of your trip, you can get to see the O2, Canary Wharf, and maybe a glimpse of the Thames Barrier!

Check their website for prices and more information.

SPEEDBOAT RIDES

Speedboat rides on the Thames are not a budget option, but they are thrilling.

Throughout the experience, passengers will alternate between enjoying a leisurely ride along the Thames for sightseeing and a fast-paced thrill ride.

Guests are well protected with waterproof jackets, a life jacket, and goggle-style visors to withstand the thrilling wind speeds they will experience.

Thames RIB Experience

This RIB (Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat) is one of the fastest boats on the Thames, jetting visitors along the river at approximately 30 knots.

Each boat (which only holds up to 12 people) is manned by a guide who provides commentary throughout the journey.

In addition to their longer tour of the Thames, this company also manages three shorter tours of Canary Wharf, and the Tower Millennium Pier.

Ticket prices typically depend upon the length of the boat ride.

Ticket Prices:

Thames Barrier Experience (75 minutes)

• £62.10 for Guests 14+
• £53.10 for Children 2 - 13 years

Canary Wharf Experience (50 minutes)

• £54 for Guests 14+
• £49 for Children 2 - 13 years

Tower RIB Blast (20 minutes)

• £35.50 for Guests 14+
• £31.50 for Children 2 - 13 years

The Thames RIB Experience has earned a full 5-star rating on TripAdvisor – and that includes over 2,500 positive reviews.

Many comments report that this is an excellent trip for families on holiday.

Other positive comments mention that you will probably get wet while on this excursion, so it’s best experienced during hot days.

This is intended as more of an entertaining thrill ride. If you’re looking for excitement on the river, consider the Thames RIB Experience.

Thames Jet by City Cruises

This speedboat service is managed by City Cruises and offers a similar excursion to the RIB Experience.

They don’t offer as many tours as their competitors, but the Thames Jet is an excellent alternative.

Their Thames Rush speedboat tour is over 50 minutes.

Ticket prices are comparable to similar services, but they also offer family tickets at a concession.

• £49 for Adults
• £39 for Children (15 and under)

Tour Hours:

• 9 tours between 11 am and 7 pm (there may be fewer tours in the winter months)

TripAdvisor has given the Thames Jet service 4 ½ out of 5 stars . Most of the reviews are very positive, but there are a few negative comments.

Luckily, the few negative reviews don't appear to be the norm.

Most people enjoy this speedboat tour, with a majority of reviews stating that the tour guides are very entertaining and informative.

CANAL BOAT RIDES

Operating entirely along the canals that flow through the north of London, a canal ride is a charming way to see parts of London that most tourists miss.

For a true experience off the beaten path, these relaxing and beautiful rides are a definite must.

Jason's Original Canal Boat Trip

From March to November, you can take a canal boat ride with Jason's Original with live commentary from trained guides. 

• One Way: Adult - £18 / Concession £14
• Return: Adult - £23 / Concession £19

Jason’s London Canal Boat Trip is offered as part of the London Pass , which means more savings for you! 

London Waterbus Company

Their Regents Canal Waterbus Tour travels between Little Venice and Camden Lock (where the vibrant Camden Market is located).

Along the ride, the boat passes through Regent’s Park and the grounds of London Zoo. 

• Adult (17-59 years) £15.00
• Child (5-16 years) £11
• Student 17+ with photo student ID £11
• Senior 60+ years £11
• Toddler (under 3 years) Free

The  London Zoo Express ticket , which includes zoo admission, is not currently available as of April 2024.

Check their  website  for more details and to purchase tickets.

LUNCH AND DINNER CRUISES

Sightseeing cruises are nice, but they might not be the best option for business events or dating.

If you’re looking for a more sociable trip along the Thames, consider one of the following Dining Cruises.

In addition to the typical dinner cruise, many companies offer a variety of dining and party cruises, such as tea and showboat cruises, that allow you to enjoy more than just the sights and sounds of London.

To browse a full list of lunch and dinner cruise options by type rather than by company, click here .

Whether you want to go on a cruise with wonderful music and fabulous food, or you just want to have your afternoon tea out on the Thames, City Cruises offers a wide variety of options.

If you order online during the summer, you can save 20% on each dining cruise offered through this company.

Tickets are already quite affordable, so this is an excellent opportunity to save money while having fun out on the water.

More information or to purchase .

Lunch Cruise on The Thames

• £47 for Adults
• £37 for Children (ages 3-12)

Afternoon Tea on The Thames

• £45 for Adults
• £35 for Children (ages 3-12)

Jazz Cruise on The Thames

• £107+ (depending on date/time) per Adult (18+ only)

London Dinner Cruise on The Thames

• £89+ (depending on date/time) per Adult (18+ only)

When it comes to its dining cruises, this company has received fairly high ratings on TripAdvisor.

Although this isn’t their primary service, City Cruises regularly receives positive remarks for their dining boat trips.

Most reviewers have given them a 5-star rating, reporting that the food is quite excellent and the cruise itself is very relaxing.

Some have said that their Sundowner cruise is a great way to unwind after a long day, while others have reported that the Afternoon Tea cruise is a good value for the money.

BUS & BOAT COMBOS

There are a lot of boat tours and cruises offered on the Thames, but none of them will show you everything worth seeing in London.

