river thames cruise oyster card

Oh, the Places We See . . .

Never too old to travel!

Cruise the Thames with London’s Oyster Card

You never know just how valuable a concierge can be ’til he gives you information that 1) saves you money and 2) gets you where you want to be!  Thanks to Grosvenor House: JW Marriott for hiring a man who understands Southern tourists (We have a drawl, ya’ll) and knows how to make their day.  When we approached the desk and asked the best way to get to The Globe from the Mayfair section where Grosvenor House is located, the concierge immediately said, “Have you heard of London’s Oyster Card “?

Good on most any London transport — the Oyster Card!

And that’s how we discovered this little gem.  With an Oyster Card , you can tool around London on just about any form of transportation:  public buses, London Underground (the Tube), Docklands Light Railway (DLR), and trains.  River boat fares are discounted with an Oyster Card , the little blue smartcard you pre-load with money at any tube station. When you want to ride, hop on and touch your Oyster Card to an electronic reader which deducts the price of your trip and shows you how much you have remaining.  No cash involved.  Don’t use it all in one trip?  You can get a refund both for your deposit and what you didn’t spend.  Check it out at participating tube stations.

Is it only crazy, old Americans who take Thames Clipper selfies? Surely not.

Passengers on a SunClipper, cruising the Thames

Purchasing an Oyster Card in London is pretty convenient, but you can order a  Visitor Oyster   Card  before you leave home and have it mailed to you.  It wasn’t, however, much more expensive to purchase one onsite.

Boarding a ThamesClipper for the route to The Globe is easy.  Just walk down behind Parliament where ships dock.

London’s Parliament

Follow the covered walkways to the waiting areas where you wait — but not long.  Many boats ensure short wait times.

Covered walkways leading to the docks.

Scan your Oyster Card .  Board.  And off you go.

If you want clear shots of the skyline, head to the back of the boat, stand up facing the back, and brace yourself.  It’s worth it to get shots like this one of the London Eye . . .

London Eye at sunset — great time of day to catch this shot!

or boats wrapping up their business for the day.

A scene on the Thames.

Of course, not all is lovely on the river.  But beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

This seagull must like what he sees!

Traveling on the river takes you close to architecture you can’t see from a bus, like these ornate details on one of the bridges . . .

Spectacular details on this bridge on the Thames.

or passengers crossing Millennium Bridge to St. Paul’s Cathedral .

London Millennium Bridge was once called Wobbly Bridge when crossers felt a sway. But it was revamped and reopened, better than ever, in 2002.

It’s just another day on the Thames for those making a living on the water.

Birds know the right boats.

But for us, it was a sight to remember.

For pennies on the pound, a Thames River cruise may be one of your best memories of London.

For more scenes of London, check out our series Postcards from England .

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23 thoughts on “ Cruise the Thames with London’s Oyster Card ”

Lovely photos! London is one of my favorite cities!

Oh, the Places We See

Thanks so much. It’s true what they say about the two times per day to take photos: morning and sundown. I love the lighting!

tinboxtraveller

The Oyster Card makes getting around London s simple. I use my contactless credit card any time I go as it does the same job. The water is definitely a great way to see the city. Thanks for sharing with #MondayEscapes

We thought the Oyster Card was a terrific invention — so easy to swipe and get around. Kudos to whoever created this system. And for a city this big, it works surprisingly well!

Rainbowsaretoobeautiful

We have an Oyster card and should do this! #mondayescapes

We were surprised that a city would include river transportation in a city card, but London is right on top of things. Have fun on your trip!

Public transportation in Europe is so much better and functional than here in the US. Beautiful photos.

The public transportation was so responsive, frequent, and easy to use. I don’t know if it’s all better than U. S. transportation, but for such a large city, they really do have it down pat! Thanks for commenting.

I totally agree with you Rusha

Curt Mekemson

Great perspective from the Thames with fun photos, Rusha. Really like the evening shot of the ferris wheel. –Curt

Thanks for the compliment and your preference. We were so fortunate to take the river boat at sundown. Fun to see how setting sun casts golden light on the iconic skyline. Would go back again anytime!

I’ve written it down for the next time I find myself in London, Rusha. 🙂 –Curt

Great blog, glad you enjoying your stay. I don’t live in London but I have an Oyster card!

Thanks for the compliment! I don’t live in London, and I still have my Oyster card!! Maybe it’s the incentive I need to go back and use up what’s left on it!!! 🙂

Camp That Site

We enjoyed the Thames cruise via the Oyster card as well it was a great addition to the regular transit options. Relaxing and great views

Those cards really are fantastic and make travelling around in London so much easier!

I was amazed. Especially on the buses where you just have to click and then sit down. Great invention!

cindy knoke

Great shots of a wonderful city!

It really is a great city. We had been before, but it was 42 years ago!!! Wish we had had more time on this trip. Now, I’ll HAVE to go back!

Judy @ NewEnglandGardenAndThread

Love your photos. We road above and underground but didn’t take a cruise. 🙂

We like using public transportation because it saves so much money. But I would also like riding in one of those black taxis!!!!

It’s so fun to come upon something we can do for so little money that brings great pleasure! And this was it. Walking was another option, but cruising gave us a chance to feel the breeze and enjoy the sunset. Thanks for taking a look!

Wish to visit London one day! Cruise looks beautiful.

