Thames River Cruise

Experience the best Thames Cruises in London

Panoramic Views
Panoramic Views
Frequent Departures
Frequent Departures
Sightseeing & Onboard Meal Options
Sightseeing & Onboard Meal Options
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How Headout makes choosing experiences effortless

We curate the best ways to experience

We research and organise all unique experiences - from tickets to tours to special combos - so you get all the choices without the clutter.

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We curate the best ways to experience
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All the best options, in one place
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Quick overview

  • Cruise options: Choose from sightseeing cruises (30 mins–2 hrs), hop-on hop-off river passes, Uber Boat trips, high-speed speedboat tours, or premium lunch, afternoon tea, evening, and dinner cruises (1 hr 30 mins–3 hrs).
  • Routes & duration: Sightseeing cruises connect Westminster, the London Eye, the Tower, and Greenwich Piers, while Uber Boat services operate across 20+ piers for flexible point-to-point travel across London.
  • Boats & seating: Choose from sightseeing boats with heated indoor cabins and open-air decks, electric sightseeing boats, high-speed RIBs, commuter ferries, or dining cruises with pre-allocated tables.
  • Boarding hubs: Popular departure points include Westminster Pier, London Eye Pier, Tower Pier, Greenwich Pier, Tower Bridge Quay, and Tower Millennium Pier, depending on your ticket.
  • Queues & timing: Arrive 15–20 minutes before departure for check-in. Carry your ticket confirmation and a valid photo ID, especially for premium dining and evening cruises.
  • When to book: Sunset, evening, and weekend dining cruises are the first to sell out. Sightseeing cruises operate throughout the day, with the latest departures in peak season running until around 10pm.
  • Good to know: Most sightseeing cruises include live English or recorded commentary in up to 14 languages and operate in light rain.

Find your best River Thames cruise match here

ExperienceBoarding pointDurationWhat's includedRoute / sightsPrice from
Sightseeing Cruise from Westminster

Westminster Pier

1–2 hrs

Live English commentary, multilingual audio guide, bar (drinks available to purchase), one-way or round-trip cruise, flexible boarding from 4 piers

Westminster to Greenwich; London Eye, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, The Shard & more

£15

Cruise with Flexible Time

Westminster, London Eye, Tower or Greenwich Pier

10–40 mins (per journey)

Flexible one-way sightseeing cruise, anytime boarding, live English commentary or recorded commentary in 14 languages, kids' activity book & colouring sheets

Flexible one-way between 4 piers

£15

Cruise from Westminster to Tower Bridge

Westminster Pier

30–60 mins

Live skipper commentary, onboard bar, one-way or round-trip cruise, recorded commentary in 14 languages (selected tickets), flexible boarding from 4 piers

Westminster to Tower Bridge; Big Ben, London Eye, St Paul's Cathedral, Tower of London & more

£14

Dinner Cruise with Sunset Views and Drinks

2 boarding points available

2–3 hrs

Dinner Cruise: Welcome drink, 4-course meal, live entertainment & dancing. Evening Cruise: Drink on arrival, cold canapés & live music

London Eye, Tower Bridge, The Shard & more

£35

Lunch Cruise with 2-Course Meal

Tower Pier

1 hr 45 mins

2-course lunch, tea & coffee, audio commentary, onboard bar (drinks available to purchase)

London Eye, Big Ben, The Shard & more

£36

Thames River Speedboat Tour

London Eye Pier

50 mins–1 hr 20 mins

35 mph speedboat ride, actor or comedian guide, safety briefing & life jackets, daytime or evening tour, seasonal drink (selected tickets)

London Eye, Big Ben, Tower Bridge & more

£64.95

Tower of London River Tour

Tower Bridge Quay

40 mins

Historic Royal Palaces river tour, live commentary, English-speaking guide, onboard bar, electric boat experience

Tower of London, Tower Bridge, London Eye, Big Ben & 20+ landmarks

£18.50

Afternoon Cruise with British Tea & Scones

Tower Pier

1 hr 30 mins

Traditional afternoon tea, British snacks including scones & sandwiches, live or recorded commentary

London Eye, Tower Bridge, The Shard, St Paul's Cathedral & more

£40

Hop-On Hop-Off Cruise

Westminster, London Eye, Tower or Greenwich Pier (or 24 Uber Boat piers)

24-hour pass

24-hour hop-on hop-off cruise, live English commentary (selected option), recorded commentary in 14 languages

Thames route between selected piers

£24.95

Uber Boat Trip

20+ Thames piers

Varies by route

Single journey, flexible routes across 20+ piers, departures every 15–20 mins, optional all-day hop-on hop-off pass

Flexible point-to-point travel across London

£11.40

Evening Cruise with Sunset Views

Tower Millennium Pier

2 hrs

Sparkling wine or soft drink on arrival, cold canapés, live music

Big Ben, Tower of London, London Eye & more

£35

Golden Tours

Tower Pier or Westminster Pier (cruise)

30–40 mins (cruise)

Thames River cruise, 1-day or 24/48/72-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour, access to 3 routes, 2 walking tours, live guide on Blue Route, audio guide, mobile app with live bus tracking

Tower Pier to and from Westminster Pier

£25.20

What to expect on a Thames River cruise

Cruise boat on the Thames near Westminster and Houses of Parliament, London.
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Seamless boarding

Start your journey easily at central, well-known boarding points like Westminster. Flexible cruises also allow you to board from Greenwich, London Eye or Tower Pier. Clear signage and friendly staff ensure a quick check-in before you settle in for your sail.

