Thames River Cruises London Explained
A Thames River cruise in London is one of the best ways to see the city from a different perspective. Many of London’s most famous landmarks are located along the River Thames, so a boat cruise allows you to see Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London all from the water.
Thames river cruises are popular because they combine sightseeing and relaxing travel, and many cruises include audio commentary explaining the history of London and the landmarks you pass. This makes river cruises both a tourist attraction and a way to travel between areas such as Westminster, the South Bank, the City of London and Greenwich.
There are several different types of Thames river cruises available, including standard sightseeing cruises, hop-on hop-off river boats, evening cruises, lunch cruises, afternoon tea cruises and dinner cruises. Some are simple sightseeing trips, while others are more like restaurant experiences on the river.
For many visitors, a Thames cruise is one of the most enjoyable things to do in London because it allows you to see many famous landmarks without walking long distances or using the Underground.
Thames River Cruise Routes
Most Thames River sightseeing cruises operate along the central section of the River Thames where the main London landmarks are located. The most common route runs between Westminster and Greenwich, stopping at several piers along the way.
The main cruise piers used by sightseeing boats are Westminster Pier, London Eye Pier, Tower Pier and Greenwich Pier. Some cruises travel directly between Westminster and Tower Bridge, while others continue further east to Greenwich.
The most popular part of the river for sightseeing is the section between Westminster and Tower Bridge, because this part of the river passes many of London’s most famous landmarks. During this part of the cruise you will usually see the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, HMS Belfast, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and the Shard.
Longer cruises that continue to Greenwich also pass Canary Wharf, the O2 Arena and the historic Greenwich area, which is home to the Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory.
Most sightseeing cruises last between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the route and whether the cruise is one-way or return.
Westminster to Greenwich River Thames Cruise
The Westminster to Greenwich River Thames cruise is one of the most popular river cruises in London and is often considered the best Thames river cruise for first-time visitors. This route passes many of London’s most famous landmarks and gives you a completely different view of the city from the water.
Most cruises start at Westminster Pier, which is located next to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, and then travel east along the River Thames towards Tower Bridge and Greenwich. This section of the river is the most scenic part of central London because many of the city’s most famous attractions are located along the riverbanks.
During the cruise you will usually see the London Eye, the South Bank, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, HMS Belfast, the Shard, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. Seeing these landmarks from the river is very different from seeing them on foot, and Tower Bridge in particular is very impressive when viewed from the water.
Most sightseeing cruises include live or recorded audio commentary, which explains the history of London, the landmarks along the river and interesting stories about the city. This makes the cruise both a relaxing boat trip and a sightseeing tour at the same time.
Some cruises operate as one-way trips between Westminster and Greenwich, while others offer return cruises. One-way cruises are popular if you want to explore Greenwich and then return to central London by train or Docklands Light Railway. Return cruises are better if you mainly want a sightseeing experience and want to return to Westminster afterwards.
The cruise usually takes between 1 and 2 hours, depending on whether it is a direct cruise, a hop-on hop-off cruise or a return cruise. The section between Westminster and Tower Bridge is the busiest and most scenic part of the route, while the section between Tower Bridge and Greenwich is quieter and passes modern areas such as Canary Wharf before reaching historic Greenwich.
Greenwich itself is worth visiting because it is home to the Cutty Sark ship, the Royal Observatory, Greenwich Park and the Prime Meridian Line, so many visitors combine a Thames cruise with a half-day visit to Greenwich.
Overall, the Westminster to Greenwich Thames cruise is one of the best sightseeing experiences in London, especially if it is your first visit to the city, because you can see many of London’s most famous landmarks in a short amount of time while relaxing on the river.
Westminster to Tower Bridge River Thames Cruise
Another very popular sightseeing option is the Westminster to Tower Bridge River Thames cruise, which covers the most famous central London section of the river and is shorter than the Greenwich cruise. This route is ideal if you want a short sightseeing cruise that still passes most of London’s famous landmarks.