It makes our day to hear from you. Cancel reply

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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 - I certainly do!

In this post I am going to detail all the different options you have for cruising through London, as well as sharing some of my experiences and top tips.

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 (where I live), you might want to consider a canal cruise around Little Venice and Camden Lock instead.

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

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

Disclosure:  While my recommendations are always unbiased, Tours by Foot 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, in my opinon.

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

City Cruises offers both single tickets (which are fine) and a hop-on-hop-off service with 4 stops between Westminster and Greenwich (which is better). 

The hop-on-hop-off ticket is called the River Pass and I bought this one just recently, when the spring weather finally hit London!

I used it to get me from Greenwich and back primarily, but I did make an impromptu stop at London Bridge to grab lunch at Borough Market.

I bought the River Pass, which gave me 24-hour unlimited access to the River on City Cruises Boats.

Even though I'm a tour guide, I enjoy going on other people's tours so I really enjoyed the live commentary on the journeys I took.

I was happy for the 24 hour pass, but if you want more time on the boat, you can get a 72-hour River Pass giving you three days to use the service, rather than the 24-hour pass I bought.

Since the weather was good, I sat on the open-aired top of the boat - but there is inside seating 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, I recommend that you buy a River Pass.

This pass gives you unlimited travel between their piers.

River Pass Tickets

24-Hour Pass

• £24 Adults (16+)
• £16.00 for Children (5-15)
• Free for Infants (4 and under)

More information or to purchase tickets .

Cruises run every 30 minutes. (Frequency changes seasonally).

Exact departure times depend on which pier you wish to depart from.

But, as soon as I got to the piers I was able to check the display board to see exactly how long I would need to wait for the next service.

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.

I haven't personally experienced any of that myself, however.

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 which, in my opinion, are a vastly underrated way to travel through town.

They offer single-journey tickets, as well as an all-day ticket, that gives you unlimited hop-on, hop-off travel for one day (between 10 am and 11 pm).

This is what I always recommend to my friends and family when they come to visit me in London.

I think it's great value for money and makes travelling through town a little more fun and I take the Uber Boat at least once a month.

One of my favourite things about it is that I can pay using my contactless debit card so there's no need to faff around with tickets!

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, but I feel that the journey is enjoyable even without it.

Also, to the delight of myself and my friends, you can buy alcoholic (and non) refreshments on board.

I can personally recommend the rose' wine they sell, although the pre-mixed cans of Jack Daniels and Coke seemed to be the most popular option the last time I was at the bar.

And prepare yourselves...

The boat travels at a moderate speed through the city but once we passed Tower Bridge, it sped up and I was flying past the docklands toward Canary Wharf!

It's a thrill not everybody on board was expecting.

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, which I definitely would agree with.

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, which I think is an accurate way to describe the journey.

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 six different tours offered out of Westminster, Greenwich, and St. Katharine's Docks (my favourite hidden gem and place to get a drink or bite to eat after finishing my All in One Tour ).

I would recommend the Westminster to Greenwich journey to soak up all the sights on the riverfront.

Guests have the option to pay for a one-way ticket or round-trip fare, a 2 days hopper pass, or 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.

I find that the leisurely ride with TRS is enjoyable, but it's not the best way to travel through town via the River - that definitely goes to the UberBoats.

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.

I recently took this ride to see the latest exhibition at the Tate Britain.

Boats run every 30 minutes and when I arrived at the pier I just tapped with my contactless card to pay for my journey - like with the Uber boats.

I only needed to wait 10 minutes for the boat and the ride took me 20 minutes so I got across town in a half an hour which is great!

The boats have both outdoor seating but the weather was not great on the day I travelled so I sat indoors.

As this is not a sightseeing boat there is no live commentary, but that wasn't the purpose of my journey so I didn't mind.

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.

I found that this is no longer a problem as I just used my contactless card so there is no need to wait for tickets these days.

But, even that reviewer suggests that you persevere and use this ferry service to get from Tate to Tate as it was worth the hassle.

Most passengers love this form of transportation, and I find it pretty 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

• £12.90 for Adults
• £8.90 for Children/Freedom Pass Holders

Return Ticket

• £18.90 for Adults
• £12.90 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. I haven't taken this one yet myself so we will take their word for it for now!

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.

You can also purchase this as a bundle with your London Eye Tickets which is great for visitors wanting to take a journey on the ferris wheel.

I've done this in the past and booked online which saved me over £11.00!

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
• £16.50 for Children
• Children under 2 ride for free
• Cruise and London Eye Adult Price £60.00 for Adults and £54.00 for Children

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.

When I went, I timed my visit to coincide with the tour departure times.

A single rotation on the London Eye takes around 30 minutes, and I went off peak so didn't have to wait in a queue.

It is possible to get the timings right if you do a bit of planning!

• 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 and I certainly didn't experience any. 

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 - my family who I went with enjoyed it as they had limited time in the city so that made it a convenient choice for us.

It’s fair to assume that the few complaints may just be random outliers.

Sail on a 1920s Barge

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

Lady Daphne was the last wooden sailing barge still working on the Thames - and has recently be replaced by the Sailing Barge "Will."

There are regularly run tours and the ship is also available for private hire.

A fellow tour guide, Jess, and I were lucky enough to take a journey on the Lady Daphne and hope to repeat it with Will in the future!