Comfortable seating and ambience

Enjoy the journey from an open-air upper deck for unobstructed skyline views or a cosy, climate-controlled lower saloon. Both decks offer excellent perspectives for sightseeing across all seasons.

Iconic views from a unique angle

Glide past world-famous landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the Tower of London, and Tower Bridge. The river offers photo-perfect angles you can't get on land. Sunset cruises offer stunning light, while evening dinner sailings feature the illuminated city skyline with its bridges and buildings beautifully lit up.

Engaging live or audio commentary

A river cruise is a moving history lesson! Listen to live narration or multilingual audio guides sharing facts and stories about the city's architecture and four centuries of history along the Thames.

Onboard refreshments and dining

Most cruises feature a fully stocked bar offering drinks and snacks. Options range from simple daytime sailings with light refreshments like Afternoon Tea to elegant lunch or dinner cruises with three-course menus and fine wine.

A different way to cruise

Traditional sightseeing tours stick to fixed routes and commentary. Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is more flexible, letting you board at any of 24 piers and travel the Thames at your own pace with great views. If you want more excitement, the speedboat option takes you past London’s landmarks at over 35 mph for a fast, adrenaline packed ride.

Maximise your day

To get the most out of your trip and visit London’s key attractions, look for combo cruise tickets. These integrated packages offer incredible value and efficiency by bundling your river journey with entry to major Bankside attractions like the Madame Tussauds or Sky Garden.

Things to know before booking your Thames River cruise

When to book your cruise

  • Thames River cruises operate throughout the year, with sightseeing departures available regularly during the day.
  • Evening, sunset, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner cruises are the most popular and usually sell out first, especially on weekends.
  • If your plans aren't fixed, choose a flexible sightseeing ticket or a 24-hour hop-on hop-off pass instead of a timed departure.

Boarding points

  • Thames cruises depart from Westminster Pier, London Eye Pier, Tower Pier, Greenwich Pier, Tower Bridge Quay, and Tower Millennium Pier, depending on the experience.
  • Flexible sightseeing tickets let you board from multiple piers, while dining cruises, speedboat tours, and specialty experiences depart from fixed locations.
  • Arrive 15–20 minutes before departure for check-in, and have your ticket confirmation and a valid ID ready.

Routes and duration

  • Short sightseeing cruises last 30–60 minutes, while longer sightseeing routes to Greenwich take 1–2 hours.
  • Lunch, afternoon tea, evening, and dinner cruises last 1 hour 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the experience.
  • Hop-on hop-off cruises and Uber Boat tickets let you travel between multiple piers at your own pace.

Cruise types

  • Sightseeing cruises include live English commentary or recorded commentary in up to 14 languages, with one-way, round-trip, and flexible ticket options.
  • Hop-on hop-off cruises are ideal if you want to explore London's riverside attractions over a full day, while Uber Boat tickets are designed for convenient point-to-point travel.
  • Dining cruises include options for afternoon tea, lunch, evening drinks, or a four-course dinner, while speedboat tours combine sightseeing with a high-speed ride and live entertainment from a professional actor or comedian guide.

Dining and onboard facilities

  • Afternoon tea cruises include British tea, scones, and sandwiches, lunch cruises serve a 2-course meal with tea and coffee, evening cruises include sparkling wine with canapés, and dinner cruises feature a welcome drink with a 4-course meal, depending on the option.
  • Many sightseeing cruises also have an onboard bar where drinks and light refreshments are available to purchase separately.

Seating options

  • Sightseeing boats typically offer heated indoor seating and open-air decks, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Dining cruises feature fixed tables, and some experiences allocate seating before boarding. Check your ticket details for seating information specific to your cruise.

Policies and accessibility

  • Most sightseeing cruises offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, while hop-on hop-off cruises and Uber Boat tickets can be cancelled up to 48 hours in advance.
  • Lunch, afternoon tea, evening, dinner, and speedboat experiences are generally non-refundable.
  • Accessibility varies by operator and vessel. Check your ticket before booking if you require wheelchair access, as accessibility differs between cruise types.

Your Thames River cruise boarding points explained

While there are multiple boarding piers, these are some of the most easily accessible and scenic piers you'd want to hop on from:

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!

What you'll see on your Thames River cruise

Big Ben and Palace of Westminster with red double-decker bus in London.
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Big Ben & the Houses of Parliament

The Gothic towers of Westminster dominate the riverfront as your cruise departs. From the water, you'll enjoy uninterrupted views of Big Ben rising above the Palace of Westminster, with beautiful reflections shimmering across the Thames on calm days

London Eye

One of London's most recognizable landmarks, the London Eye stands prominently along the South Bank. Its glass capsules and giant wheel create striking photo opportunities, particularly as they reflect in the river during the golden hour.