This cruise usually starts at Westminster Pier, near Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, and travels east along the River Thames towards Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. This section of the river is the most scenic and historic part of central London, which is why many visitors choose this shorter cruise instead of going all the way to Greenwich.
During the cruise you will usually see the London Eye, the South Bank, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, HMS Belfast, the Shard, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. Tower Bridge is often the highlight of the cruise, and many boats turn around just after passing under the bridge.
The Westminster to Tower Bridge cruise usually takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the boat and the service. Because it is shorter than the Greenwich cruise, it is often cheaper and easier to fit into a busy London itinerary.
This cruise is a good option if you:
- Have limited time in London
- Want a short sightseeing cruise
- Want to see Tower Bridge from the river
- Are visiting the Tower of London after the cruise
- Want to combine the cruise with walking along the South Bank
Many visitors take this cruise from Westminster to Tower Bridge, visit the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, and then return to central London by Underground, which makes for a very easy sightseeing day.
Overall, the Westminster to Tower Bridge Thames cruise is one of the best short sightseeing cruises in London and is a good option if you don’t want the longer Greenwich cruise.
Types of Thames River Cruises
There are several different types of Thames River cruises in London, and the best one depends on what kind of experience you are looking for.
The most common option is a standard sightseeing cruise, which usually runs between Westminster and Tower Bridge or Greenwich and includes audio commentary about the landmarks along the river. These cruises are mainly for sightseeing and are the most popular option for visitors.
Another option is a hop-on hop-off river cruise, where you can get on and off the boat at different piers along the Thames, similar to hop-on hop-off buses. This can be a good way to travel between Westminster, the London Eye, Tower Bridge and Greenwich.
There are also evening cruises, lunch cruises, afternoon tea cruises and dinner cruises, which are more like restaurant or sightseeing experiences on the river rather than simple transport. These cruises are popular for special occasions, couples and visitors looking for a more relaxing experience.
In the next sections, we will look at each type of Thames river cruise in more detail so you can decide which Thames River cruise is best for your trip to London.
Hop-On Hop-Off Thames River Cruise
Another popular option is the Hop-On Hop-Off Thames River cruise, which works in a similar way to the hop-on hop-off bus tours but on the river instead. Instead of staying on the boat for a single sightseeing trip, you can get on and off the boat at different piers along the Thames for 24 hours, allowing you to explore different parts of London.
Most hop-on hop-off river cruises operate between Westminster Pier, London Eye Pier, Tower Pier and Greenwich Pier, which means you can easily travel between some of London’s most popular tourist areas using the river instead of the Underground.
The cruise usually starts at Westminster Pier, near Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, and travels east along the River Thames towards the London Eye, the City of London, Tower Bridge and Greenwich. Along the route you will pass many famous landmarks including the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, HMS Belfast, the Shard, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, Canary Wharf and the Cutty Sark in Greenwich.
Because this is a hop-on hop-off service, you can stop and explore places along the river such as:
- Westminster for Big Ben and Westminster Abbey
- London Eye / South Bank for the London Eye and riverside attractions
- Tower Pier for the Tower of London and Tower Bridge
- Greenwich for the Cutty Sark, Greenwich Park and the Royal Observatory
Boats usually have indoor seating, outdoor decks, panoramic windows and onboard commentary, and many boats also have a bar selling drinks and snacks, which makes the journey comfortable in all weather.
This type of ticket is useful if you want to use the river as transport between attractions while also doing sightseeing, and it can be a relaxing alternative to using the Underground. Many visitors combine the river boat with walking along the South Bank or visiting attractions near Tower Bridge and Greenwich.
The hop-on hop-off river cruise is usually valid for 24 hours, and during that time you can use the boats as many times as you want between the main piers along the Thames.
Overall, the Hop-On Hop-Off Thames River cruise is a good option if you want both transport and sightseeing on the river, especially if you plan to visit Westminster, the London Eye, the Tower of London and Greenwich in the same trip.
