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Cruise through London - Discover, dine & relax
Experience more for less: Combo deals & city cards
Combo (Save 10%): London Eye Tickets + Thames River Cruise
from £50.17
£45.15
10% off
- Save money and see London's must-sees with this combo ticket. Ride the London Eye and cruise the Thames River to see the city from two angles.
- Reach heights of 135 meters high on a 30-minute London Eye ride. Upgrade for fast-track access and skip past the long queues!
- Keep your eyes peeled for some famous sights of London, like The Emirates Stadium, home to Arsenal FC, and the majestic Buckingham Palace.
- Board a City Cruises boat from any of 4 piers, including the London Eye, for a scenic River Thames journey at your convenience. Check route and timetable here.
- Hear tales of royalty, rebellions, and architectural marvels as you sail from the onboard live commentary or multilingual audio guide.
- Save money and see London's must-sees with this combo ticket. Ride the London Eye and cruise the Thames River to see the city from two angles.
- Reach heights of 135 meters high on a 30-minute London Eye ride. Upgrade for fast-track access and skip past the long queues!
- Keep your eyes peeled for some famous sights of London, like The Emirates Stadium, home to Arsenal FC, and the majestic Buckingham Palace.
- Board a City Cruises boat from any of 4 piers, including the London Eye, for a scenic River Thames journey at your convenience. Check route and timetable here.
- Hear tales of royalty, rebellions, and architectural marvels as you sail from the onboard live commentary or multilingual audio guide.
Inclusions
London Eye
- Standard entry to the London Eye
- 30-min ride on the London Eye
- London Eye guide
- Fast-track entry to the London Eye (optional)
River Cruise
- Sightseeing cruise on the River Thames
- Flexible ticket boarding from Westminster Pier, London Eye Pier, or Tower Pier
- Live English commentary
- Audio guide in English, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese and Spanish
- Open-air deck & heated indoor saloon
Exclusions
River Cruise
- Food and drinks (available to purchase on board)
London Eye
- Tip: After your London Eye ride, visit the Jubilee Gardens nearby to see a variety of insects like butterflies and ladybugs.
- Keep in mind large bags, sharp metallic tools, or objects that can cause security hazards are not allowed in this experience. Pack wisely!
- Children under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by adults.
- Children under the age of 2 years can go for free but require a ticket to enter.
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- Guests with accessible needs are entitled to a free carer ticket with valid documentation.
- Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
- Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
River Cruise
- Tip: As you cruise past Butler's Wharf, be sure to look out for colorful murals adorning the warehouses, a haven for local street art.
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Combo (Save 10%): Flexible Sightseeing Cruise + Tower of London Tickets
from £48.30
£43.47
10% off
- Marvel at London's Crown Jewels at the Tower of London and enjoy a River Thames cruise in a single, unforgettable adventure with this cost-effective combo!
- Glide along the River Thames after boarding from any of four piers, and soak in panoramic views of London while listening to the live commentary or audio guide.
- Enjoy views from the open-air deck or cozy indoor saloon, and be awed by the sights of Tower Bridge and the Houses of Parliament.
- Immerse yourself in centuries of history at the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover the oldest part of the tower, the White Tower.
- Witness the dazzling Crown Jewels, adorned with over 23,578 gems, and experience the rich history of the Tower through live historical re-enactments.
- Marvel at London's Crown Jewels at the Tower of London and enjoy a River Thames cruise in a single, unforgettable adventure with this cost-effective combo!
- Glide along the River Thames after boarding from any of four piers, and soak in panoramic views of London while listening to the live commentary or audio guide.
- Enjoy views from the open-air deck or cozy indoor saloon, and be awed by the sights of Tower Bridge and the Houses of Parliament.
- Immerse yourself in centuries of history at the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover the oldest part of the tower, the White Tower.
- Witness the dazzling Crown Jewels, adorned with over 23,578 gems, and experience the rich history of the Tower through live historical re-enactments.