St Paul's Cathedral

The magnificent dome of St Paul's Cathedral rises above the surrounding skyline, making it easy to spot from the Thames. As your boat approaches, the cathedral's classical architecture gradually unfolds beyond the modern riverside buildings.

Shakespeare's Globe

This faithful reconstruction of Shakespeare's famous theatre sits just steps from the river. Its distinctive white exterior and thatched roof offer a glimpse into Elizabethan London as you sail past the bustling South Bank.

HMS Belfast

Moored permanently on the Thames, HMS Belfast is one of London's most impressive historic warships. Its towering grey hull contrasts with the surrounding glass skyscrapers, making it one of the cruise's most photographed landmarks.

Tower Bridge

The twin Gothic towers of Tower Bridge are among the highlights of every Thames cruise. Passing beneath its blue suspension walkways offers one of the river's best photo moments, with the bridge filling your entire view.

Tower of London

Standing beside Tower Bridge, the historic Tower of London has guarded the river for nearly a thousand years. From the water, its medieval stone walls and famous White Tower reveal why it was built to command London's waterfront.

The Shard

Western Europe's tallest skyscraper rises dramatically above the south bank of the Thames. Its glass-clad pyramid catches changing light throughout the day, while evening cruises showcase its illuminated peak against London's skyline.

Check-in and boarding guide

  • How early to arrive: Arrive at your designated pier 15–20 minutes before departure to allow enough time for check-in and boarding. Some cruises close boarding 5–10 minutes before the scheduled sailing time.
  • Documents you'll need: Keep your mobile or printed e-ticket and a valid photo ID ready. ID checks may be required for dining cruises and experiences that include alcoholic beverages.
  • What to wear: Casual clothing is suitable for sightseeing cruises. If you're joining an afternoon tea, evening, or dinner cruise, smart-casual attire is recommended to match the onboard setting.
  • Seating: Sightseeing cruises generally offer first-come, first-served seating, with a choice of indoor and open-air decks. Dining cruises feature fixed tables, and some experiences allocate seating before boarding.
  • Finding your pier: Check your booking confirmation carefully for your departure point, such as Westminster Pier, Tower Pier, Greenwich Pier, London Eye Pier, Tower Bridge Quay, or Tower Millennium Pier. Arriving at the wrong pier may result in a missed departure.
  • Security and luggage: Expect brief security checks before boarding. Small bags and personal belongings are permitted, while large suitcases and oversized luggage are generally not allowed.
  • Children and pets: Children are welcome on standard sightseeing cruises with a valid ticket. Many sightseeing cruises also allow dogs on a lead, but pet policies vary for dining and specialty cruises, so check your ticket before travelling.
  • Weather considerations:
    • Clear, sunny days: Head to the open-air upper deck for uninterrupted skyline views and the best photo opportunities. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, or a hat during warmer months.
    • Rainy or cold days: Most sightseeing vessels offer heated indoor seating with large panoramic windows, so you can enjoy the views comfortably whatever the weather.
    • Poor weather: Thames cruises operate in most weather conditions, but severe weather or operational conditions may occasionally affect departures. Check your operator's latest updates before setting out.

Know before you go on a Thames River cruise

Visitor tips and guidelines

  • Choose the best seat: Travelling east from Westminster? Sit on the starboard (right) side for the best views of the London Eye, St Paul's Cathedral, and the Tower of London. On the return journey, switch to the port (left) side for a fresh perspective.
  • Arrive early: Reach your departure pier 15–20 minutes before sailing to allow enough time for check-in and boarding. If you're joining a dining or fixed-time cruise, arriving early also gives you a more relaxed start to your experience.
  • Time it for golden hour: For the most flattering light and skyline views, book a cruise around one hour before sunset. The warm evening glow creates ideal conditions for photography, especially around Tower Bridge and the South Bank.
  • Make the most of the commentary: Many sightseeing cruises include live English commentary or multilingual audio guides that bring London's riverside landmarks to life. If your cruise uses an audio guide, carrying a pair of wired headphones can make listening more comfortable.
  • Dress for the river: Even on warm days, the Thames can feel cool and breezy, particularly on the open-air deck. Bring a light jacket or scarf so you can comfortably enjoy the views throughout the cruise.
  • Follow the dress code: Casual clothing is perfect for sightseeing cruises, while smart-casual attire is recommended for afternoon tea, evening, and dinner cruises. Comfortable footwear is also a good idea, especially when boarding and disembarking.
  • For a smoother ride: The Thames is generally calm, but if you're prone to motion sickness, choose a seat on the lower enclosed deck near the centre of the boat, where movement is usually least noticeable.

Frequently asked questions about Thames River cruises

While basic day tickets are often available, it's highly recommended to book in advance, especially for popular sunset and dining cruises or during the summer peak season, as these sell out quickly.

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