On our journey, we boarded at Tower Millennium Pier and rode all the way to Greenwich (where we got an awesome view of the Thames Barrier) and back.

But the best part was that we also got to sail under Tower Bridge - and they raised the Bridge just for our boat! We felt like real VIPs.

Check their website for prices and more information.

SPEEDBOAT RIDES

Speedboat rides on the Thames are not a budget option, but they are thrilling - and I find them to be very popular with families who take my walking tour.

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.

Find more information or purchase tickets here .

Ticket Prices:

Thames Barrier Experience (75 minutes)

• £69.00 for Guests 14+
• £59.00 for 14 and Under

Canary Wharf Experience (50 minutes)

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

Tower RIB Blast (20 minutes) - This is the one I hear the most about on my tours!

• £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 (I know that sounds like a joke but we DO get hot weather - I promise!).

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 I listed above.

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.

As I live in north London, a canal ride is a yearly tradition of mine!

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

This is the company I usually book with as the price is great, the boats are comfortable, and the staff are fantastic.

The last time I went was a beautiful summer day and I boarded in Little Venice and travelled to Camden Lock (where Camden Market is).

On the ride, we passed through Regent's Park and the grounds of London Zoo for some charming views!

It took us just 45 minutes for the one way journey, and I enjoyed live commentary the entire way.

• Adult (17-59 years) £16.00
• Child (5-16 years) £12
• Student 17+ with photo student ID £12
• Senior 60+ years £12
• Toddler (under 3 years) Free

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.

The Jazz Cruise is my favourite! I did this one just a few weeks ago, in fact. I arrived with a friend about 15 minutes before departure.

When I boarded I was given a glass of sparkling wine to kick things off! I was shown to our pre-allocated table and then we were free to wander the boat and enjoy the live music.

After being on the water for a bit, we returned to our table for a fantastic 3-course dinner, followed by dancing as the band continued to play.

The whole experience lasted about 3 hours and was worth every penny!

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 .

I am lucky because I live in London which means I can take advantage of these tours all year long.

The reason I'm saying this is because their prices fluctuate throughout the year and on different days of the week.

So it's worth taking a look at their fare calendars to see which is cheapest when you are in town.

Lunch Cruise on The Thames

• £51 for Adults
• £41 for Children (ages 3-12)

Afternoon Tea on The Thames

• £55 for Adults
• £45 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.

And, as I stated above, the Jazz Cruise gets 5 stars from me, too.

BUS & BOAT COMBOS

There are a lot of boat tours and cruises offered on the Thames, but none of them can 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.

In recent times, I have found that the Tootbus has become more popular with my visitors than Big Bus Tours and they seem to be getting ever more popular.

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: £46/Adults | £26/Children
• 48 Hour Tickets: £53/Adults | £31/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, in my opinion, this has changed as the brand has become more popular.

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 (and I know a couple of them personally so I van vouch for that, too!), 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.

Note that it depends which boat journey you are going to take as to whether this is needed or not.

I found it worth it to book in advance for the London Eye and Boat bundle as that saved a bunch of money but for my trips on the Uber Boat, I wouldn't - and don't need to.

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

Our Westminster Walking Tour ends within walking distance of the Westminster Pier and our City of London and All in One Tours finish right next to Tower Millennium 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.

To see it all, I would strongly recommend riding from Battersea to Greenwich, where possible!

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 my personal 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 I'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. As you already know, this is my favourite!

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 Cruises in London: Options, Offers and Available Routes

The famous  Thames River Cruises in London are definitely one of the best things you can do during your visit to the city. And we would highly recommend it to anyone who is planning on visiting London, especially if it’s your first time in London.

By going on a cruise along the famous River Thames, you’ll see London from a unique perspective as it passes through the centre of the city. You will get to see most of the iconic buildings and landmarks of London, such as Big Ben (Houses of Parliament), the London Eye , Shakespeare’s Globe , St. Paul’s Cathedral , Tower Bridge , The Tower of London , The City Hall of London , the Shard … and many more.

Sightseeing Thames River Cruises: Available Routes

Before you book one of the Thames River Cruises available, it´s important to know that there are two types of routes that you can opt for:

• Circular route: This route starts and ends at the same pier, so it goes up the river and then turns round to go back to where it started. It usually lasts approximately 45 minutes.
• Hop-on Hop-off River Cruise: This options means that you can get on and off at different stops as many times as you like. If we’re honest – this is our favourite option as you can really make the most of it. To enjoy a whole day out, we would suggest starting in the area of Big Ben or the London Eye and head over to Greenwich. Get off at Greenwich, explore the area, and then go back to Tower Bridge and disembark at Tower Bridge Pier to have a wonder around the area of the Tower of London. You could then get back on board, and take the boat back to Westminster (London Eye / Big Ben).

Sightseeing Thames River Cruises

The best sightseeing Thames river cruises in London are the ones that are partly covered in our opinion, as you will be able to enjoy the cruise and the views in all weather conditions. Ideally, you want to be outside, to enjoy the cruise as much as possible, but if you know your cruise is partly covered, you won’t have to worry about the weather.

Sightseeing Thames River Cruises also include a tour guide, who will talk you through what you are seeing and what side of the river you need to look at. There are also headphones available to listen to the commentaries in different languages.

