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Getting to Thames River cruise piers

Thames River cruise piers are located along the River Thames in central London, with four main boarding points:

  • Westminster Pier – beside the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
  • London Eye / Waterloo Pier – on the South Bank, next to the London Eye
  • Tower Pier – close to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge
  • Greenwich Pier – in Maritime Greenwich, near Cutty Sark and the National Maritime Museum

All four piers are well connected by the London Underground, National Rail, DLR, buses, and riverside walking routes. The best departure point depends on your cruise itinerary, so always check your ticket before you travel. During summer, at weekends, and on public holidays, allow extra time as piers can get busy and boarding queues may be longer.

How to get to each Thames cruise pier

Westminster Pier

Address: London SW1A 2JH, United Kingdom | Find on maps

  • Nearest Tube: Westminster (Jubilee, District, and Circle lines)—2–5 minutes’ walk to the pier.
  • Nearest National Rail
    • London Charing Cross – 8–10 minutes’ walk.
    • London Waterloo – 10–12 minutes’ walk via Westminster Bridge.
  • Buses
    • Multiple routes stop on Whitehall, Parliament Street, and Victoria Embankment (e.g. 11, 24, 88, 148, 211).
    • Alight at “Westminster” or “Parliament Square” and follow signs to the river.

Walking from key attractions: The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben are just a 2–3 minute walk from Westminster Pier, while Westminster Abbey is around 3–5 minutes away. The London Eye is about an 8–10 minute walk via Westminster Bridge, and St. James’s Park is roughly 5–7 minutes on foot.

London Eye / Waterloo Pier

Address: London 1SW1A 1AE, United Kingdom | Find on maps

  • Nearest Tube / Rail
    • Waterloo (Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern, Waterloo & City lines + National Rail) – 5–8 minutes’ walk.
    • Embankment (District, Circle, Bakerloo, and Northern lines) – 8–10 minutes’ walk along the river.
  • Buses: Many routes stop at Waterloo Station and on Belvedere Road / York Road (e.g. 1, 4, 26, 59, 341, 381, 507, 521). Follow signs to the London Eye and then down to the river.

Walking from key attractions: The London Eye is just a 1–2 minute walk from the pier, while the Southbank Centre is around 3–5 minutes away. Westminster Pier is roughly an 8–10 minute walk via Westminster Bridge, and Tower Pier is about a 20–25 minute walk along the Thames Path.

Tower Pier

Address: Tower Millennium Pier, Lower Thames St, London EC3N 4DT | Find on maps

  • Nearest Tube / DLR
    • Tower Hill (District, Circle lines) – 3–5 minutes’ walk.
    • Tower Gateway (DLR) – 3–5 minutes’ walk.
  • Nearest National Rail
    • London Fenchurch Street – 5–7 minutes’ walk.
    • London Liverpool Street – 10–12 minutes’ walk via Minories.
  • Buses: Routes serving Tower Hill, Tower Gateway, and nearby streets include 15, 42, 78, 100, D3, and night buses N15, N550. Alight at “Tower Hill” or “Tower of London” and follow signs to the river.

Walking from key attractions: The Tower of London is just a 2–4 minute walk from the pier, while Tower Bridge is around 3–5 minutes away. The Shard and Borough Market are roughly a 10–15 minute walk via Tower Bridge or along the Thames Path.

Greenwich Pier

Address: Greenwich SE10 9HT, United Kingdom | Find on maps

  • Nearest DLR / Rail
    • Cutty Sark (DLR) – 3–5 minutes’ walk.
    • Greenwich (National Rail from London Bridge, Charing Cross, or Cannon Street) – 5–7 minutes’ walk.
  • Buses: Routes including 53, 54, 177, 180, 188, 199, 225, 286, 386, and N550 stop near Greenwich town centre and Cutty Sark.

Walking from key attractions: Cutty Sark is just a 2–3 minute walk from Greenwich Pier, while the National Maritime Museum and Royal Observatory are around 5–8 minutes away and Greenwich Market is about 5–7 minutes on foot.

Why take a Thames River cruise?

Getting around London's riverside attractions by Tube, bus, or on foot often means navigating crowded stations, traffic, and multiple transfers. A Thames River cruise offers a more relaxed way to travel, combining transport with sightseeing as you sail past many of the city's most famous landmarks. Whether you're taking a one-way journey, a hop-on hop-off service, or a sightseeing cruise, you'll enjoy panoramic views, informative commentary, and easy access to attractions along the river.