To experience more than just the river that runs through this beautiful city, you’ll want to consider combining a cruise with either walking tours or bus tours.

Thankfully, there are a lot of companies in the area that provide combo packages that include many different types of excursions.

These combination packages can be a great way to save money on all kinds of activities!

Big Bus Tours

Big Bus is one of the most popular tour companies in the world. They offer services internationally and are well known for providing quality service.

Their combo package for London includes a cruise with City Cruises, their hop-on, hop-off bus tour, a selection of guided walking tours, and a promo codes booklet.

Tickets for this combo package can be purchased either for 24 or 48 hours, allowing you to take as much time as you wish to enjoy everything included.

If you’re looking for a combination package that will allow you to discover as much of the city as possible without paying a lot of money, this is a great choice.

Click here for more information or to book .

• £44.00 for Adults
• £35.00 for Children (ages 5-15)
• £140.50 for Families (2 Adults + 2 Children)
• £64.00 for Adults
• £54.00 for Children  (ages 5-15)
• £209.00 for Family (2 Adults + 2 Children)
• Tickets can be used on any date within 6 months of purchase.
• Enjoy each tour or cruise at your own leisure.
• Follow the tour hours of City Cruises to schedule your boat trip.

Big Bus Tours of London has a 4-star rating on TripAdvisor. Most reviews are very positive, and comments about this specific combo package tend to be favorable.

Even customers who did not enjoy their experience reported that the cruise was excellent. Many passengers have said that this is a great value for the money.

Others report that the buses run frequently, allowing you to get off and experience various sites such as the Tower of London.

Tootbus Tour

This tour service is almost the same as Big Bus Tours. Much like their competitor, they also offer a Thames River cruise pass through City Cruises.

You’ll also have access to 80+ stops at attractions all over London on their hop-on, hop-off bus tour.

Ticket prices are very similar, so this might be a great alternative if other combo packages are all sold out.

Ticket Prices  (online purchase)

• 24 Hour Tickets: £42/Adults | £24/Children
• 48 Hour Tickets: £49/Adults | £29/Children

Purchase tickets or learn more .

• Tickets can be used on any date within 6 months of purchase
• Enjoy each tour or cruise at your own leisure
• Follow the tour hours of City Cruises to schedule your boat trip

Tootbus, once known as the Original London Sightseeing Tour, has received a 4-star rating on TripAdvisor.

A majority of the reviews are positive, but experiences with this tour company are a bit more mixed than other services in the same range.

Most of the complaints focus on a lack of buses, but this doesn’t appear to be the norm.

Most customers have not reported a problem with their offerings, and there are thousands of reviews suggesting that this company provides excellent service.

Many passengers noted that their tour guides are very good, so this should be a great choice if you want to learn a lot about the London area.

Things to Know When Going on a River Thames Cruise

Do you need to book Thames River Cruises in advance?

You don't necessarily need to, but if you do not book your tickets in advance, then you can get ticket from ticket counters on piers.

Due to limited availability, you may not always get tickets for a particular date or time slot. As such, it is always advisable to book your cruise tickets in advance.

Where can I catch a Thames River Cruise?

Piers of some popular cruises are listed below:

• City Cruises - Westminster Pier, London Eye Pier, Tower Pier, and Greenwich Pier
• Uber Boat by Thames Clippers - Embankment Pier, Westminster Pier, Tower Millennium Pier, London Bridge City Pier, Canary Wharf, Greenwich Pier, North Greenwich Pier
• Thames River Service - Westminster Pier
• Tate to Tate by Thames Clippers - Bankside Pier, Millbank Pier
• Thames River Services' Circular Cruise - Westminster Pier
• London Eye River Cruise - The London Eye pier
• Lady Daphne - Tower Millennium Pier
• Thames RIB Experience - Embankment Pier
• Thames Jet by City Cruises - Westminster Pier

How far do cruise boats go up the Thames?

It all depends upon which river cruise you are taking.

Most of the cruises start from Westminster Pier and goes up to Tower Millennium Pier.

Some long run cruises also start from Millbank Pier and reach Greenwich Pier.

There are also some special river cruises during the warmer months which run from Westminster to Hampton Court Palace .

Are River Cruises safe?

The cruise river boats are inspected by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and they carry modern safety equipment onboard.

Also, trained skippers and crews run the safety briefing as they leave their respective boarding points.

In other words, there is no reason to worry about safety while enjoying a cruise ride.

Tips From Locals and Travelers

Assuming you've read all or even just some of this post, you've had the chance to see our recommendations when it comes to Thames River cruises. However, it's important to get a variety of opinions when it comes to these types of services.

Thankfully, many members of our London Travel Tips group on Facebook will offer their own thoughts on these cruise companies, and we've included some of their most helpful suggestions here.

It can get pretty cold in London during the winter, so travelers might be surprised to learn that they actually do keep most of the Thames River cruises open all year.

While it can get cold, pretty much every company uses boats with an indoor area where you can stay warm as you enjoy the ride.

Even so, it is recommended to bundle up during the winter anyways, so you shouldn't be too cold on a river cruise boat as long as you wear warm clothing.

A lot of locals recommend using the Uber Boat, because it's a very easy and consistent service and it offers stops all along the Thames, even in Greenwich.

