Thames River Sightseeing Cruises

TL;DR

• Cruise options: Choose between the 1-hour cruises for quick highlights or the 2-hour detailed journey, available throughout the day, at sunset, or in the evening.
  
• Routes: All cruises cover the central loop, sailing past key landmarks like Big Ben and Tower Bridge. Longer tours may include docklands extensions.
  
• Boats & seating: Enjoy views from modern vessels with large viewing windows or open decks. Seating is typically first-come, first-served.
  
• Boarding hubs: Cruises operate from four main piers: Westminster, London Eye, Tower Bridge, and Greenwich, allowing you flexibility in where you start and end.
  
• When to book: Sunset and weekend tickets are the most popular; always secure your ticket in advance and arrive at your pier 15–20 mins early.
  
• Good to know: Multilingual audio commentary is common. Cruises run in light rain, and cancellation policies (24 hours) vary by ticket type.

Find your best Thames cruise match in the comparison table below →

Things to know before booking a Thames River sightseeing cruise

• Fixed vs. flexible tickets: Decide on your pace. A fixed-time ticket is for a single, non-stop one-way or round trip, perfect for a quick overview. A flexible or Hop-on Hop-off cruise offers unlimited travel between major piers, giving you maximum flexibility to combine the cruise with exploring landmarks like the Tower of London.
  
• Routes and duration: Most Thames river sightseeing options cover the central route between Westminster and Tower Bridge (approx. 40–60 mins one-way). For a deeper experience, choose a longer cruise that extends downriver to historic Greenwich.
  
• Daytime vs. evening sightseeing experience: A day cruise provides the best natural light for photography and clear views of all the city's landmarks. An evening sightseeing cruise offers a magical, romantic experience as the famous bridges and buildings are beautifully illuminated.
  
• Multiple boarding points for convenience: Cruises depart from several key, centrally located piers, including Westminster, London Eye, Tower Pier, and Greenwich. Choose the pier that is closest to your other sightseeing plans to save time and minimise travel.
  
• Audio guides for context: Nearly all dedicated Thames River sightseeing cruise experiences include live or multilingual audio commentary, allowing you to understand the history and significance of the landmarks you pass and making the journey much more engaging.
  
• Seating is first-come, first-served: For most sightseeing cruises, seating is not assigned. Arrive early for your chosen departure time if you want the best viewing spots on the open-air upper deck or a window seat in the enclosed lower cabin.
  
• Weather-based considerations: All large sightseeing vessels are equipped with a fully enclosed, heated main deck with large panoramic windows, ensuring you can comfortably enjoy the view and shelter from rain or cold weather. The open deck is available when the weather permits.
  
• Combining your cruise with other attractions: Look for combo ticket options that pair your Thames River sightseeing experience with popular nearby attractions, such as the London Eye or Tower of London. This can offer a better value than purchasing tickets separately.

Thames sightseeing cruise | Route map

Using this map, you can gain a sound understanding of what attractions you can see and what pier is best and most convenient for you.

Tips & guidelines for your Thames River sightseeing cruise

• Best views are from the middle: To capture all major landmarks (like the London Eye and Tower Bridge), aim for a spot on the open top deck in the middle of the boat. This central position allows you to quickly pivot for views on either bank during your Thames River sightseeing journey.
  
• Optimal time for photos: For the best lighting, book a cruise in the late afternoon (2pm–4pm). The low sun provides a warm glow and avoids the harsh, direct light of midday, which can wash out your pictures of the city skyline.
  
• Capture the sunset silhouette: Thames River sightseeing offers unbeatable photo opportunities. Try to time your cruise for sunset to capture the London Eye silhouetted against a glowing sky, or use a longer exposure setting to create light trails from passing river traffic.
  
• Embrace the moody weather: Don't let a grey sky deter you! A gentle drizzle and dramatic clouds create a unique, moody backdrop for your London photos. Slip into your raincoat and grab the top deck; you'll find fewer crowds and might get the whole deck to yourself for some peaceful Thames River sightseeing.
  
• Prepare for chilly winds: Even on a sunny day, the breeze on the river can be cold, especially on the top deck or during your Thames River sightseeing cruise. Always bring an extra layer or a light jacket to stay comfortable while enjoying the open air.
  
• Download the audio guide: The commentary, whether live or recorded, is essential for understanding what you are seeing. Download any provided audio guide app before you board, as the mobile data signal can occasionally be patchy on the water.
  
• Use your travel card for discounts: Be smart with your existing tickets! If you have a Travelcard or a Freedom Pass, be sure to ask about a discount when purchasing your cruise ticket; many operators offer a reduced rate when you present it.
  
• Weekday advantage: It's simple math: weekdays equal fewer crowds! Hop on a weekday cruise and enjoy a peaceful vibe with less hustle. This gives you more space on the open deck to soak in those iconic Thames River sightseeing views without the weekend rush.
  
• Choose a strategic starting point: For the best flow to your day, start your cruise at either end: Westminster or, even better, Greenwich. Greenwich offers a lively, less hectic start, allowing you to explore sites like the Cutty Sark and Royal Observatory before boarding.