Inclusions
London Sightseeing Cruise
- Sightseeing cruise on the River Thames. Find timetable here
- Boarding from Westminster Pier, London Eye Pier, or Tower Pier
- Live English commentary
- Audio guide in English, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese and Spanish
- Open-air deck & heated indoor saloon
Tower of London
- Entry to the Tower of London
- Access to The Crown Jewels
Entry to:
- The White Tower
- Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula
- Battlements
- Medieval Palace
- Bloody Tower
- Torture at the Tower exhibition
- Fusiliers Museum
- Royal Mint exhibition
- Access to the children's activity trails and live historical re-enactments
Exclusions
London Sightseeing Cruise
- Beverages (available for purchase from the bar onboard)
London Sightseeing Cruise
- Tip: For the best photos of London's iconic landmarks, position yourself on the right side of the boat when traveling upstream, and the left side when traveling downstream.
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- The cruise is equipped with restrooms and baby changing facilities.
- The average cruising time for a Thames sightseeing cruise from one pier to the other is 40mins except from Westminster Pier to London Eye Pier which is 10mins.
- Please note: some circular tours may require a boat change at Tower Pier.
Tower of London
- Tip: Try to spot the inscription in the Beauchamp Tower which reads 'Jane' - it was supposedly carved by Guildford Dudley, husband of the doomed Lady Jane Grey.
- Keep in mind that luggage, large bags, tripods, selfie sticks, and other photographic or recording equipment are not allowed in this experience. Pack wisely!
- Smoking, eating, and drinking within all buildings are not allowed.
- Not all areas of this experience are accessible by wheelchairs and prams/strollers.
- Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
- The Crown Jewels are a working collection and as a consequence, the display is subject to change without prior notice due to security reasons.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Get access to a hop-on hop-off bus tour and Thames River cruise with just one ticket and explore London at your own pace with max savings!
- Experience London’s top attractions with the flexibility to hop on and off as many times as you like for 24 or 48 hours.
- Enjoy the journey aboard iconic double-decker buses, complete with a multilingual audio guide available in 11 languages.
- Enjoy a one-way or round-trip scenic cruise on the River Thames, departing from either Westminster or Tower Pier.
- Take in stunning views of landmarks such as the London Eye, Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, and the historic Globe Theatre.
- Get access to a hop-on hop-off bus tour and Thames River cruise with just one ticket and explore London at your own pace with max savings!
- Experience London’s top attractions with the flexibility to hop on and off as many times as you like for 24 or 48 hours.
- Enjoy the journey aboard iconic double-decker buses, complete with a multilingual audio guide available in 11 languages.
- Enjoy a one-way or round-trip scenic cruise on the River Thames, departing from either Westminster or Tower Pier.
- Take in stunning views of landmarks such as the London Eye, Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, and the historic Globe Theatre.
Inclusions
Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
- 24/48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour
- Access to Red, Blue & Green routes
- Audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, Russian, Polish & Arabic (on the bus)
- Mobile app with a detailed map and live bus tracking
Thames River Cruise
- One-way cruise from Westminster/Tower Pier OR Return transfer to/from Greenwhich on the same day (based on option selected)
Please click here for detailed route maps and boarding points.
You can join a tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.
Red Route
- First bus: 8:30am from Belvedere Road
- Last bus: 6pm from Belvedere Road
- Frequency: every 15 mins
- Popular stops: Grosvenor Gardens, London Bridge, Westminster Bridge
Blue Route
- First bus: 8:40am from Marble Arch (Park Lane)
- Last bus: 5pm from Marble Arch (Park Lane)
- Frequency: every 30 mins
- Popular stops: Royal Albert Hall, Harrods, Victoria and Albert Museum
Green Route
- First bus: 9:18am from Waterloo Road
- Last bus: 4:43pm from Waterloo Road
- Frequency: every 30 mins
- Popular stops: Lancaster Place, Southampton Row
Thames River cruise
- First cruise: 10am from Westminster Pier & Tower Pier
- Last cruise: 4pm (for 48-hour ticket) & 7:20pm (for 24-hour ticket) from Westminster Pier, 5:50 pm (for 48-hour ticket) from Greenwich, 6:55pm (for 24-hour ticket) from Tower Pier
- Frequency: every 40 mins
- Duration: approx. 35 mins
- The buses are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs must be no larger than 70cm wide, 120cm long, and 135cm high to board the bus. If unsure, contact the service provider.
- Your dogs are welcome on the buses.
- A 1-day ticket is valid for 1 calendar day whereas the 24-hour ticket is valid for 24 hours. For example, if you hop on at 10am, then your ticket remains valid till 10am the following day.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Why go on a Thames river cruise?