The reason this river cruise boat is so popular is because it's often used as transportation by people who live in London, and in fact they rely upon these boats to get to and from work.

Locals also note that you can pay for the Uber Boat by using an Oyster Card, and they offer price cuts for card holders.

Even better, once you get past the Tower Bridge, the boat will speed up and allow you to get around the city much quicker!

If you're wondering whether to take a hop-on hop-off tour on the river or a dinner cruise, it's worth noting that the dinner cruise does not include any commentary.

Travelers who want to learn more about the city while cruising down the Thames might not enjoy the dinner cruise as much, but it's still a great service for anyone who wants to enjoy the view of London as the sun is setting!

Other travelers suggest skipping the dinner cruise and hopping on the speed boat. As Trish notes, these boats will wait until they are in clear waters and take off at thrilling speeds!

For even more helpful advice, you can always visit our London Travel Tips group on Facebook and ask whatever questions you might have.

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Thames River Boat Trips

There’s no need to book in advance; for most boat trips you can buy a ticket on the pier. If you can’t buy a ticket on the pier, buy one on the boat.

Discounts are available to Travelcard holders. Anyone with a Travelcard , either a weekly/monthly ‘paper’ Travelcard or a Travelcard loaded on an Oyster card, gets 1/3 off the standard ticket price. These discounts are only available at the pier ticket office .

Thames river boat trips in central London

Top Tip: If  you plan to so a London sightseeing tour, Tootbus (formerly The Original London Sightseeing Tour) has a package including a river boat ticket.

If you just want a quick trip  on the Thames. City Cruises run boats between Westminster pier and Tower Pier near the Tower of London. It’s a good introduction for first time visitors and takes about 20 minutes. You’ll pass all the main sights on the river.

Westminster to the Tower of London

Adult: £12.25 single Child: £8.25 single

Hop on hop off Thames river boat passes

Instead of single trip, you can use the river boats for unlimited travel.

City Cruises – with commentary

City Cruises’ have a 24-hour Red Rover Pass which is valid for all routes including to and from Greenwich.

• Adults £22 online
• Child £14.75 online
• Family £44 online

Thames Clippers – without commentary

Instead of a tourist boat, buy a River Roamer , a day pass for unlimited travel on the Thames Clippers – a fast catermeran service. Boats run from Putney to Greenwich.

• Adults – £21.20 (online)
• Child £10.60 (online)
• Family £42.40 (online)

Boat trips to Greenwich

A boat trip downriver to historic Greenwich makes a great day trip. There’s a lot to see.

The boats start in central London and pass the modern developments on the Isle of Dogs before reaching historic Greenwich.

City Cruises to Greenwich

City Cruises run river tours with live commentary in English. Journey time is approximately 70 minutes from Westminster or London Eye pier.

Standard single tickets to Greenwich are:

Thames Clippers to Greenwich

Thames Clippers run the RB1. Journey time is approximately 45 minutes.

Adult: £9.80 single Child: £4.90 single

These fares are for Oyster or online bookings. Tickets from the piers are more expensive.

Departs from:

• Westminster pier
• London Eye pier
• Embankment pier
• Blackfriars pier (not Saturdays or Sundays)
• Bankside pier
• London Bridge City pier

thamesclippers.com

Returning to central London by train or DLR

You don’t have to come back by boat to central London by boat, take the Docklands Light Railway or train.

The quickest way is via one of the frequent trains from Greenwich train station to central London (London Cannon St station, 15 minutes). Please note that engineering work for the Thameslink programme might affect your journey, especially at certain weekends and Bank Holidays. Check train times on the National Rail Enquires website before travelling.

The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) runs from Cutty Sark or Greenwich stations to Bank or Tower Gateway station. DLR are driverless. Sit at the front of the train for a great view of the modern Docklands area.

Boats to Kew, Richmond and Hampton Court

For a longer boat trip, the Westminster Passenger Services Association run upriver (westbound) trips from Westminster pier in central London to Kew, Richmond or Hampton Court in west London from April to October .

Departure times

Westminster Pier to Kew 

Adult: £16.50 single Child: £8.50 single

Journey time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Westminster Pier to Richmond

Adult: £18.50 single Child: £9.50 single

Westminster Pier to Hampton Court

Adult: £22 single Child: £12 single

Check the website for departure times.

Returning to central London by underground or train

As they’re all long boat trips, you may want to return to central London by underground or train.

From Kew Take the underground from Kew Gardens station (District line), or the train from Kew Bridge station to Waterloo station. Both stations are in zone 3.

From Richmond Take the underground from Richmond station (District line), or the train to Waterloo station. Richmond is in zone 4

From Hampton Court Take the train from Hampton station to Waterloo station. Hampton is in zone 6.

Map – Piers in Central London

• Sightseeing bus tours
• Sightseeing by local bus
• Walking tours
• Jubilee Walkway
• Thames river boat trips
• Sightseeing by taxi

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Thames River Sightseeing

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River Cruises with Thames River Sightseeing

Cruising from westminster pier, embankment pier, festival pier, bankside pier & greenwich pier.