  • Avoid busy streets: Skip crowded Tube lines and road traffic while travelling through the heart of London.
  • See London's top landmarks: Admire views of the London Eye, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and more from the water.
  • Learn as you cruise: Many cruises include live or multilingual audio commentary with insights into London's history and riverside landmarks.
  • Capture unique views: Photograph iconic bridges and landmarks from angles you can't experience on land.
  • Travel at your own pace: Hop-on hop-off cruises let you board and disembark at major piers such as Westminster, London Eye, Tower, and Greenwich to explore nearby attractions.

Compare your options

ModeDuration Cost Best forKey notes

River Bus (Uber Boat by Thames Clippers)

20–50 mins (e.g., London Eye Pier to Greenwich)

From £5.90 (Oyster/Contactless)

Commuters, fast transport, clear view photography.

Fastest river travel. Accepts Oyster/Contactless (cheaper than the ticket office). No guided commentary.

Tube/Train (London Underground/TfL Rail)

5–20 mins (Station to riverside attraction)

£2.70–£6.70 (Single journey with Oyster/Contactless)

Speed, all-weather travel, and getting to specific piers quickly.

London Bridge, Westminster, Tower Hill, and Canary Wharf stations are all great starting points for Thames River cruises.

Bus

Varies greatly with traffic (30–60+ mins)

£1.75 (Single journey with Oyster/Contactless)

Budget travel, local experience, and getting to less-central sections of the Thames River.

Great for linking different parts of the city. Use the £5.25 Daily Cap for unlimited bus travel.

Walking/Thames Path

Flexible

Free

Photographers, budget travellers, and for seeing hidden spots along the Thames River.

The Thames Path runs along both banks, allowing you to walk right past famous attractions and piers.

Getting around London

  • Walking: Central London is best explored on foot, especially around Westminster, the South Bank, and Tower Bridge. Many Thames River cruise piers and major attractions are within a 10–20 minute walk of each other, while riverside paths offer pleasant, traffic-free routes with great views.
  • London Underground (Tube): The Tube is the fastest way to travel across the city, with stations just a short walk from Westminster, London Eye, Tower, and Greenwich Piers. Use a contactless bank card, mobile wallet, or Oyster card for the best fares, and avoid weekday rush hours (around 7:30–9:30am and 4:30–6:30pm) if possible.
  • Buses: London's red buses are a good option if you want to sightsee as you travel. They stop near most major attractions and cruise piers, although journey times can be longer than the Tube due to traffic. All buses are cash-free and accept contactless payment or Oyster cards.
  • River buses & sightseeing cruises: Scheduled river buses and many sightseeing cruises call at key piers including Westminster, London Eye, Tower, and Greenwich. They're slower than the Tube but offer a scenic, traffic-free journey and can double as transport between riverside attractions. Check your ticket or operator's route before travelling, as stopping points vary.
  • Black cabs & ride-hailing: Black cabs can be hailed on the street or found at taxi ranks, while ride-hailing apps operate across London. They're convenient for direct, door-to-door journeys or late-night travel, but traffic and higher fares during busy periods can make them less practical for sightseeing.
  • Car: Driving in central London is generally not recommended due to heavy traffic, the Congestion Charge, the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), and expensive parking. Public transport is usually quicker and more convenient unless you're travelling beyond central London.

Things to see on a Thames River cruise

Big Ben and Palace of Westminster viewed from South Bank, London.
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Houses of Parliament

The Palace of Westminster is the seat of the UK Parliament, home to the House of Commons and House of Lords. Its Gothic Revival facade stretching along the riverbank is one of London's most recognisable sights from the water.

Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben)

The clock tower at the north end of the Houses of Parliament, officially renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012. It houses the Great Bell known as Big Ben, and seeing it rise straight from the water gives you a totally different angle than any street-level photo.

Tower Bridge

The Victorian drawbridge that's become shorthand for London itself. Passing beneath its towers lets you appreciate the engineering up close, especially if you time it right and catch the bascules lifting for river traffic.

Tower of London

This UNESCO World Heritage Site has stood guard over the river for nearly 1,000 years, once holding the Crown Jewels and a history of royal prisoners. From the water, its fortress walls look every bit as imposing as they did centuries ago.