Fantastic photo opportunities
With constantly shifting views of London's skyline, ideal lighting, and iconic landmarks like the House of Parliament, Big Ben, and Tower Bridge, you'll capture amazing shots from an angle you can't get on land.
Your Thames River cruise options
Sightseeing cruises
Best for: Solo travelers, first-time cruisers, and tourists who are short of time
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included: No
- A Thames River sightseeing cruise is perfect to see many of London’s sights, such as the London Eye and Tower Bridge—ideal for photos and unique perspectives that you wouldn’t see from the land!
- The cruise features a Wi-Fi audio guide in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, and Mandarin, which you can access through your smartphone.
- Opt for a one-way or round-trip ticket to enjoy a scenic tour or a convenient way to travel between hot spots like Westminster, Tower Bridge, and Greenwich.
Recommended tickets:
Hop-On Hop-Off
Best for: Budget travelers
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Meals included: No
- The Hop-on-Hop-off cruise lets you explore at your own pace, with 19 or 24 piers to hop off and back on as you please.
- Your all-day pass is valid from 6am to around 11pm, giving you ample time to enjoy fantastic views on a 3.5-hour cruise without transport hassles.
- Stay comfy with air-conditioned boats and choose between indoor or outdoor seating. The multilingual audio guide adds rich insights into London’s history and culture!
Recommended tickets:
Meal cruises
Best for: Culinary enthusiasts, couples, and group of friends
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Meals included: Yes
- A meal cruise is ideal for anniversaries, birthdays, or romantic dates, offering delicious food, stunning London views, and live entertainment for a memorable celebration.
- Enjoy lunch, dinner, or afternoon tea with a diverse menu including sandwiches, scones, canapes, or full 2-course meals, with options for vegetarians and gluten-free diets.
- On many meal cruises, live music sets the mood with either upbeat or soothing melodies, elevating your dining experience.
Recommended tickets:
Combo trips
Best for: Budget travelers
Duration: Flexible
Meals included: No
- Save money with a combo ticket for the London Eye and Thames River cruise—enjoy both iconic attractions at a great price without the hassle of separate bookings!
- The London Explorer Pass offers up to 50% off top attractions like the Tower of London and Up at the O2. Choose 2-7 spots and enjoy flexible, hassle-free sightseeing via the Go City app!
- On a Thames River cruise, you'll get live commentary or audio guides in multiple languages, sharing cool facts and stories about the landmarks.
Recommended tickets:
Cancellation Policy
Only sightseeing cruises are refundable up to 24 hours before the cruise starts.
Find your best Thames cruise match here
Experience
Boarding point
Timings & duration
Famous Attractions
Inclusions
Book Tickets
River Thames Sightseeing Cruise: From Westminster
Westminster Pier, Boarding point B
Daily departures, starting from 10am; 2 hours long
London Eye, National Theatre, Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf
Food available for purchase onboard, multilingual audio guide
Uber Boat By Thames Clippers Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
Single River Journey on the Thames: 19 piers, River Roamer: Hop On Hop Off Pass: 24 piers
Available daily, 24hr; flexible duration
London Eye, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, London Bridge, Canary Wharf, Greenwich
No meals included, but available for purchase onboard
Evening Cruise on River Thames
Tower Pier (EC3N 4DT)
Daily departures at 7pm, 2 hours long
Tower of London, London Eye, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf
Sparkling wine, canapes, and live music included
Thames River Lunch Cruise
Tower Pier (EC3N 4DT)
Daily departures at 11:45am; 1 hour 45 minutes long
Tower of London, Tower Bridge, London Eye, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, St. Paul's Cathedral
Two-course lunch included with tea and coffee alongwith a live or recorded commentary
Thames Afternoon Tea Cruise
Tower Pier (EC3N 4DT)
Daily departures at 3:30, boarding at 3:15; 1 hour 30 minutes long
Tower of London, London Eye, Tower Bridge, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, St. Paul's Cathedral
Afternoon tea included with unlimited tea and coffee
Sights covered on your cruise
See all photos
Thames River cruise route map
Take a look at our comprehensive map, which will help you quickly understand all the sights you will see on your Thames River cruise!