A visit to London isn’t complete without a cruise on the River Thames. Thames River Sightseeing operate regular services from five piers on the River Thames including Westminster Pier, Embankment Pier, Festival Pier, Bankside Pier   & Greenwich Pier. Thames River Sightseeing cruise 361 days a year & operate a fleet of all-weather vessels with spacious open decks perfect for the summer months & heated saloons with panoramic windows for the colder months. The vessels range from more traditional River Thames passenger boats (London Rose) to more modern vessels purposefully built for the River Thames (Thomas Doggett) .

Passengers can embark at Westminster Pier, Embankment Pier, Festival Pier, Bankside Pier or Greenwich & take advantage of a range of ticketing options. Single tickets are suited for day trippers or passengers travelling in or out of London & return tickets allow passengers to disembark & explore before joining a return sailing later the same day. A 2 Day River Pass is the perfect option for anyone visiting London over multiple days. A River Pass allows unlimited travel on our services for just £21.00 per adult, a family River Pass is just £42.00 (for 2 Adults + 3 Children) .

Thames River Sightseeing also offer excellent group rates & discounts which are perfect for families, tour companies or travel trade. Toilet facilities & a Multilingual Audio Guide are available on all sailings. The Multilingual Audio Guide is an informative commentary available through our onboard Wi-Fi in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish or Mandarin (Smart device & headphones are not provided, Read More) .

Why Choose Thames River Sightseeing

• Modern & traditional sightseeing boats with open decks, heated saloons & toilet facilities.
• Regular departures: Currently every 40 minutes.
• Onboard Café Bars are open on Saturdays & Sundays serving hot drinks, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks & light snacks. Some sailings between Monday & Friday may also have refreshments available. (Read More)
• Scenic cruises between Westminster Pier, Embankment Pier, Festival Pier, Bankside Pier & Greenwich Pier passing more than 44 London landmarks.
• Wi-Fi Audio Guide available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German & Mandarin. (Smart device & headphones are not provided, Read More)

Thames River Sightseeing Routes

We are currently operating 7-days a week calling at Westminster Pier, Embankment Pier, Festival Pier, Bankside Pier & Greenwich Pier.

Piers on our Routes Westminster Pier (Houses of Parliament) Embankment Pier (Charing Cross, Villiers Street & Strand) Festival Pier (Royal Festival Hall & South Bank Centre) Bankside Pier (Globe Theatre & Tate Modern) Greenwich Pier (Cutty Sark)

Sightseeing by Boat

Our two services call at six piers across London providing a unique link between London’s top attractions.

Travel London by Boat

Our cruises are perfect for sightseeing however if you are travelling in or out of London our services may make a  more practical alternative to the train, tube or river bus. With services every 30-60 minutes & large, open passenger boats we provide a stress-free experience travelling across London.

If you are travelling from Greenwich to London our service only calls at Tower Bridge Quay & Westminster Pier allowing fast journey times with no stops or changes. A journey from Greenwich to Tower Bridge Quay is just 20-30 minutes* & the journey from Greenwich to Westminster is just under 1 hour*.

All of our boats have outdoor seating in the fresh air on the open deck & plenty of space to social distance. Some of our sailings also feature fully licensed bars, we recommend checking with our ticket office on your day of travel to check availability of bar services.

Book Tickets

Thames River Sightseeing operate services between Westminster Pier, Embankment Pier, Festival Pier, Bankside Pier, Tower Bridge Quay (St. Katharine Pier) & Greenwich Pier.

Our all weather boats have interior seating & open decks making them perfect for sightseeing or just transportation.

Quick Select

Destinations, westminster pier (houses of parliament).

Westminster Pier is located on the North shore of the River Thames in the City of Westminster. The pier is a short walk from the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament), Westminster Abbey & St. Margaret’s Church (A UNESCO World Heritage Site). Numerous museums & landmarks are within walking distance of Westminster Pier including the Banqueting House, Household Cavalry Museum, the National Gallery & the London Eye.

Embankment Pier (Charing Cross, Villiers Street & Strand)

Embankment Pier is located on the North shore of the River Thames next to Charing Cross Railway Bridge and Embankment Station.

Embankment Pier is just a short walk from Westminster Pier, Villiers Street, the Strand and a number of famous landmarks.

Festival Pier (Royal Festival Hall & South Bank Centre)

Festival Pier is located on the south shore of the River Thames next to Royal Festival Hall in the heart of the Soutbank Centre. The National Theatre, London Eye, OXO Tower Wharf, & County Hall (Home to the London Aquarium, London Dungeon, Shrek’s Adventure and more) are only a few minutes from Festival Pier. Festival Pier is popular with corporate & private charters, our daytime sightseeing cruises with Thames River Sightseeing also call at Festival Pier.

Bankside Pier (Globe Theatre & Tate Modern)

Bankside Pier is located on the south shore of the River Thames next to the Millennium Bridge within the London Borough of Southwark. Bankside stretches from Blackfriars Railway Bridge to the edge of London Bridge City & is one of London’s newer tourist hot spots. Bankside & the surrounding area is home to a variety of historical & contemporary attractions including Borough Market, Southwark Cathedral, the Clink Prison Museum, Golden Hinde II, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Tate Modern, Bankside Gallery & the Millennium Bridge. Bankside is also home to numerous riverside restaurants, pubs, bars & is just a short walk from London Bridge City, the City of London & the South Bank.

