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 former City Hall of London, the Shard… and many more.
Which Thames boat trip suits your day?
| Option | Best for | Check before booking |
|---|---|---|
| Sightseeing cruise | Commentary and landmarks viewed from the river. | Departure pier, duration, whether it returns to the same pier, and the commentary format. |
| Hop-on hop-off sightseeing pass | Stopping at several riverside areas. | Pass validity and which piers you can use. |
| Uber Boat by Thames Clippers | A practical point-to-point river journey. | Fare zones, timetable and whether one journey or a day ticket suits you. |
- 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. The London Eye River Cruise lasts approximately 40 minutes; other operators have different durations.
- Hop-on Hop-off River Cruise: This option 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 Pier to have a wander around the area of the Tower of London. You could then get back on board, and take the boat back to Westminster for Big Ben, or London Eye Pier for the London Eye. Check the last departure before planning your return.
Sightseeing cruises and routes
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.
City Cruises serves piers including Westminster, London Eye, Tower and Greenwich. Its 24-hour hop-on hop-off river pass suits a day with stops along the river, while a single journey may suit a visit to Greenwich. Check the live sailing schedule and your ticket’s pier conditions before you plan a return trip.
The existing route image is a visual guide; use the operator’s current pier map and timetable for live service details.
The London Eye River Cruise is a narrated circular trip lasting about 40 minutes, returning to London Eye Pier without stops in between. A London Eye and cruise combination is available; compare the final cost and book the required times rather than assuming a bundle always saves money.
Bus tour, pass and cruise combinations
Some hop-on hop-off bus packages include a one-way river cruise. This is part of the ticket you have paid for, and the direction or availability depends on the operator and package. Check the exact cruise inclusion before choosing a separate boat ticket.
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.
The London Pass attraction list currently includes a City Cruises 24-hour river pass; check your pass type and any booking instructions. If you plan to visit several paid attractions, our London Pass guide explains how to compare the total cost.
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers
Uber Boat is a scheduled river service rather than a narrated sightseeing tour. You can use it for a trip between piers such as London Eye, Tower and Greenwich, and enjoy the river views en route. Some boats have open-air seating, subject to the vessel and weather; the purpose of the service is transport rather than guided commentary.
You can pay as you go by touching in and out with an Oyster or contactless card, or choose a ticket such as a one-day hop-on hop-off ticket. Check the current fare rules for zones, peak times and concessions. River Bus fares do not count towards the normal TfL daily cap for Tube and bus travel.
A TfL-issued Travelcard may give a discount on eligible standard river fares, but it does not make the boat journey free. Compare the fare offered for your actual journey or day ticket.
Special cruises and New Year’s Eve
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.
Dining, afternoon tea and speedboat experiences differ from ordinary sightseeing services. Check the operator’s age rules, boarding point, cancellation terms and what is included in the ticket. A special cruise should be planned as its own activity rather than squeezed into a tight transport connection.
New Year’s Eve departures have separate tickets and timings. See our London New Year’s Eve cruises guide for current choices.
Hi, we are Alberto and Amy, the London locals behind PlanTrip London. We’ve lived in London since 2010 and have spent every year since exploring the city, from its famous landmarks to the markets, pubs, parks and hidden corners most visitors never find. Over the years we became the go-to trip planners for friends and family visiting London, so we created this site to share the same first-hand, tried-and-tested advice with you. Every itinerary, tip and recommendation here comes from our own experience with our two children, so you can plan a London trip that’s easier, better value and far more memorable.