About Hop-on hop-off Thames River cruises
Uber Boat Hop-on-Hop-off
- Hop on Uber Boat by Thames Clippers: Teaming up with Uber, it’s a super cool way to cruise the Thames!
- Choose your adventure: Choose between a Single River Journey or the River Roamer Hop-On Hop-Off for unlimited stops at 18 or 24 piers.
- See the sights: Hit up iconic spots like the London Eye, Bankside, and Greenwich with ease.
- Comfort on the water: Enjoy high-speed catamarans with climate-controlled cabins, outdoor decks, and onboard cafés.
- Accessibility first: Wheelchair and pram-friendly ramps, step-free access at most piers, and guide dogs are welcome.
Your guide to boarding your River Thames cruise
While there are multiple boarding piers, these are some of the most easily accessible and scenic piers you'd want to hop on from:
Westminster Pier (Boarding Point B)
- Famous for its proximity to iconic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, Westminster Pier offers stunning views of London historical heart.
- Nearest attractions: Big Ben, London Eye, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament
Tower Pier (EC3N 4DT)
- Tower Pier serves as a gateway to London's past, with the historic Tower of London nearby, along with the famous Tower Bridge.
- Nearest attractions: Tower of London, Tower Bridge
Embankment Pier
- It is located near the vibrant Embankment Gardens and within walking distance of Trafalgar Square and the West End theatres.
- Nearest attractions: Victoria Embankment Gardens, Cleopatra's Needle, Somerset House, Southbank Centre, London's Eye
Greenwich Pier
- Situated in the picturesque Greenwich area, it is known for its maritime history and the Royal Observatory.
- Nearest attractions: Cutty Sark, Greenwich Market, Royal Observatory Greenwich, and National Maritime Museum.
London Eye Pier
- Adjacent to the iconic London Eye, offering panoramic views of the city skyline.
- Nearest attractions: SEA LIFE London Aquarium, Southbank Centre, Jubilee Gardens, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey
Bankside Pier
- It is close to cultural hotspots such as Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, offering a glimpse into London's artistic scene.
- Nearest attractions: Explore the vibrant South Bank district.
Going on a Thames cruise? Here's all you need to know
Timings
Best time to go on a cruise
Getting there
Dining
Facilities & Accessibility
What to wear
Rules
Sightseeing cruises:
- Duration: Typically 1-hour
- Timings: Available throughout the day, with multiple departure times starting from early morning (10am) to late afternoon (4pm).
Hop-On-Hop-Off cruises:
- Duration: Flexible, usually valid for 24 hours
- Timings: Offered from early morning (6am) to night (11pm), with boats departing every 30 minutes.
Meal Cruises:
- Duration: Ranges from 1.5 to 2 hours
- Timings: Typically scheduled during lunch or dinner hours, with afternoon tea cruises also available.
- For sightseeing: If you want to get the best views of the London landmarks, then aim for a cruise during the daytime, ideally between 10am and 4pm. This will give you plenty of sunlight for capturing photos.
- For a romantic experience: An evening cruise (around sunset) can be very romantic, especially if you choose a dinner cruise with drinks and a scenic view.
- Which months are the best: It all depends on your mood! Spring (March to May) brings mild weather and fewer crowds, especially in April and May. Summer (June to August) is lively but tourist-heavy. Early autumn (September) offers vibrant fall colors with fewer visitors. Winter (December to February) is quieter and budget-friendly, though chilly with shorter days.
- What time of the day is best: A 10-11am morning cruise is the best option for early birds. It gives you a calm, fresh start before the crowds hit, ideal for quiet sightseeing. On the other hand, late afternoon cruises offer the best of both worlds—daylight fading into a magical evening skyline.
- Westminster Pier: Accessible by metro. Take the Circle, District, or Jubilee line to Westminster Station. It's a short two-minute walk from the station to the pier.
- Tower Pier: The closest subway station is Tower Hill, a four-minute walk to the boarding point. Metro lines - Circle and District - will bring you here.
- Canary Wharf Pier: The nearby metro station is Canary Wharf, accessible by the Jubilee line.
- Greenwich Pier: Accessible by the Docklands Light Railway (DLR). Alight at Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich Station, a short walk to the pier.
- Evening cruise: This cruise treats you to a tasty lineup of cold canapés, perfectly paired with a glass of sparkling wine—or a refreshing soft drink if you prefer.