There are different options available when buying a Thames river sightseeing cruise to take in the best views of London:

• You can buy tickets for a  circular cruise from Westminster to St Katharine’s dock
• You can buy tickets for a  hop on hop off sightseeing cruise  with 4 stops: Westminster, London Eye, Tower Bridge and Greenwich.
• You can buy tickets for a direct cruise that will take you from Westminster to Greenwich , perfect for visiting the Greenwich area.

Combining a Sightseeing Thames River Cruise with another London Attraction

Free thames river cruise when you buy tickets for the sightseeing bus tour in london.

When you buy tickets for the sightseeing bus in London, you get given a ticket for a free Thames river cruise  in London. The type of cruise included depends on the sightseeing bus tour that you choose. Some will include a round trip, whilst others will include a hop on hop off river cruise. There is time to go on a sightseeing bus tour and a river cruise in London in one day.

This is probably one of the best options if you are visiting London and want to get the most out of your trip to London.

⇒ More information on Sightseeing Bus Tour with Free River Cruise in London

London Pass

A London Pass card is a tourist pass that gives you FREE entry to over 60 of London’s most famous attractions. A one day access to a Hop On Hop Off Thames River Cruise is included in the London Pass. This is one of our recommendations on our suggested itineraries to make the most of the London Pass .

You can buy a London Pass for one day, two days, three days, six days or ten days. Making the most out of the London Pass isn’t very difficult at all, considering the amount of attractions included.

⇒ Find out more about the London Pass

London Eye + Thames River Cruise combined ticket

You can combine your London Eye ticket with a Thames River Cruise ticket. Purchasing a London Eye Experience with a 40-minute circular sightseeing cruise, will give you the possibility of seeing London from the sky and the river! It’s always cheaper to buy combined tickets to different attractions in London rather than buying tickets for each attraction separately. 

⇒ Find out more about the London Eye

Thamesjet Speedboat

Another fun way to see London is to go on a thrilling River Thames speedboat ride. This is a fun-filled 50-minute ride, taking you along the most scenic stretch of the Thames first, allowing you to take plenty of photos.

It starts at Westminster Pier, and once it passes Tower Bridge the speedboat picks up the speed heading over to Canary Wharf at full-throttle.

This is a fantastic option if you are travelling to London as a family as the kids will love the experience.

⇒ Find out more: Thamesjet Speedboat .

Uber boat: River Bus Services

Fares and routes for River Bus Cruises

The best route on the River Bus for sightseeing is the RB1 commuter service route, which covers the stretch of the river from London Eye to Greenwich. It has the following stops: London Eye – Embankment – Blackfriars – Bankside – London Bridge – Tower Bridge – Canary Wharf – Greenland – Masthouse Terrace – Greenwich – North Greenwich.

On this route, you will pass iconic places like Big Ben, the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and Greenwich. You can buy a Thames Clipper Roamer Ticket for this sightseeing route of the River Bus, enabling you to hop on and hop off during the day at different stops.

See all River Bus Routes here

River Bus service: Buying tickets, prices and transport cards

To hop aboard a River Bus you can either buy your ticket online in advance or buy one at the ticket office. If the ticket office is closed you can buy a ticket on board. As the river bus is part of London’s Transport system, you can use your oyster card to pay as you go or your contactless card to use the service.

Roamer Ticket Prices

A roamer ticket gives you the option to hop on and hop off the River Bus all day. The prices for this roamer ticket are:

Adult: £19.50 Child (5-15): £9.75

⇒ You can buy a Thames Clipper Roamer Ticket here

Prices for the hop-on hop-off sightseeing river cruise are £ 18.75 adults and £12 child. When comparing prices,  you’ll see that the ticket prices for the river roamer ticket and the sightseeing cruise are actually very similar. But I think you get a lot more out of a sightseeing cruise. It is a much more enjoyable experience, as you have a tour guide explaining what you are seeing, and you can enjoy the cruise on the deck outside if the weather is nice.

You can also look at the city cruises website for more ticket options.

Using Oyster Card, Travelcard and Contactless Debit Cards

You can also use your Oyster Card on the River Bus services. When you use an oyster card, you will automatically get a 10% discount on the price of a single journey ticket bought at the ticket office. All you need to do is tap your oyster card on the yellow card reader when entering and exiting the boat. The price of the ticket will depend on the travel zones used (central, east and west)

If you have a travelcard (either added to your Oyster Card or as a paper ticket) you can get a third off the ticket price. To receive this discount you simply have to present your travelcard at the ticket office when buying your ticket.

Children aged 5-15 receive a 50% discount on the price of a ticket and children under 5 travel for free.

Price comparison

River Bus prices – including Central and East zones – from Westminster (London Eye) to Greenwich.

Special Thames River Cruises

If you want to do something extraordinary, then why not consider lunch or dinner on board, maybe even with a show whilst you’re cruising the River Thames? You can even take to the water for a very special traditional British Afternoon Tea.

Check out some of these:

• Sunset cruise with champagne
• Afternoon tea Thames River Cruise
• River Thames Lunch Cruise
• Bateaux London River Cruises

London New Year´s Eve Cruises to see the Fireworks

One of the best ways to welcome the New Year in London is on a Thames River Cruise. There are many options available for this – you can have a four-course sit-down meal with live music or a more informal picnic on board, or you can even combine a meal at a restaurant and then hop on a boat to see the fireworks at midnight. Some are family-friendly too.