Thames River Evening Cruises
A Thames River evening cruise is one of the most relaxing and scenic ways to see London, especially after dark when many of the city’s landmarks are illuminated. Evening cruises usually take place along the central section of the River Thames between Westminster and Tower Bridge, where most of London’s famous landmarks are located.
During an evening cruise you will see Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Shard, HMS Belfast, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London lit up at night. London looks completely different from the river in the evening, and the reflections of the city lights on the water make this one of the most memorable sightseeing experiences in London.
Many evening cruises include a glass of bubbly, drinks or canapés, and some boats have music and a relaxed atmosphere. These cruises are less about rushing between attractions and more about sitting back, relaxing and enjoying the London skyline from the river while the boat travels slowly along the Thames.
Evening cruises usually last around 2 hours, and most departures are from Westminster or the London Eye area, which makes them easy to fit into a London itinerary. Many visitors choose to do an evening cruise after a day of sightseeing because it is a very relaxing way to see London without more walking or travelling on the Underground.
For many visitors, a Thames evening cruise is one of the most enjoyable and relaxing evening activities in London, especially if it is your first time visiting the city.
Thames River Lunch Cruises
A Thames River lunch cruise combines sightseeing with a meal while travelling along the River Thames, making it both a sightseeing tour and a dining experience at the same time. These cruises usually take place during the day and travel along the central section of the river between Westminster and Tower Bridge, passing many of London’s most famous landmarks.
During a lunch cruise you will usually be served a two-course or three-course meal while the boat travels along the river, and many cruises include commentary about the landmarks you pass. This means you can enjoy the views of London while eating lunch instead of stopping at a restaurant during the day.
Along the route you will see the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, HMS Belfast, the Shard, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, which makes the lunch cruise both a sightseeing experience and a relaxing break in the middle of a busy day.
Lunch cruises usually last between 1.5 and 2 hours, which makes them a good option if you want a relaxing activity without taking up an entire day. Many visitors choose a lunch cruise because it allows them to combine lunch and sightseeing into one experience, which can actually save time in a busy London itinerary.
Although lunch cruises are more expensive than standard sightseeing cruises, many visitors consider them good value because they include both a river cruise and a restaurant-style meal at the same time.
Thames River Afternoon Tea Cruises
A Thames River afternoon tea cruise is one of the most traditional and unique experiences you can have in London. Afternoon tea is a classic British tradition, and combining it with a river cruise allows you to enjoy tea, sandwiches, cakes and scones while travelling along the River Thames through central London.
These cruises usually travel between Westminster and Tower Bridge, and during the cruise you will see famous landmarks such as the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Shard, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London while enjoying afternoon tea on board the boat.
Afternoon tea normally includes finger sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, cakes and tea or coffee, and the experience is more about relaxing and enjoying the afternoon than rushing around sightseeing. The cruise usually lasts around 1.5 hours, which makes it a nice afternoon activity between morning and evening sightseeing.
Many visitors choose an afternoon tea cruise because it combines two very British experiences — afternoon tea and a Thames river cruise — into one activity, which makes it a memorable part of a trip to London.
This type of cruise is especially popular with couples, families and visitors celebrating birthdays or special occasions, and it is often considered one of the most unique things to do in London.
Thames River Dinner Cruises
A Thames River dinner cruise is one of the most premium and memorable experiences you can have in London. These cruises usually take place in the evening and include a multi-course dinner while travelling along the River Thames, often with music or live entertainment.
Dinner cruises usually pass many of London’s most famous landmarks at night, including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, which are all illuminated in the evening and look very impressive from the river.
Most dinner cruises last around 2.5 to 3 hours, and during the cruise you will usually be served a three-course or four-course meal while the boat travels slowly along the Thames. Because the cruise takes place in the evening and includes a full meal and entertainment, it is more like a restaurant experience on the river rather than a sightseeing tour.