- Lunch cruise with 2-course meals: Veggie fans, cassoulet's calling your name! This traditional French dish features a hearty mix of foraged oyster mushrooms and white beans, topped with a crispy herb and Parmesan crust. Meat-lovers, don’t miss out on the roasted chicken—it’s delicious! And for dessert, indulge in a slice of zesty lemon gâteau for a perfect finish.
- Afternoon cruise with tea: Relax with a tasty spread on board—cheddar ploughman, egg and cress, smoked salmon, and more! Oh, and don't miss the scones with clotted cream and a pot of your favorite tea. Fancy, huh?
- Some Thames cruises are wheelchair-friendly, offering step-free piers, accessible ramps, and dedicated spaces on board. However, accessibility options may vary, so you should inquire with the cruise provider beforehand.
- Dining cruises cater to all tastes, from vegan and gluten-free to classic options. Be sure to notify the operator of any dietary needs when booking, and savor everything from afternoon tea to gourmet lunches onboard!
- There is no need to worry about restrooms—most boats are fully equipped, including accessible toilets and baby changing facilities on larger vessels, ensuring everyone stays comfortable throughout the journey.
- Live or recorded commentary is your onboard guide to London's rich history and iconic landmarks.
- Guide and assistance dogs are welcome aboard, free of charge! You and your furry companion can enjoy the cruise together, making it an accessible adventure for everyone.
- London weather loves to keep you guessing, so layer up! Dressing in layers lets you quickly adapt to shifting temperatures, especially if you're on an open deck where it can get chilly. So, pack a light jacket or raincoat, especially for evening cruises or if rain's on the horizon.
- You'll likely be walking to and from the pier and exploring nearby spots, so sneakers or casual flats will keep you comfy all day long.
- For a dinner cruise, wear smart casual attire. For women, wear stylish pants or a chic dress, and for men, wear collared shirts with trousers.
- If you're cruising during the day, remember to take sunglasses and a hat. They'll keep you shaded from the sun while you soak up those stunning deck views!
- Life jackets are provided and must be worn if instructed. Crew members will brief you on safety procedures before departure.
- Most cruises have a no-smoking policy indoors, including cabins and enclosed areas. Smoking might be allowed on designated outdoor decks, so check signage.
- Be cautious when moving around the boat, especially between decks or when disembarking.
- Bins are provided for waste disposal. Help maintain the cleanliness of the boat by disposing of rubbish responsibly.
- Children aged 13 and under are not allowed on the cruise.
- Outside food and drinks are also not allowed.
- Luggage is generally not permitted on the cruises unless otherwise specified. It's best to check with the cruise provider for any restrictions before boarding.
Frequently Asked Questions about River Thames cruise tickets
Which pier should I choose for my cruise?
The pier you should choose for your Thames river cruise depends on the specific cruise option selected. However, popular boarding points include Westminster Pier, Tower Pier, and Greenwich Pier.
Are the cruises suitable for kids?
Yes, Thames River cruises are family-friendly and suitable for children. With diverse options, educational commentary, and discounts, they offer engaging experiences for all ages.
What's the difference between a lunch and afternoon tea cruise?
Lunch cruises offer a 2-course meal, while afternoon tea cruises include tea and pastries.
Which cruise is best for small groups or solo travelers?
Sightseeing or hop-on-hop-off cruises offer flexibility for solo travelers or small groups.
What happens in bad weather?
In bad weather, Thames River cruises typically operate as usual, with indoor areas offering shelter. Some operators may adjust schedules or routes for safety, so it’s wise to check in advance or be prepared for possible changes.
What happens if I miss my cruise?
If you miss your Thames River cruise, you can usually board a later departure on the same day with your ticket, as most operators offer this flexibility. Thames River Sightseeing, for instance, allows you to use your ticket for any departure on the same day. Always confirm with your provider for exact policies regarding fees and rescheduling.
Is there a specific boarding time?
Yes, boarding times vary by cruise. For instance, lunch cruises typically start at 11:45 am, while sightseeing cruises run every 30 minutes, allowing for more flexible boarding.
Are there any seasonal events or special cruises on Thames?
Seasonal and special cruises are available on the Thames, including Valentine’s Day, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve events, plus themed party options. Consult your provider for more details.