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Make travel time your time when travelling by boat!

Timetabled services

Get A to B tickets or buy an all-day ticket to hop-on and hop-off across our piers and explore London. You can also buy tickets with parking included! Check our timetable before travelling. 

River Roamer

Go unlimited! Explore London by river with our all-day tickets to travel across all of our zones.

• All-day travel to over 20 piers across London; between Putney and Barking Riverside
• Kids go free with a Family River Roamer
• Save 10% when buying online

East Zone River Roamer

Our East River Roamer ticket is perfect for exploring the Royal Borough of Greenwich and the neighbouring areas for less!

• All-day travel within the East Zone; between Canary Wharf and Barking Riverside piers
• Kids go free with a Family East Zone River Roamer

Get from A to B with a single ticket and enjoy the views on board.

• One way journey
• Choose from over 20 piers across London
• Valid for any sailing on the date selected*
• Save up to 23% when buying online

*Within the same zones of the piers selected

Get from A to B and back again with a Return ticket and enjoy the views on board.

• Return journey
• Valid for any 2 sailings on the date selected*

Park & Glide for Leisure

Save money and time with a combined ticket that includes parking at The O2 (by North Greenwich Pier) and River Roamer tickets.

• 1 Day parking at The O2 (car park 3)
• 5 minutes away from North Greenwich Pier
• River Roamer tickets for unlimited all-day river travel
• Family ticket available

Travel tools

Ticket information, service alerts, other experiences, the o2 post-show.

Post-Show Express

Heading to a show at The O2? On select event nights, sail back into town with us right after the show ends!

• Calls at London Bridge City, London Eye (Waterloo) and Battersea Power Station only
• Takes just 20 minutes to reach London Bridge, 30 minutes to London Eye and 45 minutes to Battersea Power Station
• Only available on select dates

Post-Show Request

• Calls at any requested RB1 piers between North Greenwich and London Eye (Waterloo)

Joint tickets

Ifs cloud cable car.

Experience London from the sky and the river! Enjoy a 360 degree round-trip on London's only cable car combined with either Single, Return or River Roamer tickets. Head to North Greenwich Pier, just minutes away from the IFS Cloud Cable Car.

Treat someone special to a day out on the river. Whether they enjoy sightseeing or you want to treat them to one of our experiences, send them a gift card and make travel time a memorable moment.

• Choose amount
• Pay for the gift card
• Enter details for recipient, and send it directly to their inbox

Please make sure your message is less than 300 characters to ensure it displays correctly. Alternatively, you have the option to print a blank voucher after checkout.

Note: if you change your mind and want to close the gift card pop-up window please refresh the page.

Commute with a view

For a stress-free commute sail through rush hour! Ticket carnets offer you flexibility; our weekly, monthly and annual tickets offer you the best value. Ready to start enjoying your commute?

Save time and money, download the Thames Clippers Tickets app. Buy season tickets and flexible ticket carnets.

Find out more

Commute by river

Discover a different way to travel through London. You won't look back

Best tickets for commuters

Season tickets offer the best value for money but if you prefer to be more flexible try carnets.

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How to Use Oyster Card in London: A Quick Guide

As a frequent traveler in London, I can attest to the convenience of using an Oyster card. It’s the key to unlocking the city’s transportation network, including the buses, trams, London Overground, National Rail, and more.

Knowing how to use an Oyster card made my visits stress-free and enjoyable while also saving me money.

• Related read: How to Use Go City London
• Book a flight to London in advance.
• London Travel Guide  (Amazon)

Understanding Oyster Card in London

Before your trip, obtaining a Visitor Oyster card is beneficial, which will be delivered to your home address and ready for use upon your arrival in London.

To use your Oyster card, simply touch it on the yellow card reader at the beginning and end of your journey on the various transportation services.

For buses and trams, touch the card reader as you board . Remember to check for any transportation updates, route changes, or temporary service suspensions throughout your journey.

By staying informed, you can adjust your travel plans accordingly and continue to make the most of your time in the city.

Oyster Cards vs. Visitor Oyster Cards

When traveling around London, your main options are Oyster cards or Visitor Oyster cards. Oyster cards are rechargeable smart cards that can be used on public transport services like buses, trams, the London Underground, and local train services.

The Visitor Oyster card , on the other hand, is designed specifically for tourists , and it can be purchased before arriving in London and delivered to your home address.

The primary difference between the two is that Visitor Oyster cards offer additional discounts, such as up to 26% off on cable cars and up to 19% off on Uber Boat single journeys.

Standard Oyster Card vs. Travelcard

Another option to consider is the Travelcard , which allows unlimited travel within certain zones of London for a fixed price. Here are some key differences between a standard Oyster card and a Travelcard:

• Oyster Card : Pay-as-you-go system, with fares depending on the time and distance traveled. You need to top-up its balance before use.
• Travelcard : Unlimited travel within selected zones and time periods (daily, weekly, or monthly). It can be purchased as a standalone ticket or added to an Oyster card.

Consider your travel plans and duration of stay to determine which option suits you best.

Contactless Payment Card

An alternative to using the Oyster card system is to utilize contactless payment cards , such as a contactless debit or credit card. Most contactless payment cards issued outside the UK are accepted in London’s public transport services.