London Eye

Europe's tallest cantilevered observation wheel dominates the South Bank skyline. Gliding right beneath it is a striking contrast: one ride takes you up into the sky, the other passes at water level.

St Paul's Cathedral

Sir Christopher Wren's baroque masterpiece and its dome have watched over London since the 17th century. It's especially dramatic at golden hour, when the stone catches the light above the rooftops.

The Shard

Western Europe's tallest building pierces the skyline near London Bridge. Its glass facade reflects the sunset beautifully, making it one of the best modern-meets-historic contrasts visible from the river.

Shakespeare's Globe & South Bank

The reconstructed Globe Theatre and the lively South Bank walkway drift past on the riverbank, a reminder of where Shakespeare's plays first came to life. It's the local, lived-in London that balances out all the grand landmarks.

Canary Wharf

London's glittering financial district, all glass towers and modern skyscrapers, comes into view as a sharp contrast to the historic core further upstream. It's especially striking lit up after dark.

Cutty Sark & Maritime Greenwich

This restored 19th-century tea clipper sits proudly at Greenwich, a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in naval history. It's a fitting final view if your cruise runs all the way east.

Suggested itinerary for London

St Paul's Cathedral viewed from Millennium Bridge, London, part of Golden Tours 24Hrs Hop On Hop Off.
  • Begin your exploration by tackling the Thames River via a River Bus or sightseeing cruise from Westminster Pier. This scenic journey glides past landmarks like Big Ben, the London Eye, and St Paul's Cathedral. Hop off at the Tower of London to explore this historic castle, which has guarded the river for nearly 1,000 years.
  • Instead of a cruise, you can also walk the South Bank for great views and street entertainment, then cross the Millennium Bridge to reach St Paul's Cathedral.
Afternoon tea with scones and pastries at Westminster Abbey tour.
  • Have a relaxed meal near the river. The Borough Market (near London Bridge) offers incredible food choices, or you can find a classic riverside pub on the South Bank for traditional fish and chips while watching the river traffic go by on the River Thames.
  • For an upper-class experience, book an Afternoon Tea cruise for a unique view and meal combined on the Thames River.
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers on the River Thames with London skyline.
  • After lunch, walk across Tower Bridge and explore the Tower Bridge Exhibition to learn about its history and engineering. 
  • For a modern counterpoint, take a quick trip on the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers further east to see the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf, showcasing the Thames River's modern commercial role.
  • If you prefer history over skyscrapers, head upstream on the train to visit the National Trust's Old Deer Park or Kew Gardens, which border the non-tidal Thames River.
Tower Bridge in London at night
  • The evening is the best time for getting back to central London on the Thames, as the city’s nine central bridges are illuminated as part of the "Illuminated River" art project. Consider a dinner cruise or simply walk along the Embankment to see the sights glowing against the night sky.
  • Catch a performance at the National Theatre or Shakespeare’s Globe on the South Bank before heading home.

Handy tips

  • Best time to visit the Central Thames: For the best photos and to avoid the biggest crowds at piers like Westminster and Tower Bridge, aim for the shoulder seasons (late April, May, and September). A river cruise at dusk offers spectacular views of the illuminated skyline, but book this popular time slot well in advance.
  • Use a day pass: If you plan on taking multiple trips on the river, purchasing an unlimited one-day hop-on, hop-off ticket for the River Bus services (like the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers) is an excellent way to get around the Thames River and navigate between London landmarks, at a substantial saving compared to single fares.
  • Seasonal insight for the Upper Thames: If you're exploring the non-tidal areas (like Henley, Reading, or Oxford), some boat and ferry services have limited operations or cease completely outside the main boating season of April to October. Always check the local lock and boat schedules before planning a trip.
  • Check tide times: The tidal stretch of the Thames River in London rises and falls by up to seven meters! For experiences like mudlarking or simply walking along the foreshore (which can be restricted), ensure you check the Port of London Authority's tide tables for safety and access.
  • Tip for the Thames Path: While the entire trail is a National Path, sections, especially in rural areas, can become muddy and slippery, particularly in winter. Pack appropriate, sturdy footwear to ensure a pleasant walk.

Frequently asked questions about getting to the Thames River

Operating hours may vary depending on the pier and the season. Most Thames River piers operate throughout the day, starting from 10am to 6pm.