Tower Bridge Quay (Tower Bridge & Tower of London)

Tower Bridge Quay (formerly St. Katharine Pier) is located on the North shore of the River Thames at St. Katharine Dock, a short walk from the UNESCO World Heritage Site at the Tower of London. The dock opened in 1828 & was once popular with expensive cargo’s from around the world including ivory, shells, sugar, marble, wines, fragrant spices & perfumes. Today St. Katharine’s is a haven for yachts & historic vessels including traditional Thames sailing barges. A wide range of cafes, bars & restaurants are located at St. Katharine’s & regular food markets also take place throughout the week.

Greenwich Pier (Cutty Sark)

Greenwich Pier is located on the South shore of the River Thames in Maritime Greenwich, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The pier sits between the famous tea clipper Cutty Sark & Sir Christopher Wren’s Riverside Masterpiece, the Old Royal Naval College. Today the Royal Borough of Greenwich is an eclectic mix of historical & modern buildings. Greenwich town centre is home to a collection of museums, pubs, restaurants, markets & shops.

View Timetable

Thames river sightseeing enquiries.

Telephone | 0207 930 4097

Email | [email protected]

Please note our sailing times can vary due to the weather, tides & traffic on the River.

Thames River Sightseeing operate services between Westminster Pier, Embankment Pier, Festival Pier, Bankside Pier & Greenwich Pier.

Email | [email protected]

Viscount Cruises

Sightseeing.

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The best boat trips in London with kids

One of my favourite views of London is from the river – the Thames is at the heart of the city, and with so many choices of different boat trips in London with kids, it’s easy to fit at least one into your visit.

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And as well as the best-known sightseeing boat tours in London, there are historic London boat trips, self-drive options (as well as self-paddle) and more adrenaline-fuelled experiences to appeal to older kids.

You can make a virtue of necessity and travel to Greenwich with one of the London boat tours rather than sitting on the tube, or even hop onto a boat between two art galleries for a cruise with culture. Here’s my pick of the best London boat trips for families to try.

Contents - click to jump to a section

Tips for London boat tours with kids

Sailing along the Thames is a fantastic experience, but it’s worth being aware of a few things before you board, especially for the London sightseeing boat tours.

• There’s often a chilly breeze out on the river, so while open-top sightseeing boats give great views, it’s one to save for sunny days – or wrap up warm.
• It’s often not the fastest way to travel – especially in central London, if boats are hopping between Westminster, the London Eye and Embankment. It’s about the experience rather than the speed though.
• Younger kids might not be quite so enthralled – while I can happily watch the scenery for hours, when my daughter was young, she appreciated our London boat trips a lot less, so like any journey, pack something to entertain littler ones.
• Many of the larger boats have more limited numbers, so if you’re boarding one without a timed ticket, it’s worth boarding towards the start of the route or getting there a bit early on busy days, otherwise there might not be space on the first boat.
• For more ideas on how to save money on days out in London with kids , including some boat tours, check out my tips

For ideas of more things to do on the Thames with kids , check out my pick of the best of London’s riverside attractions

City Cruises hop-on hop-off boats

There’s a whole range of different sightseeing boat tours from City Cruises , including ones with afternoon tea but also a 24-hour hop-on hop-off ticket , so you can get on and off the sightseeing boats at four different piers, if you want multiple cruises.

Get 20% off all City Cruises sightseeing tours using code CC20 until the end of 2024 – click here to get the discount – as well as 50% off adult and child 24-hour river pass tickets if you book before May 24 using the code welcome50

There’s commentary on board as they sail along the Thames, past landmarks including the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye, so it’s a fun, hassle-free way to spot a few highlights with kids – if the weather’s good, you can sit outside on the top deck.

You can also pick up combined tickets, including for riverside attractions such as the London Eye plus a boat tour , or the Tower of London plus cruise .

The boats run regularly between Westminster Pier, London Eye Pier, Tower Pier and Greenwich, which each section taking around 30 minutes (except the first two stops which are just 10 minutes apart across the river).

For combined boat and bus tours, check out my pick of the best bus tours in London with kids

Terrible Thames boat tour

What do you get when you cross the creators of Horrible Histories with 2,000 years of drama along London’s riverbanks? The Terrible Thames cruise, new in 2021, has become a family favourite, with trips running on select dates between early April and the end of October (mostly during school holidays).

With tales of revolution, beheadings and pirates (and the stomach-turning reason why Queen Victoria’s pleasure cruise lasted only minutes), you sail from Tower Bridge to Westminster and back via Execution Dock, while prizewinning school-child Billy (or Billie) and their teacher perform and provide the commentary.

The cruise itself only takes 45 minutes but with songs, just the right amount of audience participation, plus a great balance of fun and facts, it feels like you get twice as much packed in – all including the usual Horrible Histories recipe of gruesomely ridiculous, gory sound effects, plus plenty of toilet humour.

You’ll discover some genuinely quirky facts, plus it doesn’t shy away from the difficult topics, including London’s role in the slave trade. Departs from Tower Bridge Quay near St Katherine’s Dock.

We were invited along to review the tour before it launched – my Horrible Histories-loving daughter (and I) gave it a very firm thumbs up – check out the full Terrible Thames review here

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers

If you’re not looking for a long cruise, aren’t fussed about commentary on board or want a more spontaneous option, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is unbeatable.