Keep in mind that using a contactless payment card might be slightly more expensive than using an Oyster card in some cases.

Getting an Oyster Card

Oyster cards offer a convenient and cost-effective way to travel around London using public transport .

In this section, you’ll learn how to obtain an Oyster card through various methods, including online registration and in-person at ticket offices and Oyster ticket shops.

Online Registration

To purchase an Oyster card online, you can visit the Visitor Oyster card website and follow the instructions. You’ll need to provide your home address and choose a credit amount (starting from £10) to preload on your card.

The website charges a £5 fee, plus postage costs , for the Visitor Oyster card. Once your order is completed, your card will be mailed to your home address, and you can start using it as soon as you arrive in London.

Already in London? Stay online to view the Oyster card website with an internet travel sim !

In-Person at Ticket Offices

You can also obtain an Oyster card in person by visiting a London Underground ticket office. Many ticket offices throughout London sell Oyster cards, and you can add credit or set up a Travelcard at the time of purchase.

The standard blue Oyster card requires a £7 deposit, which can be claimed back when you’re done with the card. Use Transport for London’s online station search to find your nearest ticket office.

Oyster Card Ticket Shops

Get your Oyster card at select Oyster Ticket Shops near train stations and convenience stores . They offer top-up services and helpful advice. Find your nearest shop using the Transport for London website.

Enjoy convenient and affordable travel on London’s public transport with your Oyster card.

Remember to top up your card when needed, and always touch in and touch out at the yellow readers when entering and exiting stations. You can also stay near train stations to make traveling convenient!

Using Oyster Card on Transportation

London underground.

To use your Oyster card on the London Underground, simply touch the card on the yellow card reader at the gates when you enter and exit the station . The appropriate fare will automatically be deducted from the card balance.

You can top up your Oyster card at any Tube station, online, or at many corner shops and information centers to ensure you have sufficient credit.

Buses and Trams

When using an Oyster card on buses and trams, you only need to tap the card on the yellow card reader upon boarding the bus or tram .

Unlike the London Underground, you don’t need to touch out on buses and trams at the end of your journey.

National Rail Services

You can also use your Oyster card on most National Rail services within London and some services outside of the city tfl.gov.uk .

Simply touch in and out at the yellow card readers as you would on the London Underground. Remember that not all National Rail stations have these readers, so check before traveling.

Thames Clippers River Bus

Your Oyster card can also be used on Thames Clippers River Bus services. Simply touch in on the yellow card reader as you board the River Bus, and don’t forget to touch out at the end of your journey.

Emirates Air Line Cable Car

You can also pay with your Oyster card for journeys on the Emirates Air Line Cable Car. Again, remember to touch in and out with your Oyster card at the yellow card readers.

Make the most of your time in London by taking advantage of these fares and discounts, and enjoy exploring the city with ease and affordability. Use convenient travel shoes for your city adventures too!

Loading and Recharging Oyster Card

Pay-as-you-go credit.

To start using your Oyster card, you’ll need to load it with credit . You can top up your card with a Pay-as-You-Go balance at any Tube station, online, and even at many convenience stores and information centers in London.

Simply choose the amount you want to add to your card and pay using cash, debit, or credit.

Oyster Card Daily Cap Calculation

One of the advantages of using Oyster pay-as-you-go is the daily cap feature. This calculates the maximum amount you’ll be charged daily based on your travel within London. The cap varies depending on the zones you travel through and the time of day.

Remember that the cap only applies to tube, bus, tram, DLR, London Overground, and Thames Clippers River Bus services , and you need to touch in and out on the yellow card readers for the cap to be applied correctly.

Adding Travelcards

If you plan to travel extensively within London, you might want to add a Travelcard to your Oyster card. Travelcards allow you to travel unlimited within certain zones for a specified period of time, such as 7 days, 1 month, or more.

To add a Travelcard, simply visit any Tube, London Overground station, or Oyster Ticket Stop and follow the instructions on the ticket machine.

You must also touch your Oyster card on the yellow card readers when starting and ending your journey to ensure the correct fare is deducted and your Travelcard is valid for that trip.

Fares and Discounts

Single Fare Finder

To help you find the exact fare for your journey, you can use the Single Fare Finder. Just enter your starting point and destination , which will give you the cost of a single fare for your chosen route.

Travel Zones and Fares

London’s public transport network is divided into six travel zones , with Zone 1 being the most central and Zone 6 being the furthest out . You can view a map of the travel zones to help you plan your journey.

Fares vary depending on the zones you travel through and are cheaper during off-peak hours.

• Peak: £3.30
• Off-Peak: £2.40
• Peak: £3.90
• Peak: £5.10
• Off-Peak: £3.10

Note: Type zone 1-2 to 4-6 peak and off-peak details instead of only sample rows from table show. they can go to the link if they want more information than what is shown in the table.

Daily capping ensures that you never pay more than the cost of a one-day Travelcard, so you can travel as much as you like in a single day for a set price. The cap varies depending on the zones and hours of travel, but you can find information on the TFL website .

Children and Young Visitor Discount

Children under 11 years old can travel for FREE on London transport with an adult who has a valid Oyster card. For children aged 11-15, you can get a Young Visitor Discount added to an Oyster card.