Dinner cruises are often chosen for special occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays, honeymoons or romantic evenings, and many visitors consider it one of the most memorable experiences they have in London.
Although dinner cruises are the most expensive Thames river cruise option, they are also one of the most unique experiences, and they are very different from normal sightseeing cruises during the day.
Uber Boat Thames Clippers (River Bus London)
Another way to travel along the River Thames is using the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, which is London’s river bus service. This is not a sightseeing cruise, but a public transport boat service that operates along the Thames and stops at many piers across London.
Uber Boats run frequently throughout the day and stop at piers including Battersea Power Station, Westminster, London Eye, Embankment, Blackfriars, London Bridge, Tower, Canary Wharf, Greenwich and North Greenwich (O2 Arena). Because the boats run like buses on the river, many Londoners use them to commute, but they are also very useful for visitors.
You can pay for Uber Boat using Oyster card, contactless card or Apple Pay, just like the Underground and buses, which makes it very easy to use. However, river bus fares are more expensive than the Underground, so most visitors use it for the experience and the views rather than everyday transport.
Uber Boats have indoor seating, outdoor decks, toilets, WiFi and a café bar, so they are comfortable even in bad weather. Sitting on the back deck of an Uber Boat as you travel along the Thames is actually one of the best budget ways to see London from the river, because it is cheaper than many sightseeing cruises.
Uber Boat is a good option if you:
- Want to travel between Westminster, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf or Greenwich
- Want a cheaper alternative to sightseeing cruises
- Want to use the river as transport
- Want to see London from the river without booking a tour
- Want to avoid the Underground
Many visitors take the Uber Boat from Westminster to Greenwich or Canary Wharf, then return by Underground or DLR, which makes a very easy and scenic half-day trip.
Overall, the Uber Boat Thames Clippers is the best option if you want river transport rather than a sightseeing cruise, and it is a great way to see London from the Thames at a lower cost.
Thames River Cruise Prices
The price of a Thames River cruise in London depends on the type of cruise you choose. Standard sightseeing cruises are the cheapest, while lunch, afternoon tea and dinner cruises are more expensive because they include food and a longer experience.
A standard sightseeing cruise between Westminster and Tower Bridge or Greenwich usually costs around £15 to £25 for adults, depending on whether the ticket is one-way or return. Hop-on hop-off river cruise tickets are usually more expensive because they allow unlimited travel for 24 hours, and these tickets are typically around £20 to £30.
Evening cruises with drinks or canapés usually cost around £30 to £50, while lunch cruises and afternoon tea cruises are normally in the range of £40 to £60. The most expensive option is usually a dinner cruise, which often costs £70 to £100 or more, depending on the menu and entertainment included.
Uber Boat Thames Clippers, which is London’s river bus service, is usually cheaper than sightseeing cruises if you only travel one way. Prices depend on how far you travel, but a typical journey in central London is usually around £8 to £12, and you can pay using Oyster or contactless.
Although river cruises are not the cheapest activity in London, many visitors think they are good value because you can see many of London’s most famous landmarks in a short amount of time while relaxing on the river.
Is A Thames River Cruise Worth It?
Many visitors wonder whether a Thames River cruise in London is worth doing, especially because London has so many attractions and things to do. For most visitors, the answer is yes, especially if it is your first time visiting London.
One of the main reasons a Thames cruise is worth it is because many of London’s most famous landmarks are located along the River Thames, including Big Ben, the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. From the river you can see all of these landmarks without walking long distances or using public transport between them.
A river cruise is also one of the most relaxing sightseeing activities in London, because you can sit down and enjoy the views while the boat moves slowly along the river. This can be a nice break if you have been walking around the city all day.
However, if you are visiting London on a very tight budget, you could consider using the Uber Boat Thames Clippers instead of a sightseeing cruise, because it is cheaper and still gives you great views of London from the river.
Overall, most visitors consider a Thames river cruise to be one of the best sightseeing experiences in London, especially for first-time visitors.