While you can choose the same route as most sightseeing boat tours in London, this operates almost the same way as a water bus, so it’s a fun way to get around London.

The boats leave from 23 different piers along the Thames with regular boats through central London, plus less frequent routes to take you west to Putney and east beyond Greenwich, as far as Woolwich (Royal Arsenal).

You can use contactless to pay (as well as your Oyster card), or book via their app, so there’s no need to plan your tickets way in advance. It’s worth knowing that it’s not included in the tfl daily fare cap though.

Or you can pick up a one-day unlimited River Roamer travel pass: if there are two adults in your group, the family pass means that kids go free.

Thames River Sightseeing Cruise

Another classic sightseeing London boat tour, Thames River Sightseeing also operates through central London – although stopping at a couple more piers than City Cruises – with live commentary.

There are also audio guides in multiple other languages, and an open deck to watch the sights on sunny days, as you cruise from Westminster Pier and Tower Bridge Quay, near St Katharine Docks, to Greenwich.

Check out some of the best things to do in Greenwich with kids here

You can also pick up a two-day family pass to cover all your boat trips in London with kids, currently £47.80, if you’re hoping to do a lot of cruising along the river.

Turks River Cruises

The London boat tours from Turks Launches have been cruising along the Thames for over 300 years, giving families a chance to discover a different stretch of river.

The eye-catching boats (most famously a Mississippi-style stern wheeler) run most days between Richmond, Kingston and Hampton Court, passing beautiful Hampton Court Palace, Teddington Lock and the quirkily fascinating Eel Pie Island.

Kids get discounted tickets while those aged two and under travel free, with trips lasting between 35 minutes and 1 hour 45 minutes, depending how far you choose to cruise.

Book tickets to Hampton Court Palace , here, to combine both for a great family day out.

Thames Rockets RIB Voyage

If you want something more thrilling than a gentle pootle along the river, check out an adrenaline-fuelled RIB speedboat experience instead.

You can find a series of high-speed RIB experiences from Thames Rockets – the Ultimate London Adventure is family friendly, with a 50-minute journey past HMS Belfast and the Oxo Tower, from the London Eye pier, while Captain Kidd’s Canary Wharf Voyage is aimed specifically at families.

Book here for tickets which can be cancelled up to 24 hours beforehand

For a longer journey, you can choose the 80-minute 30-knot thrill ride to the Thames Barrier, or a shorter 40-minute Break the Barrier option, starting from London Bridge City Pier and winding around the Greenwich peninsula, all accompanied by tunes from the last six decades.

You have to be 10 years old or above to join the Break the Barrier ride, because of the speeds involved, but otherwise the boat trips are suitable for kids of all ages (although none are suitable if you’re pregnant and may not suit nervous little ones), especially the Captain Kidd ride.

It’s fine to bring bags on board (although not larger cases) and while there’s always the chance of spray off the water, there are waterproofs provided so you should emerge nice and dry, although with your heart racing!

Previously you also had an alternative choice of ThamesJet speedboat rides, but these are no longer operating.

Take a Canal Waterbus

If you’re looking for more laid-back boat trips in London with kids, the Thames isn’t the city’s only waterway, with several different canal waterbus options cruising along Regent’s Canal.

The Jenny Wren canal boat tour lasts 90 minutes, cruising from Camden Lock to Little Venice and back again, with a guide pointing out some of the highlights along the way.

Or Jason’s Trip Canal Waterbus  has been operating since 1951. The vintage narrowboat takes you on a 45-minute trip from Camden Lock to Primrose Hill, past Regent’s Park,  London Zoo  (look out for some of the animals!) then on to pretty Little Venice, with its cafe-lined canals, where you can hop off to find Paddington or stroll the streets.

If you’d prefer to sail in silence, opt for Jason’s Trip and putter to Little Venice without the guided chat (only standard on Jason’s Trip cruises starting at the Little Venice end).

Children are welcome and you can take buggies or strollers on board Jason’s Trip, as long as you can fold them, while under-fours go free on Jenny Wren.

For more things to do in Camden with kids , check out my top picks

Canal Museum Tunnel boat

Discover more about London’s canals before taking a boat trip along the Regent’s Canal and through the Islington tunnel, with a special tour from the London Canal Museum , not far from King’s Cross station.

At the museum itself, you can learn more about the people who lived and worked on the waterways, the cargoes the boats carried (including ice from Norway!), and get a peek inside a narrowboat cabin – plus some bonus history of the ice trade and ice cream.

But you can also book the Canal Museum’s Tunnel Boat tour , a 50-minute journey along the water, including some more background on the three-quarter mile tunnel… including the fact that originally men had to lie on the boats and push against the walls with their legs to get through.

Thankfully it’s a lot easier these days! Not one for the youngest kids, who might be spooked by the long, dark tunnel though.

There are limited seats on board, and it only runs on Thursdays and Sundays, so do book in advance.

If all the ice cream history has whetted your appetite, check out Ruby Violet in the Kings Cross canal quarter, near Granary Square and its fountains , with flavours ranging from traditional favourites to peanut butter, passion fruit and liquorice.