This will provide cheaper fare rates for up to 14 days. To apply for this discount, follow the instructions on the TFL website .

Using Oyster Card on River Services

Thames clippers.

When traveling in London, you can use your Oyster card on Thames Clippers river bus services. This provides a convenient and fast mode of transportation while enjoying scenic views of London’s famous landmarks.

The Oyster card saves up to 22% on the fare, making it an economical way to explore the city via its waterways.

To use your Oyster card, simply touch it on the card reader at the pier before boarding the river bus. Keep in mind that you cannot top up your Oyster card at River Bus piers , and your journeys on the river services are not included in the daily or weekly capping.

Your Oyster card can also be used on various London riverboat services , allowing you to travel along the Thames and glimpse London’s history and architecture from a unique perspective.

Riverboat service prices start from FREE for children four and under and go up to £23.50 for an adult River Roamer ticket.

For River Tours, you cannot use the pay-as-you-go feature of your Oyster card. However, you can use the Oyster credit to buy a paper ticket from pier ticket offices for Thames River Services and the Circular Cruise.

In addition to river buses and riverboats, your Oyster card can be used on various other transport services in London, such as:

• London Underground (the Tube)
• Docklands Light Railway (DLR)
• London Overground
• Most National Rail train services
• Elizabeth line (when available)

Using your Oyster card on these transport options allows you to navigate the city while enjoying the scenic river services easily.

Oyster Card and Contactless Payment Controls

Touching in and out.

To use your Oyster card or contactless payment method on public transport in London, you will need to touch in and out at the yellow card readers located on gates or standalone readers.

This applies to buses, Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth Line, and some National Rail services in and outside London.

When you enter a station or board a bus, simply place your Oyster card or contactless payment card onto the yellow reader. Wait for a green light and a single beep for confirmation. Repeat the same process when you leave the station or alight from the bus.

Remember the following tips while touching in and out:

• Always use the same card or device for your entire journey.
• Ensure you have sufficient credit on your Oyster card or funds in your contactless account.
• Avoid card clashes by keeping other contactless cards or smart devices away from the yellow reader while touching in and out.

Avoiding Penalty Fares

Failing to touch in and out correctly could result in being charged the maximum fare for your journey or receiving a penalty fare. To avoid this, follow these steps:

• Make sure you touch in and out at the beginning and end of your journey.
• Touch in and out even if the gates are open.
• If you forget to touch out, you can correct the incomplete journey online within 48 hours.

If you receive a penalty fare notice or have been charged the maximum fare, you can appeal the decision by providing evidence of your Oyster card or contactless payment records. Ensure you keep track of your journey and payment history to avoid any discrepancies.

Managing Oyster Card Account

Checking and managing balance.

To check and manage your Oyster card balance, you can register your card to an Oyster Online account . Once registered, you can view your journey history, check fares, and receive notifications when your balance gets low.

Remember to top up your Oyster pay-as-you-go balance at any Tube station, online, or at many corner shops and information centers.

Card Replacements

If your Oyster card is lost, stolen, or damaged, promptly report it to the Transport for London (TfL) team. They can help to transfer your remaining balance and travel history to a new card.

In case of a malfunctioning card, visit a TfL visitor center for help with a replacement card that maintains your account information.

Getting a Refund on Your Oyster Card

You may be eligible for a refund on your Oyster card for several reasons: unused pay-as-you-go balance, Travelcard, or a Deposit. To apply for a refund, log in to your Oyster account and follow the instructions.

If you are at a Tube station, you can get a refund of up to £10 at a ticket machine by selecting the ‘refund’ option. For higher amounts or further assistance, contact TfL customer service or visit a TfL visitor centre.

Additional Benefits of Oyster Card

Discounted travel offers.

One of the fantastic benefits of using an Oyster card during your London visit is the access to discounted travel offers. With an Oyster Card, you not only save money on your daily commute but also enjoy discounts on various travel services, such as:

• National Rail Services in London
• Thames Clippers River Bus services
• IFS Cloud Cable Car

Moreover, using an Oyster card is often cheaper than buying paper tickets, especially when you’re crossing multiple travel zones. You can also book a ticket to St. Pancras station here.

Savings at Restaurants and Shops

Another great advantage of using an Oyster card is the opportunity to save at various restaurants and shops throughout London. By showcasing your Oyster card at participating establishments, you can:

• Get discounts on meals at selected restaurants
• Enjoy special offers and promotions at participating shops
• Save money on souvenirs and other purchases

To get the most out of your Oyster card, always be on the lookout for establishments displaying the Oyster card logo, and don’t hesitate to ask if they offer any Oyster card promotions.

Does the Card Include a Travel Insurance?

The Oyster card in London does not include travel insurance. To ensure comprehensive coverage for your trip, consider purchasing travel insurance from Heymondo .

They offer reliable and tailored insurance plans that can provide you with peace of mind during your travels in London and beyond.

Are Oyster Cards Still Worth It?

In conclusion, using an Oyster card provides a convenient way to pay for your transportation needs in London and enhances your travel experience by offering discounts and savings at various establishments.

So, when planning your trip to London, be sure to consider getting an Oyster card and enjoy the additional benefits it offers to make your visit more enjoyable and cost-effective.