Tips For Taking A Thames River Cruise
If you are planning to take a Thames River cruise, there are a few things that can make the experience better and help you choose the right cruise for your trip.
One of the most important tips is to choose the right route. The most scenic part of the River Thames is between Westminster and Tower Bridge, so if you only have time for a short cruise, this is the best section to choose. If you have more time, continuing to Greenwich is also a good option because Greenwich is a nice area to explore.
It is also a good idea to sit outside on the deck if the weather is good, because you will get much better views and photos of the London skyline and landmarks. However, most boats also have indoor seating areas with large windows if the weather is bad.
If you are taking a sightseeing cruise, try to sit on the right-hand side of the boat when travelling from Westminster towards Tower Bridge, because many of the main landmarks such as the London Eye and St Paul’s Cathedral are easier to see from that side.
Another useful tip is to combine a river cruise with visiting attractions along the Thames, such as the London Eye, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge or Greenwich. This makes the river cruise part of your sightseeing itinerary rather than just a separate activity.
Taking a Thames river cruise is a very easy activity to include in most London itineraries, and for many visitors it becomes one of the highlights of their trip.
Rupert’s Handy Travel Tips
If you are planning to take a Thames River cruise in London, these tips will help you get the most out of the experience:
- Choose the Westminster to Tower Bridge section: This is the most scenic part of the river and passes most of London’s famous landmarks.
- Sit outside if the weather is good: The outdoor deck gives the best views and photo opportunities.
- Use Uber Boat for cheaper river travel: Thames Clippers are cheaper than sightseeing cruises and still offer great views.
- Combine the cruise with Greenwich: Greenwich is worth visiting for the Cutty Sark, Royal Observatory and Greenwich Park.
- Evening cruises are very different: London landmarks are illuminated at night and the views are completely different from daytime cruises.
Want to meet the reindeer behind our travel tips? Find out more in our page Who is Rupert?.
Thames River Cruises London FAQs
How long is a Thames River cruise?
Most Thames sightseeing cruises last between 45 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the route. Westminster to Tower Bridge is usually around 1 hour, while Westminster to Greenwich can take up to 2 hours.
Where do Thames River cruises start?
Most cruises start from Westminster Pier, London Eye Pier, Tower Pier or Greenwich Pier. Westminster Pier is the most popular starting point because it is next to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
Is a Thames River cruise worth it?
Yes, for most visitors a Thames cruise is worth it because many of London’s main landmarks are located along the river, and you can see them while relaxing on a boat instead of walking long distances.
What is the best Thames River cruise route?
The most popular route is Westminster to Tower Bridge, because it passes the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Shard, HMS Belfast, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.
Can you use Oyster or contactless on Thames boats?
You can use Oyster or contactless on Uber Boat Thames Clippers, which is London’s river bus service. Sightseeing cruises and dinner cruises must be booked separately.
Do Thames River cruises run all year?
Yes, most Thames river cruises operate all year round, although timetables may be reduced in winter.
Further Reading & Related Guides
If you are planning your trip to London, make sure to read our London Attractions Guide, which covers the main attractions, sightseeing areas and how to plan your time in the city. This will help you build your itinerary and group attractions together so you don’t spend too much time travelling across London.
Because many Thames cruises operate between Westminster, the London Eye and Tower Bridge, many visitors combine a river cruise with nearby attractions such as the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. These attractions are located close to the river and are easy to visit on the same day as a river cruise.
You may also want to read our London Itinerary Guide, which shows how to plan 1 day, 2 days or 3 days in London and includes suggested sightseeing routes that follow the River Thames and South Bank.
If you are also considering using sightseeing buses, read our Hop-On Hop-Off London Guide, which explains the different bus companies, routes and whether hop-on hop-off buses are worth it.
Reading these guides together will help you plan your London itinerary more efficiently, group nearby attractions together and make the most of your time in the city.
Last Updated
April 2026
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