London has not one but two branches of the Tate gallery, with Tate Modern and Tate Britain both on the riverside – and if you fancy a day out which combines both, you can hop between the two using the Tate Boat .

Operated by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers ( scroll up for more ), it’s actually part of the RB1 or RB2 route so you can book as normal using their app, as well as buying tickets from the Tate – the galleries themselves are both free to enter.

It’s definitely a fun selling point for kids who love art, and this particular boat trip in London with kids makes much more of an event of a visit to the two.

Or if you’re looking for an even more memorable experience, you can book a Tate To Tate tour , which includes a guided tour of the Tate Britain in the morning, a trip on the Tate Boat, and a guided tour of Tate Modern in the afternoon, as well as other family-friendly private tours of the art galleries.

Bus and boat tour of London

If you can’t decide whether you fancy a boat tour of London or a bus tour , why not do both? There are several options available including the Big Bus open-top hop-on hop-off bus combined with a River Thames cruise , and a choice of tickets lasting up to three days, to discover the various routes.

Or check out this vintage bus and boat journey as another way to travel through the city on two iconic modes of transport. The classic doubledecker bus leaves from Victoria Coach Station past sights such as Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, before hopping on a boat along the Thames.

Some departures include the chance to see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace too, depending which time you pick.

Discover more royal places in London with kids here

Go Boat self-drive cruise

If you prefer the idea of getting behind the wheel of a boat yourself, check out the different options from GoBoat London, with space for up to eight in each electric boat (and it’s dog-friendly as well).

You don’t need to have experience before you set off – there is training given on arrival, along with a route map, plus you’ll get life jackets for babies and buoyancy aids for children too. The captain must be over 18.

You can depart from Paddington and Canary Wharf, giving you the chance to explore around Paddington Basin and the Regent’s Canal or through the Docklands, as well as Kingston, cruising along the river in West London between Teddington Lock and Molesley Lock, passing Hampton Court Palace .

Bring a picnic – you can hire the boats for up to three hours and there’s a table to sit around – although you need to know that Paddington is an alcohol-free location.

Check out our review of GoBoat with kids from Paddington

Kayak London’s waterways

Want to be the captain but fancy being in control of a slightly smaller craft? You can also explore some of London’s 100 miles of waterways with a spot of canoeing or kayaking.

Moo Canoes  has a base at Hackney Wick if you’re looking to take out a canoe (good for families who all want to be in the same boat) or Limehouse for kayaks (great if you’re a solo parent, or prefer to split kids and adults between the boats).

If you’re determined to get out onto the Thames, the  London Kayak Company  also does booking for families with kids aged nine and over (the group trips are for adults only).

*last updated 2024*

PIN FOR LATER: LONDON BOAT TRIPS WITH KIDS

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission . One or more experiences were offered to me free of charge for review, but all opinions are my own

Main image, Little Venice, Tate Modern, kayak courtesy of Depositphotos, City Cruises courtesy City Experiences, all others copyright MummyTravels

Award-winning family travel blogger and mum to the mini traveller, aka Minnie. Together we've visited Europe, America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia, tried a cruise and a road trip, and survived countless long-haul trips. London (UK) based. Serious beach habit.

Absolutely love this! As a parent always on the lookout for unique experiences in London, your insights on kid-friendly boat trips are a game-changer. Can’t wait to surprise my little explorers with a day on the water – thanks for the inspiration!

Thanks! Always a fun way to explore the city

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About Thames River Sightseeing

Thames River Sightseeing (formally Thames River Services) was created when a group of independent party boat owners joined forces to start a sightseeing company. In the daytime, tourists can enjoy sightseeing trips on the river, and in the evening, groups of party-goers can hire boats for parties and corporate events . We have just undergone a major rebrand that has seen the amalgamation of our two services Thames River Services and Circular Cruise , to become the new Thames River Sightseeing brand. With over 50 years of experience, Thames River Sightseeing is one of the longest-running Westminster to Greenwich riverboat cruises . Being a family-owned company, our dedication to providing the highest-quality experience is unmatched with upscale amenities, a fleet of elegant vessels all featuring inside and outdoor seating and a fully-stocked bar, live and educational commentary in multiple languages, and a team dedicated to ensuring your journey is nothing but smooth sailing. Join our local skippers as you immerse yourself in an incredible journey where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the skyline, historical sights, and hidden gems. Hop on our vessels and see over 60 iconic landmarks directly from the Thames River. Hop off at any of our stops and craft your own London adventure, and once you are ready, hop back on to continue your exploration. With Thames River Sightseeing, you can avoid the crowded walkways and traffic-filled streets and sit back, relax, and enjoy an authentic way to explore London.

Discover London

Come aboard, it’s safe

Enjoy your river thames cruise.

While onboard any of our boats, you can settle back and enjoy the entertaining and sometimes hilarious live commentary from the local crew members or listen to the multilingual audio commentary on your smartphone.

As we operate our services all year round , you can rest assured that our boats have outdoor viewing decks and heated lounges with panoramic windows. Come rain or shine, you can relax and enjoy London’s famous landmarks from a unique perspective.

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Commuter tickets

Ready to start loving your commute? Find the ticket that’s right for you and save money while you sail through rush hour and soak in the city’s sights.