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Last Updated on 6 September, 2023 by Veronica

Disclosure: Some of the links on this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Author: Veronica

Vero, a seasoned traveler, has explored 25 countries and lived in five, gaining a rich perspective and fostering an infectious passion for travel. With a heart full of wanderlust, Vero uncovers the world’s hidden gems and shares insights, tips, and planning advice to inspire and assist fellow adventurers. Join Vero and let the shared passion for travel create unforgettable memories.

Soy Verónica, una apasionada de los viajes, me gusta compartir mis experiencias viajeras en mi blog. He estudiado Empresas y actividades turísticas y ando metida en el mundo del Marketing Digital. Me gusta aprender algo nuevo cada día, conocer nuevos lugares y culturas diferentes.

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• London >
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• London Visitor Oyster Card

Oyster Card London

• Ticket information
• Choose your number of tickets.
• Choose the date of validity of the chosen ticket/s.
• Pay attention to all product informations before finishing your booking.

Valid: 01/01/2024 - 31/12/2024

• You will receive a Smart Card with a chosen amount of money (incl. activation fee).
• The Card can be used within all London zones.
• The Card is transferable but may not be used by several people at the same time.
• Children under 11 years go free.
• Cancellation is free of charge as long as tickets have not been issued (1 month ahead to validity date).
• After delivery of the tickets, a refund/exchange is no longer possible.

Your Oyster Card is valid for

• You receive a Visitor Oyster Card with the selected credit
• Unlimited use of public transport in London - Underground (tube), Night Tube, Tube, Elizabeth Line, Tram, Overground, National Rail trains in London, buses, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers and DLR.
• 'TFL Rail' Service to/from Heathrow Airport - Paddington
• All zones in London (1-6)
• Airport connection to/from Heathrow, Gatwick, City Airport
• Up to 4 children under 11 years go free when accompanied by an adult
• Exclusive discounts at IFS Cloud Cable Car 26%, Thames Clippers River Bus 10%, River Thames Cruises and  Circular Cruise Rundfahrten from London Piers 10%

How the Oyster Card works

• You will receive a "Pay as you go" chip card with the selected credit in British pounds (GBP), the activation fee is included in the price.
• The system automatically calculates a reduced fare for each trip based on when, how and in which zone you are traveling. There is a daily tariff limit, if this amount is reached, it will no longer be debited from your Oyster Card.
• You can use the Thames Clippers Line and IFS Cloud Cable Car with the Oyster Card but these are excluded from the daily tariff limit.
• Fares: Different tariffs apply for the different modes of transport and travel times. For the Tube, DLR, Overground, TfL Rail and most of the National Rail routes in London, the prices for rush hours (peakfares) apply from Monday to Friday (not on public holidays ) from 06:30 to 09:30 and from 16: 00:00 to 19:00 The prices for low-traffic times (off-peak fares) apply to all other periods, as well as weekends. Driving in these periods is cheaper. For bus and tram routes in London, one-way journeys are charged, these cannot be paid in cash in the bus.
• The fares depend on the time of day and the zones. e.g.: a trip to central London with cash payment costs £ 4.90, with the Visitor Oyster Card it costs £ 2.40. Per day fare limit zone 1-2 GBP 6.80, fare limit zone 1-6 (including Heathrow by Tube) GBP 14.90.
• Fare for Airport connections (one Way): Heathrow Express approx. GBP 25,00, approx. Gatwick Express ca. GBP 22,00,
• The card can be recharged at over 4.000 locations at the Visitor Centers, at some stops or ticket shops.
• Any remaining credit of up to GBP 10 can be refunded at the ticket machines on site. The card can also be passed on for further visits or to other people.
• Children under the age of 11 travel for free. Children aged 11-15 need a Travelcard or an Oyster Card which is booked on site with the Young Visitor Discount.
• For security reasons, please keep the Visitor Oyster Card separate from contactless payment cards.
• The Oyster Card is not valid for traveling from/to the airports Heathrow, Stansted and Luton, an extra ticket will be necessary. These tickets are available on our website.
• The Oyster Card can be used for journeys with the Gatwick Express from/to Gatwick Airport. For the one-way trip from Gatwick Airport to London Victora with the Oyster Card, a credit of around GBP 20 must be planned.

How to use your Visitor Oyster Card

Children reductions.

• Our tip: Buy an Oyster Visitor Card with a lower credit balance (approx. 50%) for children from the age of 11 and then turn to a counter in the underground stations and visitor centers and get a 'Youth Visitor Discount' 'book on the card. With this discount your child pays only half of the adult fare for 14 days.

Christmas holidays

• You will receive an original ticket, no additional exchange is necessary.
• Your ticket is not dated.
• The Oyster card has to be placed on the yellow button at each ticket gate/ rail station or at the bus entrance, when boarding and disembarking . Visitor Oyster Cards deduct credit every time you make a journey.
• On your Oyster, the selected credit is already loaded. The price includes the activation fee. If you run out of credit, you can top up your card at any station or at thousands of other shops throughout London.
• Always keep an eye on the credit on your card.
• A refund of an existing balance can only be accomplished by the cardholder himself via'Transport for London' at the following address: TfL Customer Services . 14 Pier Walk, 4th Floor, London, SE10 0ES. The card will then be canceled and you will receive the remaining balance by cheque in British Pounds.
• Each person must have their own Oyster Card, except children under 11 years accompanied by an adult.

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Elektrostal

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