Pay as you go

Pay for single journeys with contactless or Oyster card for pay as you go. You can also buy tickets in advance through our website , app and the Uber app. It’s convenient and up to 24% cheaper than buying a paper ticket at the pier.

Oyster readers are located next to the boarding point on the pier. When instructed to do so by a member of staff, touch in with your Oyster or contactless payment card and touch out when you disembark, including at interchanges, to ensure you pay the correct fare.

If your Oyster card is linked to a Transport for London (TfL) Travelcard, you will automatically receive ⅓ off. If you have a paper Travelcard, you can still receive the discount by getting your tickets online, or via the Thames Clippers Tickets or Uber apps.

Find out more about River Travel Zones

Find out which zone your pier is in

Season tickets for daily commuters

If you plan to use our services every day, season tickets offer you the best value for money.

You can buy season tickets for weekly, monthly or annual unlimited travel and save up to 75%* compared to making two journeys per day and paying as you go with an Oyster/ contactless payment card. This can work out as little as £1.61** per journey with our annual option.

And by committing to an annual rather than buying monthly season tickets, over a 12-month period this could effectively save you the cost of more than two months’ travel***

• 33% off for Travelcard, 18+ Student Oyster Photocard and Apprentice Oyster Photocard.
• 50% off for children aged 5-15 and concession pass holders.

*Preferred Sailing is available at staffed piers (generally between 10am – 6pm).

Season tickets are only available via the Thames Clippers Tickets app.

*Travelling on a Central, Central & East or Central & West Zone annual season ticket, compared with purchasing Adult Standard return tickets for 261 working days of the year. **Based on two journeys across 261 working days of the year, travelling on a West or East Zone annual season ticket. ***Purchasing an annual versus 12 monthly season tickets for any of our zones except All Zones. Savings range between 1.78-2.25 months’ saving when purchasing an annual versus 12 monthly season tickets for the same Zone.

Download the Thames Clippers Tickets app

Buy tickets anytime, anywhere and check live departures directly from your phone

Commuter AM

Our "Commuter AM" ticket gives flexibility and provides savings to your morning commute. When buying a single Commuter AM ticket, available exclusively on the Thames Clippers Tickets app, you will save 25% compared to when touching in and out with your Oyster or Contactless card.

Buy the Commuter AM ticket anytime and use it to travel on our services Monday to Friday between 06:30 am and 09:30 am.

Maybe you want to try our services before committing to a 20-Ticket Carnet or season ticket; or perhaps you only travel every few months, either way, our Commuter AM ticket is perfect for you.

Tickets are now available for purchase from the Thames Clippers Tickets app; choose your departure and arrival pier > select Single > Commuter AM.

Flexible carnets to save on less-frequent travel

If you are a regular user of our services but don’t always need to commute by River Bus, you can still save money by purchasing a Ticket Carnet through our app.

Flexible carnets allow you to make 4 or 6 journeys over one week, or 10 or 20 journeys over three months. Buying a carnet is up to 25% cheaper than paying as you go using Oyster or contactless payment cards.

For instance, when you purchase a Flex 20 ticket carnet you’re actually buying 20 journeys for the price of 15!

Cross River

Making crossing the Thames easier and cheaper for customers wanting to travel between the following piers: 

• Barking Riverside Pier  ↔  Woolwich (Royal Arsenal)   Pier For an easy connection with the Elizabeth line (within 9 minutes)
• Greenland (Surrey Quays) Pier  ↔  Canary Wharf Pier
• Doubletree Docklands Pier  ↔  Canary Wharf Pier For an easy connection to the Jubilee and Elizabeth lines, the DLR or Santander bikes.

Touch in and out with an Oyster or contactless card or alternatively purchase your Cross River ticket on the Thames Clippers Tickets or Uber apps.

Terms and conditions:

- The Cross River fare applies when touching in and out with an Oyster or contactless card for pay as you go or by buying a Cross River ticket on the Thames Clippers Tickets or Uber apps. - Discounts are not available for the Cross River fare: children, concession or Travelcard discounts do not apply. For these rates please purchase a regular East Zone ticket to receive a discount. -Only applies for single journeys between DoubleTree Docklands / Greenland (Surrey Quays) and Canary Wharf piers or Barking Riverside and Woolwich (Royal Arsenal) piers.

Park & Glide

[Currently not available]

Park your car securely at The O2 for the day and use the River Bus to travel into the city from North Greenwich Pier and back with our Park and Glide for work tickets. They’re great value for money.

Perfect for those who live in or near to South East London, you can avoid London’s Congestion Charge Zone, and costly central parking charges by gliding into town aboard the River Bus.

Note: 'Park & Glide for Work' tickets are temporarily unavailable. We are working to bring them back as soon as possible. 'Park & Glide for Leisure' can still be purchased on our booking page .

Go unlimited for the day with a River Roamer

Planning to make multiple journeys in one day? Travel pier to pier across London with a River Roamer and hop-on, hop-off the River Bus all day.

Adult River Roamers cost £22.10 for one day’s unlimited travel in all zones when purchased online. That's 10% cheaper than buying a paper River Roamer ticket directly at the pier.

Only travelling in the East Zone? An East Zone River Roamer is perfect for travel across the eastern end of our route.

If you would like to make unlimited use of our services for multiple days, consider a Season Ticket.